Dalene's son was involved in a terrible car accident earlier today and has had to be airlifted to the UCT Groote Schuur Hospital - Spinal unit.
Instead of posting under the shoutbox Mike has asked that I open a new topic for her - by the time she gets onto the forum all the well wishes that we have posted in the shoutbox will have been cleared out.
Dalene - we are thinking about you and praying for a speedy recovery for your son!
3d smiles(281) bighug
Dalene, Praying for you and your son... May the LORD be with you both.
Sad news.
Wish a speedy recovery, i am thinkink of you
Hi Dalene,
this has got to be one of the most difficult cards to be dealt with. I had a flashback when I read your status this morning (Sunday) on fb. My heart ached for you Dalene. I do believe your son will be fine for so many reasons, the medical care he will receive down in CT being one of them but the most important one has to be that he has YOU by his side. There is no greater love than the love of a Mother for her child.
Praying for that awesome recovery!
Sorry to hear of the accident best wishes to you and the family
from Alfred and family
bighug Dalene,
Thinking and praying for your son and your whole family through this difficult time
3d smiles(281)
Dalene ... in our thoughts and in our prayers ... may the angels look out over you and your son ... fantasy-18
I decided to go see if Dalene needed anything - our country girl in the big city...
Found her on the steps of the hospital in the cold, dark and gusty wind - all on her lonesome. She's hanging in there, and accepts there's nothing she can do but wait, pray and believe.
Her son was about to get the scan done at 21h30 when I left, he's been stabilized, cant go into detail, but he is still in a very serious condition.
Fortunately Susan arrived as I got ready to leave so she wont be alone...
Please everybody - I'm sure all our Oranjemund prayers and thoughts will give them the strength to pull through this difficult time. Also think of her husband Kobus and daughter Susan there in the Kalahari - must be difficult for them not to be here as well....
3d smiles(281)
Hi Dalene, sterkte vir jou en jou seun,ons bid vir hom.Ons familie en ek dink die Oranjemund familie as sulks reik uit na julle.. Groete Adriaan,Mariaan,Alicia en Andel.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you........ bighug
My thoughts are with you Dalene. I'm sure he'll be allright soon.
Dalene ons dink aan jou en vertrou alles sal goed afloop. Sterkte.
Dear Dalene, Kobus & Susan
We know how you must be feeling but you are not alone in this trying time. You have the support of all your family, friends and colleagues and will be in their thoughts and prayers.
From the two of us, hold in there, be strong and positive, and am sure that he is in the best hands and will receive the best care possible.
To Bertie, we are sure that all of the "Oranjemund Connection" thank you for taking the time to be with Dalene in her time of need..
Mike & Jenny
Thinking of you during this trying time - Vasbyt!
Rick
Thoughts and prayers for all of you Dalene.......
I just spoke to Dalene, and she asked me to post some info on her behalf.
First of all she wants to thank all Oranjemunders for all the good wishes, messages, phone calls and prayers. She really appreciates it very much and knows that there's many positive thoughts coming from all corners of the world.
Dalene also asked me to update you on her son's condition. As you know, he was in a terrible car accident when the car rolled early Sunday morning. His condition was too serious to treat locally, hence he was airlifted to Cape Town and is currently in the UCT Private hospital (ward D). Last night they arrived at the hospital around 7pm, and he was stabilized, X-rayed, and also had pins attached to his skull to prevent any movement of his neck before they could do any scans.
The doctors were worried at first that his main artery (aorta) and even his heart was also damaged because he had a severely low blood pressure and irregular heart beat, but fortunately they saw on the scan today that it was due to a fractured chest bone (sternum) which caused bleeding around the heart, and it looks like there's no direct damage to the heart or vessels. There were some trauma to his pancreas as well, so his blood sugar levels were also erratic. His blood pressure and sugar levels are controlled with medication, but it looks much better today.
He's able to speak when the sedation works out, but unfortunately as yet he has absolutely no movement or sensation from the chest down. We are hoping that this is due to swelling in the neck, and that the damage is not too severe. They managed to align the 6th and 7th neck vertebrae slightly to relieve pressure, and he is scheduled for the neck operation tomorrow (Tuesday) at around 11h30. I believe we will all be saying our prayers around that time, hey!
Dalene is very happy with the treatment her son is receiving in the hospital - staff, doctors, professors, everybody very professional and she feels comfort by the fact that her son is in the best hands possible. Me myself was also pleasantly surprised by the efficiency, organized manner of the hospital's ICU ward and in general, as well as cleanliness all round.
Just one last thought - none of the Toyota's 3 airbags popped out in the accident, with the resulting fractured sternum and damage to the underlying organs. I think Toyota should be severely wrapped over the knuckles - since Dalene specifically loves Toyotas for their safety features....
Lets all pray and believe - the doctors don't want to give Dalene false hope, but they seem to be quite positive in general. Lets all send this positive energy to join Dalene's amazing positive outlook and strength, and I am sure we will hear more positively great news as time goes on!
So from Dalene (who will try and get to an internet cafe tomorrow) :
THANK YOU TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND GOOD WISHES!!!! KEEP 'EM COMING!!!!
3d smiles(297)
Thanks for the update Bertie, Lets hope for the best!
pls
Bertie - thanks for the update!
Dalene - still thinking about you all and praying for you, your son, husband and daughter!
The saying "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" is such a cliche at this time but having lost a brother six years ago this month to a car accident and having my dad diagnosed with leukemia exactly a year later allows me to speak from experience. Just hang in there okay!
3d smiles(281) bighug
Thanks for the update Bertie .. youre a gem especially taking the time to go see Dalene personally ,,, me on a personal level still avoid hospitals ,,, but told Dalene that once all looking good and stable to take a break and visit ,,,, we close by ...
Thanx so much for that Bertie. Here's sending prayers out for to-morrow.
This will be a very trying time for Dalene and family, Good luck and a speedy recovery for all of them.
Thanks for update Bertie,
Delene and family thinking of all of you and praying that everything goes well tomorrow.
Thinking of you today and I hope everything will go as expected. Sylvia
Hi Dalene and family
We are thinking of you all, especially your son, and hope and pray that the neck operation this morning is a success and that he recovers fully.
Mike & Jenny
Hi Dalene & Family
We will left the operation in the hands of our DEAR LORD and all will go well . Trust in him .
Hello everyone,
I have no words to say thank you - for all your love, support, good wishes and prayers.
Boet is still in theatre now. As Bertie said - in an internet cafe now to update and thank you all in person.
I will let Bertie know again what the progress is after the operation and also ask him to update on my behalf.
Thank you Bertie for your visit at the hospital and for what you do.
Then - Susan ---- my friend -- thank you for everything you do for me.
Typical - she wants to feed me to death !!!! She's transporting me all around town and stands by me like a mother hen !!! She sends all her best wishes to you all and also says thank you to you lot for all your love and support via sms, messages and your postings here.
I will try to log on again a bit later in the week again and just chat with you all about the progress.
To everyone here in CT - thanks for your offers. Sandy - you remain "'n staatmaker" - all your calls and messages !!
Love to you all..... and please keep praying.
Hi guys, just a quick update from Dalene!
Her son is out of theater after an operation that lasted more than 4 hours. The vertebrae were fused and the pins from his head removed. He is currently on the ventilator and heavily sedated - will probably stay on the machines and sedation until tomorrow. It might be a stay of about 3-4 days in ICU, after which he will be transferred to a rehab ward.
Dalene hasn't spoken to the doctors yet, they are busy with other ops at the moment, but she will let us know if there's any more news.
Let's be positive and await the good news!
Dalene is very tired and emotionally drained. Hopefully she will be able to rest a bit now that the operation is over and the traumatic event has become an accepted fact and part of reality in the path of life. Remember Dalene herself has just recovered from surgery herself... Tough little lady this Dalene of ours.
Be sure we are all constantly thinking of you and your family!!!
yougogirl
Hi Dalene - we've been offline all day here today - have been so desperate to get online to see how the op went and how you are doing. Hopefully the worst is behind you now and Boet can start on his road to recovery. Don't worry - we will still be with you every moment!
3d smiles(281) bighug
Alle sterkte Dalene
Just had to get out the ICU ward for a walk.
They're bringing him round slowly, but he is very agitated at the moment and tries to pull the tubes from his mouth and the IV pipes from his arms. He tries to speak to me, but he can't so he gets upset and frustrated. Ja, as mamma I can't help to cry when I see my child like this.
He is still on morphine and insulin. They have just done some tests to test reaction and neuron progress, but unfortunate till now there is still no feeling from his chest down. No one can say at this stage if it will be permanent, for there was damage to the spinal cord, but it is not possible to say to what extent.
I thank you all so much for your support and good wishes and messages and phone calls. It means so much to me to know how you care.
I will keep you updated as we go on. For now the plan is to take him off the lung machine this afternoon. Then keep him in ICU for 2 or 3 days before they take him to the rehabilitation unit. A pshycyatrist and therapist has already been appointed to him.
Hi Dalene
Jy is in ons gedagtes en gebede. Ek glo alles sal goed afloop.
Hou moed en wees positief.
Sheena
Blessings & prayers Dalene to you and your family in this very trying time. I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through. Sterkte dear friend. Love Delia
This the latest update from Dalene an hour ago: Lung machine is off and pipes are out - now he's calmer. Lots of phlem and he can't cough - they have to help him. He's talked to me - first time this afternoon I saw tears roll from his eyes - I thought my heart was breaking into million pieces for him. Physio has also come to start working on him. Also started tube feeding through the nose. Placed stuff on his heels and under his bottom to prevent pressure sores.
She also said: And you lot are such an amazing support network - I would not have been able to handle this without all my beautiful friends.
Please tell all on the forum that I say thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Hi Dalene,
When I had my car accident 20 yrs ago I spent 3 months plus bedriden they also kept me heavely sadated at the beginning to help with the pain I got up to some weird stuff, sharks where swimming arround my bed on many ocations I would remove my drips traction and try to go for a swim if it wasn't for my mom they would have to have picked me up from the floor so mom's are very inportant maybe you can't help him but being there will mean so much to him good luck and take care
Best wishes
Alfred
Hi Dalene
Julle is permanent in my gedagtes en gebede. Ek is kort kort op die Net om 'n update te kry en hou al my duime vas.
It is quite amazing to see with this crises how oranjemundonline came to a standstill on all forums except this one. Reading through all the wishes help being offered, knowing that a lot of the people have never even met; had only one connection and that was Oranjemund! I am so proud to say that I am an Oranjemunder.
Hi Delene, as Alfred said you just being there is an important part to recovery , I also had a car accident about 25 years ago and was left with a disability....just having my family and friends support helped me through bad times, I was in hospital for over a month...and unable to get around for nearly a year..... You are in my thoughts and i know Boet will get through this with the strength that you are showing. I know it is hard sometimes to be strong when you just want to break down, but all of our strength, and prayers with help you get through this.....God be with you........
Had one of these going spare......... bighug ....... and thought of you, cause sometimes a hug says so much more than words ever can. Keep strong - we are all thinking and praying for you.
3d smiles(281) bighug
Well, we are not having a good day. Boet has inflamition in his lungs and they have him on very strong atibiotics at present. Also his blood pressure is down very low again. He struggles to breathe with all the phlem and they have to help him cough every 5 minutes and use the suction pump on him. He is very very tired, for he has not had a good nightrest at all.
Me..... I feel like running, but lucky I'm not allowed to do that in the hospital, so I have to stick it out! lol Yeah, I don't think there's a meter that can measure my stress levels at present!
All I can do is pray and ask you all to pray with me and not to stop.
Dalene, as many a person who has been a similar situation will tell you, the first few weeks after such a traumatic event are never easy, a year from now, you will look back and wonder how you found the strength to drag you through this hell.... but we all know, that you are a very strong willed person and you shall persevere........ it just takes time.....
Yes! A prayer, indeed, it shall be said.......
Dalene,
Ons bede is met jou en jou familie. Sterkte met die pad vorentoe, maar ons weet julle is sterk genoeg om bo uit te kom.
Baie liefde,
Eugene en Ingrid
Dalene I remember talking to a Loss Adjuster (Insurance expert) he told me on many occasions he would visit auto crash victims in hospital.
Within two weeks of being admitted in a very bad way that person would be walking out of the hospital,... with the power of prays and the ability of the body to recuperate your son will make it.
All your online members are there with support even if you do not no them personally Good Luck and speedy recovery to your son........................Frank.
Dalene has asked us to post the following snaps:
and...
Strength to you and family at this time. Boetie is in good hands at groote schuur . I was in heart section for 6 weeks and they took very good care of me , nursing staff are excellent. Love from the Macpherson family.
Latest update from Dalene - Not going to good with Boet. Coughing up blood now and also picked up a bladder infection. He's very confused. Taking him for a head ct and more chest x-rays. Building up a lot of carbon dioxide in his blood. They may have to put him back on lung machine. Please keep praying for him.
Thanks Mike for adding the pictures for me.
Thanks Michele for the update.
Thank you to everyone once again for your support - I truly need it today as it is not a good one. But we remain positive and will not lose hope or faith - it is just a very worrying period and puts a lot of emotional strain on us.
Susan is still taking such good care of me here in Cape Town.
All of you are just such positive inspiration with your messages, support, sms messages, phone calls, your posts here and all your prayers. I don't have the words to thank you for all of it - I can only say tank you and love you for what you all are doing.
Things are looking a bit better today again. Still waiting for the prof to tell me what they found on the brain ct scan last night - ICU personel are not allowed to discuss it with me.
Main thing is that he's at last sleeping a bit, for he was almost constantly awake for 3 day's - slept for 2 or 3 mins and then he was awake again. Yesterday he was rambling the biggest load of nonsense all day long. I am also feeling a bit better today - not so stressed out.
No improvement on the paralysis yet, but we will not lose hope and faith.
You're doing a good job there Dalene. A great mom you are.
Chatted to Dalene .. and yes i agree Georg ... our dear frind positive ,, in reality , caring and just doing her damndest to be there for her boy ... its that presence that helps healing ...
Hi Dalene,have just seen the very worrying news about your son haven't been on the sight for a while.....
Am sure',' as you are there for your son , he will know whether awake or asleep,it will give him the strength he needs! Good Luck and a speedy recovery for your son.....Hang in there,it may seem so difficult but it will be worth it when he comes home!!!!!!!!
Thinking of you Pam and Keith 3d smiles(281)
Latest update - The brain CT showed bleeding on the brain due to a knock on the head. Thank God that stopped and they did'nt have to operate for it. He's better today - not so confused and at last he's sleeping. We had a good cry together this afternoon - I could only hold him and tell him how much I love him ... - my beautiful Boet - wish I could take all his hurt and pain on me!
3d smiles(281) bighug Dalene.
Thanx so much for the call yesterday nice speaking to you. Will call you shortly.
Thoughts and prayers are so with you and Boet.
Bid vir jou Dalene... Gerda en Brian.
Dalene and family. When the going gets tough, the tough get going and he is tough and more so are you. Our prayers are with you and your family and it won't be long before he is back on the farm showing off his "war wounds". God keep you all in his hands. STERKTE. bighug
Latest update - Yesterday was quite a good day for Boet. Today we are struggling again. Heavy breathing, spiking a fever of up to 40 - prof told me just now if it continues they will have to incubate him again.
Positive update today - Wow - we are having a great morning - first thing he said when I came in was that he's getting hungry! hehe hooray!! Prof was just there - bacteria counts down, oxygen levels up - most drips out AND they can take out the nose tube! Thank you Lord!! Temp still high, but he's feeling ok!
Nose tube is out and he can start having soft meals - he's been having small amounts of yoghurt and jelly and custard - now we can proceed to some other stuff. He will still need supplements, but he can have it orally.
We played cards yesterday evening - well guess who won fair and square? Hmm - was'nt me if I can put it that way !!! Got him a seduko book as well (he loves it) - now he wants me to go get him a clip board (his right arm and hand does not work that well, so he can't hold the pen or pencil or cards propper). I also want to get him a tennis ball to start rolling in his had to improve his muscles and nerve response in the arm and hand.
Still no improvement on the neurological side regarding the paralysis, but we are not losing hope and giving up.... he's a fighter!!
Thank you all so much for your prayers.... We are at day 9 and look how far we have come. He's still in ICU, spiging a fever of about 38,5 at present, but I know he's in good hands.
Iam so sorry to hear a bout your son, hope he gets well soon
Well put Dalene .. 9 days and see how far we have come .. it can only get better and better ,, ...
I'm sure it's your encouragement Dalene that keeps him going.
bighug woo_hoo
A few more day's and he will be playing for the Springbok Dalene!!.... he is in good hands, yours and the hospital staff........ Good Luck.
We are doing good. Boet has had his breakfast and lunch (he says he's HUNGRY) - soft meals, but still - yippee.
The right hand and arm.... prof came by again this morning.... the problem may not be neurological .... taking him for x-rays on that..... as the swelling has not come down in the arm and blood has started pooling at the elbow..... they suspect that his arm might be broken..... obviously not badly, but still.... It was not one of the major life threatning issues that had to be attended to, so only since I got him the stress ball and I've noticed that he also complains about a pain in his shoulder blade and moans when I lift his arm, did I mention it to them that they maybe should look at it. The prof agreed with me, so we will know shortly if this is the case or if it is just badly sprained and bruised.
He still spikes high fever... they are watching that ... also he has developed some minor infection in his anterior op, but that is also not such a big worry at present.
You go Dalene you doing a smashing job "MOM"
Alfred
rooster woo_hoo msn emoticon (8) cheers you rock bighug
All little hurdles - I'm sure you and Boet will win this marathon!!! bighug
Have been away for a while and only just found out about Boet. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your son Dalene. I can't imagine what you're going through, but you're an inspiration to all of us out here. Take care of yourself, your son needs you now more than ever.
bighug
bighug
23_11_61
See How Strong a Mums Love is bighug 3d
3d smiles(281)
Dalene asked for the following snaps to be put online...... It';s great to see the kid smiling.... things seemed to be heading the right way now...... Good Luck you two!
you rock
Hey Boet! You're looking great.
:emot112_2: 3d smiles(281)
Great stuff he's realy looking good well done guys Dalene, Boet and Hospital staff
woo_hoo laughpoint
and Dalene you can have that long beermug20 now
Met daai attitude is Boet sommer gou weer op die been!
Great to see such a smile - I cant but feel that there will be GREAT improvement befor we know it.
Dalene - we'll all celebrate when he returns home, doesn't matter where we are!
you rock yes1
So good to hear positive news and see wonderful spirit. Atrength to all of you Dalene and family! 3d smiles(281)
It's great to the photo's of Boet smilimg for the camera............
Now is he able to move his arms then? The thumbs up?
idontknow
It is really great to see the smile on Boet's face!
Thumbs up !! its only forward now ...
Hey Dalene,i thought i was going to see you guys at the end of the month but the rate Boet is going now i am going to miss you....i am coming down to fetch the girls Nice to see Boet smiling..... swink
Boet had his birthday in ICU yesterday - we had cake and fruit juice and the staff joined in! Turned 19....
Mike A - yes, he's been able to move his arms from the beginning - the paralysis is only from his chest down. The right arm is giving a bit of trouble - not working all that great. He does have a fracture near the wrist, but unfortunate that is not the main cause of the arm not being able to respond to neuro impulse. He mainly uses his left arm to do stuff now, that's why the left thumb is up.
They had him sit up in a wheelchair for about 10 mins yesterday, but that did not go down very well, so his spirits took a bit of a dip. He also started spiking a fever again during the night and he's coughing again this morning. Prof ordered lung x-rays again and they have to culture spitium again to see what kind of lung infection he's developing now to treat it. We thought he might get out of ICU today, but it seems not.
Happy Birthday to you Boet and I'm sure its going to go well this next year even though there will be some trying times ahead still. I have know doubt you will be as good as new again. You also have one wonderfull caring mother at your side.
Loves Hugs and Prayers.
Hi everyone - here is the latest: Prof in rehab has finished asessing Boet. We've just been told that his spinal cord injuries were extremely severe and that he will never walk again. Now the hard work begins to get his life back to as normal as possibly can be for a quadroplegic person.
Not good news .. but yes optimism will pull Dalene and boet through it ,,, Dalene ... where are you ??? been trying to get you on the phone always off ...
That's very sad news. I'm so sorry Dalene.
Sorry to hear the news, Dalene. BUT I still remain positive - one never knows, miracles DO happen!
Very sad news, but don't ever give up hope. The road will be long, but like Bertie says, miracles do happen.
This is the latest in Dalene's life: Handling 2 childrens crisis situations at once .. I'm a juggler! Susan just had a major asthma attack in boarding house at school - middle of the night emergency to hospital for her .. had to organize it all from here - 1000 km away! Right .. send in the clowns !!
Dalene - bighug bighug bighug
Hi Dalene & Kobus,
We are so sorry to hear that the results of Boet's tests are not good at all but you must all keep very positive and as others have also said, miracles do happen. With modern technology moving along so fast these days, you never know what is around the corner, so Dalene and family, hang in there and be strong for each other..........
Hope Susan gets over her asthma attack soon
Mike & Jenny
Dalene moenie moed verloor nie. Ek bid vir jou. Onthou net God sal niks op jou pad sit wat jy nie kan hanteer nie.
Dalene !! Sorry to here your bad news ..............................Good luck to you and family in the future
Dalene, All I can say is sorry and all the best for the road ahead for you, Boet and the family
I can relate to my amputation 21 yrs ago, I went through lots of stages , being down, pee'ed off ect. Today I can't beleive what I have acheived thinking how my whole life had changed due to one accident, my story is not as serious as Boet's. What I'm trying to say time heals we addapt and looking at the pic's of Boet he will make you proud
Good luck
Alfred
Alf , I will echo the " time heals ' but put it in another frame .... whatever life changing circumstances we have thrust upon us , be it the loss of a friend , a loved one , a loss of health , loss of mobility ,, down to facing ones own personal demise .. one can go on ... all life altering and changing ... I think back to my words to a dear friend when she lost her son easter this year ... she said to me " sandy you have been through loss please tell me more . does time heal ?? " The words that came out of me as i was embracing her were ... " Diana it get better with time but only if you want it to " I put the accent on " if you want it to " we can get bogged down in anger , regret , bitterness and it can consume us .. and yes cripple us as no physical incident can , cos if your soul crippled its bad ... My sense in talking with Dalene is going through the motions of acceptance currently , trying to deal with it and yes trying to help her family deal with it ... Dalene is strong but yes will need all our positive input and prayers to help them all through it .. and yes despite working on acceptance , to every day pray for the miracle ... we must all focus on that one for now .... and deal with it on a day to day basis ... Sterkte Dalene ...
Have not been online that much this week as I am back in Kathu for the week to sort out the stuff this side. Yeah well, got the 'kickback' (I expected it) from the car insurance today - they not gonna pay out coz Boet did not have a valid drivers lisence, so..... on your feet you go Dalene !! I don't worry about it now.... just as long as Boet keeps going like he's doing now.
Susan took a few pics of him today in the hospital (she is this star and looks after Boet for me while I'm not there) and mailed them to me... he's doing good and looking good. A long road ahead of us still, but we're gonna make it and with friends like you lot and all the support and prayers... well, who can stay down?
Once again.... I cannot thank you all enough for what you do, for every message, prayer, mail, phone call and just thought.... you are wonderfull.
And Susan, my friend.... oh boy, .... her and Rudi opened their house, hearts (and fridge) for me ..... how does one say thank you ? ....................
er..... this fridge of theirs.... would there be any ice cold WHK's in there?
idontknow
Mike, there were a few, but.... the aunty was mighty thirsty...
What can I say ??
Hello Dalene ... see the news .. you soldiering along I see ... chin up Girl ...
Sorry about your boy Dalene life has its ups and downs but after all the tears and what 'IFS' we seem to pull through.
I know your life will be changed forever, but never never give up hope..............good luck to all of you ......Frank.
kiss
Hi Dalene, Kobus & family,
Nice receiving the update on Boet but most of all, keep on being positive. At least your dear & wonderful friend Susan is there holding things together for you in Cape Town.
Go well to all of you, we are still thinking of you.
Mike & Jenny
Boet's doing better again. He was back on oxygen and drips and stuff for a few days, but he's bounced right back up (mailed me this morning early and said he felt like a salami pizza today..... guess I'll have to go get him one then - he he) !
Posting a few update pics for you to see...
Susan and Rudi is still taking very good care of me. Bertie is is huge support. Sandy phones me. Diana and Debbie and Richard kicks my butt with good wishes every day. Michele 'hugs' me online every day. Florrie and Yvette embraces me from Kimberly. Mariaan jumps on the phone every now and then. Adriaan came to say hallo to me. Mike and Jenny lifts me up. Rhona carries me from afar. Bev jumps into my stupid feel days and makes me smile. The two Barbaras slap me on the back from England. Mike A drinks a beer for me. Frank from down under pitches in to put a smile on my face. Daddy George and Jnr are making snow angels on my behalf.
Man, I know someone is going to slap me or feel bad for leaving out names .... maybe I should just copy and paste the whole name list and shout a massive thanks to all!
What do you mean A BEER! I am knocking back cases of the blerrie stuff.... and on another point, pls change Boet's top to Orange, the blue just does'nt gel!
are-you-there
And here a christmas song and dance in the snow to cheer you up
Daddy Georg and part of the gang......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FayW6VlIxnY
Thanks daddy George !!!
Mike, I did not say you have to 'versuip' in the beer .... just the odd one for my part if fine !!!!
Uhhhhh..... I am going to the shops right after this to go search for an ORANGE top for Boet... he's sooooooooooo going to love you for that one.
Well Dalene, with a great Mom like you, supporting, helping to fight, giving that push to get better and to lift Boet's mood - how can we stand on the sideline and not join YOUR wonderful team, Captain Dalene! woo_hoo
On the photo's, three things really shows:
- Boet's smile - great spirit!
- Our Dalene - the ultimate pillar of strength, and
- It's wonderful to see the support staff of the hospital smiling and it looks like they really do the job because they WANT to help Boet reach a new level of success, and not just because they HAVE to be there...
With all these good signs and the prayers and thoughts from all of us who keep you in our hearts and minds all the time - I'm positive that things will only get better!
you rock
Well said Bertie and we notice that Boet must be getting better........... it looks as if he is chatting up the medical staff........... ha ha
Here's more good wishes from me and I'm drinking wine farms dry for you. 3d smiles(281)
dawoman Dalene daman Boet ... One step at a time, one day at time ... you guys are an inspiration.
God to see the unbelievable spirit of your family Dalene; we should all count out blessings. Best to you Boet, and all your family. Cherry xxx
Hi Dalene, Glad to see Boet looking so good daman
I take my hat off to you as you have been such a tower of strength....in fact you ALL have 23_11_61
3d smiles(281) Thinking of you and it can only get better dawoman daman
3d smiles(281) from england..it is so good to see Boet with a smile on his face, it makes all the difference in his recovery......and makes it a lot easier for you...you are both still in thoughts....and the rest of the family it must be hard for them too with you both being so far away
Sorry, been a bit slack with posting Dalene's comments from Facebook, she posted this today - Taking on week 7 with happiness and gratitude. Boet's making excellent progress each day. He's up in his wheelchair for at least 5 hrs a day, beginning to roll himself in bed, had his 1st attempt at showering himself sitting up & succeeded. Woo-hoo !! Thank You Lord!! Thank you my friends!
Took Boet out of hospital for the first time today for an outing to Melkbosstrand - we had a super time and had lunch in the Seaside Blues restaurant. National Sea Rescue people were having an excersise there, so it made for good views with the helicopter and all. Here a few pics of our outing to show you all how good Boet is doing.
Pic 1 - Boet with a big smile on his face in the small Corsa bakkie that I bought this week.
Pic 2 - Me behind the wheel of the bakkie - Boet took the pic.
Pic 3 - Boet and me having our lunch in the restaurant - all smiles !!
Pic 4 - The helicopter and vehicles from the NSRI
Pic 5 - Getting a nice fly-by from the pilots of the helicopter
Nice pics .. you both looking chipper and in good spirits ...
Looking good Dalene - me thinks someone got their hair done..........really lovely bighug
It's great to see the both of you out and about, keep up with the recovery Boet...........
Boet's doing excellent in rehab, what with impairment and all. Just got the reports from the doc's this week .... impairment in the arms is rated on 10% in the left arm and 40% in the right arm, but we're not giving up hope and the boy is really working hard in the gym to regain strength. We are so blessed, for he has not had any fever or other minor hickups the past 2 weeks and we are sort of getting there with learning how to transfer from the bed into the wheelchair, from the wheelchair into the bed, from the wheelchair into the car and out the car back into the wheelchair. He he he - have nearly dropped him a few times and yesterday the transfer board cracked when we got out at Melkbos ... !! I did'nt know I had such strenght to hold him, but I must admit ... if it had not been for the good samaritan who helped us, we would have had trouble!!
Yes Rhona, I had my hair cut short and tinted it two shades blonder - makes for a new look and feeling good !!!!
Great stuff, Dalene! Well done, Boet! It's wonderful to see the improvement. Just wait, we'll all be surprised. The picture just gets better from here...
Sterkte vir julle, en vasbyt, Boet. Jy is 'n wenner!
woo_hoo
allgood It's so great to see such a HUGE improvement,Boet is
doing so well bravo Keep up the good work daman dawoman
All of us in th U.K are thinking of you guys.Onwards and Upwards!!
Excellent update news !!!
Boet has finally come to the last few days of his long stay in hospital - he has done really well and gets discharged from hospital on Friday the 8th of January. Then we are going home !!!
It will not be easy for all of us and there is still a long hard road ahead. I know we will have our ups and downs, but if millions of others all over the world can do it, so can we and we are striving to be the best 'copers' there is.
We cannot thank the Lord enough every day for the fact that He has spared Boet's life for us and for the recovery and healing this far. That in itself is already a miracle!
Once again I have no words to thank you all. All I can say is that you lot are the best there is.
And then ... my lifelong friend Susan. Where would I have been without her. She and Rudi has been worth more than the world's gold and diamonds - they opened their house, hearts, purses for us. I could never ever repay them for what they have done for us these past months. All I can say is : Susan, you have been my heartfriend for ages and you will stay that till the end of my life.
Have I ever mentioned on this site that my own daughter is called Susan, because my friend's name is the first one that came to mind when my daughter was born....
Hi Dalene & Family,
All the very best for 2010 and it is already starting on the right note regarding the goods news about Boet leaving hospital.
Yes it's going to be tough at times but with the inner strength and love that you as a family posess and with familiar surrounds and friends arround, Boet's recovery will impove even better
Please keep us all posted as to how Boet is doing from time to time
Mike & Jenny
woo_hoo that's the way to go Dalene. Keep the spirits up, and when they do drop, just remember that we're all here thinking and praying for you and your family. Just get online and I guarantee you that someone here will be able to uplift you.
3d smiles(281)
Quote from: Patricia Lotte on January 05, 2010, 07:22:35 AM
woo_hoo that's the way to go Dalene. Keep the spirits up, and when they do drop, just remember that we're all here thinking and praying for you and your family. Just get online and I guarantee you that someone here will be able to uplift you.
3d smiles(281)
I could not have said it any better.
Dalene if there's anything we can do or say, anything we can beg, borrow or steal, anything we can buy or make that would make day to day life easier - please don't hesitate to ask; even if it's just an idea in your head put it out there and you'd be very surprised what can be achieved.........trust me on that!
All the very, very best of luck and love to yourself, Boet and your family
bighug 3d smiles(281)
An update for you all on Boet's progress.
He was discharged from hospital on 8 January and we are back home. He is doing really good. We have our down days and there are still many struggles, but main thing is that he has got an iron will and he WANTS to get better. So far we have been very blessed and there has been no set-backs.
He is so positive that he has already gone for his medicals to go back to work in the mine as a QC Inspector and .... yes, he passed the tests. Well, he has only been declared fit for admin work, for that is all that he will be able to do for now, but he is very determined to get better. On his own accord he has commandeered up the local fisio and the sport science guy at the big gym. Together, in corrolation with his rehab team down in UCT, they have worked out a programme for him. He goes to the gym for a good workout 3 days a week and he is doing super. These guys have such admiration for him.
We are so blessed that things has turned out so good. Thank you again for all your support and love and for the way you carried us the past 3 months!
Thanks Dalene for the update
Sending my regards with all the best wishes to come right
Great news..... just hope he knows how to get his own WHK Lager from the Yskas and does'nt ask mom to do it for him.....
swink
Reaching stuff in the yskas was one of the first things he achieved when he got back home. For now he has to stay away from the brewery stuff though ... water and cooldrink only. The other thing ... he HAS to get milk out to make my tea! YES, I told him way back in the hospital that he's about 500 mugs behind and I'm keeping him to it .. wheelchair or not, he's got to make me tea!!!! (And he really does). he he
As Daddy Georg says...thank you for the update. Pleased to hear you all coping so well.
3d smiles(281)
Hi Dalene ,, thanks for the update ... ups and downs yes there will be , But what I do l see is positive attitude determination and progress ,,, youre a Mom in a million ... chat soon ??
Great news Dalene. Good to hear that Boet is positive and believes that things can only get better.
Yes Sandy - will give you a call soon.
We will be coming to CT again in early July (Boet has to be there for a check up on the 7th) - then we must make a plan to see each other !
You are truly an inspiration Dalene - such strength. So good to hear Boet is strong like his Mom!!!!
Article about Boet in the Kathu Gazette:
http://kathugazette.com/wordpress/2010/02/moedige-jong-man-styg-uit/
I haven't checked this topic in a while Dalene. It's great reading these lines. Both of you have been doing a great job.