A good day today. Darryl slept well and was also resting very peacefully until about 11 am this morning when he had a visit from Leo and Colin from up north. These are two of Darryl’s dog trialling friends, mentors and people Darryl has a lot of respect for and has learnt much from. They were passing through on their way to the national dog trials, something Darryl would have no doubt travelled to as well.
Darryl had been learning to trial his dog Jimmy, and was doing very well, placing and even winning some novice competitions. We were so pleased for Darryl that he was getting into the sport as we hoped it would be a focus away from the temptation of playing rugby. True to form for Darryl though, he just did everything.
Leo and Colin chatted as Darryl started to rouse and then I opened his eyes (one at a time to prevent double vision) to see the visitors waiting for him. He thumbs up was deliberate and meaningful as he saw two of his mentors standing at his bedside. He seemed calm and was definitely taking it all in, but the real surprise came when I noticed that the eyes that I had opened, when I let them go were remaining partially open. It wasn’t a lot but definitely about a quarter open. He was unable to open them further but he was able to keep them partially open.
I had an idea and went to the house manager and explained the situation and asked if Leo could walk his dog around the back of the building to where Darryl’s room was so he could see the dog at the doorway to outside. She was happy for this and so along came ‘Pet’, Leo’s dog and I positioned Darryl so he could see her as I opened his eyes. Again he took it all in and you could almost read the expression in his eyes. It was great.
After they left he settled back down and slept well through some of the afternoon and woke a little later and shared some time with his brother and sister. He seems a lot more settled and sweats less as his levels of pain and comfort no doubt improve. A day at a time he inches his way back and seems to have more restful sleep, which is critical to his healing. The brain needs low stimulation, quiet and sleep, in large quantities. So when he is getting that it is something that gives us comfort as it is a feeling of complete helplessness when he is in discomfort and distress that we are unable to remedy.
The only stress of the day was blood clots coming up from his trachie. This also happened yesterday but it seemed to have resolved until he once again coughed some largely old looking blood up late this afternoon. It could be from the suctioning tubes or possibly from his arm being raked across his neck catching on it or pushing it further in. As he has been on blood thinning medication a tear in the tissue could conceivably bleed more than usual leaving clots at the base of the trachie to be coughed out when he is agitated. I hope it isn’t more than that. His temperature is relatively stable so hopefully it is not an infection.
On the whole though Darryl had one of his better days to date and the only reluctance I have in writing that, or even thinking it, is that the falls seem to so often follow the rises. Lets hope that won’t be the case, he has been fighting so hard and tolerating so much he deserves a break and a few more ‘runs on the board’.
Keep it up Darryl, I couldn’t be more proud of the resolve you have, and continue to show. Keep winning that test of you.
Dad
Good to hear Darryl has had a good day.
I was talking to the father of Aaron Clark today, you may already know of his progress after his motorbike crash last October, but just in case you don’t, Aaron caught a plane back to the States a few weeks ago, just 5 months after being flown home to NZ on a medically assisted flight in early December. His blog is worth a visit.
The description his dad gave of Aaron being a very fit and determined person sounded so similar to how everyone describes Darryl, here’s hoping Darryl has a similar recovery.
Keep moving forward Darryl.
Keep strong and well to the rest of you.
Another piece in place
Keep going buddy
You have to finish this big jig saw buddy
You,ll get there my mate!!
Love Bill Thurston x x x x
Its great to hear you’re doing so well Darryl. All the family is home for the long weekend, they’ve all been asking about you and are impressed with your progress too.
Its been a LONG long weekend, Ive had to work all weekend cept I managed to get sunday morning milking off to go to Whangarei to see Rhombus play.Had a ball with Marz who got messy and OWNED her own section of the dance floor, hehee. She sends her love too.
4 Cows left to calve and Im sooo keen for it all to be over. My back is killing from carrying sacks of meal, buckets of milk and hunching over teaching them to drink….urgh.
Stock have crawled into my courgette crop and walked on or eaten 60%, Im gutted, it hurts when I think of all the time I spent planting, ferting and weeding, but ahwell, can’t do much about it now. I was saying to my Dad that WE should eat THEM.
Beginning of my first year of harvest in the lime orchards, I’ve been round visiting other pack houses to see about new suppliers to source and am onto a great new idea…..but more about that later.
More later huh, you take care n rest up.
Arohanui
Hads n Marz
Dearest Darryl
No wonder you’re amazing!!!! You have ‘the most’ amazing family.
You guys are made of some ‘pretty strong’ stuff.
Our ‘not so little’ Darryl won’t remember this but when I use to play cars with you at grandma Merlene’s house, did you know that you always let me choose my matchbox car first. Even when I chose your favourite one. That’s pretty special kiddo. I knew then and there…the world was a better place for having you in it.
You’re making you’re dad so proud Darryl. Thank you for not giving up.
and Mike…huge stretchee hug to you buddy. I look forward to reading up on Darryl’s progress. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Love Alex.
Hi Darryl
Weather was cold, wet and windy yesterday, with 12 mm of rain but the fishing was better.
Kathleen braved the weather and got up early to fish the last of the outgoing tide. Caught 2 snapper, the biggest was 3.6kg and another kahawai.
Weigh in for the competition was at 1pm at the Waipapakauri pub.
Competitors were allowed to weigh in 3 fish of each species.
Some big snapper were caught in the 8kg range as well as plenty of kahawai but only 5 trevally.
Kathleen took out the cash prize for the average fish with her 2.05 kg kahawai.
The last of the wether lambs are off to the works today and they should make good weights. Darcy woofed them on to the truck as he does best.
King regards
Kathleen, Max, Deane, Latimer, Lewis and Sandy
Just to let you know that you Darryl has captured my thoughts. I do not know you, however having been directed to this website I find myself coming in every day to check on your progress.
Best wishes – thanks Mike for keeping us up to date.
I look forward to the day I open this blog and find out that you are opening your eyes fully, Darryl keep fighting – small steps. Slow and steady wins the race
Warm thoughts to all the family – you are ALL doing Darryl proud.
Kia Kaha
To Darryl Mike and Sabin Family
We have been following events since I heard Mike speaking about Darryls accident. Our original intent in writing was to give you encouragement in the long road to recovery with all its ups and downs.
A couple of weeks ago one of our sons aged 20, sustained a concussion-late tackle! We have noticed this serious infringement an awful lot in the games in Wellington. Not seemingly policed very well by the referees there. He wasn’t knocked out but had other symptoms. He has had a previous concussion when playing 1st 15 rugby 3 years ago. That was enough for me. He was given very stern words from his mother- I am a nurse. He had been medically cleared to return to play 2 weeks later! I said it was too soon but like Darryl, he is keen to play. We had to be there just in case so travelled to Wgtn. He was to have half a game and his girlfriend and I sat with baited breath. He was certainly enjoying the jet planes(sweets) being dispensed through the game-it was chilly. He got on the field for the last ten minutes and fortunately nothing untoward happened. Our son would say it was worth it to play alongside an All Black whom he says is a great mentor and I say a blessing he is missing the next 2 games due to holiday. I told him it will give his brain extra time to heal. The yellow and red cards should be a mandatory penalty for late tackles that can incur such serious injury. It is usually done with deliberate intent and often talented young players are targeted.
We are encouraged by Darryls progress and know the road you are travelling. We too have a close family member who had a brain trauma and recovered after a long struggle. Darryl has youth, strength and a great family to advocate for him. Plus a dedicated medical team. The brain has amazing capacity and time and rest is the key. That’s the frustrating bit!
Stay strong,
Dianne
Keep it up Darryl! You’re gonna Make It. We were meant to work all this long weekend but got rained off for today (which turned out beautiful and sunny here at home)…probably could have, (Should Have) gone diving for mussels but without Darryl to get us in ‘the mood’ us slackos lacked motivation, we ended up Cooking a Feed, mowing the lawns and shopping in town for groceries after a much needed Sleep In. Miss you Heaps. Get better Soon as you are Able.
Hi Darryl,
I was told about your accident by Catherine and it makes me sad to hear of your accident, but also very hopeful knowing what I have overcome and I know you will too.
7 months ago I had a motorcycle racing accident here in the USA and the Doctors gave me 0% chance of even surviving let alone any type of recovery due to my head trauma and other injuries. They obviously have never met a determined Kiwi before and from everything I have heard and read, you are just as determined.
It is amazing how many small things in life we take for granted, now these things will become small battles but they will all be overcome. The first time I managed to tie my shoes after 4 months of recovery was a huge goal for me, and I have had many triumphs during my recovery.
What really helped me was the amazing support I received from my family and friends, and it looks like you also have an amazing support system behind you.
Get well and stay strong Darryl, Kia Kaha.
Good Afternoon Dazzla.
Wow I am so proud of how you are just taking all of this in your stride and not giving in or giving up! You are working hard for this and it is going to pay off. Think of the day when you can just sit around with your family and friends over a drink and chat. Its going to be so awesome.’I know I can’t wait.
Well the weathers been rainy and shit over here the last few days, hibernation time for sure. I have stocktake starting at my work this week so hopefully will get a couple of extra hour of work, will be good for the wallet
My little kitten is pretty sick, think he has the flu. Im trying some herbal remedies at the moment so we’ll see how it goes, cus he’s really finding it hard to breath. Still haven’t named him yet, shame.
Dazzla, your improvement is so amazing. I know it might seem slow for you, but in terms of a brain injury like yours your doing really well. keep it up. These are the hard stages, its just going to get better.
Keep fighting, your doing great.
Love Lulu*.
Hi Darryl,
My name is Sonja. I’m married to your Mum’s cousin Craig, we live over in Perth & have been updated on your progress by Uncle Ces. Following this website it’s clear to see “Your force to be reckoned with” We are absolutely marvelled at your strength & determination, you are amazing!!!
I can’t wait to meet you next time we’re home.
Arohanui
Sonja,Craig & Sophia Whimp
Oh D A Z Z L A
You are so awesome little bro
wow keeping your eyes open that’s freakin huge
what a ledgend
Your baby steps are so frequent, you seem to be taking
a huge step each and every week
Its totally cool to read and we feel it mate
BIG TIME
Allen and me have been taking of a trip down
to see you
I am happy you are keeping the fevers at bay
I hope they can get on top of your trachie issues
as I am sure that would help heaps
You are very brave, well love and respected
keep your momentum charging like you are
its a real inspiration D
miss you heaps,
Long for the day you just rock on up for a few days
look forward to that big time
I haven’t celebrated my 30th yet so there’s another
keep on keeping on
It hurts to think of you in there,
but I guess you have to learn to walk before you can run hey
you can, you know you can
Always thinking of you little bro
Tubbs Family
Hey Darryl Mike and whanau,
Todays news is awesome. Keep it up bro. See you soon.
Teila
So happy to hear that Darryl is improving. We all continue to remember him and your family in prayer. Hang in there – you have prayers from all over the world at work!
Darryl & Family,
The news of Darryls improvements are awesome.
Keep it up Darryl.
Like others have said, slow and steady wins the race.
Stay strong!
All the best.
Laura ox
Hi Mike and Catherine, surprise Catherine re the connection with Danny and now Mike!!
Reading your daily entries on the website brings tears and the return of many memories to me both good and bad with regard to my son Aaron and his own accident and injuries. There are a lot of parallels with Darryl and Aaron and I wish so much for you all,that Darryl’s recovery is successful.
There are traits that will help him immensely during his recovery and which I think he shares with Aaron.
He is young,strong both in body and in determination and from your writings ,Mike,fearless and very independent to the point of rejecting his Dad’s good advice.
The neuropsycologist I spoke to on several occasions at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs,told me that these things will make the difference between a slow and faster recovery so that is a real positive for Darryl.
There are many things I could share with you all but will limit it to this for now:
Life for you and Darryl has changed and will be forever and the effects of that will be with you forever.
However your love for Darryl and so importantly your love for each other and your own inner strength will get you through this and will make the difference for Darryl as he progresses through his recovery.
Yes Mike, I fully understand your comments and thoughts, as you live in this bubble of home and hospital and the emotional turmoil during the ups and downs of each step and each day that you as parents endure.
Take strength from those around you and from Darryl, as he will be fighting hard for himself but for you as well, in his own way.
Best regards, John Clark. Kia Kaha.
Hi Mike Catherine and family,
everyday my wife and I read your progress Darryl. It’s great to hear when your days are good, more good days please!
Hearing that you are responding well to people inspired me to up-date you on what’s going on at Taipa Area School. We had Areas down in Whangarei a few weeks ago, second again! The rugby boys played hard, though I shouldn’t say, one of the other teams played very dirty! The boys have a few mnore tournaments so here’s hoping they are more successful. The other gossip around school is the forth coming ball, which I think is in August. As you can tell I’m not very interested in.
Well, keep fighting hard! We are all standing behind you.
Hayden Schulze
Hey D A Z Z L A
How are you my mate?
Hope you are resting well, and your
trachie issues is under control,
We are so stoked for you on how much
progress you have made
we miss you
Hey Darryl,
We are all right here behind you and dad and Catherine and Brook and Brenna. Tai and his JB1 mates are following your positive progress and playing hard for you. Tai wanted me to say it was probably just as well you weren’t totally awake for the Super 14 final but he’s hoping you will wake up a bit more soon. He now thinks he might grow up and be a bull rider or a dog trialler like you. Go hard in between those rests – you are so very close, so close…
Hi Darryl, so glad to hear of your continuing progress. i think some people have these indominatable spirits that don’t know how to give up – Tyson is just such a person like that as well – it is always the things that your passionate about that get these hugh responses from you – keep it up Darryl there is such alot of life for you to live yet. Allen and Hayley brought a dairy farm today i’m sure they are going to need some help up there and as they have already trained you up – and your one of the family – make your recovery urgent. we have hugh respect for your family and their dedication and love for you – although i think that’s a long line. come see us – i have endless hot water now and you can take your 3 hour baths in peace and comfort, we look forward to the day. we have you in our prayers and always with love, Shirley.
Hi Darryl (plus Mike, Catherine and others)
Was hoing to be able to have talked to you in person by now but it looks like your taking your time on this one, which is so not you – your usually like a bull at a gate, but if time is what it takes we’ll all be waiting, don’t doubt that.
I’ve followed your Dads blog and am impressed and encouraged by your progress, In fact considering where you were at I think your doing downright amazing. Then again when I think about the boy I met a few years ago and the way you approached everyting you did in life, I’m not surprised.
Your old mates from U16s Nick, John, Hem and Solly are all going Ok this year in the U18s. They are all playing well but Hem is away shearing a lot, but evern when he’s back to play he still never passes the ball, which is ok cause he still scores heaps of tries.
Us on the outside can’t imagine how tough your doing it at the moment mate, but this is a fight you can win because of what I know about you and also because of th guy you’ve got in your corner (your Dad).
So keep up the good work and most importantly just know that all of us out here are thinking of you
Mike Jurlina
Hi Catherine, Mike and of course Darryl,
I’m Aaron Clark’s (He of the motor cycle accident)mum, and I was moved to tears this morning when I read your blog Mike. The similarities between Darryls reactions and Aaron’s and their parallel progress is incredible.It took me back to the joys we also experienced with the little steps which seem like gigantic leaps to us. They are of course gigantic leaps.Darryl is putting the same effort and concentration into his recovery as Aaron did. Your imagination is using stimuli for Darryl is so much fun, and he’ll be looking forward to seeing what dad will come up with next – especially now the beer has gone out the window (so to speak. You’re all doing so well, and I’m sure your outcome will be as positive as ours eventually became.Keep it up Darryl, and I’m looking forward to buying you a large flat white when you walk into our cafe. We do have beer as well of course.
Just keep fighting young man – you’re doing great.
Much love to you all.