Hi Family,
I think that most of you know that Dad had a relatively minor fall last Wednesday that has had a negative effect on his progress this week. Seth was with him and at noon, went to pick up his lunch. A nurse came in to check his vital signs and Dad was fine and sitting in his easy chair. A couple of minutes after she left someone saw Dad on the floor. No one knows what happened, but it appears that he either 1) leaned forward and lost his balance or 2) tried to stand up and fell. He seemed to be okay with only minor aches as a result of the fall, but overnight his muscles in his left hip/bottom became very stiff and sore. He felt significant pain whenever he tried to move much, especially trying to stand or to go into the bathroom. This has continued, but today it seems to be lessening. Karlene said that he was able to walk from the bathroom to his chair this morning without apparent significant pain after the aide suggested that he lean more heavily on the walker to take pressure off the hip.

Dad is not coughing much anymore, and his x-ray yesterday shows much less involvement in his lungs and chest. His health seems to be generally good.

I talked today to the head therapist about his progress. He said that Dad had been improving well prior to the fall, but has not done well since. I asked for a more complete report Monday after he talks individually with each of the one-on-one therapists.

I assume that you all remember that Don and Linda’s farewell for their mission is tomorrow at 9:00 am in their ward house. They are having an open house at their house after the meeting (10:30 or so) and it is my desire that we meet there sometime that doesn’t conflict with what Don and Linda are doing with as many of you as possible to discuss Dad’s situation and future plans. Let me know if you are not planning to be there so that we can talk prior to the meeting.

On another matter, Donna’s daughter Kim and Justin have previously been told by Dad that they could use the St George condo form 9/30 to 10/3 while they are there for the St George marathon. They would also like to stay there then nights of 10/9 and 10/16 if no one else is planning to use it. Are you aware of any conflicts with these dates? Would one of you be willing to act as the scheduling agent for the use of either of Dad’s condos to try to avoid duplicate expectations.

The schedule for the next couple of weeks follows. Please let me know when you can assist with any of the open dates. You will note that we need help on Tuesday during the day. Seth would like to have the day off to attend a funeral. I appreciate the way you volunteer without me having to call and ask.

9/18-Saturday morning – Karlene
Saturday afternoon – Tiffany
Saturday evening – Karlene
Sunday morning – Karlene
Sunday afternoon -- Karlene
Sunday evening – Jamie
Monday morning and afternoon – Seth
Monday evening – Randy
Tuesday morning – Open
Tuesday afternoon – Open
Tuesday evening – Sallie
Wednesday morning and afternoon – Seth
Wednesday evening – Open
Thursday morning and afternoon – Seth
Thursday evening – Open
Friday morning and afternoon – Seth
Friday evening – Open
9/25 - Saturday morning – Donna
Saturday afternoon – Donna
Saturday evening – Seth
Sunday morning – Open
Sunday afternoon -- Open
Sunday evening – Open
Monday morning and afternoon – Seth
Monday evening – Open
Tuesday morning and afternoon – Seth
Tuesday evening – Open
Wednesday morning and afternoon – Seth
Wednesday evening – Open
Thursday morning and afternoon – Seth
Thursday evening – Open
Friday morning and afternoon – Seth
Friday evening – Open
I love you all.
Martin