Willow had an accident near Topeka. Lori needs local assistance

[pekardo]

More prayers from Cologne, West Germany

[stude31]

Okay..  This is an update but more of the cleverness of Willow and a small story about the E-Cards from all of you.

This is just from today.

1. I was sitting on the bench next to Willow's bed and talking to a tired Motomomma.  Carl had to "wet" and so I went and got the nurse and she helped him relieve himself and afterwards she asked him how he was doing and he said, (in the best singing voice he could come up with),   " I feel good, da na na na na naaaaa na".   Lori looked over at me and rolled her eyes and told me that in his past accident he received on of the cards that played music and the song was "I feel good, da na na na naaa na" and so when someone would ask how he was doing he would hurry and grab the card and open it.   Well this was a blast from his past and he thought he was pretty funny.

2. Then later the nurse says after he was able to call it when he had to relieve himself.  She said, "You're pretty consistent" and without missing a beat Willow says, "Yep that's me......  Mr. Consistency!"

The last one isn't to make you laugh but more of a reflection of the character of Willow and how his life has touched so many.  I must share with you something that was told to me when I was a young man and has stuck with me and then I heard it for a second time when my Uncle Jimmy had written his own speech for his funeral.  It goes like this.

When you think of life only two things really matter or should matter to you.  1.  The friendships you created over your lifetime.  2. The impact you leave and the memories you created with others.

I share this and trust me Willow is very much with us and will grace us with many more one liners, Lord willing.  But in this statement it causes one to wonder just what kind of friends we have and what kind of impact we have made with them.   It is humbling to report to all of you the amount of E-cards this fine upstanding man has received while in the hospital.  I showed up this morning and I seen a few more E-cards and Lori said that the lady that prints these cards off came up to deliver them herself.  She said that it is official that Carl Holmes has received more well wishes than any other patient has received in the past.  She said... "I had to come deliver these myself to see with my own eyes just who this Carl Holmes is cause he has received more mail than anyone else."  Either Willow is one "lucky" guy to have received these cards or he truly has left an impact on many of us and we can't help but share our love and prayers with a man that would do and has given his help in many ways to all of us. 

Let me speak and say Willow is no angel by any means and I say that because I know he would be the first to tell you but he is one that looks at not what someone can drag a group down by but what one can offer to the group or friendship.  He does not want to be in the spotlight rather he would rather you defer your cards and prayers to the families that lost homes or children in the tornado in Oklahoma.  That is just how he is and that is how his heart beats. 

I read one of the cards and started laughing.  Said something like "Carl you are getting more attention than a parts bin at a Harley Davidson shop."  That made him laugh.

I can't say enough how much your support has helped both Lori and Carl.  Lori has been reading him a few at a time since he still doses off quite often.  He slept quite a bit this morning and he reached up and held my hand with his right hand and said a few words as I said my goodbye.

Thank you to all of the V R C C.

Joe Studebaker
Stude31

[flsix]

Joe, thank you so much for the updates.
Carl, so glad you are able to keep a sense of humor while you are in a particularly non humorous situation.

[Duffy]

Okay..  This is an update but more of the cleverness of Willow and a small story about the E-Cards from all of you.

This is just from today.

1. I was sitting on the bench next to Willow's bed and talking to a tired Motomomma.  Carl had to "wet" and so I went and got the nurse and she helped him relieve himself and afterwards she asked him how he was doing and he said, (in the best singing voice he could come up with),   " I feel good, da na na na na naaaaa na".   Lori looked over at me and rolled her eyes and told me that in his past accident he received on of the cards that played music and the song was "I feel good, da na na na naaa na" and so when someone would ask how he was doing he would hurry and grab the card and open it.   Well this was a blast from his past and he thought he was pretty funny.

2. Then later the nurse says after he was able to call it when he had to relieve himself.  She said, "You're pretty consistent" and without missing a beat Willow says, "Yep that's me......  Mr. Consistency!"

The last one isn't to make you laugh but more of a reflection of the character of Willow and how his life has touched so many.  I must share with you something that was told to me when I was a young man and has stuck with me and then I heard it for a second time when my Uncle Jimmy had written his own speech for his funeral.  It goes like this.

When you think of life only two things really matter or should matter to you.  1.  The friendships you created over your lifetime.  2. The impact you leave and the memories you created with others.

I share this and trust me Willow is very much with us and will grace us with many more one liners, Lord willing.  But in this statement it causes one to wonder just what kind of friends we have and what kind of impact we have made with them.   It is humbling to report to all of you the amount of E-cards this fine upstanding man has received while in the hospital.  I showed up this morning and I seen a few more E-cards and Lori said that the lady that prints these cards off came up to deliver them herself.  She said that it is official that Carl Holmes has received more well wishes than any other patient has received in the past.  She said... "I had to come deliver these myself to see with my own eyes just who this Carl Holmes is cause he has received more mail than anyone else."  Either Willow is one "lucky" guy to have received these cards or he truly has left an impact on many of us and we can't help but share our love and prayers with a man that would do and has given his help in many ways to all of us. 

Let me speak and say Willow is no angel by any means and I say that because I know he would be the first to tell you but he is one that looks at not what someone can drag a group down by but what one can offer to the group or friendship.  He does not want to be in the spotlight rather he would rather you defer your cards and prayers to the families that lost homes or children in the tornado in Oklahoma.  That is just how he is and that is how his heart beats. 

I read one of the cards and started laughing.  Said something like "Carl you are getting more attention than a parts bin at a Harley Davidson shop."  That made him laugh.

I can't say enough how much your support has helped both Lori and Carl.  Lori has been reading him a few at a time since he still doses off quite often.  He slept quite a bit this morning and he reached up and held my hand with his right hand and said a few words as I said my goodbye.

Thank you to all of the V R C C.

Joe Studebaker
Stude31

Great update Stude, thanks. Carl seems to be a patient patient. Which he will have to be for a while it sounds. Heal up Carl. 

[Whistler]

I think we need a video of that!! LOL!! " I feel good, ......." how can that not make your day!

JDW

[WamegoRob]

I read one of the cards and started laughing.  Said something like "Carl you are getting more attention than a parts bin at a Harley Davidson shop."  That made him laugh.

I knew, no matter his state of consciousness at the time, that he'd find the humor in that

[fudgie]

Tell Lori that she maybe able to find a ambulance transport service to take him back near home for rehab there. Once he is well enough to move. They do it all the time up here. Rehab is better when your close to home.

[john]

                                       " I feel good, da na na na na naaaaa na".   
 
            good news ...

[BudMan]

Just got back in town on Sunday and with all the weather I just got on the computer. I was shocked and terrified to read this thread.  It sounds much better towards the end of it than I was afraid it would be!
Thanks for the updates Joe.  You’re doing a great job. Let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do to help.
(Email sent to Willow’s Room.)

[tank_post142]

Carl: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Lori.

HE GOT TO RIDE IN A HELICOPTER!

probably the first time in 40+ years

[Daniel Meyer]

Another pic...

[olddog1946]

WOW, I've been pulling down and replacing the roof on my back porch and haven't been in here at all since saturday morning... Sorry to hear about this, sending prayers and a get well to the Hospital.

[hoosierdaddy]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Carl,  and Lori if I can help in any way, let me know.  You guys are old time friends, and friends are there for each other.  Prayers once again from the Hoosier State. Sorry I'm late to the issue.  Been off board a while too long.

Paul (Hoosier Daddy) Weber
#370

[chrise2469]

I just got back from a great road trip to read this.  My first thoughts were, I hope that's a necrothread, unfortunately it's a new one.

My thoughts go out to Carl and Lori.

Heal up quickly Carl and stay strong.

Chris

[Des]

He does in deed -- touch alot of lives in many ways!  Never forget how hard they tried to convince the ladies in Tucumcari he WASNT Paul Sr. from American Chopper.  Willow being his joyful-self finally just gave in and took a picture with the ladies - the entire time they were so excited because they were going to tell everyone they met Paul Sr.   

Lori - take care of yourself while the medical staff take care of Carl --- as always -- he's going to need you!  As well as all of us who need/cherish you both.

Much love and continued prayers from Kendall & I

[T.P.]

He does in deed -- touch alot of lives in many ways!  Never forget how hard they tried to convince the ladies in Tucumcari he WASNT Paul Sr. from American Chopper.  Willow being his joyful-self finally just gave in and took a picture with the ladies - the entire time they were so excited because they were going to tell everyone they met Paul Sr.   

YEP DES,  We were standing there when the girls came over,  the real funny part was that the girls were standing on the street and Carl would never get down off the curb.   

[C908]

I just read 8 pages of responses and must say it is pretty amazing but not surprising knowing the type of guy Willow is. I did read where Willow was wearing a Joe Rocket mesh jacket with armor which did save him from worse injury. I was wondering what type of helmet Willow was wearing since he did sustain face injuries. Willows accident could be a wake up call for those of us wearing half helmets and t shirts. It's nice to be comfortable riding when the weather is nice but things can go so wrong so fast as Willows accident has shown us. After seeing Willows picture I'm going to start wearing more protection. I actually have been looking at mesh jackets with armor, I think I just made my decision. Good luck to Willow and Lori as you begin the healing process. Prayers are with you from C908 in Sedalia, Mo.

[Michael K (Az.)]

I wear a Joe Rocket mesh here in Az. Good flo-thru air and the liner blocks the wind in the winter. Even in the 30's, with the right layers I'm usually pretty warm. Sorry for the hijack but, hey, safety first.

[Serk]

I'm going on the assumption that anything posted on Facebook should probably be copy and pasted here, and with that, here's Lori's update for today:

Today wasn't a very good day for us. The surgery that was scheduled for 11:15 was rescheduled to 3:30, then after spending 3 hours in pre-op was cancelled all together as the anesthesiologist said that with all of his injuries, it was too risky at this time to put him under to do the surgery. I would much rather they take the precautions like that and not take the risk, however that led to alot of other issues. A test that absolutely needs to take place again was not done today and rescheduled for tomorrow. Now we have another doctor that decided to cancel this test and reschedule surgery for tomorrow instead...which I am really not comfortable with, as 2 anesthesiologists already said we should not attempt the surgery at this time. The trauma dr (who is the primary caregiver and should be overseeing everything) has yet to even see me, call me or talk to me at all after 4 days of Carl already being in that hospital. The ENT hasn't seen me or talked to me either. Shouldn't these doctors be updating me on my husband's status and speaking with me on a regular basis regarding his condition so that I am aware of his course of treatment and the action plan? I am just so frustrated this evening and it has been a very stressful day. I am no longer comfortable with the level of care he is receiving in this hospital and want him moved ASAP! I do hope that we can make this happen tomorrow! Please pray for us!

[Fathertime]

 Lori
I  am sure you are very stressed with all that is going on in your life right now.   As someone who has had to deal with my wife's medical issues,  allow me to just say two things.
   You and Carl always have the right to refuse a  course of treatment until you are fully comfortable with it.
   if you are not comfortable with the care Carl  is getting,  or  not getting,  move him to where you are comfortable,  don't wait,  don't delay,  don't listen to the staff when they try to argue you out of it.   You and Carl know what's best for Carl,  and he deserves the best.

[solo1]

Joe, if you're reading this, I agree with Father Time.  It appears that Lori is not happy with the hospital and its doctors.

I went round and round with a number of doctors when my wife was in Intensive care.  If Lori's  not happy, she should do what she needs to do.

[tonyfan70]

I haven't been on for a bit and I just found this. Really scary stuff. Our prayers are sent from IL.

My girlfriend and I met Willow at last years Inzane. Seemed to be a decent fellow to me for sure.

Lori, please please make sure the hospital does whatever is needed to keep him from getting up without help. My Grandad went into the hospital for pretty regular stuff and while he was weak, he tried to get up in the night and had trouble and fell. He hit his head and things got much much worse.

Best wishes and good luck with your full recovery Carl.

[stude31]

Joe, if you're reading this, I agree with Father Time.  It appears that Lori is not happy with the hospital and its doctors.

I went round and round with a number of doctors when my wife was in Intensive care.  If Lori's  not happy, she should do what she needs to do.

Wayne,

I Agree.  There Is A Lot I Wish I Could Share But Know Steps Are Being Taken And Carl Will Get The Best Care. This Phone Sucks At Posting. Please Continue To Pray For Carl And Lori.

His Face Looks So Much Better Today.

stude31

[MP]

Stude31:

I agree with the above.  Lori needs to do what makes her comfortable.  It is easy to be intimidated by Drs.  If she is not comfortable with his treatment there, she needs to do what she feels is best for Carl.

Good luck, and all our prayers with all of you.

MP

[3fan4life]

Lori

Ultimately if you don't feel that Carl it's getting the care that needs you need to insist that he does.

Unfortunately, it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

The hospitals around here have a person called, a patient representative.

If the hospital there has one speak to them and voice your concerns.

Also don't hesitate to speak with the hospitals chief administrator if you need to.

[stude31]

Lori

Ultimately if you don't feel that Carl it's getting the care that needs you need to insist that he does.

Unfortunately, it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

The hospitals around here have a person called, a patient representative.

If the hospital there has one speak to them and voice your concerns.

Also don't hesitate to speak with the hospitals chief administrator if you need to.

That Has Happened This Morning, My Mom Works In Surgery And Has Thrown Her Wait Around And A Whole New Staff Will Care For Him.  If Carl Isn't Getting Better Care The Option Is Available.  The Nurses Are Terrific And Understand Completely, We Will See How Today Goes.  Swallow Test Should Be Happening Soon.

stude31

[RainMaker]

Hey Joe - I knew that your mom would kick some butt when she heard Lori wasn't getting the info or service she needed.  If momma' ain't happy, nobody is happy, etc.  Thanks again for the updates.

The doctors do need to get on the same page.  Can't imagine the frustration.  Hang tough!

[Karen]

Thanks, Stude31, sorry to read about the issues, but sweet little Lori has a backbone of steel. Thanks to your Mom for getting it front and center. Critical care is no place for experimentation. Can't tell you enough how much we appreciate the updates; this thread is the first thing I check, and the progress has been encouraging. Thanks again. Carl & Lori, keep the faith, and please let us know if we can do anything else to help.

[stude31]

Swallow Study Was Done And He Is Able To Handle Honey Consistency Fluids So That Is Good.  He Said His Teeth Are Still Sensitive And He Has Stitches Inside His Mouth.  So All Things Considered Study Wasn't Bad. Going Back In, I Stepped Out To Call Teryl.

Next Will See About The Jaw And Setting The Wrist.

So Good To See The Support And Concern For Lori And Carl.

Until Next Update, Know That Carl Is Doing Good. He Is Awake And Talking With Good Speech.

stude31

[RainMaker]

Your mom is definitely someone the doctors DO NOT want to get on the wrong side of 

Thanks for the update - keep us notified on the tests.

[solo1]

Thanks for keeping us up on things, Joe.  I found out some time ago that a good nurse will set the doctors straight when they get out of line.  They don't do it by head on collisions but a little more sneaky

[old2soon]

Sooo happy things finally ne moving in a better direction. Will keep the PRAYERS up from the Ozarks. Really glad to see such fine folks here running interference for Lori and Carl.  The updates as you may or maynot be aware are a GODSEND for those of us in contact by computer. Thanks to ALL involved.

[Hooter]

   He's not in the "spotlight"...he is in everyone's heart!   

[wiggydotcom]

Thanks, Stude31, sorry to read about the issues, but sweet little Lori has a backbone of steel. Thanks to your Mom for getting it front and center. Critical care is no place for experimentation. Can't tell you enough how much we appreciate the updates; this thread is the first thing I check, and the progress has been encouraging. Thanks again. Carl & Lori, keep the faith, and please let us know if we can do anything else to help.

+1

[R J]

Joe, pass this on to Lori.

Up here in Iowa we have a Company called Frazier's Ambulance.

I talked to one of the RN's on the one parked outside the Medical Clinic I go to for pains, my Butt kicked and etc.

She said that there is a branch of them in Toe-pee-ka,  need a ride to Olathe, call em.     Hold on, I'm trying to find the phone # on Google and also Bing.

I can find a lot of Ambulance Service, Air, Ground and etc, but none show the Frazier name.   I'll keep looking.

[Charlie McCready]

As some have said....I look here for updates.....Thank you Stude31, you're doing a fine job.  Hello to Carl and Lori....cards sent.

[stude31]

I'm At My Kids Six Grade Graduation Lori Called And Told Me New Doctor Just Showed Up.  Please Pray That He Is The Answer If Not Other Options Are Or Will Be Considered.

[WamegoRob]

Joe, pass this on to Lori.

Up here in Iowa we have a Company called Frazier's Ambulance.

I talked to one of the RN's on the one parked outside the Medical Clinic I go to for pains, my Butt kicked and etc.

She said that there is a branch of them in Toe-pee-ka,  need a ride to Olathe, call em.     Hold on, I'm trying to find the phone # on Google and also Bing.

I can find a lot of Ambulance Service, Air, Ground and etc, but none show the Frazier name.   I'll keep looking.

This what you're looking for, RJ?
http://www.fraserambulance.com/contact-us/

[fudgie]

Gunslinger should have some connections to. Check with your insurance so your not stuck with $2k out of pocket. Its best to wait awhile longer until he is off all IV stuff.

[R J]

Joe, pass this on to Lori.

Up here in Iowa we have a Company called Frazier's Ambulance.

I talked to one of the RN's on the one parked outside the Medical Clinic I go to for pains, my Butt kicked and etc.

She said that there is a branch of them in Toe-pee-ka,  need a ride to Olathe, call em.     Hold on, I'm trying to find the phone # on Google and also Bing.

I can find a lot of Ambulance Service, Air, Ground and etc, but none show the Frazier name.   I'll keep looking.

This what you're looking for, RJ?
http://www.fraserambulance.com/contact-us/

That is the local one here, I was trying to find the one already based somewhere in KS.