It was another day in the life of a coma patient today with Darryl resting quietly seeming quite settled. I should point out that while it is amazing Darryl has survived the initial injury there is really no telling at all how this will play out.
Even the most seasoned veterans in this field readily admit that it is a very inexact science and they have no real idea when he may wake and indeed if he will wake up.
Since this tragedy we have heard from so many who have similar experiences with loved ones who have suffered devastating brain injuries and it is easy to feel a sense of heightened hope when they tell you of the fact that their loved ones were written off but made miraculous recoveries after prolonged periods in a coma. Unfortunately as I have discovered there are just as many horror stories that didn’t end so well it’s just they don’t get repeated as often for obvious reasons.
It can do your head in trying to make sense of this situation and working out what is good from bad, progress from regression, but the reality is that we cling to hope and are dealing with a reality that is at the worst end of the spectrum in terms of severity. The reason I want to point this out is that the journey, if we are lucky to have it, is likely to be a long one and progress will more likely be measured over weeks and months rather than days.
No-one can give us any real indication of what to expect, when to expect it or how to expect it. So keep the well wishing coming and lets all hope that it reaches its target.
Today, physically, Darryl took another step in his ‘recovery’ when he was strapped to a tilting table and they raised him up to 55 degrees. His blood pressure remained stable which was a good sign as it often drops. He sweated like he was doing a workout – which clearly he wasn’t, but they say this is a common side effect of a head injury. I figured on that basis that I have obviously suffered a head injury because the same thing happens to me when I’m on the squash court.
Anyway he handled that well and then with his trusty rugby head gear he was then sat in his lazy boy to catch up on his R’nR. He coped OK with that but he slowly began to lean to a really unnatural angle which eventually I took issue with given the nurses didn’t seem too concerned. The old ‘Police’ hairy eyebrow is always handy I’ve found.
He is resting comfortably tonight and as I mentioned seems medically quite stable. It just breaks my heart to see him lying there, unable to wake him up and see his eyes looking back. I long for that day.
Thanks to you all
Mike
To Darryl
We were all shocked by the news of your injury, but some how not surprised as we know how desperately you wanted to play again. The Club (Eastern United) extends their best wishes and prayers to you and hope that your persistant attitude will help you fight your way back to good health. God bless Darryl EASTERN UNITED RUGBY
To Mike and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You’ve been through tough times in your job Mike but the biggest test is in front of you now. Remeber our Club and community are watching closely and are with you all 100%. If we are able to be of any help up here or down there please let us know.
Dave Jurlna 021 2702995
EASTERN UNITED RUGBY
Hello again Darryl, Mike, Catherine and Brook.You have the very best in Dr Les Galler. Brett will tell you that as well
. Hope you maybe read my first message to make sense of this.
Kia kaha ki a koutou
Jo Berghan
Hi Mike and Family,
We had the pleasure of catching up with Darryl at Allen and Hayleys christening/farewell. It was nice to see him looking so well and fit and obviously enjoying life… He repeatedly offered us a room to stay in if we were ever up his neck of the woods – we have four sons and offers of accommodation aren’t as frequent as they were when we only had two, but Darryl wasn’t afraid!!! It was a genuine offer from a genuine man. We’ve known Darryl for only the last 3 or 4 years, and I have always been impressed with his manners, integrity and work ethic. You can be very proud of the man you have shared with us all…
Darryl
All our love and best wishes are with you. There are many many old cowboys up this way that don’t have knowledge/access to the internet, but they are thinking of you and asking after you each day. It’s gonna be a long road ahead mate, but you and your family are not alone…
Darryl please know that our thoughts are with you and your family. We are constantly thinking of you. Our community up here are very saddened of this shocking news and ask me each day at the pharmacy if I have heard any news so I will be checking this website each day/ God Bless you and your family.
Brookie.
For the second time since leaving, I have really wanted New Zealand to be closer. You are one of my oldest and dearest friends, and I am well aware of the strength you have that will carry you through this. We share the knowledge that family is the biggest blessing we have in this world and their love and support is everything.
The Ryken clan are thinking of you all and I thank god we live in the 21st century and I can get updates everyday.
I may be half a planet away (or on a completely different one) but I’m still available to talk or unload onto anytime.
My prayers and love for Darryl, and your family.
I love you lots, Peanut.
Hi Mike, Catherine, Brook and Brenna
You as a family are never too far away from our thoughts. It is amazing the amount of support that you as a family have up here in the Far North. This website is such a cool way of keeping everyone updated. Well done.
Mike – I hope you have found a squash court down there – I am sure you have. I have never known it to render you unconcious. Breathless for a few seconds would be handy for some of the opposition……
Darryl – You have never done anything by halves have you! Whether it be farming, riding bulls, bikes, rugby, school, automated fish feeders or the mighty flexislide 2000 toothbrush – you have always given 110% and then some more. You are one of the most determined and focused young men that I have ever had the privledge of knowing. It is really neat to hear the steps you have taken since last monday when we found out. I am sure that that your determination will see you through the times ahead. Get well and heal while you sleep. We are thinking of you as many many others are. The power of collective postive thought and energy is directed at you Darryl – Suck it all up and use it to get well!
Cheers
The Walsh Clan
Hi mate,
My thoughts are with you all the time, it makes me wish New Zealand was a bit closer.
I understand completely why you wanted to get back on the sports field, the lure of the competition is hard to explain but impossible to resist.
Rest and get well, you´re solid as a rock, its always a pleasure being in your company.
Regards Klem
I am so sorry to hear about the tragedy your family has suffered. I know that words are just that, but faith is a lot stronger. God will give you and Darryl the strength to see through this. Never give up on your son, as long as he knows you are fighting for him “out here”, he will be fighting “in there”. My prayers are with you and your family. May peace sustain you during this difficult time and may the Lord bless you with one of his many miracles. Never stop believing…
Nickie from the Nebraska, United States
sori to hear about the tragety bro.
get well soon so we can hang out again.
best wishes
reuben
hay sorry to hear about your injurys mate hope you get better be strong and to his family i hope he improves and best of luck
This is sad!!! Get better.
all the best.
I do not know darryl well, more like a side-line watcher who saw a talented young man, and what i do know is that he gave 100% and always had a smile to give, and of hearing this news only yesterday brought tears,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially for you Darryl – may the lord give you peace, strength and the courage to fight.
And for all of us ‘Hope’,
kellie, atama & reef
We have also had the pleasure of knowing Darryl for the last few years and cannot say enough positive things about him. Please tell him we are thinking of him every day. Keep fighting mate!
Love Steph and Lance
Morning DAZZLER
Thinking of you little bro, So glad to hear everyday you take a little step in the right direction, i think its fair to say you have enough mates out there, that no matter how long your recovery is you wont be alone…
Oneday at a time hey
We are holding you real close
Tubbs Family
As a parent my heart goes out to you. Kia Kaha.
Keep strong and know that many are praying for you
Darryl, you will make it.Great young people like you always do. I pray for you.
Gutsy, willing, keen, brave and determined to fight hard…this attitude will keep you in good steed for the road ahead. Thinking of you all. (Taipa Area School/ Oruru Valley Rodeo Club/Umewera Out West)
Darryl
Was good to catch up with you again a few weeks ago at The Tubbs naming ceremony. You always have that wonderful smile and a sparkle in your eyes and I am sure we are all going to see that again!! We know that with your determination you can get through this….we think about you every day.
Our thoughts and best wishes are also with your family.
Stay strong Darryl
Love Alec & Rae
Hi Mike and family,
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26
Mike we have heard you many times in the media and appreciate all you are doing in your anti-drug campaign. We are thinking about you and your precious son Darryl; and the rest of your family right now as you get through the next few days.
I have heard you speak at a Network for Women in Dairying Conference a few years back Mike.My heart felt thoughts go out to Darryl and all your family and although I don’t know you personally I am a parent and know it hurts!!
I was very impressed and moved by your work for particularly our youth in your constant battle with the P epidemic.
Be strong and my thoughts go out to your family
Regards
Pam
To Darryl’s Family
My brother was killed at 16 from a head injury. He lived for 6 days in a coma, however he was completely brain dead. I know EXACTLY what you are going through. Somehow the sun still rises every morning even though you have no idea how! May you find some sense of comfort through this harrowing time in your lives.
Take care
Hey Darryl still sending you lots of thoughts to do BIG things for yourself and your family, real soon!. I met you through Hayley and Allen, hard to believe this has happened. Your are young and fit and have so many people who believe in you. Open your eyes soon mate – will be like xmas day for all of us following your progress. Lots of mental hugs from our family.
Mike and family. Can only guess at how hard this must all be. Mike, as a rugby player, father and colleague I just want to pass on my support to you and your family and especially your son.
To Mike and family
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. The Te Hapua community & Sports Club are watching closely and are in contact with Leo and Dianne daily on progress with Darryl.
If we can help in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact Duanne Golley on 09-4097584
To Darryl
The Sports Club & Community are thinking of you daily, we are waiting for the day that you will recover, we all no that your strength & determination will pull you through.
TE HAPUA SPORTS CLUB
KIA KAHA DARRYL
Hello all of you,
Speaking for all your neighbours & friends who live in Bayside Drive you are in our thoughts & prayers.
dianne Leaning & partner are doing sterling work with Bella.
We all send our love, just hang in there.
Keep reading to Darryl Brenna, he can probably hear & know your voice even though he can’t tell you.
Margaret P
Hello all of you,
Speaking for all your neighbours & friends who live in Bayside Drive you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Dianne Leaning & partner are doing sterling work with Bella.
We all send our love, just hang in there.
Keep reading to Darryl, Brenna, he can probably hear & know your voice even though he can’t tell you.
Margaret P
hai i dont know if you rember me darryl but im Deane’s daughter. i met you at docking i really hope you get better soon!!! your in my prayers! xoxox
To Mike and Family
We didn’t know Darryl but our hearts go out to you all at this time of great emotional turmoil. We and our prayer chain at Doubtless Bay Christian Centre have been praying for Darryl and your whole family since the 27th when we first heard of his accident. From all we hear about Darryl, he is a fighter and we pray that this quality will carry him through. Miracles do happen and we are praying for a miracle now.
Jennifer, Graeme and family
Mike you tried to help our family once when you were a Kaitaia Policeman. Your words to me “I am a parent also.” From one parent to another my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Karen
Dear Mike, Catherine, family and ofcourse Darryl,
Just checkin in to say we are thinking of you all constantly, and keepin the prayer chain up.
Remember that this is going to be a marathon so look after yourselves and keep your strength up. Anything we can do – just ask. Darryl, keep fighting that bull buddy, you are gonna beat this too.
Love Kristin & Morgan.
Hi Sabin family,
6 years ago I remember attending Taipa Area school with Darryl. I always saw him as being a bright competitive young man who was always hard working and aiming for the best. I left Taipa in the 4th form to return to Gisborne , I have managed to keep in contact with a few of the taipa class of 04 and have had a few updates on the rest of my classmates-Darryl being one of them. Darryl has always been a person I admired as I was always aiming to do better than him, if I had I would be so excited as Darryl was what I saw as the best of the class (sorry if any other classmates read this). When I was emailed about Darryls tradgey I was shocked, I believe he can pull through this and one day we may get to met again ( Darryl has always been a person I would like to hear from and met again after leaving Taipa) hopefully I will have this chance one day and get to met you again Darryl (you can do this bro!).
Try and remain as strong as you can Sabin family, I wish you all the best on this tough journey over the next few hours,days and months.
Best Wishes
Meg Parsons
Hi Sabin family,
I don’t know Darryl but i have heard a lot about him from my Aunty Diane and Uncle Leo they think the world of him..
I just want to send you all my love and prayers!
with love
sheree matijevich