You got to watch that tape though. When I was B hooker for Pittsburgh, the A guy saw me putting some tape on the knee I stoved up a little the week before. He basically said several things that amounted to “Why don’t you paint a target on it and carry a neon sign saying HIT ME HERE?” His suggestion was no tape or tape the opposite leg. Given that his name was Doctor Death I usually took his advice.
Well, I haven’t been to this thread in awhile, as I’ve been in Kenya (still am, but finally have a 'net connection stable enough to get to the boards). I’m glad to hear what progress Pat’s made in the two months I’ve been gone!
I’ve had a surprisingly difficult time finding postcards here, unless you count the warped and faded ones at Amboseli Curio Shop, but I’m on the lookout. Is there a new address, like a P.O. Box, we can send things to? If I can find postcards, I’d like to send one and let him know I’ve been wondering about him from all the way out here. I’ll change my thread subscription to give me daily updates, which means that even if I can’t get to the boards, I’ll get the address if it’s posted in the thread.
Good luck to all of you, especially as you travel today.
Pat would love getting postcards! In fact, I told him this afternoon that we would go through all his get well cards again.
You can send mail to:
Pat Garcia
POB 3274
Milan NM 87021
Pat had several visitors today and was so alert! He responded by blinking, raising his eyebrows, and giving a thumbs up! The funniest thing is that while sitting in the wheelchair, he straightened his right leg out trying to touch his buddy! (This was just after he was given a rugby girls calendar, so that might have been the reason). I’ve never seen him do that before. It’s great to be home! We are completely exhausted, but getting into a routine.
Rugby girls calendar? Bet it wasn’t actually his leg. 
Thanks again for the updates, SRM - remember that for everyone who posts here, there are a dozen others who lurk (note that there are 600 posts in this thread but it’s been viewed 36,000 times!)
Have you showed him this thread? I wonder how he would react to it.
i’m glad to see that he is home. will he have home therapists and the ilk?
Each day at home seems to bring new things! Pat is starting to respond to questions by blinking without having to be asked to blink. Today he managed to get his left arm up to his mouth and chin. He had a look of wonderment on his face when he felt his beard. Several times I put his left arm out as much as it can go and he was able to bring it back up to his face. We were able to get his right arm down far enough to pet Jinger. She thought that was great and again Pat had a surprised look of discovery on his face.
SantoRuggersMom, so many of your posts touch me. Your fierce and dedicated focus on Pat’s recovery is very uplifting to me. I’m extending to you and Pat and the rest of your family the warmest Thanksgiving hug EVAH!
Sounds like his recovery is progressing very well. You should try to see if you can get him to spell something out by blinking, like a few short words. I’m not sure what the best way to do that is…maybe move your hand over a chart of the alphabet or something, holding your finger over each letter for two seconds or so, and instruct him to blink when your hand is on the right letter?
SantoRuggersMom-
Your updates are truly uplifting. Thanks for keeping us updated with Pat’s progress. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
Here I am getting all misty at work again. Thank you so much for keeping up update and for the address for cards.
I’m thrilled to learn he’s doing stuff! Thanks for the address - card to follow!
fantastic! i’m sure he will progress quickly in his familiar home.
this year we can add “thankful that santo is home and doing well” to our list of things of which to be thankful.
happy thanksgiving to the garcia clan (scrum?).
Haven’t felt I had anything to contribute for a while, but I have been following the thread. Great news on his progress.
Bump! I think it shows how generous SantoMom is that she took out time to email me thanks about some silly cards I sent.
Well, I mailed off a bunch of postcards a little over two weeks ago, including one to Pat. Of the three I sent to one household, only one has arrived yet. I hope Pat gets his soon, since I’m guessing that means his hasn’t arrived yet either.
Hope to hear more good news soon.
Haven’t received the postcard yet; will let you know.
Pat continues to communicate with eye blinks. They are becoming very sophisticated - several blinks at a time. Each time we have to ask what he means. My favorite is three blinks for “I Love You”. One morning I came in and he was blinking furuously; he wanted his fan turned off!
He starts therapy again in January and we are looking forward to that. In the meantime we are very blessed to have Pat home for Christmas. We continue to have faith that he can recover.
Merry Christmas to you all from the Rugger Family.
Thank you all for the lovely Christmas cards. It’s fun to check the mail each day and bring a new card home for Pat.
Glad to hear things are progressing! Thanks for the continued updates.