The Michael Figiel

Sunday Night 1/25/09

I finally had a chance to go see and see Mike tonight.  Keep in mid that the last time I visited was before leaving for a road trip through Ohio and Detroit, it was last Tuesday.

I struggle to place words on this virtual page that can explain the difference in Mike since I last had a chance to spend some time with him.

The ventilator is out, the hip and pelvis are “repaired”, his glasses are on and he is cracking the one-liners like nothing happened.

He recognized me the instant I walked in and gave the “JLee” that I’m so used to hearing as I approach my cube each morning.  I returned with the usual “Hey Feegs” in amazement.  It’s very hard to describe the roller coaster of emotions over the last 10 days for me, and I won’t pretend to have any clue what Meg or his family have been through, but to be able to talk to Mike again, have a conversation, see him without the damn tube down his throat - made my year.  I know it’s early in 2009, but it’s going to be hard for anything to top tonight.

He had 7 or 8 people in the room tonight, so I decided I wouldn’t stay as long as usual, and I found it more difficult to stop and “connect”, sit, talk, hope, concentrate,  like I had the chance to do before I left because the room was buzzing with family and nurses. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed he felt tonight.  You could tell he just wanted some rest and some time without 18 million eyes hovering over him.  I’ll get up there tomorrow when some of the other people are working so hopefully I can spend some time just hanging out with him.

His color is great, yellowness has dissipated, wincing face of the confusing painful dreamland finally at peace, bloodshot eyes are white, and sense of humor and showmanship have all returned.  I can’t put words to tonight, I’ll try tomorrow, but I’m happy, excited, and thankful.

Medical Stuff:

No major update that I can share past the fact that the tests on the GI tract went well and that doctor has been satisfied with progress.  They have a tube working to drain his stomach - probably because Mike’s been eating too many ice chips and drinking anything within reach.

Say your Prayers, keep him AND the family in your thoughts.

The kid is looking so much, almost unbelievably, better that I can’t put it all in text.  I’ll add to the post tomorrow, this is just my first reaction.

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