What a good trip I had. It was great to see Dan. Our other brother was there along with Dan's mom, sister and brother in-law. Unfortunately I missed all the fun they had on Friday since I didn’t arrive until late Friday night.

Dan is awake now, at times drifting in and out of sleep but he can also be very responsive. Friday the family was in the room with him catching up on old times while stimulating and interacting with Dan. They said Dan was very alert, eyes wide open and focusing on individuals in the room. At times he even seemed to attempt a smile when something funny was said. My brother said he was able to get Dan to squeeze his hand with good pressure and also grasp a picture of the three of us together. It sounded like a great day and I'm truly sorry I missed it.

By the time I got to see Dan on Saturday morning he had stepped back I little, I think all the action from Friday had worn him out. He's still battling some pneumonia and was not having the best day on Saturday. I think we all realize that there will be days like this, two steps forward and one step back. The important thing is that he continues to make progress. Still it was a good day and he clearly recognized that we were there with him.

Sunday morning my brother and I walked in to find Dan a lot more alert, approaching the alertness he had on Friday. His face had a lot more color and he just seemed a little more at ease. We got a partial thumbs-up from him a one point and tried to converse with or around him a much as possible. At one point his mom read some of the posts from this board, stating who wrote it and asking Dan to squeeze her hand if he remembered your names. He squeezed her hand every time. Unfortunately I had to say my good-byes later that day but I let Dan know I would be back in another week or so.

Again it was a great trip. Dan has a long way to go but is making progress. We’re expecting him to be moved out of the ICU to a rehabilitation center in Albuquerque early this week.

Rick