A DAY FOR REFLECTION AND THANKS FOR A JOYOUS OUTCOME

Earlier this morning, Paul packed his bag and walked slowly from his room in the Rankweil Hospital, down the corridors towards the entrance of the Hospital. He and Penny stopped on their way. They said goodbye to the many members of the Hospital medical team who had looked after him over the last several weeks. They reiterated their enormous appreciation to the many doctors and nurses. They said their farewells. Paul then climbed into the front seat of their waiting taxi, Penny climbed into the back, and they headed out together to join the motorway to drive to the Kliniken Schmieder, in Allensback on the shores of Lake Constance in Germany, just an hour and twenty minutes away.

But Paul now has a “job of work to do” over the next eight weeks, as he regains his strength and manages through the recuperative process. This he will do, with resolve, under the direction of the medical teams at the Clinic. Our current plan is that he will spend eight weeks at the Clinic.

Paul was admitted in critical condition to Feldkirch Hospital on Wednesday 18th February having been helicoptered off the slopes. Nearly eighteen weeks later, he has made an extraordinary recovery from a cruel accident. But he is frail, and we have a long journey in front of us. This we do not forget.

Paul is now settled into a comfortable room at the clinic, It has a small sitting area, with a balcony overlooking the lake. He rang me this afternoon. He has met the lead clinician and he and Penny have set up in his room. “All is going to go well here…things are looking good – Penny has the laptop up – we are making good progress”. He is really pleased to have made this move.

I know I can speak for our community of family and friends as we wish Paul well on this the third stage of his recovery, with the Feldkirch and Rankweil hospital stays now behind him. Penny’s steadfastness and care for Paul we admire, and then too William and Charlotte we think of as well, knowing they are delighted on this important day. We also must express our appreciation to our unsung Blog editor, Ted Pryor, on the eastern seaboard of the US, who has made possible all these many postings which are chronicling Paul’s progress and recovery.

And so, on this happiest of days, it is time to reflect and acknowledge the wonderful medical care Paul has received over these many months. We have been very blessed in every sense.

Last Monday the clinical lead at Rankweil assessed Paul as part of the hospital discharge process. Penny and Paul thanked Dr Koppi for all that he and his team had done. Dr Koppi acknowledged their kind comments. He reflected and then said it “was a joyous outcome”. Slowly he raised his eyes heavenwards and added quietly “…………and a lot of this”.

Each and every day since his accident, prayers have been offered up for Paul’s recovery. We remember that the Rankweil Hospital was once a monastery, and still today, the chapel remains an integral part of the Hospital. Dr. Koppi in his own thoughtful way expressed that Paul’s recovery could not solely be attributed to their medical care and skill, or Paul’s determination and Penny’s devotion, and the love of William and Charlotte, family and friends. He offered up his thanks to our ever present God. We likewise must do the same.


Charles
22nd June 2009