More news on Chuck.
From: thomas coleman
[mailto:colemant@mishoreline.com]
Sent: Monday, September 04, 2006
6:01 PM
To: Liz Chaney
Subject: Update on Chuck
Dear Friends---Chuck is better!!!!! I forwarded
some newspaper reports previously but here is the scoop.
I got back last night from Bakersfield and the hospital with a lighter
heart than going out.
Chuck's injuries were even more substantial than reported to
me before including ---compound fracture of the left leg just above the
ankle, now screwed together and secured, Broken kneecap left leg,
now pined together and a caterpillar stapled closure, four broken
ribs -up from 2, lung puncture-some, 5 cracked vertebrae-one high,
one mid , and three low on the back but not any displaced. All
extremities working.
Head had a bad bump, helmet scraped and face shield cracked
but no facial breaks but some blood shot eyes that have improved. Head
injury is our main concern along with the vertebra as the other
structural parts are mending nicely. He is in a chest vest and medieval
looking "halo" head restraint which takes the place of a plaster
cast. .
They did a treak (still can't spell that) to help breath
but modified it later so he can speak a little which he is doing .
Stomach feeding tube that is now removed!! Still some cobwebs in
the head that will need time to get rid of and get the file drawers
of the mind back in order.
I expect he will be out of close observation care real
soon and heading for rehabilitation and therapy.
I went down to the site and saw some pictures of the
wreckage and it is God's choice he is alive. As he came down
he hit the desert creosote trees and brush that ate up some energy before he
hit and the wings came off, the fuselage skin shredded and the
engine departed independently for a few more yards. The front cockpit was
collapsed which also ate up some more eneray. There were a
couple fires but none close which in itself is a miracle.
He was locked in the 9 point harness that stunt pilots use which
prevented internal injuries except for lots of bruises and a few scrapes.
NO internal injuries except for the bones and back which is bad enough
He was speaking a few words and was able to respond better
as the days passed and the report today is even better.
I know this healing would not have occurred without your
prayers and optimism. I believe we are on the way!!! Keep up the
good word with the Lord-He doesn't need reminding but it sure can't hurt to
have all of you reminding Him so He will just decide to heal him up to get some
rest Himself.
My thanks to ALL of you and to the Good Lord
Above!!