Tom is our good friend and we heard yesterday (6/20/2007) that Tom is in a hospital in Nicaragua where he was on a trip. He has broken some vertebrae in an accident and underwent an entire day of surgery yesterday.
Last night I sent out this update:
"For now since it's getting late, I'll just pass on the good news so far that I heard from Tom's dad in Memphis, as best as I understand:
The doctors were very pleased with the outcome of the surgery. I'm really not sure on what signs of nerve and spine damage Tom had before the operation, but it's my understanding that there were at least some positive signs during or after the operation based on leg twitching (again, I'm not sure on the details, so I'll leave it at that). They woke Tom up from the anesthesia to make sure he made it ok, and then sent him to sleep with some heavy pain killers. Tomorrow (Thursday) the doctors will do the first testing to see what Tom can move and feel. I also heard that everyone's spirits are high, the doctors and staff are excellent and that Tom's mom has been offered a place to stay by some really kind folks and that she feels really supported and blessed through this."
We also heard from Tom's mom that we can pray for Tom to handle the pain he will most likely be feeling when he wakes up today (6/21/2007).
I just spoke with Tom's dad this morning and he says that it's really too soon to know about the details of the damage, but that Tom is awake, alert and hungry (!) and is very optimistic.
I don't think we'll all be able to communicate with Tom directly immediately (I haven't been able to speak with him yet), so it was suggested to me that we could begin to leave messages of encouragement as comments on a blog.
Let's encourage Tom's optimism!
Tom in Nicaragua
Thanks to Tim Wagner for the photo!
26 comments:
Good grief, Charlie Brown, when we get our hands on you, we're going to wring your neck for making us worry about you so much! Know that you are being covered in prayer by all those who love you. May God grant you all the strength, hope, peace, and love that He provides. I pray for your healing and for your family that you will all experience God's miracles through this latest "adventure". Hugs, smiles, and laughter from afar.
Tom! We are all praying for you and wish we were there with you. Always the adventurer you are, I know that you will make it through this and emerge stronger in the end. I pray that you will get well quickly! lots of love,
Verena
What a man won't do to have pretty nurses fawning all over him...If you woke up hungry Tom we know you're going to make it through! FYI, a whole lot of people are praying for you, for a good recovery, and the best pain medication science has to offer. We're with you and we love you. Hugs, Julie
Tom,
You were supposed to come back here and sell me your bike! Don't forget!
Seriously though, I'm praying for you and hoping for a full recovery in the usual Burnett sports injury recovery sort of way. I miss you up here in California so make sure you stop by and say goodbye before you leave for Germany.
Your friend, Jeremy
Hang in there, Tom. My thoughts are with you.
Tom,
I remember less than a year ago when our roles were reversed. And your concerned phone calls meant a tremendous amount to me.
You'll get through this! You'll be amazed at the strength that comes. It's okay if you don't understand now how you'll get through the next days, but you will, and sometime soon it'll all be memories and stories.
You're in my thoughts, and your parents are also in my parents' thoughts. Both of my parents well remember how hard it is to be in their shoes.
Love,
Angela
What's up with going to Nicaragua without your official photographer? It was an adventure hanging out with you last December in Matagalpa and I have confidence the great Nicaraguans will take care of you. And there's always Memo's mom to help you out too;
I know it'll take more than some cracked vertabrae to keep you down. Me and Cat are keeping you in our prayers...
Hi Tom!
We're quite worried! And we pray that you'll be up on your bike for ridiculously long hours pretty soon again.
"... knocked down but not knocked out ..."
Your friends,
Johanna and Christian
PS: We have Das Böse now, come and collect it soon!
Tom, I can't help but agree with everyone in sending our love and prayers and thoughts your way. You certainly do have us worried back here, and yet the news we are getting is good, and best of all: I know you. You're going to pull through this and no doubt amaze me and so many others with the speed and passion with which you recover. Glad we can let you know you're in our hearts this way.
And get better, there are too many challenges that I'm looking forward to joining you in. You are prayed for, and may His peace be a comfort to you now!
-Riley
Tom, this is Justin. I am praying for you to get better!
get well soon man. looked at your facebook, looks like you've been having some amazing time, here's to more of the same! -jacy
Hey Tom! All my family in Denver sends their thoughts and prayers. We are all here waiting to hear about how fast you are healing up. Sounds like you are well on the road to recovery and I am really excited for us to go on our next adventure!
I was eating a Mountain House last night because I had no food and couldn't help but recall us making Nick and Riley dinner up on Shasta together while they were laying in the tents. Your strength has been an inspiration to me and I can't wait for us to go up another mountain. I know He will help you with this mountain.
Peace,
Kevin
Hi Tom. So sorry to hear about your accident man, but know that we are praying for over here, that you would have a full and complete recovery, and that God will be with you during every step.
Come home soon!
Andrew
Hi Tom.
I just wanted to send my love and best wishes to you. I know you have great courage and faith- you know, when I first met you I immediately admired your strength of spirit, mind and body. You will be in my heart and in my thoughts. -Sean Schoville
Tom, you are a strong young man and should be able to recover. With all the prayers for me last year, this old lady survived the brain surgery and is doing well.
Claudia is better with words, but I wanted you to know that I will be thinking about you a lot, and I am praying for your complete recovery!
Antje Gee
Are you kidding me? What were you thinking??!!?!? I am sitting here in your house in Memphis with my brother (your Dad) and we've been talking about how long you have been prone to the extreme. After hearing the Hawaii bike ride story and sharing the Tahoe fiasco (remember we all thought the mountain lions ate you sometime after dark?) we decided that extreme is in your DNA or blood or something. We are toasting to your health and thinking and praying for you and sending you positive energy all those many miles away. We love you and we know you are going to get stronger every day. Love, Bebe
Tom,
If it weren't you I would be really worried but you're such a trooper that I am sure you will be back, well recovered and full of energy as always and probably revel us with stories of scaling high mountains :).
Honey, my prayers are with you, and I wish you a speedy recovery. Won't be able to see you when you get back to Berkeley but will see you in German(will be there in August) or you can come and visit me in London anytime.
Lots of love, hug and kisses,
Fatma
Tom, it wasn't too long ago when you and I shared that ginormous liter of beer in SF, and it had better not be too long before we do that again. I can only echo all the comments made thus far, and add myself as just one of many good friends who's got you in my heart and prayers. We look forward to a speedy recovery! Take care bud,
Craig
This is Tom's uncle. I just returned from Managua. I can tell you without reservation, Tom is getting superb medical care, and massive amount of love and attention from family and friends. We are very fortunate to have Tom in such a good hospital with excellent doctors and nurses.
Mark
This is Tom's uncle from Colorado. I just returned from Managua. Rest assured Tom's medical care is superb, and he is getting massive doses of love and attention from family and friends.
Mark
Best of luck, Tom! I got the email form Kit, it sounds scary. I hope you get well soon.
-Pim
We are thinking of you all the time. We pray that God will be with you and comfort you during your recovery. Hospital food is usually not the best. I really wish that we were closer. I could bake something and bring it to you. As it is, I will see if I can make something that I can send long distance. Hopefully, it will not melt too much. We are both really looking forward to the day we can see you again.
Love,
Allison and Ryan
Tom, we believe in you and are with you every step of the way.
Hey cuz! My mom has been forwarding us your dad's updates...we have been thinking of you throughout...knowing you, you will take on this new challenge with all your heart! We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Love ya,
Kevin and Cheryl
(Elliott and Miles too)
Hi Tom - You don't know us, but we know and love your Uncle Chris & Aunt Carol who shared your news with us. You have had a team of prayer warriors praying for you here in Arizona ever since we heard the news from Carol. We thank God for your progress, your skilled medical staff in Nicaragua and Texas and your safe flight back to the USA. We continue to pray for your therapy, healing and pain control and that family and friends continue to provide you support and comfort at the hospital and rehab center. Sincerely, Jen & Jim Witter
So glad to hear you're doing well, under the circumstances. Think of this as a job that has to be done, and keep fighting.
With lots of love and prayers,
Grandma Amy
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