Sunday 17th May

Well it was a ‘cut and paste’ day today.  In other words I could cut and paste yesterday’s posting into today’s.  He is doing well and also looks well.

He continues to make little improvements and now most of the nurses are communicating with him with regard to pain levels, comfort, positions and even his radio.  Even in a coma Darryl seems to have a knack of getting things in order around him!

He had a few minor sweat ups today but they were relieved fairly quickly and it would be nice to think we have turned a corner on this.  Brenna was beaming with pride today when Darryl powered out a couple of great thumbs up for her and she now takes very seriously her role in the nursing team.  I just hope she doesn’t ever want to play rugby, because I think Darryl would be a walk in the park compared to what she could be like.  I shudder to think.

It has really been a good couple of days and I hope progress in this direction continues.  So often the doctors remind you of the ups and downs that are so typical of severe brain trauma and in this sense I am mindful of the potential setbacks that may spring forth.  I guess without sounding too cliche it is a case of hoping for the best and being prepared for the worst, it’s just in our case the worse has always been a devasting proposition to consider and since that first thumbs up I have refused to consider it.

Darryl’s room is now wallpapered with photos that relect his whole life along with numerous cards ands a multitude of drawings from Brenna .  It helps to give the nurses a real sense of who this mighty kauri is and how many lives he has already touched in his time on this planet.  Now you get a real sense that the nurses care for his progress and are on board with us in this journey.  That is important to me and I guess sits well with my own gravity toward team spirit, notwithstanding the ethos of this team centres on healing rather than getting an oval ball over a white line.

All in all I am a little aprehensive about the calm that has fallen in recent days as too often it does this before a storm.  Watch this space I guess .

So proud of you Darryl.  You have shown all your life that every ounce of praise and belief you have fostered has been deserved and then some.  As a father I couldn’t be more proud of who you are and the young man you have have become.  As you make your way back from this challenge know that the character, spirit and determination that courses through your veins with every beat of that big heart of yours, will be even more defining in your life beyond  these troubled times.  It is truly a case that what doesn’t break you will make you stronger.   Keep it up son, the world needs strong people like you.

19 Responses to “Sunday 17th May”


  • Mike and Catherine,

    We just heard the terrible news about Darryl via Ron Brooks. Please know that you are in our thoughts constantly. In reading the blog, one thing is entirely clear, the Sabins are strong, sturdy people, and that does help in difficult times. We hope that Darryl’s progress continues, and regret being so far away that we cannot be more support to you now. If there is anything that we can do or if you want to talk, please call anytime of the day or night (your time or ours).

    Stella sends a special wet lick to Brenna.
    Love, Janice and Alex

  • I just learned of Darryl’s injury. I just wanted you all to know that he is in my heart and prayers for a speedy recovery.

    Gary Graham
    Denver Police Dept (RET)
    NNOAC

  • Mike;
    This is Al Katcher, NNOAC recording secretary. Just received the e-mail about Darryl’s injury, I hope he has a quick & complete recovery. Will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Best Wishes from New Jersey.

  • Good morning!
    Although I understand your apprehension Mike, it is so encouraging and heartening that Darryl is taking those baby steps on his path of recovery. No A-type likes to walk, but in order for Darryl to run again, that’s just what his mind and body needs to do. Nature has a way of ensuring healing will happen within her own time-frame and no one, not even medical science can mess with that.
    Miss Brenna, Darryl is one lucky brother to have you caring for him with all your love. He knows that you’re there and will be loving every minute you spend with him.
    Catherine, I hope that you are taking care of you as you take care of yours.
    Much love to you all
    Virg

  • Hi Mike
    “Cut and Paste” sounds good. Small steps forward are the way to go.
    Brenna sounds like she’s an awesome part of the nursing team, just what Darryl needs.
    Keep well.

  • Keep coming buddy, the world (and your whanau) needs you!!!!

    Waiting….waiting………

    Kind regards,

    Bill Thurstonxxx

  • Morning D A Z Z L A

    Wow Darryl you are doing so well
    Keep up the good work,

    Think of you heaps
    Great positive updates

    Much Love and Support
    Tubbs Family

  • Morning D A Z Z L A

    Wow you are doing so well
    well done

    Think of you heaps
    Great positive feedback

    Love Allen, Hayley and Boys ( whom are very interested in your progress and talk of you often)

  • I am so glad to hear that Darryl is making steady improvements. I’m thinking of all of you all the time. Best, Peggy

  • Hey Darryl.
    Good on ya keep it up.
    Heading to town today for supplies, going to meet girl friend for lunch. Terry gone to Mcgarrys to do a bull shift as he is away for a few days.
    Will talk later if anything exciting happens today k
    love and hugs
    Tracey.xxxxxx
    Hey Megan hope you are coping okay thinking of you .xx

  • Good morning the Sabins – how reassuring to discover this website. It has been so unsettling driving past your house each day and not knowing how you are all doing. We think of you down there battling nature (and perhaps God) to get your boy healthy and active again. In this website you have created an important commentary and we thank you for allowing us to share a little in your battle from afar. The outpouring of love warmth and energy will find its way to Darryl; you know where you can find us if there is anyting – at all – that we can do.
    All our love to all of you, Sharon, Rick, Joe and Hamish xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  • Mike I just heard about your son’s injury. I am sorry to here of it. Know that my family and I will lift him and your entire family up in prayer to God Almighty. I pray that your son will make a full recovery and that God will give your family peace and comfort in this trying time. Frank Till, President, Missouri Narcotic Officers Assoc.

  • Great to read of the small steps forward. Remember the story of the hare and the tortoise? And your speaking commitment on Saturday night touched a few hearts too,Mike. Number 3 son and his wife were at the dinner and asked me to let you know how impressed and admiring they were of you and your commitment to Darryl, your family and the reason you were at the dinner in the first place. Maybe this will be the week, eh Darryl?
    Best wishes to you all,
    Ann Daly

  • Dianne and Mike

    Hey Darryl, we Finally finished up Paua, now it’s on to Lovells (which we hate)…the guys may have missed u jumping on and shearing a few for them but I didn’t miss u gettin in the way of my broom or pulling silly stunts of standing with heels on the edge of a raised board waving ur arms in backward circles like u were pretending to regain ur balance from falling off. I should have whacked u harder with my broom for doing so and growled u more than I did Not that you would have paid any attention. Hope each new day you have gets better than the last one now on. Take Care!

  • Anderson family

    Dear Darryl and family,I am a great believer that the medical staff do not always know the outcome and people do defy the odds .
    I wish for all the miracles to happen for you and that one day I may meet you at Coopers – we are building in your street.All our love Helen , Wayne , Luc and Jacque xxxxxxx

  • My name is Shayna and I met Darryl, Brook and Megan when I was visiting NZ. Darryl was a young boy then. I remember him well and I am very sorry to hear about his accident. I live in Hawaii where we play football and that is ruff too. My prayers are with Darryl.
    I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
    With love and aloha, shayna

  • Dear Mike and Family–

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Daryl is in my prayers. Rebecca Howell

  • Mike

    I am President of the Alabama Narcotics Officers Association and met you in Washington D.C. at the NNOAC

  • Mike

    I don’t know why the message cut off like that. I have been out of the Office and just read Ron Brooks email. I just wanted to drop a line and let you know that Darryl, you and your entire family will be in our prayers.

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