An Incredible Week .....

When you least expect it, life can take a turn in a completely different direction.

On Tuesday July 4th Barbara was suddenly admitted to hospital. All the progress she had made since coming home from her last ordeal seemingly coming drastically untied. The details are superfluous on a public web site such as this, but please know that Barbara has made steady progress each day since.

As of tonight she remains hospitalized and is making a transition between intravenous medicine to one that she will take herself to negate such a situation occuring again. Barbara's exceptional underlying health and youthfulness in these circumstances will be a significant advantge to her over the coming weeks and months as she works towards making a full recovery, which is expected. Her rehabilitation effort will be focussed on speech therapy as her motor skills are relatively unaffected and of no major concern. I fully expect her to walk out of hospital!

The staff at St.Lukes have again been magnificent. Of equal magnificence are our incredible family and friends and work colleagues. Ian has spent several days with various folks who stepped up at short notice to babysit for him. I am told he's been a joy to look after and this his first period of time away from his Mom does not appear to have phased him at all. Of course, I know he's looking forward to seeing Mom again soon and that we hope will happen on Sunday when we expect Barbara to be discharged.

In situations like this I am reminded of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. A strong and spirited wife who I know will pull through this set back by making it look easier than many of us could ever imagine. The coming weeks will hold challenges for us all, with Ian remaining the joy and center of our world from whom we will both draw strength from each and every day. Nanny from the UK (my Mom!) arrives on Wednesday, yet another blessing for which her help and support both Barbara and I are exteremly grateful for (Thanks, Mum!).

I plan to post an update each day this week through next Saturday since so many people have requested details on Barbara's progress. She knows you are all rooting for her and in the coming days when she is ready I know she'll be able to take your calls. In the meantime know that she draws on the knowledge of this extraordinary support which will help her through this unbelievable and unexpected ordeal.

With love and thanks to our incredible friends and family around the world. Your support is more important than we will ever be able to tell you!

Love
Barbara, Steve and Ian