This is it!

Michael has had a rough, but good week in the new place.  A wonderful private room with an amazing view and an awesome team of therapists pushing him forward.  During a family conversation last night, we passionately discuss Mike’s hospital environment.  How many is too many?  What is good stimuli, what is bad?  What does he remember?  What does he find comforting?  Who does he find comforting?

We are all so protective of him and his recovery and all knowing that our way is the best way.  We finally agree that all of us want the same thing.  We want Mike back.  We want to make sure that nothing gets in the way of his recovery.  That with continued prayers, careful watch, and the best support team out there – you – family and friends, Mike will come back to us.

Karl’s early morning visit today with Mike is what it’s all about.   What we’re all hoping for.  What we’re all so protective of.

This is Karl’s accounting:

Karl von Schilling
November 25th, 2007 at 2:51 pm

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!

Today I visited mike at 8:30 AM before I headed up to church. Was in my suit lookin fly when I walked in to visit mike for the first time in 3 days. He laughed at me for looking so dapper before i even made it to the bed then put up his big left paw for the gangster dap. Asked him how he was doing and without missin a beat he spit out a five second long sentence that just ripped out of his mouth with excitement. I was shocked! Couldnt understand what he said though because he was talking so fast and low. I wouldnt let that happen again. After our laugh i started to talk about football….he proceeded to ASK “how was the Tech game?” Can you believe it? Mike actually asked about the game. It was so great to hear. So i told him we beat UVA and needless to say that smile shined!! HOLLA! I told him that we played the turkey bowl and had almost 20 people show up-the usual suspects…a lil bit disappointed he couldn’t be there I could tell but he was still locked onto me for more details about the annual event. Told him we missed him and his speed out there and he looked away. For a second I wondered why, ya know…like maybe I upset him…then I noticed he was tryin to say something. I lean down and he said with a grin “cause im special”….I of course bellowed out with laughter. This was the first joke I’ve heard mike tell in more than a month!! (mike saying he was special was not with conceit, well-maybe a lil bit but it was his way of fighting-not for his life or for physical improvement but for his spot in his inner circle, with his boys….I guess its a guy thing and damn did it feel good)
So we hung out for a while impressing me with every response. So alert. When I asked him if he was busy this weekend he replied very articulately “not particularly” with a “matter of fact” expression on his face. ya know-just looking right at me. I kinda chuckled at his astuteness…..
I asked him if he wanted the TV on….he thought about it and said yes. So we watched ESPN for a while. It was nice. He actually kept scratching his head. I told him to stop and he looked at me and said “I have stitches in my head”. He didn’t tell me like I didn’t know he told like “m f-er I have stitches in my head and im going to scratch that shit!) sorry for the language but if you saw his face, youd understand. felt great to see and feel his attitude But yeah we both were taking it all in. oh yeah and he was pleased with his view out of his window. I let him know that the leaves reminded me of the ride down to Blacksburg. He agreed with a nod.
It was just great to get in there and get some dialogue going. It really was mike in everyway, the pauses, mannerisms, him laughing on cue (or not if it’s a bad joke), the look in his eyes when he is thinking…..just everything.
In the half hour I was there I noticed mike lean up and pull his left pant leg down as he was uncomfortable. He was also straightening his very cramped left hand with his right hand. (ie taking care of himself) Just a great great visit on a Sunday morning. So much promise.

If you know me then you know I am a fairly spiritual person and in all the years I have attended church, i have never EVER believed or felt as much as i do today and I have mike to thank for that.

Thank you Mike……

Thank you Karl.  We love you so much and know how much you mean to Mike.  I’m so happy this day happened for both of you.  For all of us.  Thank you for sharing.