Status: Feb 28, 2006

The news of the day regards the placement of the neck halo to stabilize the break in the C-2 verterbrae. We waited all day for the doctor who was to perform the procedure to get out of surgery and as of earlier this evening the procedure had begun. As of right now Shel and I, who have returned home to Cedar Rapids, have heard no word on the completion of the procedure.

Earlier in the day Shel and I spoke with the nurse, Kari, regarding what will be coming up. She said the once the halo is in place they will be able to take a closer look at the injuries to her pelvis. Kari also mentioned that they will perform surgery on Moms severely broken left arm towards the end of the week. Once that surgery is complete they will begin to wean her off the ventilator. We have also been told that her lung functions are strong so that the ventilator at this point is really just a precautionary measure.

Visitors today while Michelle and I were still around included Jim Rule, Bill Ahern, Mom's friend Beth, and Pastor Peters.

Also, many thanks to Bill for his hyperexpedient retrieval of Elena last night.