The Accident

On 4/16/2010 at approximately 10 to 10:15pm, my Lenny was involved in a serious boating accident. There were 6 occupants of the boat, all were injured. Both Lenny and his best friend Jakie sustained life threatening injuries and were airlifted to trauma centers, Jakie to Las Vegas, Lenny to Phoenix.

I received a call at 1:45am informing me of the accident. I then spent the next 2 hours trying to find him and find out what happened. After calling two hospitals I found Jakie, and then called his mom and she took it from there. I still couldn't find Lenny, so I called the Lake Havasu Police and they got back to me in about a half an hour telling me he was in Phoenix and that the social worker would be calling me soon. Next came the longest 20 minutes of my life. Waiting to hear....

Lenny sustained the following injuries - Completely fractured face from the upper jaw to above the eyes, broken neck, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and severely broken legs. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I spent the next several minutes rallying friends and getting to YiYi (that is what Lenny calls his sister). We all headed to Phoenix and below I will update you on his condition, how we are holding up, and have a way to communicate with you to keep you updated and be able to answer your questions and be able to get the support we so desperately need from all the wonderful people that love him.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Week Three - Saturday

Today was a remarkable day. It started off this morning with a visit to Lenny as usual. He was sleepy but......drum roll........HE OPENED HIS EYES! (Insert loud cheers here) His left eye opens quite a bit, and the right eye barely opens as he is still very swollen on that side. I asked him if he could see me and he said yes, and when Yiyi said hello he looked over to her and smiled. It was priceless. A moment that we will surely never forget, nor all the moments we have to come. His mouth opening, talking, walking, etc. Yiyi said it best when she said it was like watching a newborn learn everything for the first time. I guess it comes with our feelings of how glad we are he is alive. We are so lucky!

Lenny is back on the vent trials today going strong for 2 hours on and 2 hours off. He is a champion!

When I came back to the room I had 3 packages from Lenny's cousin Shawn. He sent Lenny a Laker Book that I can read to him, and sent me a bunch of little odds and ends of things to do. Word search books, magazines, little crafts, snacks, movies, so many things. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Everyday I am shown that over and over.

At the afternoon visit he was sleepy still but he still woke up a little. Yiyi talked to him a lot and loved on him because she was going to be catching a flight home for a few days to take care of some business. We were so glad he was awake enough to communicate.

After I dropped Yiyi off at the airport I ran some errands and came back to the hotel room to wait till my next visit. At the evening visit I brought the nurses cookies, they work so hard I figured they deserved a treat. Lenny was sleepy so we didn't talk much, but he would open his eyes every so ofter to make sure I was still there.

When I came back to the hotel after the visit I had some dinner and sat and did a word search, boy the time just flew by! I forgot how much I like to do those puzzle books.

The night visit was amazing. He was awake the entire time looking at me and for once I never seemed to run out of things to talk about with him. I guess with him looking at me it was just easy. We talked a little about the accident, and how all the other occupants of the boat were doing, I read to him how all the NBA Playoff Teams were doing and who was eliminated in round one, I told him all the people who had been calling, sending cards, sending love on the blog, etc etc, and he nodded each time. I told him I loved him and that I was sorry I don't say that very much, he squeezed my hand so tight and nodded that he knew I loved him. I can't explain what an amazing interchange it was between the two of us, and made me feel alive again for the first time since this happened. Lenny and I have never been very good at mushy and lovey, but since this happened it seems to just come natural. I guess in hard times the truth always shines through. Lenny and I have always been attached, from the moment we met, and through all the bullshit we have always been Lenny and Nancy, and we always will be.

Love you all,
Nancy

13 comments:

  1. Hi Lenny and Nanc, Today I checked on the Cats. When I opened the Door they all came running to see me, it was so sweet LOL. I gave them a Treat of some Tuna from the can. They went Crazy when I opened the can LOL. Lenny there all doing good; but they Miss You and Nanc alot. I took more Pictures of them and E-Mailed to Nanc. The Neighbor Gene came over to get an update on Lenny and You. He said that they were Praying for You. I said Thank You for being such good Neighbors. Well Lenny hang in there and come Home soon !!! All My Love to You and Nanc. Dad.

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  2. Oh Nancy what great news. I finally can hear the cheer in your voice what a blessed day. I hope each and every day just keeps getting better for you and Lenny. I miss you.

    Bonnie

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  3. Marianne HerreraMay 2, 2010 at 6:01 AM

    Nancy:
    Everyday now your blog is filled with happiness it is shining through in every word you say. I cannot express the joy in my heart knowing Lenny's road to recovery is definitely underway. A new journey is just beginning for the two of you. The love you have for each other is so special. Never let another day go by in your lives without knowing how much you love each other. May God continue to keep blessing the both of you. Soon you will be on your way home and before you know his recovery will be completed and your lives will return to normal and be better than ever. I truly love you guys and want you both to know I myself will never let another day pass without the both of you knowing how important you are to me and my life. Lenny I will always love you -- you have brought such love and joy to my daughter that will never be forgotton. Get Well and know that so many people need you in their life.

    Love Always
    Mom

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  4. Thank God for such an awesome day!!!
    I just wanted to drop by and let you know we are all still here continuing to pray for both of you.

    Love
    Renee

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  5. Lenny,
    I am so happy to hear the great news. These little steps will gt biger and bigger and soon you will be back home sitting on the couch, cheering the Laker's and enjoying your friends and family and your kitties. I pray everyday for a swift recovery. Ricky and I think of ou often and will be visiting you soon!

    Nancy,
    I think the worst is behind you. I could just see the happiness in your post and can imagine the huge smile from ear to ear that you had on your face while writing that post. You are such a strong woman, you should be so proud of yourself. God Bless you both and take care.

    Liz

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  6. Hi Lenny, and Nancy,
    It's Ricky's mom here. I am so happy that you are improving I have thought about you everyday since getting the news from a very emotional Ricky. I know you are a very strong man Lenny and you will be going home soon. I will keep you in my thoughts. Nancey what a trooper Lenny is so blessed to have you! This is an awesome heart felt site you have dedicated. Stay strong kids, and I am sending all the well wishes from my heart.
    Love Mom Brenda

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  7. Hey Nancy,

    Realize now how wrapped up I have been in all going on here, That I missed all that has been happening in the world. I am thanking god, Lenny is on the road to recovery, and blessings for the rest of them too.
    If there is anything I can do for either of you, please let me know, even if it is just a shoulder.

    Hugs and Sunshine,

    Wendy

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  8. Lenny & Nancy forever. Simply beautiful.

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  9. Hi Nancy
    What an awesome weekend!! God is answering prayers for Lenny and you. You surely are giving each other strenght and happiness. I'm so happy that Lenny is able to see you and YiYi.
    I love you both
    Terri

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  10. Wow Nancy it's so good to hear that Lenny is doing so good. Before too much longer he'll be able to breath on his own and no more vents. I look forward to reading your blog everyday. You do such an awesome job keeping everyone informed. Keep up the strength...it's working. Love you,
    Brenda

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  11. WOW WHAT A GREAT DAY YESTERDAY WAS I HOPE AND PRAY TODAY IS EVEN BETTER!!!!

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  12. Hello Lenny and Nacy,

    ALenny,I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well. You are a fighter that is for sure. I am so happy that you are such a wonderful friend Nancy! Lenny is the luckiest guy in the world to have you :o).
    I am truly touched by you keeping us all updated on Lenny and Jakes recovery. I can not wait to come home and read about your day. I hope to see you both as soon as you are back home. You are doing such a wonderful job, keep up the strength and hope you are giving us all. You are in my prayers.

    With Love,

    Mandi

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  13. Lenny,
    Miss you so much, the shop isn't the same without you. Your little buddy is tired of eating lunch alone...come home to us soon. We miss you,
    Love,
    Trish

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