Day 6 - Sunday 2/28/2010

The hospital has requested that only immediate family visit Darrin in his room now. That includes Darrin's parents and siblings, and Clare's parents and siblings. He is moving around quite a bit pretty regularly now, and they would like to avoid any mishaps or scares of any kind. Reducing the number of visitors makes that a lot easier. We hope this doesn't make you stay away. You are still welcome to come to the hospital and visit with Clare and anyone else that may be there.

Clare told me last night that two of Darrin's chest tubes have been removed. He had one on the right and two on the left, and now only has one on the left. And it's on what's called "water seal" which means it's not actively vacuuming anything out, but still allows drainage.

Darrin is scheduled for hand surgery on Tuesday. Tomorrow he will have the breathing tube removed and they will do a tracheotomy. At the same time they are sending a scope down, I think to check out his lungs. I'm told some fluid has built up, and they'd like to know if they need to drain it, or let the body handle it naturally.

I received an email from the people that own the house Darrin fell from. They have shared their story, and Clare wanted a few of the details shared here also. Darrin has put up their lights for 6 or 7 years now, so he's quite familiar with their house. He fell 25 feet onto a cement patio, at about 3:15 PM. The paramedics arrived and immediately knew he needed a helicopter. They put him in the ambulance and drove him a very short distance to a cul de sac where the helicopter landed.

The family said that Darrin's coworker was very concerned and helpful throughout the experience. He was pretty shaken up, but remained calm and responsive to the many questions the paramedics and police officers asked.

Quoted from their letter: "There are many people in our neighborhood that have used Moon Light for years. They all care a great deal for Nephi. He is as much a friend as he is “the guy who puts up our lights”. We are all praying and fasting for him."