Big gifts come in small packages...

Hello everyone, sorry I didn't post last night, long evening. Well I got the best Christmas present ever yesterday. I was able to talk to PJ! I had a good 5 minute conversation with him and it was great to hear his voice. My dad put me on speaker phone, and I put the girls and Diane on speakerphone also. The girls were able to tell him they love him and they can't wait to see him. He said, "I think I might be a little late getting you Christmas presents!" Just like PJ, first thing he starts doing is thinking of other people. The girls told him that talking to you is the best Christmas present that they could get. He asked me how I liked his house when I was out there and that he was sorry that I had to use vacation to come out there. I told him that I didn't have to use vacation, and that as far as I am concerned his house is the best one he has had in San Diego that I have seen.

He was a bit tired, but very much coherent. He said that his hands and arms are burnt to bad so he thinks he can get out of the rehab facility quickly. It was so good to hear him.

Dad then called me late last night and told me that they played foosball. They have PJ getting up and moving around via a wheelchair. I couldn't understand if dad meant that he walked with the wheelchair in front of him or what. The Doctors told Dad that they still are giving him methadone, an anxiety medication, blood pressure medication, and one other that I can't remember right now. The meds should stop soon though according to the nursing staff.

This is absolutely the best present that I could have had. I was so excited to hear him, and he sounded great. He did ask when I was coming back out there, and I told him that we are anxious to have him fly home for a while so that everyone here can see him and hug him. He has a way to go before that happens, but it is not as far off as people think. He is starting to remember more about the accident and what happened. He has several therapists. An occupational therapist, a physical therapists and others. They work on his strength and his mind every day. In the afternoon they come in and quiz him on what happened that morning. He still gets wiped out pretty quickly, but he is making such large strides.

Well I hope that everyone has a blessed Christmas. Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them.

Chris