Paul Shaehan wrote me to ask for an update on Ginger. I was waiting for some
profound change and as fate would have it, there is something to report as of
last Friday!
Some brief background, the accident occurred on July 11. Ginger was in ICU
for 2 weeks, then started breathing on her own the 3rd week, The 4th week,
she had stabilized enough to fly her to Atlanta (where she is now). Up until
last Friday, there has been virtually no "communication" and was in a
semiconscious state. I went to see her last Friday and she responded to my
questions! The nurse came in later and heard her. We were both so elated! She
had pulled out her trach tube earlier in the week which was her primary
breathing opening. The doctors said she didn't need that any more and let the
wound heal on it's own. She is barely understandable, but she can squeeze my
hand when asked. She still goes in & out, but this is the first major change
since breathing on her own!
Monday (Aug 22nd) she goes in for plastic surgery. The head laceration that
she had was still open. I won't be too descriptive here, but she had over 1/3
of her scalp damaged from the accident. It starts at the top of her forehead,
so no facial concerns. After that, she is supposed to be examined by some
head-inhury specialists at well known hospital here in Atlanta. We should
know more in a few weeks. But I am very optimistic now. Please know that your
prayers are being answered. I am sure of it.
One closing note for those TE/AE folks that read the article by Jim Morrison
in the recent Rootes Review. He mentioned the accident and also made some
comments about our "old cars" and we should keep them safe. I know he meant
well, but I couldn't help feeling the implication that my car wasn't safe.
I've had that car 33 years and knew it better than most. I was a mechanic for
5 years and am more knowledgeable than most owners. My only regrets right now
are that I didn't have brand new tires (they looked like new), that I didn't
have wider tires (they were stock size), that I didn't have a roll bar (I
wanted it to look stock), and that I didn't have shoulder belts (that was
next on my list to do). Other than that, I couldn't agree with him more.
Driving that far with that heat however, was a grueling trip for any car... I
will probably reconsider such a journey the next time.
I apologize for the length of this note. My heartfelt thanks to all of you
that have sent cards and called. God bless all of you for your kindness.
Oh, I am still considering a replacement. Have seen a few already.
Bill Cartus
Former B9471131
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