HI EVERYONE!

Well first of all our daughter, Carrie, arrived late yesterday, and needless to say, I am so glad to have her here. She is staying until after the first of the year, so it is a nice long visit.

Yesterday with Hal was quite uneventful, because he was too sleepy to even wake up when I pestered him. I have decided I must be pretty boring, because when I came today with Carrie he perked up, stayed awake all afternoon and was so delighted to see her.

One of the reasons for the last two days of sleepiness is that when they did a blood test early this morning, they found that he is once again anaemic, and started transfusions this afternoon.

They also decreased the size of his trachea, and because it is a different size and shape, we are able to cover the trachea and he is actually able to say words. SO, we heard his voice this afternoon for the first time in over 6 weeks. Guess what he said? GET ME OUT OF HERE...
I WANT TO GO HOME. Thank God. That is the Hal we know.

The not so great thing of the day, is that he failed his swallow test for the second time. He has to show them that he is able to swallow before they take out the traehea and start him on food, and of course that is when he will REALLY be able to talk.

I am still extremely hopeful, and all involved are trying to get him ready and able to get to rehab, where no doubt he will make rapid progress.

SEE< all of your thoughts, prayers, cards and concerns, are really helping to get this man well again. Our daughters Carrie and Tracy, and I, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With love, Linda