Today, 2-11-2007, the breathing tubes are out!!! He tried to smile when he saw me come in. It was so overwelming and wonderful to see his eyes look at mine. He said, “Hi baby,” in a very slow, raspy, but awesome voice. He keeps his eyes closed and is sleeping but as soon as anyone talks to him he can recognze who they are and make some kind of response. The tube in his chest cavity should hopefully be out by tomorrw, it too is looking great, almost no fluid today. The nurses and doctors have been amazing. When he really woke up today the nurse told us he said, “What the hell happened and where is my wife?” I know how much he loves her. He also told the nurse his name was “Uncle Jeff.” That makes me laugh. His first facial cranio surgery is scheduled for 2-19-2007. Thank eveyone again for the love you share for my dad. Please keep praying for his comfort and his recovery and for the strength of my family, we have a long way to go.
Joe’s daughter,
Courtney Self