Darryl had a more settled day today and while his temperature is still popping up quite high a lot of the times he was more relaxed and suffered less from the spasms he was having yesterday. The day started with him being strapped to the tilt table with him slowly being stood up to 45 degrees. His blood pressure went a little out of kilter so they didn’t raise him any higher but he still coped well with it.
Later in the day he also got hoisted out of bed onto a lazy boy chair complete with his tusty head gear. He looked pretty comfortable I’d have to say and so he should. I found out today that the cosy chair he has been sitting in would set you back around $10,000. Needless to say we aren’t planning on getting a set of those for his bedroom in anticipation for his return! I’m sure he’d rather perch on a beer crate. Waikato draft of course, his favourite, believe it or not.
He seemed to have less flem coming up off his chest today and when I quizzed the doctor about possible causes of his temperature she said that they had ruled out just about all of the possibilites in terms of infection and she felt it could be a condition they call ’storming’. As I understand it, storming is common with severe brain injury and stems from the sympathetic nervous system involuntarily activating fight or flight type spikes in heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. It is part of the journey with many patients in Darryl’s condition and apparently settles down as the brain bruising and trauma resolves.
We put a lot of cool cloths on him and sponge him down to try and cool him, which seems to work and his muscles relax as his temperature drops. I also tried another recovery ‘aid’ today by way of a small CD player/radio. The idea was suggested to us by a guy who works on the ward who is actually a survivor of a severe brain injury resulting in a long period in a coma. He claimed he could hear all that was going on around him during that time and he said playng Darryl’s favourite music would be a help and make things familiar to him.
I figured the advice was pretty sound and for those who know Darryl well you may be interested to know that the first song I played him was his favourite by the Flight of the Concords called “Business Time”. I remember the first time we played the CD, Darryl and the other two Sabin kids, along with Catherine and I, were heading down country and we put it on in the car. The song is a very comedic take on a Wednesday night two minute session of pushing the ‘mummy daddy buttons’ otherwise referred to as ‘business time’.
It was one of those delightful moments that money couldn’t buy as Brenna, at the tender age of only just 4 was singing away the lyrics (which while very tongue and cheek I am hoping she didn’t understand) while Darryl was just sitting there chuckling away under his breath in the mischievious manner he has perfected. It has been Darryl and Brenna’s favourite song ever since.
Poor old Brenna, she really misses her big brother. It was a real challenge for us to take her in to see Darryl in the earlier days, but on the advice of the very caring nursing staff in critical care we knew that we had to. She knew there was something up, not surprisingly and while it has worked out well, taking her in to see Darryl lying there so ill was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. She has been brilliant in her handling of the situation. I only wish I could see the world as it stands now through her eyes, although I guess in many ways I do, as her matter of fact comments and comprehension of the situation is uplifting in it’s innocence.
As midnight approaches again, I hope for change in the new day. I figure that the eight or so times I have watched The Shawshank Redemption was in some way a preparation for this moment in our journey. I have always found inspriation in the movie and the way in which it portrays the importance that hope brings in strenthening the fibres of the human spirit and offering possiblity. And possibility is all that is needed for the seeds of miracles to grow. Without hope there is no possiblity, and without possiblity there is no hope.
I hope, as all you do, that Darryl is going to come back fit and strong. I hope that we will hear his mischievious chuckle again. I hope that he will know of the love and support that exists for him. I hope….I just hope
Morning guys
good to hear Darryl had a more comfortable day yesterday.
All the best for another good day today….
Big Hugs from us
You guys are always in our minds…and always here for you.
Don’t forgot to rest yourself.
Darryl “It’s Business Time”
Kia Kaha
Hi Mike and Family
I was scanning the NZ Herald website this morning and came accross your story. I have been sitting here reading your blog with tears rolling down my face. As the mother of a very active young boy I can only imagine the pain you must be going through. Darryl sounds like a real hard case!! I will be thinking of you all and wish you the very best as you go through this journey.
xxxx
Darryl Sabin come back soon,
We know you,ve heard your favorite tune,
Wake up soon and hear it live,
So you can continue to live and thrive…………
Dont know where those words came from……..
Bless you buddy and my thoughts go to your whanau as well
God bless you all!!!!
Bill Thurston x x x x
Every morning I wake in anticipation of how Darryl’s previous day has been. These Blogs, so heartfelt and open, mean so much to everyone that cares about Darryl.
Mike, you write so beautifully, with such intimate detail that brings tears to my eyes.
Thank You for allowing us all to share this difficult journey.
xxxx
Hi Darryl
The fish are waiting to be caught and the pigs are rooting hard out, you need to be up here.
Keep fighting hard, take care.
Cambell
Hi everyone
Just read your Blog again this morning Mike as I do every morning before I go to work. I’m glad to hear yesterday was a little more comfortable for Darryl. You are all constantly in my thoughts. I know you are fighting hard Darryl so just keep it up! Lots of love and hugs to you all and a special hug for Brenna from Baba xoxox
Brook and Mike, I have only just now learned of Darryl’s plight -and therefore also yours. Brook, I recall clearly interviewing you for NZBS and knew through Mike McR of the fine people you and your Dad are. This story reached right into my heart and I felt compelled to let you know my and my family’s thoughts, hopes and prayers are with you. Mike, all power to you as you battle the P scourge. I honour your battling to save other parents’ children, while you also battle for your own. I have no doubt Darryl has always felt loved and supported by you both and still does right now.
our prayers arfe with you all.
Darryl, Darryl, Darryl, what mischief have you been up to since I last saw you, alot obviously!!
I hope you still remember me, I met you on a horse trek at Ahipara when I first moved to Northland. You were so lovely, I knew no one and you offered your friendship to me without a second thought. That night at the rodeo grounds we sat and chatted for hours. I remember when I got home that if I got a call from you I had to run up the farm to the biggest hill just so I could get reception!! man it was cold on some of those nights!! Im back in Taranaki now, and heard all about it on the radio. I cried so much reading the newspaper article, I thought to myself, why, why Darryl you know.
Anyway Darryl, I am thinking of you every day and look forward to reading when your out of your coma and back with a us again.
Hang in there buddy, we all love you so much!
To all the family and friends of Darryl’s we send our love. Echoing a previous post by Yvonne with regard to all the work you do Mike to help all our children stay safe and well we can all only be on your side and hope for a full recovery for Darryl.
I would also like to add what a gift for words you have. Your posts are compelling.
Hey Darryl
Alisha’s comment pushed some buttons in me and brought tears to my eyes. Even though you were only aged between 2 and 6 years old when I knew you, even then you had the ability to make someone feel so special and so loved. And from reading these comments I see nothing has changed. You epitomise this “Some people come into our lives and quickly go by. Some stay for awhile, touch our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
Lots of love, hugs and kisses
Ginny
Hi Darryl, you are lucky to have such a caring Dad and family. When you get well you will thank him for trying to prevent you from playing your favourite game. I wish you strength to get through this awful ordeal.My thoughts are with you and family.
Hello Brook, Mike, Catherine…and Darryl!
Its been over a year since I was in Mangonui… Time goes by so quickly.
I heard what happend not long ago. Id just like to say that there is always hope in what seems like a hopeless situation.
I know the pain you are going through, a few years ago my brother was starting his professional rugby career in Australia, and fell 10 mtrs off a roof onto concrete. His scull was cracked, and the question wasnt ‘how many bones are broken’.. it was ‘how many arnt’.
I was told to say goodbye to my brother, the doctors said that he would either never wake up, or be braindead for the rest of his life. it was the most awful ordeal, but it brought our family together and gave us bonds of love and support.
Somehow against all odds, my brother is alive and well, he has made a full recovery and is in his 3rd year at uni. I believe he came through it because he was such a strong fighter, and so is Darryl.
The love and support of your family is the most precious gift anyone could give him right now, he can hear you..and it WILL give him strength.
Ive had a few good chats with Darryl, about what he is going to do with his life, who he likes… but never who he dislikes. Thats the thing that always touched me about him.. he always brought people up, never down.. and what a gift that is.
He talked about how he wanted to go Farming, and about his horse and the rodeos, what grass grew where he was and what didnt.
When most young people are trying to get away from their family and pretend they dont exist, Darryl ALWAYS had the best things to say about you all, and that he would never be the person he is without your support and guidance.
Keep hold of your hope for a brighter day, its the only thing that will get you through.
Please give my regards to Brook
I am praying for you all everyday
……………………………………………………….
‘The Lord will be your light when you can no longer see, he will be your strength when you are week, he will give you hope when there is none to be found’
Hay darryl
dis Jo
deanes son hope you get better soon
bye
To Darryl & family. I must admit that I do not know Darryl, however this story has touched my heart so deeply. After having lost my sibling unexpectedly I empathise deeply with you all. To Darryl…with all of the love & support you have from family, friends, fans & even people like me who your story has touched, you will pull through. Hold on to that hope that you will play again & not only that, but you will laugh, love & embrace what life has to offer you. For someone so young you have much strength & I pray that you will get through this so that you can realise that. To Darryl’s family, I admire your courage & your faith & so i pray in hope & faith with you that Darryl will come through this & live a long life ahead of him. You are all amazing people & have given me so much inspiration. My prayers are with you all…you too Darryl. Love Nikki.
I have just read the latest news regarding Darryl (Saturday 9 May) and would just like to send my best wishes to you all. Keep strong. My prayers are with you.
Regards
Janice
Hi Mike&Family,
Have only recently herd of this tragic news and have read your blog with great sadness and admiration. Your support and love for Darryl will I’m sure help him through this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darryl,hang in there mate. There are a lot of people that will want to say Gidday Cobber when you pull though this.
Just heard the news of Darryl’s accident and read the blog. My thoughts go out to you and all Darryl’s family, friends and admirers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To Mike Catherine and family, I can only send my thoughts and best wishes as I am travelling in Asia. I know you are a strong family unit, and I am sure Darryl will be gaining a lot from that. If Darryl has inheritted any of his Dad’s guts and determination coupled with his huge levels of humanity, I am confident of the best outcome. Mike, stay strong my friend,and I look forward to catching up when I get home.A
Dear Sabin family, I have been in Auckland (from Sydney) this week conducting a training program for Intensive Care doctors and nurses. Then today I read about Darrly in the Herald. I have been very impressed with the professional and personal attributes and professional skills of all of them and I can only say that there is not better team to be there with you and Darryl. Between their expertise and your love for Darryl he has the best chance for recovery. I wish you all the best.
Mal
Hi Darryl
Hope. There’s always hope. After Joanna had a brain haemorrhage and brain surgery at the tender age of 24 we were told she’d be in a wheelchair and never work again. But although it took a bit of time – and a lot of effort – we beat it. As you know, in time she rose to the dizzying heights of cooking teacher at Taipa Area School!
Now then Darryl. We know you can do better than that! We don’t want to see you in an apron making chocolate microwave cake – again!! We want you back on that farm.
Our thoughts are with you and the family.
Love from Joanna and Clive
You have all been in our thoughts constantly. We wanted to add our aroha to help you the family watching on and to Darryl. Arohanui – Dale and Pam Sparksman-Weber.
to the sabin family our thoughts and prayers are with you it is so great to read the daily progress as we have been down the same path with our grandson who has lived with us since he was 8 he was invovled in accident about 16mths ago with very serious head injuries server leg and ankle injuries as well he was in a coma for 17 days in auckland and it was the most diffucuit journey i just coulndnt understand why he didnt wake up but the drs and nursers kept saying it was the best thing as the brain was healing they were just great he was taken to cavits reabiatation unit in henderson still in a semi coma after 17 days in auckland where he stayed for 4mths and back here with us now i too keept a journal everyday and still look back at it it is a rollercoaster road but i made some wonderful freinds and he has made a reasonable recoverery but slowed him down he was 17 when it happened so hang in there im sure darryl will come out of all this with a big smile and thank you keep up the good work
To Mike and Family, alike many others our thoughts are with you at this time. We quite understand where you are coming from Mike and your strong and sensible views do you great credit. On the other hand our thoughts and sympathy go to Darryl, what a credit he is to you. He got in there the play his beloved rugby not thinking about previous misfortunes, he must be a great kid who lets nothing get in his way and surely his strength will help him over this hump. Dads are pretty often right but tell that to a great son with a mind of his own. our prayers are with you.
Kia Ora ……. D A Z Z L E R…………..
How are you today, glad you had a restful day yesterday.
Wow today marks TWO WEEKS in your new journey,
one where you have already defined the odds numerous times.
W E L L D O N E D A R R Y L,
Talk about the wildest roller coaster i have had to face in my
life to date, You have certainly put the shits up me…
A few things that this experience has taught me is that,
My kids become more – !!special!!
dont take them for granted,
I focus on the big issues.
I am mellowing out and enjoying life and absorbing the good from it and am role modeling the same…
nobody knows what is around the corner and i guess that is what makes life exciting and interesting, and most of all Precious
We are so excited to see you again mate, can’t flippin wait, its like getting your christmas and birthday pressent together at once.
Be tough,
B E Y O U
The Tubbs Family
To the support crew,
Goes without saying you guys are his treasure and his ability to have contact with all his mates and well wishes – so awesome. He will prove allot of doctors wrong he is good at that, they have put forwart the big challenges and he will only but enjoy achieving them one by one.
Darryl,I feel you are an amazing young man. You are making progress. Keep it up! The love of family,friends and your community are fuel to help you heal. Your body and soul has the most incrediable ability and determination to heal. Stay strong young man.!
Supportive thoughts and love to Mike,Catherine and family. Remember to take care of yourselves. Get quality rest.
blessings to you all
Sally and Doug
So glad to hear Darryl has had a more settled day, one more day in the journey.
Finding the humour of moments past are great to share with Darryl.
Keep yourselves well.
Oh Brookie,
I just found out about Darryl, here I am bawling my eyes out…I just can’t imagine what you and you’re family are going through. Darryl’s one strong guy, the progress he has made in these past weeks is amazing, i sincerely hope he pulls through this.
Keep chatting to him, Im sure he’ll really enjoy hearing his big bro.
My thoughts are with the Sabin clan,
Love from Hanani
Mike,
I taught Darryl at Whangarei Primary when he was six years old & even then he was showing his leadership qualities, his sporting flair, his academic talents, his great sense of humour. He was an outstanding boy & from reading your blog & others’ postings, he is an outstanding man.
Thinking of you all
With every best wish
Wendy
I am so sorry to hear of your son’s injury. I don’t know you at all but have just read your blog about Darryl, what a horrific time for you all.
Best wishes.
Rosie.
Mike
Heard the story of your son today.All I can say is what a battler he is.We are all thinking of you and our love and best wishes are with you and your family and Lew and Merlene.
Stay stong
Aunty Margaret,Karyn and Julie Hunt and families
Hi guys,
Brook I hope you Mike, Catherine, Brenna and family are all taking care. Denise Hannah and I are all thinking about you and Darryl.
Darryl’s a real scrapper and a fighter everyone out there’s thinking of him. Take care you guys, and we’ll be thinking of you and Darryl everyday.
Darryl, you will remember starting Taipa Area School in my class way back. What a student you were for those two years, always pushing yourself to do the best that you could do. I know you have the strength to pull yourself through this. There’s still so much for you to do.
Ka kite,
Carolyn
Hi Mike and family.
Ryan Houlker here, you may or may not remember me but Darryl and I were unsepreable at primary school for a number of years and we also played in the same soccer team.
Having read the northen advocate on friday i found this website.
To be honest im not to sure what to write but having grown up with Darryl i know he is an awsome guy and that he is a strong hearted lad. Im sure he will pull through. Myself and my family wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to you, Darryl, and the family, be strong bro because its been a fair few years since ive seen ya and its going to be a bloody good catch up when ya get out.
Much Love and Respect
Ryan
Had the priveledge of getting to know Darryl when we owned Coopers Beach Sports afew years ago. Darryl would come in reasonably frequently after school and spend time ‘browsing’ all the sports and fishing paraphernalia. We spent many an afternoon chatting, what a great young guy!! As parents reading this blog we feel huge sadness for your family, and having a son of a similar age that loves motorcross, injury is always something at the back of your mind. Mike you fight so hard to protect us all from the hideous drugs and the predators that entice our kids. May through this amazing journey you passionately share with us can we give you back the support and fight you all need.
Dear Mike, Catherine and family
Thinking of you all. I know the anguish and the rollercoaster you are going through during Darryl’s recovery. I spent many hours in ICU and the spinal ward during John’s recovery after his accident. Stay strong and keep talking to Darryl.
Kind regards
Lyn Jordan (ex Hertz Rental Cars)
Hi Mike,
I heard you on newstalk ZB. I just wanted to say that as a surviver of a coma (albeit only 5 days), I was also aware of what was happening around me.. I remember smells mainly. Mums perfume, my sisters perfume – they smelt familiar and apparently I turned towards them. And some sounds. When i awoke strapped to the bed (to prevent my constant attempts to pull out the life support tubes) it all made sence to me, i wasnt puzzled by the restraints, so I must have been aware to some degree of what was happening to me. I dont remember feeling pain at all.
When I woke and found out what had happened to me, i began to cry – to which my father replied “what are you crying for, you slept through it all”… I’m sure this is a sentiment that you will agree with when Darryl wakes up.
I know I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
Best wishes, hopes and thoughts
Sara
Hi Mike, Catherine and family
Everyday we are thinking of you all and whether we are at work or at home you are all in our thoughts.
Wayne and Thyrl Weber
Hi Catherine,Mike,Judy & family, Our thoughts are with you all,Catherine did you know that Karen was unconscious for 14 days as a 3 year old.She is now a slim,motivated normal person,so keep positive & keep talking to Darryl.Karen really enjoyed a marshmallow lolly tucked inside her cheeck.
All the best Darryl,
Bill & Robyn
Wow You did a really good job on this thing.