2008
Jul
10
Out of ICU – SMS#8 from Mon
by markm, under Updates by Mon
Hi. Big step for Mike today. Out of ICU and up to spinal ward. Very depressing place and limited visiting hours – 11am to 8pm, so hard on Ash and I. Showed him website and messages that Chris brought in. We really appreciate all support. Enormity and permanence starting to hit home. Thanks to all.

July 11th, 2008 on 6:16 am
Hey cobber, l’ve been sending many messages through mum & dad. It is great your mates have set this site up to keep us all posted with your updates, and taking an incedible load of Mon, Mum & Dad. Lorian and I have our bags packed and just waiting on our flight to depart, school holidays all over the world have filled the planes to the brim.
You have made me so incredibly proud over the years to be your brother. Your incredible courage and determination since your accident has made me even more proud. Can’t wait to be with you there and help you and Mon in every way I can. I’m there with you bro, even though the miles separate us at the moment, my entire day is absorbed in thoughts for you. I think of where your up to and what’s next for your recovery, I’ve even been talking with the gods here. I’m hoping they have more weight in this part of the world, if not for the shear number of churches and oratories.
You have there an incredibly strong wife and daughter in Mon and Ash, and for there love alone they’ll help you every step of the way. If I can help them in any way as I can help you, I’m at your call!
Love you heaps bro, always in my thoughts.
Pete
July 11th, 2008 on 9:16 am
Congrats on another milestone/goal achieved which will be one of many more you will achieve. It will be a long journey but you are surrounded and supported by family and friends who respect and love you.
July 11th, 2008 on 9:26 am
Fabulous to hear that Mike is out of ICU. What amazing strength and determination. The ANZ ladies club are sending you our positive energy and love.
July 11th, 2008 on 9:31 am
Hey there Forbesy, Mon and Ash. You guys are absolutely amazing….. have known that for quite a while. Whether it’s Forbesy giving it to us on the bike and then quickly whipping up a full-on Tour de France Tipping website, and Mon saving the ANZ and being SuperMum to Ash, the three of you just never stop. And I can already tell that just ain’t going to change. The passion for life and absolute determination you have displayed over the last two weeks is inspiring. The journey forward will not be easy, but I know you will get there. You have lots of friends and family who are ready and able to assist. Please don’t be afraid to ask. See you all again real soon.
Lots of love
Sparky, Fiona and Scarlett.
July 11th, 2008 on 11:24 am
Forbesy/Mon
just got back from a trip overseas and heard the news from Squires. Terrible news, and even though haven’t seen you guys for a few years, really affected me.
I will get in to visit when I can, but just wanted to wish you all all the best for your reccovery. I am buoyed by the positive progress I have just read about on this site. And having spent a couple of years running and umpiring with you and knowing your dogged determination, I know you will make the best of the situation.
Keep the nurses on their toes
Cheers
Walshey
July 11th, 2008 on 11:57 am
Wonderful news that Mike is out of ICU. The DOC BA team (Ken, Don, Sharad, Andrew, Gabi and Me) all send our love and support in every way possible. Take Care
July 11th, 2008 on 1:15 pm
Michael, Mon & Ash,
I don’t know you guys at all but had heard the news of your accident through the community that is Triathlon in this city. Also was made aware of this website and ran into Mitch and Bridie this morning outside the Austin who told me that you were getting messages read to you. I just wanted to let you know that I am an example of the many people out there that are thinking of you all and wishing you all the best. Michael specifically I am wishing you the best and fastest recovery possible. It is great to hear that you are out of ICU and clearly your progress thus far is due to your fighting spirit.
Keep that spirit alive and keep fighting for positive results. I look forward to hearing of you progress.
Thoughts and best wishes
Angus Crisp
July 11th, 2008 on 1:44 pm
Forbesy and Mon,
We heard the news recently and are stunned. But we are not surprised by the continued determination and discipline displayed by you guys. We are keen to support you on your journey, please let us know how we can help.
We would like to come visit when you are ready for more visitors.
Selim, Niki, Tayla and Ashton
July 11th, 2008 on 1:47 pm
Great news that Mike is out of ICU. The DOC BA team (Ken, Don, Gabi, Andrew, Sharad and Me) all send our love and support in every possible way. Take Care
July 11th, 2008 on 1:52 pm
Bov,
Your determination both on the bike and in your professional life holds you in great stead for what the future holds. I’m amazed (but not suprised!) at your improvement over the last week and bit, and am sure that your strength will not wane and this will continue. Keep it up mate. My thoughts are with Mon and Ash too! Tristan Pohl
July 11th, 2008 on 2:38 pm
Hi Mike, Mon & Ash,
It’s great seeing your smile in the photo, despite everything. That’s my enduring image (and memory) of you all, always being happy, positive and unendingly generous friends. I’ve never laughed so much as the time in Cancun with you guys and the Aussie contingent in our hotel ‘outpost’…and scooping up the guacamole and open bar drinks the hotel owners put on for us “Ossies”!! You were the greatest of friends over there, and still are.
Now it’s our to turn to support you in every thought…and coming to visit you very soon. I know I’ll recognise you by your smile and positive spirit…keep up your great progress.
Campbell (“Maffo”)
July 11th, 2008 on 3:48 pm
Dear Mike, Monnie and Ash,
Our love goes to you from Possum Creek, just like Pete said, you have been such a ‘seize the day’ life-lover, Mike, and I’m sure these same qualities are going to help you in your recovery, with the strength of Monnie and Ash there as well.
Sam,Anna and Holly are so fond of you all so of course they send their love too
Love Sally
July 11th, 2008 on 4:12 pm
Hi Micheal, Mon and Ash,
I am sending this message on behalf of the triathlon community in Mackay, QLD. We heard about your accident through Transitions- a triathlon forum- and just want to let you know that all our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay strong in your recovery mate,
cheers,
Lisa.
July 11th, 2008 on 4:20 pm
Mike
Thinking of you and your family in these difficult times. Wishing you good luck for your recovery.
love
Mouse, Di and family
July 11th, 2008 on 6:17 pm
Hi Mike and Mon,
We’ve been thinking of you ever since we heard – it was obviously a big shock. It’s great to see you’ve got a positive attitude in what must be a very difficult time. We know that the determination of both of you will contribute positively to the end result. Great to hear you’re out of ICU also, albeit to not as good visiting hours!
Thanks for regularly updating the website. It’s really good to hear of your progress and we really do think of you alot.
I can’t think of anything useful to contribute from up here, but obviously if there’s anything you think we could do to help, let us know.
All the best,
Shiona, Stu, Cameron and Keira
July 11th, 2008 on 7:46 pm
Dear Michael,
Perserverance is your middle name. I have seen you in the height of your success, striding the world like a colossus. fate has conspired to make you do it differently but no less well. All my love and encouragement is with you.
Love libby
July 11th, 2008 on 8:50 pm
Hi Mike & Mon,
We are thinking of you guys.
If there is anything we can do please let us know.
It is great to see the improvment.
Stay strong,
David Jill and Ashley
July 11th, 2008 on 9:37 pm
Forbesy,
Have just heard the news and wanted to let you know i am thinking of you and Mon & Ash.
i know your strength & determination will carry you along way on the recovery path.
Cheers
Ant
July 12th, 2008 on 3:47 pm
So sorry to hear the news and my thoughts are with you and your family. I have read every bit of news on the website and I cant help but feel that your strength of mind and body as well as your amazing family and friends will support your recovery.
Take care and I look forward to visiting next week.
Regards
Claire
July 16th, 2008 on 6:51 pm
Dear Mon and Mike,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have never met more determined and disciplined people in my life. I am confident that your strengths and willpower will ensure the best outcome possible for you. Mon- I am avaible for help as I live local….also I am willing to forgo my superpowers and lend you my Invincible (and invisible) Granny Pants of Doom any time you wish to borrow them….now where did I leave them…hmmmm.
Best wishes,
Miriana
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