Saturday, March 15, 2008

Whats your Rancho?

My boy has been awake for almost 3 hours now and is calm, almost contented, wide eyed and relaxed. What a change from a few days ago when I saw him last. Throughout the night he was just as amiable, allowing the old man to get a ton of sleep. Charlie has had some great care from Jenny and Randa over the last couple of days. As we say on the Railroad they are true “Company Men” not the type of RN who works when he pleases in order to satiate a downhill addiction whilst neglecting his family and patients, Dave I hope the snow sucks and your edges are dull. The only real update for last night and today is that Charlie’s rancho level has improved one half step to a 3-4. I don’t know if the Rancho Los Amigos scale has been mentioned before in one of the billion previous posts but the quick run down is that it is a scale used to assess the level of cognition and alertness in those w/ dain bramage. 1 is the low end which is coma and 8 is a perfectly functioning noodle. If you want more info, google it. Charlie was a 2 for along time then for the past couple of weeks he’s been a 3, so dad’s pretty happy to meet some of the level 4 qualifications. It’s good to be w/ the little man again even if it is only for a couple of days. Big thanks to all of you for your loyal and uplifting support. Whenever things here at the hospital get crappy or slow we hit up the comments on the blog and read all the nice things from all of you who love this little guy and it brightens things up for us. Thanks

16 comments:

Jay said...

you look great coop I love you tons little man. I also hope dave's day sucks I dont know about you Rob but my phone never rang for the invite.

whit said...

Rob, I'm glad Coop's rancho ranchero levels are up. I just posted about my night there and if you can find the word that is just for you, I will give you $3.20 towards your next purchase at the Rainbow Cafe'. No, don't thank me yet. Put your answer on the comments.

Trish and John said...

Fantastic news that Coop's taking more forward steps! He looks great and so relaxed in his bed. Here's to continued improvements and rancho scores that keep increasing! Love and miss you all...you're amazing. :-)

Pearl Jammer said...

Greeting from south of the border. I'll have Dallas hook you up an Xbox, sorry I've been slacken on that one.

kris said...

Hope you guys know how much you're touching other peoples lives! Even those who don't know you well. I've fallen in love with the little guy, and I am continually impressed with your strength and example. I can't imagine how tough it must be. Charlie is precious and I know he is a very special person with an important purpose here. We are praying for him and you all daily!! Keep up the good work Charlie!
-Meg's friend Kristen (VanAlfen)

Marilee said...

Rob, Todd says he greatly approves the Redskins Banner.
You two are true Skin diehards.
Enjoy your weekend with your boy.
(Is Rancho Los Amigos anywhere near Rancho Mirage and can you play golf there?)
Okay, I'll go away now.

Megan and Alyvia said...

Charlie looks so good in this pic!! His brain just needs time to heal and then hopefully his "rancho level" will keep improving! Yay Charlie! Keep up the good work!

Meghan said...

i think my rancho is rolling in around 6 today. not a fan of working char up this morning - sorry about that one... but he looked so good to me. love him.

Anonymous said...

Great news Jack Jack, That news made my day. Lets just keep on going up on that Rancho scale. Love you all a whole lot,
Matt

Anonymous said...

You guys always have the love and support of MANY people. What great news to see Charlie making positive progress. I'm sure he loves having Dad with him. You continue to be the focus of many prayers!

Anonymous said...

One half step at a time, Coop! I feel like he has made so much progress in the last month since I found this blog. I check up on the little man several times a day. He is an adorable kid. I love the shirtless pics because his big round belly is so cute! I'm sending love and prayers from NC.

Anonymous said...

Oh that is wonderful news, and makes me so happy! I don't know your family, but I just have tears stream down my cheeks every single time I check up on how Charlie is doing. Sometimes they are sad tears, other times they are happy, and I feel a whole range of emotions: confusion, hope, faith, long-suffering, patience, love, happiness, sadness, and finally that family support and endurance are keys to getting through something like this. I was reading in Alma yesterday about the Resurrection, and have wondered why this has happened to your tender little boy. My heart has ached with you, and I have wanted to just hold and comfort Charlie with you through his storms, or tough times. As I was reading the scriptures, though, my testimony was stregthened, and I thought of Charlie when it reads, ". . .yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame." We ARE HOPEFUL that Charlie with recover to the best state that he can in this life, but whatever physical challenges he will face in this life, will be made perfect again one day. You are valiant and strong and so loved by our Father in Heaven, and he will help you and be with you through every challenge that the future will bring. I love your family--you are so positive, and are SO strong. I admire you so much, and that's why I have followed Charlie's story. I am in AWE at the way you are handling this, and I feel like I just love your little boy. He is beautiful! Please know that your family and Charlie are in my prayers. My pleas to our Father in Heaven are that Charlie will heal, that he will recover and be well, and that he will be comforted through all the challenges. Keep fighting little Charlie, don't give up, know that there are so many people praying for you! Way to get to a level 4...let's keep goin'!

linds said...

wow, thank you for that last comment. tears are streaming down my face...what a testimony builder. keep fighting charlie. we love you!

Roxey said...

Great update, and great day for me. Thanks for sharing your time with me. Also, thanks for the anonymous comment....so true. We love you guys.

Anonymous said...

Keep up the fight little man, we couldn't be prouder!!! We sure miss you guys! Just thought we'd send a note to say we are thinking of you and love you with all our hearts!!

Trish and John said...

I love to hear about more reactive pupils! Great news! I too am positive that these improvements continue. Giant souls make great strides!