Friday, November 9th, 2007

7:30PM Washington D.C. time.

Before we even left the Fisher House this morning we got a call from Laura (in Texas) that she had received a message from Daniel Wooten (in Turkey) that David was scheduled for an AM flight tomorrow to Travis AFB (in California). Weird how the word travels. And Daniel was right, Patty and David will leave the hospital at 5AM for a 9AM flight out of Andrews AFB. They will probably spend Sat. night at Travis before a several hour ambulance ride to Palo Alto V.A. Hospital on Sunday (or Monday, or Tuesday?) morning. I will take a commercial flight Sunday AM to Ontario Int. Airport near home. Then I can drive a car up to meet Patty and David. It will be good to be closer to home (about 450 miles?) and I think that David is really ready for rehab.

David had a good day. They took him off all of the wires that monitor everything, and off of the tube that both humidified the air and gave him a bit of oxygen boost. He looks even more normal. We continue to work on the communication skills! He pointed at something and then snapped his finger as if he wanted his mom to get something for him right now! Maybe we are reading a little into that one, but it would be something he would try to get away with. After being 'pulled up' by his petite (but very strong) physical therapist, she supported him but let all of his weight rest on his own feet and legs, and he 'stood' there for 7 seconds. We had him sit in a different chair for awhile also. These are all a start towards greater things.... Like snowboarding! He even waved goodbye as we left his room this afternoon.

Daniel Wooten's mom, Christine, emailed that Daniel will be sent from Turkey to Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany (where David was sent, and close to Daniel's home in Ramstein) to have his hand looked at. His hand was injured in the auto accident, and has not healed properly. This is an answer to prayer, and we will continue to lift up the Wooten family in prayer. This will be a happy reunion for their family too. Give Daniel an extra big hug for us too. :-)

So we return to California very encouraged and with 'thankful' hearts. Like the Prodigal Son, David was almost lost in the accident, but we are full of joy that he is returning to health and California.

Steve