say her first word. Mimi the respiratory therapist said that Pat tried to
say, "urmmpgh," which she interpreted to mean either, "Stop banging on my
chest, would you?" or "After you use that vibrating massager on my ribs, do
my back and neck."
I took much of the day off, taking a hike up a mountain overlooking Salt Lake
valley. I'm sure Pat would have appreciated it.
I also spoke today with Mike, a friend of Dick Lundsford, who years ago
crashed a hang glider. He was in a coma for two or three weeks,
coincidentally, at the same hospital as Pat. He told me, "The most important
thing was the energy, thoughts, and prayers from friends and family. To me
it was like having my finger stuck in a light socket; I got my strength from
my friends. It doesn't matter how far away they live from the hospital, you
can feel their energy."
He also said being in the coma is comfortable and secure, which I find
comforting, knowing that Pat is likely also feeling safe in her shell. I've
heard this elsewhere, too, this idea that one feels secure in a coma. Marta
says that it sometimes can be a problem, since the people don't want to come
back out into the world.
Larry, as is his way, did not take the day off.
