I'm sitting by his bedside now, watching him rest. When he has wakeful periods I talk to him about diving and of his great friends out there rooting for him. I've been reading him your blog posts, which I want to thank everyone for again. We set up a digital frame next to his bed that shows a slideshow of his friends and experiences. The nurses love it and ask about the many great pictures of Forrest and his friends. I set up a playlist on an ipod and play that for him. I didn't include his dub-step and the bass heavy songs he loves right now, those will come when he's more ready for them. For now he'll have to suffer through a less eccentric mix of country, Mellencamp, Bob Marley, and some other calmer and quieter music. I even threw in some Disney Junglebook and Lion King songs.
He continues to fight his fever and the occasional "storming episodes," but his other vitals are strong. Mom, Dad, Uncle John, and Aunt Tricia have been doing a phenomenal job. One of us is by his bed 24/7, ready to talk to him and offer him reassurance. The nurses and docs are giving him great care. Thank you for all your support, words, and love, it helps give me the strength I need to by my Brother's keeper. As on any dive he and I have been on, he manages to conserve his air longer than I, but he's on his way up. He's slowly surfacing, and as he does he will discover his amazing network of support, along with the many smiling faces waiting for him, and that will be a beautiful thing to watch.
Love,
Austin
PS: your prayers and the prayer service tomorrow will help him get through a second set of surgeries tomorrow. He will be receiving a tracheostomy tomorrow and and feeding tube will be inserted into his stomach. Both of these procedures will allow allow all tubes in and around his face to be removed, making his waking up easier and more comfortable for him. They are planned out, quickly performed, and will make his waking easier. Both the tracheostomy and the feeding tube will be removed later as he progresses.
From Nick Weeden:
ReplyDeleteHey bro,
Sorry for the long wait; with boarding school blocking just about every internet site these days, commenting proves more difficult than usual. Don't worry though, Corina and I are gonna make up for it and send you a pretty phenomenal care package. When I have to think back through all the funny stories, adventures, and awesome nights we've had, the first one that popped into my head had to be our trip to Mercersburg (spelling?) two summer's ago and the punch buggy incident which occurred. For those of you that do not know, Forrest and I decided to take a trip to go see some of his Mercersburg friends one night and along the way we had to pass the time of course. So clearly, Forrest initiated the punch buggy game 5 minutes out of his driveway. With both of us being very competitive, this game clearly raged on throughout the car ride. However, at one point (after taking a nice dead arm from Forrest), I noticed red buggy in a nearby parking lot. I immediately sent my fist toward Forrest's arm, calling out "punch buggy!". However, I was not so lucky; we must have seen the car at the same exact time because at that same time, Forrest fist came toward my arm, with him calling out "punch buggy!". Needless to say, our fist collided for one of the most ultimate fist pounds of all time. Realizing the absurdity of what had just happened, we both burst out laughing and decided to call the game a tie.
Anyway, I feel like you had the upper hand in that game, so heal up quick, cause I'm not giving you much time before we are going for round two.
I miss you bro,
--Nick
From Dawn:
ReplyDeleteAs I wait for the next update, I am reading back again through all of the stories and comments that have been posted. When I read the stories about Forrest and the moon I am reminded of my own little girl who loved to look at the moon and stars. As she got older she immersed herself in her friends, her sports and boys, like most teenage girls do. She spent less and less time looking around her at the wonders that god created.
This same little girl, who is now a young lady, came home very late one evening this past summer, way past curfew, because she had lost track of time looking at the moon and stars with a charming boy named Forrest. For days after all I heard about was the moon, the stars, planets, the universe, all thing I’m sure she was taught in her astronomy class, but didn’t seem to make an impact until she heard it from you on that special evening in your backyard. You made her take the time to see that it's not just about her. I want to thank you for that.
That same young lady is waiting for you to get well so you can look at the moon together again. We miss you Forrest and can’t wait for you to be home again at Brightwood.
We’re sending big hugs to you, your Mom, Dad and Austin. We miss you all.
Love,
Dawn and Family
From Jean-Marie:
ReplyDeleteDear Forrest,
Visiting your family every years for about 10 years now, I had more conversations with your brother Austin as I felt that you were more reserved.
Conversely, I remember the day when we have fought with paint balls and when you tried to make me like a piece of modern art !
I am sure that your experience and progressive recovery wil help you to be an excellent vet in the future.
Jean-Marie
Forrest, I hope your surgeries go well today. I am sure that will help you to be much more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I cannot be in Upperville tonight, I will have a candle lit for you, and several more for all of your shepherds who have been by your side 24/7.
Strength in spirit,
XO Laurie
Hi Forrest,
ReplyDeleteI have had the great pleasure and joy of knowing your brother and mother during my time with Dolphin Quest, Bermuda. I have not yet had the honour of meeting you Forrest. Yet.
Your mum and Jay have inspired so many through their work and the constant has always been that we are a family. And so that makes you family to me.
The body is a marvelous thing and the power of mind over matter is immeasurable. Whilst you are healing and putting all the pieces together your international family (you have clearly touched so many hearts and minds...!) are here for you and your family. The power of our thoughts are with you Forrest and at 6pm tonight I will light my candle in my home to help you see your way whilst the Bermuda contingent gather to pray and send healing and loving thoughts.
Be at peace, stay strong and I look forward to celebrating your safe return.
Smiles, CJ (Claire James)
I was in the car yesterday when Lobie told me about the toes wiggling and I had to pull over, I got so excited. I know it is a small step to recovery, but it seems to be a big one at this time. It sure put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteForrest, I have another fond mememory I would like to tell you about. You were about six or seven when I was at Brightwood for a visit. We had all gone to bed, I was in my bedroom reading when I heard a knock on the door. You apparently weren't ready for the stories and fun to end. You asked if you could come in, and it wasn't long before the talking turned into laughter. Your Aunt Lobie heard us and not being one who can miss a party, came over and joined us. The three of us stayed up quite late having a wonderful party for three, telling funny stories (probably about your mother, aunts, and uncles) and enjoying the night. It is one of those small simple pockets of time that for some reason was special enough to stay a memory that brings a smile.
I will remember those smiles when I light the candle tonight.
Dear Forrest, I'm reading very good news about you and your valiant recovery. I have great faith that very soon you'll be enjoying the company of Sundance, Bentley, and the rest of your magnificent menagerie. Keep wiggling those toes!!! Kathy
ReplyDeleteDear Forrest,
ReplyDeleteWe have never met...I have only met your Dad on occasions at his vet clinic. However, after reading the blog and the many many posts it is clear you are very special. You a little bit remind me of my own son, who is only five but tenacious, gregarious, and has a love for life and the moon.
I will be lighting a candle at 6pm tonight for you...prayers and best wishes for the speediest recovery possible!
As my son Jacob says to me every morning, wake up! It is a beautiful day!
Jennifer Mutchler
We will continue praying for you Forrest, and a candle will burn in the Tyler house for you tonight, and Austin, a better brother you couldn't be, you are an awesome gift to your family. Keep the Faith and keep fighting. With Love Emily Tyler
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, Forrest, or any of your family, but as a member of the extended Hill School family, I send my prayers and hold you in my mind's eye being surrounded and filled with a warm powerful beam of God's healing light and love.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Herbert Cottrell Hill School Class '63
Hi Rae, Kent, and Austin,
ReplyDeleteToe wiggling is great!!-Tiny steps. The entire community is excited about Forrest's prayer service tonight, and I have also heard of many others who will be simultaneously lighting candles from faraway places.If prayers and love can make a difference, you've got it handled! At the service, there will be a guest book available, and we will mail it tomorrow morning so that you can read who attended to Forrest.
Thoughts-prayers-love-
Stay strong--you are all amazing.
Gail
Hi Forrest,
ReplyDeleteSaturday afternoon I was at my son's soccer game at St. Augustine High School, here in San Diego. I look up and see a dad coming to the bleachers wearing a bright yellow T-shirt with Wake Forest on the front. I saw it as a sign and shared your story with all the parents seating around me - we had an impromtu prayer session for you. I then asked the father about his T-shirt and he said it was a school in North Carolina, I shared with him and his wife and even though all these people do not know you, they are all praying for you! I wanted to share that strong connection and send you all those great wishes. Keep coming back, slow and steady, as your dad said, we are all waiting for you.
Gaby (QGM-California)
Hi Kent, Rae, and Austin,
ReplyDeleteIt has been so long since I've seen you but I do have wonderful memories of your family. Please know that my thoughts are with you and Forrest - even all the way in Thailand where I am living right now.
I am happy to hear the progress on Forrest's recovery and am hoping for the very best.
Love,
Amy Slayter
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAustin-
ReplyDeleteYou're a special big brother. Although we've never met, I can relate to the great love you have for your little brother as I share the position in life. It's a great responsibility and I have no doubt, many of the lessons you have taught him in life are helping to pull him through this.
I am also a father of three, one them being a 4 year old son. I can only hope he will grow up and be as liked, respected and admired as Forrest is.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Forrest, you and your family.
Chris Bauernshub
(not sure if you noticed my earlier post, but my father in law and I were skiing behind Forrest and Peyton when the accident occured)
We are thinking of the Stone-Allen family with candles lit at 6pm local Uruguayan time and VA time as we were in Uruguay during the prayer service. Sending much love and positive energy your way. Can't wait to get our neighbors home and to ride down to Barton's Creek together again. Remember we had to carry lots of goldfish crackers for Forrest and Oliver? xoxo, Julie and Eric
ReplyDelete