General Info (2-7)

I just read emails and listened to phone messages, so here are a few things that have come up:We are not a family to ask for help, but people keep asking what they can do. I know part of the healing process is to do something, so here are a few things that you could do to make it easier for those at the hospital. Again, we will not ask for them, and are okay if we don't have them, but it would really help. First let me explain the set up. Duaine is in ICU, therefore there are visiting hours every even hour from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (6, 8, 10, 12, etc). The family members then spend the next hour and a half in the family waiting room. There are chairs, TVs, and other families, but other than that we're our own entertainment. We use the time to return phone calls, check on kids, eat, etc, but it can get very boring. Visitors are always welcome. Visitors: We are on the 3rd floor ICU. The hospital is nuts, especially in the evenings. Don't be intimidated. Just come in the big revolving door, walk quickly past the ER (don't look), and take the elevators to the 3rd floor. More than likely we'll be visible from the elevators. If you plan on seeing Duaine, come close to the even hours, or else you'll have a long wait. If you park in the parking garage, bring your ticket in and we'll get you a sticker (then it's only $1 to get out). Food: The only food available for dinner on site is McDonalds. We agreed this morning that some of us will never be able to eat there again, which is not a bad thing. If it's not the food, it's the constant smell wafting around the hospital. Any food other than McDonalds, even snacks, is welcome and appreciated. The boys are not picky!Travel: We complained about having to go from ICU to the ER and then to the room to see Connie, but now it's even harder to see her since she is at home. The boys are holding down the fort at the hospital, but would like to travel to see her too. The "girls" (daughters-in-law) have had to stagger babysitting for the kids, therefore are traveling back and forth as well. My neighbor gave me us a gas gift card yesterday, and it has already come in handy. Enough letting you know what would help, some of you have asked about helmets. Yes, they were wearing them. The rumor Sunday was that Duaine's helmet split down the middle. That rumor is not true, as we now have his helmet. It was cracked down to the styrofoam on the left side, and scraped to the paint all the way around to the right side. It actually looks like a design on the helmet. We have it, have touched it, and some of us have even hugged it! Okay, I think I'm finished for now. As I get questions, comments, suggestions or random thoughts in my head I'll update this info. Kelly and Taryn, feel free to add or change!Erica