The journey continues as does the waiting and hoping. Darryl was a little more unsettled today so he had less physio in favour of rest. When he did rest he looked heartbreakingly peaceful. Such a contrast the utter chaos of emotion that surrounds him.
He gave me a thumbs up today when I asked him if he was felling better being at this facility and out of hospital. Understandable given the large team all around him focused on his every rehab need I guess. They are a truly special bunch. Just what the ‘doctor ordered’ for such a special young man.
He is still storming and we have been working hard to try and ‘break’ the tone in his muscles and relax him by stretching his legs and torso, changing his positions and looking for any triggers that may set it off and trying to anticipate them. Just when you think he is getting better in this regard, he sparks up and away he goes again.
This evening after stretching his legs and trying to settle him down I sat quietly beside him and held his hand. I talked quietly with him and shared some father son advice and encouragement. His breathing slowed and he seemed to be taking it all in. It was hard to keep the strength in my voice as I spoke but it was important to do just that. His strength is mine and mine his, parallel state of consciousness or not.
Last night I caught a glimpse of Darryl’s oil skin jacket, which was more or less a second skin, he wore it so much. Darryl’s boss had brought it down from the farm. Just seeing the jacket brought a flood of emotions to the surface. I reached out and touched it as if to touch the Darryl who once wore it. The pain of such a simple emotional trigger was tangible.
Darryl, you should be wearing that jacket. You should be taking it off as you step into the house and head straight to the fridge. You should be sneaking a few of Brenna’s treats from the cupboard and then blaming me. You should be sitting on the couch munching on some home baking leaving a trail of crumbs. You should be lazing in front of the TV falling asleep as you watch the rugby. You should be you Darryl, you should just be you, NOT this.
I love you Darryl, but more so I believe in your strength, will and courage. That is who YOU ARE and that is what will beat THIS!
Dad
Ah Bro
It is just so shit,I am so feeling you mike
I look at where this all started and where
you are now, and cant help to think that if
there is anyone out there that can do this
it will be the DAZZLA!!
We all know what makes him tick, and they are
the qualities that he will now need to come
out of this. You have raised a fanominal boy
and just wait he will show us all…
Come on DAZZLA
hi Darryl, Mike and family, its your mate Stephen Murrays mum here from Kaitaia. Part of my daily routine is to look up and read how you are getting on. Big steps have been made when you look back, and its just a matter of time. I always keep Steve posted, as hes in Auckland at Uni, and he says good man, and I am sure he will take you on the town one day! He really enjoys it down there. Just know we are all cheering you for in your recovery. You seem to be well on the way back. Tnanks to you Mike, for keeping us all posted, we feel as though we are on the journey too. All the best Lynette Murray and family and Stephen Murray.
Well written Mike, i can see where Darryl gets his courage from now and i know in my heart that he is listening to you and he WILL respond, unfortunately, only when he knows that he is ready!!!!
Kia kaha to you all!!!!
Love , Bill Thurston x x x x x
Hi Mike
Darryl is so fortunate to have such huge strength to draw on from all of you.
This may be a long journey with many twists and turns, not knowing how long and where the journey takes you all is painful but Darryl’s got great navigators.
Keep looking forward, keep yourselves well.
Kia Kaha
Hey Darryl,
Not much to report from the bay of islands. Its a beauty day today and I got to go to town. I’m picking up Rob for the weekend as he has no game this saturday. So have to stock the fridge and pantry…
The tilers are here doing our ensuite so may move into our new room this weekend. Should make the most of Rob being here to heave the furniture around ,sounds like a plan…..
Guy supossed to turn up in next couple of days ,3 horses need re shoeing.I’m keen again now my pony going so good..
Got 2 catahoula pups left so going to put their photos up at a few places in town today.
Will talk to you over the weekend while Robs here k
Love and hugs
Traceyxxxxx
P.S. Glad to hear you have another oilskin ha ha
Dear Mike and Family,
You don`t know me Mike, but I purchased two DVD`S on P for my
grandchildren.I have been following Darryl`s progress every day
and wish him a speedy recovery.Keep up the good work you are doing.
Elaine Babe
Waikiekie
Thanks for writing, I truly liked reading your most recent post. I think you should post more frequently, you obviously have natural ability for blogging!
kia ora mike and all the family,just popping in to say hi and that we are thinking of you all and especially darryl.kia kaha darryl na te manaakiitanga o te atua kia koutou(may you all be blessed and guided by power of God…..kia ora
im so proud of you darryl you are such a inspiration