2008
Jul
16
Back On Wheels
by markm, under Updates by Mon
Hi – better day. Still worried about swallow and a gurgle. They finally worked out he was dehydrated and starving, so he seems a bit better. Mike drove his wheelchair down the hall. Not bad, given that he did it with an arm his brain doesn’t know is there. Mon
July 16th, 2008 on 8:39 pm
ROLLER COASTER, ROCKING CHAIR, WHEEL CHAIR. TODAY MICHAEL GOT SOME WHEELS BACK AND TOOK HIS FIRST SPIN AROUND THE WARD. HE GOT TIRED FROM CONCENTRATING ON OPERATING ELECTRIC WHEELS WITH A HAND HE COULD NOT SEE OR FEEL. MONI HAS THE VIDEO. HE EVEN GOT TO LIE [WITH HIS SHADES ON] IN THE LIMPID MELBOURNE SUN FOR HALF AN HOUR THIS MORNING WHILE ADAM AND GREG TESTED HIS ENDURANCE CAPACITIES. WE LEFT HIM AT 6PM WITH THE TELE ON CHANNEL 28…. SO TODAY COULD BE ASSESSED AS A DAY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. WITH A BIT MORE FUEL AND A LOT MORE WATER FOR THE ESSENTIAL HYDRATION IT WAS A BETTER DAY.
July 16th, 2008 on 9:15 pm
Yes seeing Forbesy with his shades on catching rays was quite a sight. Laying back, smiling, making jokes, being positive and very, very cool – totally characteristic of the man! As was his situp demonstration.
The best part of today for me though was seeing Ash’s reactions. At first, she was very clingy with mum and not wanting to go near Dad, even after being propped up on his bed. But when she realised that it was Dad’s arm that was around her, holding her from falling on the floor, she grabbed that arm with both hands and, with a beaming smile, announced proudly to all of us that “Daddy is hugging me”. A priceless reminder why it’s so good to be alive.
Keep that chin up Forbesy (but go easy on the situps, at least for now) – we’ll be celebrating many milestones in the months to come.
GMD
July 16th, 2008 on 9:41 pm
Hi Mike,
Just heard the news from Ma and Pa and wanted to send my love. I know that you are a stubborn bugger – I remember vividly the spinach pasta stand-off in Byron Bay *grin* – so I know that you have determination to get through this.
I am sending all my positive vibes your way.
Love Sass (Matt, Lara and Caleb)
July 17th, 2008 on 2:10 am
Hey cobber, there is no keeping you down! Great to hear today was on a new path to the downs of yesterday. It is no doubt your physical traits have still carried through the accident. You tackling this in the same way as everything before will get through this!
Dehydrated? I remember coming down to Melbourne not so long ago with Lorian and you out on a ride. You had somehow consumed both of your biddons and were in search of more, whilst your sibling from the North was yet to take a sip. I’m sure if they looked at your back, they’d find traces of the salt you forever leave in your cycling knicks and triathlon gear!
Counting the days to be with you. Like that day on the bike, your welcome to my water!
Love Pete
July 17th, 2008 on 8:41 pm
Hey Mike, Ted contacted Mum and Dad and we all send our love. Good to read today was a better day. Can see that the Forbes’ determination is a continuing theme! Will follow progress on website. All of our thoughts are with you and your family. Love Belinda and Britten/Marr family.
July 18th, 2008 on 10:52 am
It made my day to see you yesterday, Mike. Witnessing your latest tricks (‘show and tell’!) was impressive & heartwarming, and it was also very nice to meet Mon, Ash and your family – what a great bunch you have around you. I wish you and them all the best. I’ll follow your progress with great interest – keep chipping away as you are.
July 18th, 2008 on 12:59 pm
Hi Mike,
I can’t begin to tell you how happy it made me today reading that you are mobile – its amazing to see the photos of you in the wheel chair and to hear about Ash getting a “Daddy Hug” – mum has already sent the photos and is keeping me updated almost daily.
You are an amazing inspiration to us all and I know you will continue to defy the odds and amaze us all.
Keep up the great work. Thinking of you, Mon and Ash always – will be in touch soon.
Lots of love,
Jacquie