Darryl had a fairly uneventful day today and while the early hours of the morning were again plagued by the ’storming’ episodes that see him tensing up, sweating and become agitated, the remainder of the day was relatively relaxed for him.
The physios did a whole range of stretches with him and then hoisted him out of his bed and into the lazy boy. He was also very relaxed in that chair for three hours or so. Darryl had less ‘awake’ time today, not surprising given he has been running marathons dealing with the storming in the early hours. Having said that, the calm resting is just what the doctor ordered so to speak, the brain needs to time to resolve the bruising.
The most eventful part of the day was Darryl’s impressive escalation in the flemolympics! I was sitting beside him today and trying to relax and staighten his arms out when out of nowhere came a slavo that would have made a cold war Russian general shake in his boots!
It was like witnessing the launching of an intercontental ballistic missle from a nuclear submarine. The reason I say that is he actually blew the end out of his trachie which flew straight past my nose followed closely by what appeared to be to rumanent collections of a herd of jersey cows. Fortunately for me, I only ‘lost’ an arm and a hand in this latest offensive, but I am going to have to consider some sort of armour if he keeps this up. Still, now that I have probably put you off your meal, I can report that the flem was clear which confirms the chest infection has largely resolved.
Today I read Darryl more of the blogs from you his support team. It is a tough job I’d have to say. I find myself fighting back the tears constantly reading aloud such heartfelt messages. I am constantly taking rather extended pauses to regather my voice as it breaks. I don’t want Darryl to hear the upset in my voice. He must know only strength and belief and that is what he gets from your messages I’m sure.
So thank you all for being there for my son and know that you are in this with us and him, as he would be for any of you. That I can guarantee.
Mike
I never thought that flem could be so fascinating… little did I know. Good to hear that you showed the physio care a bit of what you can do Darryl with responding to commands on yesterdays blog – Well done mate. It is the little things that count and give us all hope for a good full recovery. Keeping sucking in all that positive energy directed at you, some of its travelling across the globe to get to you – It is all that we can give you at the moment
Hi Darryl
I don’t know how to say this, but here goes anyway. I’ve been following your progress closely, as have many people in the Far North. You have always been a quietly determined young man so I would like to encourage you to keep on fighting to get well. Hardly a day goes by at school without somebody mentioning you and their hope that you recover.
Mike, thanks so much for keeping us up to date with the blog. Your writing style is informative and gives us a glimpse of the range of emotions that you and your family are going through. I know that words are difficult when expressing love and concern for our children and even more so when in such a life changing situation.
The energy needed to concentrate to write regularly (and with some humour) is appreciated in many ways. For example, yesterday at school a few students had some misinformation about Darryl – an example of Chinese whispers working overtime. It was empowering to be able to log on in class and read about Darryl’s progress straight from the horse’s mouth, and put the rumors to rest. Keep it up, but also think about what is sustainable as most experience shows that Darryl’s healing will take time – not that other peoples experience has ever been a yard stick for decisions made by Darryl. You are in our prayers
All the best
Uneventful sounds good Mike.
Glad to hear Darryl is getting some rest and relaxation with the odd bit of target practice with nice clear missiles to keep you on your toes!
Darryl, my brother taught me to spit when I was 4, I’m pretty good for a sheila, I reckon I can take you…..keep up the practice and I’ll see you one of these days for a “hoik off”. I’m sure that tracea tubes are banned in the rules….I’ll look into it.
Keep up the great work Darryl you little legend !
Cmon Darryl, wake up mate!
We are all waiting and know that you can do it!
Still thinking of you buddy, and your whanau as well!
Kia kaha my friend
Bill Thurston x x x x
Hey Darryl,
Sorry its been a few days , I blogged you yesterday for some reason it didnt go thru. We have been having a bit of that rain they had been threatening us with.
And with the rain comes the phone lines playing up and the internet. Just like Tarai with out the swing bridge ha ha.
Great to hear slowly but surely your days are improving ,good things take time aye.
Ive put the pigdog puppies on trademe had some interesting questions. I put they would make good guard dogs as well as family pets as they are a bit of a mix. It seems Catahoula is a relatively new breed in NZ so had some curly questions.
We have done quite a bit of building up here since you were last here. Closed in the last bay of the shed and turned it into our new bedroom and ensuite ( too flash)
And put a deck and verandah right they way around, looks like a house now. Kyle and Terry built a round pen and just got to get athe arena organised now. We will be able to have a rodeo here soon.
Robbie didnt get round to writing to you while he was here, but asked me to say hey bro and he thinks about you often. He cant wait to have a catch up with you in person.
Ive had the flu the last couple of days so not been doing much. Im supposed to be painting our new room but havent quite got the energy.
Well Darryl me porrige is cooked yum yum
Hugs and love my friend
Traceyxxxxx
Mornin’ Darryl,
Just droppin’ some love and support your way mate – forever thinking about you…..so stoked to hear that you are moving ahead – wicked!.. the wise cowboy knows “the fastest way to move cattle is slowly”
Keep it up!
Georgie xo
Morning darryl
Good to hear your making progress, even if it is slowly.. (I dare you to get your dad in the eye with one of those missiles haha)
take care buddy, thinking of you always
Heather
xo
hi guys,
I never talk or comment to people I dont know as I am a shy person.
But I have been following everyday to see how the progress is going.
It gives me the shivers when its so close to home. Great to hear that your getting there slowly but surely. I cant imagine how frustrating it is for you Darryl.
Looking forward to hearing that youve woken up.
All the best
Kia Kaha Darryl xx
Good afternoon to Darryl family. i have been reading the updates on the blog. at work. hope you get better soon. the wigley family is thinking of you and praying for you as well
be strong
hey bro, just anotha quick message 2 say wats up from all the way down here in invers
did a wickd tribute 2 ya at a gig on saturday, none of us knew ur favorite song so we did Under the Northern Star by Amon Amarth, (toned dwn a bit plus a wicked solo or 2!) bout a group of men who venture off on a journey in2 unchartered waters but in the end follow the northern star home again.
hopefully wen ur well enuf we can come up and hav a beer! speights of course none of that nothern lion red crap! hahah
keep followin that northern star bro,
chin up and kia kaha
Nathan and th rest of the Invercargill rockers
Good Afternoon Dazzla,
Well it was another day in the office as usual for me, nothing much exciting
happening in my life at the moment.
Dazzla I know it must be really frustrating for you at the moment, specially the type of person you, loving the outdoors, happy friendly guy who Loves talking to people, but hang in there, keep fighting, and we’ll keep thinking about you, reminiscing and sending you positive thoughts and energy.
Didn’t realize how much our little chats meant to me until they stopped, can’t wait to get a call from you soon to catch up. I’ll probably faint from shock thought .
Keep fighting Darryl,
Love Me*.
Mike/Darryl
Although you do not know me I feel I’m getting to know you day by day…
You see I happened to be visiting my Mum up in Whangarei for Mothers Day (you seem to have escaped cooking breakfast for your Mum this year huh!) & picked up the Northern Advocate (you made front page…) I thought to myself Geeeez, I know this dude… my immediate reaction I have to do something… but what…
You see I met you many years ago in Whangarei when I caught up with an old friend of mine (your Mum) for a coffee. I think you were around 4yrs old at the time, suddenly now I’m feeling old!
I came home to Auckland & checked out your website blogs to follow your progress, dude keep up the good work. Life is a journey & often a mystery, like your Dad I do not confess to hold any religious beliefs but at times like these we all look for hope & direction….
One thing I know for sure whatever is thrown at you, I can see it makes you stronger…. You see it is in your genes, you’re a born fighter & will not look back one day but look forward to that new challenge that awaits you.
Mike, although we have never met, you are not only an inspiration to your family, you are an inspiration to us all…
Darryl, take care dude & make sure you give your Mum (Megan) a special hug from me
I look forward to buying you a beer one day… and WATCHING the rugby!!!
Cheers
Bretto
Hi Darryl. To day was an eventful day on the station.The sun was out early so a mob of ewes came in for a night pen for shearing to morrow.Hopefully we can finish the shearing in the next 4 days with no rain breaks.Deane and I also drenched the weaner heifer calves.Kathleen went fishing to day and caught 6 kg snapper which she has given to the cook so the shearers will be having fish for breakfast.Keep fighting Darryl.Everybody in the far north is asking after you.
Kathleen Max Deane Latimer Lewis Sandy.
Hi Mike and Darryl-2nd time for me and it’s a bit easier. I have been following the progress via www daily and I have developed a huge respect and admiration for you Mike-in the way that you show us men up in how [effectively] we communicate our love and fears.Len Snee was a good mate of mine-went all through school and rugby and club and rep teams. His sons have got a dad like Darryl. Good on you-you are a good man!
Hi Darryl………….Sleeping lots huh….that is a good sign………..tells me that when you are awake you are working very hard…………….remember that song …………reach out and touch somebodies hand ………..we are waiting it won`t be long now………kia kaha