2007-12-31 — Newsletter from Chris to All

Dear All,

Once again I take the opportunity to send out my final update on my Father. It is December 31st, and yes, I am at work. Hopefully we will be let out of here at 13:00, although rumours are such that we might have to work the full day! I'm hoping not.

I send my last update with a smile on my face, and a sense of huge relief. It has now been 1 day short of 3 weeks since my Dad underwent surgery, and has spent these last 20 days in intensive care. The first week, he spent sleeping; The second week, a rollercoaster ride; The third week, getting back on the road to good health.

The 25th, Christmas Day, was a decisive day in my Dads recovery. He had successfully gone through the stages of confusion, tiredness, panic and many more, but on this day he informed my Sister and I that he was now a new man, that he was ready to move on and get better. This was a good day for the family, it meant that the medication he was on was lessened and he was much more aware of everything. I unfortunately managed to catch a cold on Christmas day, and with intensive care it is not permitted really to visit when ill, the risk of infecting others is too great. My Sister did go visit on boxing day, but this was her last visit as her & Ben had to depart to the UK early the next morning. The 27th, 28th, 29th, & 30th my Dad spent alone. I would call everyday and pass messages onto the nurses to forward onto my dad, informing him of the unfortunate situation with not being able to visit. I'm sure he understood, but would have never the less loved some company.

Anyhow, to cut the story short, today they have decided that my Dad is fit to leave the intensive care unit and will be moved out at 11:00. His lungs are much better and his breathing and other vital signs have much improved. They will move him back up to the 18th floor where he used to be (for those that had visited during his therapy) but for how long he will remain there I'm not sure.

It's good news for my Dad has he will now be open for visitors. He'll be out of a room filled with loud peeping machines and hopefully have a more comfortable stay now. I will be going today after work, I'm hoping I'll be there at 14:00 (depending on when they let us out of here). Hopefully we can set up his computer with internet access and he will be able to send out his message(s), and inform you all of his journey from his perspective.

This should be my last update (definitely the last for 2007), it has been quite a privilege keeping so many of you concerned friends of my Dad informed and posted on his developments, and I thank you all for your well wishes, your wonderful and kind words and let me take this opportunity now to wish you all a Happy New Year, may 2008 be a prosperous year, filled with health and happiness for you all!

With Best Regards,

Family White.