I am sorry to say that JoeV aka 59Saratogaa and his wife Betty were in a very serious accident today.  Joe and Betty were traveling west on Rt 80 near here on the way to their favorite place at the lake.  A tractor trailer traveling east bound blew a steering tire and crossed the median hitting Joes 59 Saratoga head on.  He was pushed about 100 feet where he was struck again in the rear by another tractor trailer.  As I understand it, they had to cut the car apart to get them out.

I have just returned from the hospital, 2 blocks from here, with his two daughters, Casey (22) and Wendy (20).  They told me I was the closest friend they both had, always being there for the good and bad.  This brought a tear to my eyes. 

I was unable to see them, but the local Minister from our church was summoned.  It is believed neither one will live through the night.

Wendy told me of Joes love for old Mopars and his respect for the FL clan.  While he and I had it out over a few things on FL, ie. LARS and the stuff that want on a few months ago with Doc, he still enjoyed reading all the posts on a daily basis.  Joe would come to my house and use my computers just to visit Forward Look.  I later set him up with his own high speed from my house.

Please say a prayer for both.  I will keep you posted.

Just a quick update.  It's 11:30 and they are still both with us.  It took some convincing but Casey, Wendy and I had the Intensive care unit move them together in to the same area a few hours ago.  We explained to them that these two were bound together at the hip.  While against hospital policy, which I got pretty upset about, they finally agreed.  I basically told the head cahoon there (F*** the policy)  He got the message and ordered the move.

Both went to surgery about an hour ago. . .  The girls are still there and I will sit here and wait to hear from them.  I will be up for a while with this one.

The list of those praying for my friends is long, so I can't name you all.  It means a great deal to me that all of you are at his side, no matter where you are in the world.  The most meaningful words that I can say are Thank you.

I'll keep you posted. 

Another Update.  I just got off the chat room with Mike, Mo and JW.  Casey called me with the first of the prognosis for Betty.  Her injuries don't seem to be as bad as the xrays made them.  There was considerable swelling that through the doctors off.  She does have some hemoriging, and possible motor damage, but they have raised here chances to 50/50 from 10/90.  Keep praying.  They said the right arm is repairable and she'll have full use of it in 6 months or so.

The doctors gave Casey a report on Joe as well.  Joe will be loosing about 3 feet of intestine.  He can live with that.  The liver is badly damaged from Trama, The spleen is ruptured, 2 ribs are gone, the kidneys are OK.  His stomach has a tear in it, and numerous arteries and vains have been severed.  I was told that they are going to look for a liver donor immediately.  Normally, they would fly a patient to Boston for this operation, but they all agreed to bring Boston here.  I have volunteered to pick up the doctors at the Airport.  As I understand it, Joe will be in surgery for most of the night.  They will be repairing everything else and reconstructing the rest of his body.  He is on a liver machine at this time, as he was when I saw him through the window a couple of hours ago.  I never saw one, so I didn't know what it was.  Joe also suffered some head trama, apparently not as severe as Bettys.  He has some hemorging as well, but they are taking care of it as they go.  Casey tells me they have 11 doctors working on Joe as I write this.  Betty has 5.  Joes fate is still unknown, but the doctor sounded optomistic

Joes Doctor, Bill DeRosa, is someone I know from my Paramedic days 20 years ago.  I remember him as being a rebel doctor and a darned good one too.  He doesn't give a crap about the hospitals proceedures and does it his own way.  I remember that 20 years ago too.  It was always a secure feeling when we brought in a trama patient to him for me.  Today he specializes in internal trama.

Sorry if I get long winded.  I need to keep busy and get this off my chest too.  Frankly, with out those two busting my balls all the time, I feel displaced and lost.

Whatever you guys are doing, it must be working.   Keep doing it and thanks.

Special thanks to you guys on the chat room tonight.  I'm dealing with it a little better

I've been up all night. .  . It's 10:30 EST.  They are both still with us.  Betty has been out since 5 AM and Joe still in there

The stress of it all this has wiped me out.  I'll fill in the blanks later

Update  5:30 EST, Monday

I'll have to get you the address. . .  But I understand they are going to be moved in a day or so to 2 locations.

Here's the good news.

I spent most of the day at the hospital.  I walked back and forth to consume time.  Around 4 today I walked back to the hospital and it started to pour.  I got pretty wet in a block walk.  Anyway, I went to intensive care first as Joe had not been released from Recovery.  Soaking wet and all, Betty regained some conciousness.  Confused and dis-oreintated, tremendous pain, she looked right at me and the girls and touched each one of us with her left hand.  Just a slight smile from here, she didn't say much.  She touched my shirt and squeezed it and smiled again.  She was able to tweak out a slight not.  Looking at her was pitiful and painful for me.  You see, Betty is a dynamo of energy and care free.  Her fun loving devilish spirit has an impact on everyone.  For 48 years old, she looks 20.  But today, I felt heart broken to see here broken down like that. . . . Well that's another story.  I did not hear what the docotor had to say, he'll be coming around at 7:30.  Betty is back to sleep for a while.  The hospital gave here another dose to knock her out so the girls and I are taking a break.

Joe has had his conditional upgraded slightly.  Bil DeRosa, the doctor told me he feels more optomistic.  A liver has been located in Florida, the liver transplant is scheduled for tomorrow.  He said Joe will be disfigured torso wise and will be very weak for a couple of years.  His back was not damaged, but he does have several broken bones in the neck.  The spinal cord IS in tact and undamaged.  Thank you Lord.  Somehow he wasn't sitting straight in the seat and the steering column missed dead center. it was off to Joes left side.  Dr DeRosa said he is going to go back to Joe tonight again for about 6 more hours.  Joe is heavily sedated and unconcious.  His heart is strong and the EEG and EKG show plenty of brain activity.   Joe will need to be transported to another facility as soon as they feel he is able to travel.  Above I meant to say, Betty will be transported in a day or so, Joe will not be stable for a week.  DeRosa gave the girls and I permission to see him in the recovery room.  He is in an isolated section, and we had to gown to go in.  Joe looks horrible. . .  I can't get into the details, it's too incredible to repeat.  When you are used to seeing something else on a daily basis, kind of like the WTC.

Both have been upgraded to optomistic of living and probably, in time will have realitively normal lives.  Joe will need extensive plastic surgery, already started for weeks to come.  Most of the damage is in the torso area.  All the muscles need to be reconstructed and rehabed.

For those of you that wanted to send things, I asked the girls what they would like to do.  Casey and Wendy said to hold off until they are awake.  They're moving around so much, it's hard to have all that stuff follow.  They did tell me to let you know they'll need more when they get out of the hospital.  Since the two of them are like constant motion, it is hard for them.

More to follow

Betty is awake.  They want here to stay awake for a couple of hours while they check to see what works and doesn't.  Then they will put here down again for the night.

Being the tough cookie she is, she was able to murmer Joes name.  The girls took the task of explaining everything to here.  I told them they should have not given her all that so soon.  But she seemed to take it pretty well.  It's a good sign that she is going to fight  to get back on her feet.

Joe is back in the OR.  Dr. DeRosa is going to continue some more reconstruction of the internals.  He explained to me that many mussles are torn and separated in his stomach.  The Neurologist and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Leone is working with DeRosa and they are doing Joe in Layers.  Sometime around midnight, the liver transplant will be done.  The Boston doctors are here already and will also be assisting and preparing Joe for the transplant.  DeRosa told me that if Joe survives all this "crash Surgery" tonight and tomorrow, he will have a good chance of surviving.  Dr. Leone was the guy that put my hand and thumb back on about 25 years ago.  Everything but the thumb skin worked out OK.  He scolded me for having so much grease in my skin.  LOL  He told me that Joe will probably not be able to support himself for several months because of the damage to the stomach and back mussles.  There is plenty of nerve damage, Leone said the neurologist said Joe will probably not know when some things go on as he won't feel it.

Joe looks the same as he did four hours ago. . . .  I will be going over around 11:30 to sit with the girls.  Haven't slept since Saturday night, and neither have they.  As I get more tired, I am getting more emotional.  I guess even I have a breaking point.  Normally I am known as the rock.

Once again, what ever you guys and gals are doing. .  .Keep it up.  Yesterday he was going to die.  Today he may live.  Power of prayer.

More tomorrow morning.  I'll do what I can to keep you up to date

Hey Rick.  By the way, Clay Wood is looking for you.

I saw the car yesterday.  The body is about 8 feet long now and the frame is about 12 feet.  The car is in about 4 major pieces, needed two wreckers to get it to the yard.  Frnakly, in the condition I am in, I don't really want to go back to it for a few days.  It was my understanding the first tractor trailer, was impounded and Joes car may be impounded as well.  If that is the case, I will loose track of it's location.  I can tell you this, it was absolutely incredible to see.  I've seen plenty of wrecks before, but like this? No Way.

I'll check with the girls and see about the financials.  I know what Joe has for insurance, and Betty works for the hospital.  I think money wise they will be OK.  Plus they have the trucking company offering to assist.  ( I thought that was nice of the owner)  It's while they are home for the recovery that concerns me.  But even then, they are Mortgage free and car payment less.

I'll be here if they need help too.  I guess I'll have my work cut out for me.

I have about 20 seconds to do this in.

Joe is still with us. the liver transplant went well, so they say, now their injecting hims with anti-rejection drugs.  He's still out, but I did talk to him today anyway.  They say he knows what is going on with the drugs they have him on.  The doctors and nurses talk to him all day.  He is having some urinary problems yet.  I don't know what they are yet.

Betty is concious now, but unable to speak or move her head.  Her face is swollen badly, what I can see that isn't bandaged.  Not sure with her eaiter, but I am optomistic.

Me?  Haven't slept since Sunday.  So if you'll excuse me. . . .   I need to tend to a couple of things at Joes House

Nothing much more to report.

Betty seems to be getting more cohearant.  She will be medivac'd to New York tomorrow morning for more brain surgery.  They think she is out of the woods though.

Joe is still out of it.  The liver transplant is holding, but they say 3 days.  Kidney functions are still low, they are concerned about that.  80% of his torso has been rebuilt.  The Plastic Surgeon said he can wait another day before putting the stomach walls back together.  But the muscles have been preped.  They don't want him to go through too much more reconstructive until he is stronger.  Heart and lungs are working ok, the left lung had a knick in it that was causing it to whistle but not collaps.  They said the brain is working a mile a minute.  The EKG's and EEG's and a few other machines I don't know,  reflect plenty of brain activity.  I saw the strips, been 20 years since I last evaluated one. . . But it was enough to show me he screaming to be let out of this sleep.  I swear, he looks literally like a train hit him and yet, I get the impression he's yelling at me to rescue him from all this.  I would gladly, if I could.

Thanks for all your support for me too.  I am just a wreck.  Brain and fingers aren't working right.  Like they are not connected.

Wendy and Casey told Betty of all the wonderful messages you people have been leaving.  The printed the pages and read every one to her.  When I saw her about an hour ago, she seemed to have been trying to say thank you.  hard to tell, but I know here expressions.

I thought it was a greta thing the girls did reading all that.  Each and every one of you have sent them a get well card in your own way.  Both have copies of this post near them.  Joes are on his chart, Dr. Derosa thoughtfully sat down and read them, leaving them in the chart folder so they would follow him around.  Wendy abd Casey are going to read them to Joe tonight.  I just can't do it myself without blubbering through it.  Tried already.

It's very hard dealing with this reality.  He is like family to me, maybe even closer.  I hav emade some real good friends over the years, he is one I know I could always count on.  There are a few here at FL that I have become close too also, and have the same feelings.  You know who you are.  We each have our own way, but your prayers appear to be being answered.

A note to Chuck.  I send one for Clay every day.  Thanks.  Don't forget your Mom, I don't.

You guys geep writing and I'm going to run out of paper.

Loud and clear Ray.  Thank you and AMEN

I am hoping the bod doesn't get separated as these two start moving around.  Betty, as of 20 minutes ago, has not seen joe yet, even though she has been protesting.  I can see it in her face.  I think I have DeRosa convinced to see if he can have her at least moved next to him so she can touch him.  The girls and I all agreed that a mirical may happen.  DeRosa said he will try to do it around 8:30.  She's due to be flown to New York at 11.  We all plan to be there.  I have a funny feeling, there will be a response.

Never in my life, and I've seen some pretty bad ones in my day, have I EVER seen two people battered so badly and defieing (SP) everything the doctors are saying.  It's pitiful to look at a woman that is younger in spirit than anyone I ever knew.  She lays there, she want's to cry, but can't.  She now knows the extent of Joes injuries and shows the torment of not being at his side.  She still can't talk, legs are responsive, but won't move, right arm is re-constructed, no movement in her right fingers.  She is a beautiful woman, physically and mentally.  My heart is broken to see here.  The image will haunt me for many years to come.

Thanks Guys.  Keep up the good work.  Now I get to print this for tomorrow.

Peace be with you all.

Thanks for the favor Chuck.

In and out of here.

Joe is stable, but still out.  They have been doing 1/2 hour surgery sessions restoring the blood vessels that were shunted together.  I did notice some color coming back to his skin today.  He was ashen white since Sunday.  It's either he is revitalized with the connection with his wife, or they just fixed something.  He is very cold to the touch.  That concerns me.  I touched his hand today and talked to him.  I told him about how we as a group have pulled together and of all the prayers you all have been doing.  He moved his pinky on his right hand for me.  Trust me, DeRosa was right.  He KNOWS!  He knows Betty is alive, he knows we are there, he knows you are all pushing for him to stay with us.  When this is all over, I'll have to set up his PC so he can use it while he is in rehab.  I'll bet he has something to say to all of you.

Joe is a funny sort of guy when it comes to people.  He doesn't let too many in.  He has no family left other than his wife and kids.  Not too many know him from FL because he doesn't say much.  He enters the chat room and yaks with Mike and the boys, I often bust his butt whne he is there.  I can hit him with a stone from here.  He hasn't logged into FL in months.  But he visits daily.  He just doesn't say much.  I busted his butt big time over the "LARS" thing he did.  (You old timers remember that one)  It was a practicle joke on all of us, done right here on my PC under my nose.  He is a practicle joker that's for sure.  He and Betty often would throw buckets of water at me, on me Betty dumps them down the back of my shirt on hot nights.  I got used to having empty pockets.  They would push me into the pool, and that's just the summer stuff.  How about Joe, sneaking into my bed room and putting sand paper inside my clean underware.  That one was a real killer.  Not to mention a little tough on the ol'. . . . .

It's a miracle he didn't bleed to death.  My hats off to the quick thinking Paramedics with starting plasma stat before doing anything else.  As I understand it, they were having Pizza a 1/4 mile away and actually heard the impact.  They stuffed their lunch and headed for the wagon, waiting to make a right or a left from the parking lot.  Their response time was 45  seconds.  Fortunately, the hospital is only three miles from the scene and land transportation was the fastest choice.  It's apparent everyone was prepared for this as the rescue unfolded.  The good old days it brings back for me.

Betty is in New York, I won't be seeing her for a few days.  Wendy and Casey explained what was going on with me.  The decision to stay here with Joe and they stay with Mom was sound.  She seems to understand.  The purpose of this surgery is to try to restor her motor functions.  Here she is said to have a 1 in 10 chance of full recovery.  Her surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning, then it's wait and see from there.  If her body responds she may be back here as soon as Sunday to recover.  Wait and see.

That's it for now.  I'll send an email to Spanky to have him do a "Can Man" for me or drop you another line as I know more.  I will be a bit scarce for the weekend.

No News is good news.

As I understand it Betty is doing fine.  Here motor functions are greatly improved.  At the same time, they did some extensive facial reconstruction.  I didn't know how bad it was.

Joe is still in la la land.  He is going to be waken tomorrow.  The girls are staying in New York with Mom at present and will try to be there.  I was asked to be sure I be there for the event.  You betchya I will.  I'll even shower.

I called DeRosa on his cell phone today, he's off this weekend and someone is covering.  He noted that since they put the two of them together, he has seen a trickle of improvements in Joe.  He admitted that he has never seen anyone in this condition survive.  Doc said he should have died last Sunday Night.  I mentioned to him to check the chart, as I update the pages every day.  He noted that he reads the new stuff, praising the Forward Look Clan for their concerns, efforts, and prayers.  He also said, "You guys must be some sort of special bunch".  In spite of all our squabbles, dickering, bad senses of humor and so on, HE'S RIGHT!  You people are special!!!  Let's see the Chebby clubs or the 300 Club, or the Imperial Clubs respond like this.

When the new Forum started, it seems to me, (Supported by Kenny, Can Man, Daven, and of coarse Chuckster) I said this new forum will bring us closer together.  Since I have mentioned that we are a family. (And fight like one too)  Well you fellow Members are a family.  I am proud to be in association with you all.

Now that DeRosa has come to reality. . . . There are still good people in this world, He went to West Orange, NJ today to look at a 56 Desoto a friend of mine has.  Don't know if he bought it, but he did say he was going to take it to Hibernia Auto Restoration to make it "New".  There goes another $100,000.  Chalk up another new Member

Thanks everyone.  I'll give you an update tomorrow night.  Tad busy here.

All I can say is . . .It was so exciting to see Joes eyes flutter open. 

It took a bit of time for him to adjust to the dim light.  Couldn't say much as he has that darned feeding tube down his throat, and a breathing shunt in his neck.  He was confused, quite dis-orentated.  He had a look of dispare on his face. . .  Wendy came over from the city arriving some half hour after he awoke.  He is obviously in a great deal of pain.  After about an hour or so, he began to start moving his arms and hands alittle.  He squeezed both our hands with a grateful grip.  He didn't seem to want to let go of either one of us. 

Wendy and I took the task of telling him of Bettys fate. . . . He appeared relieved that she has a good shot at being OK over all.  Gave him a pad and some crayons to see if he could write a little to comunicate.  That would at least relieve him of some frustration.  He managed to scribble out "I lov u" and on another piece of paper, "bety com son?"  At least that what we think he said.  Later he discovered he could croak out sounds, but they didn't make any sense.  We called Casey on the Cell (Hospital says that's a no no- - we did it anyway).  He croaked out a few faint sounds to her and then to Betty.  Once again we dumped a pint in tears, but this tiime in Joy for his success.

I don't know what Betty said, but there was an exchange of grunts and growns from both sides.  When the call was completed, he had a look of content in his face.  After a week, he looks like it might be Joe under all those cuts and black and blue marks.  The swelling on his face has gone down considerably.

It's been exactly seven days since the accident happened. . . . . We have poured ourselves to the lord asking for their lives to be spared.  I have to admit, it was a good idea I started this thread.  Each and everyone of us can stand back and be proud to say we did something good.

A special thanks to Snotty.  Snotty and I go back a ways, I bought a car from him 2 years ago and we have become close friends as a result.  For those of you that don't know him, he is a Methodist Minister In Wasco, California.  I sent him the link yesterday, he was on vacation.  I know he was back at the pulpit today and I am sure his congragation knows all about it by now.  Snotty!  Please ask the Lord to find another messenger or ask him to check my schedule first next time!  LOL   He HAS given me enough power to endure.

Someone asked how the other victims were.  The driver of the first truck, the one that hit Joe head on, died on Tuesday of multiple head and chest wounds.  He was hit in the face with a 59 Saratoga as it went airborne on the second impact from the rear.  The body was separated from the frame.  The second driver was uninjured.

I went over to the yard yesterday to see if I could look at the Saratoga again.  It too was impounded and moved to the Police Impound yard.  I can't get in there and it's a 10 foot shielded fence.  I couldn't see the car there, it may be in the garage.  I did see a mangled 383 and a 466 trans though.  Tail shaft is gone, right exhaust manifold is half there, valve cover is gone, throttle body We put EFI in the car 2 years ago, was sheered right off the intake, distributor is folded back, oil pan is flat- - sump is non existant, and the water pump and A/C compressor is gone.  Looks like a fan blade imbedded itself into the right valve cover.

That's it for now. . . .   I'll try to get some pics of the car for you as soon as I find a local to let me in the police garage.  This is  routine for a death by auto incident.

Thanks Guys

Crashed last yesterday eve and never logged off. . .  ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I have recieved several emails regarding setting up a donation fund.  Thank you to all.  But, please don't do anything for them just yet.  I need to discuss this with the family first.  It will be a while before I can get everyone together.  But I don't think money is a problem or a big concern.  Besides knowing them, they are liable to deny the contributions.  Stubborn bunch. . . .

About the only donation, well not really, will be to sell Joe my Saratoga.  What the hay!  He helped with half the car anyway.  Right now it's in the body shop, but won't be ready for a year.  That time table will probably work.  He got a letter from the truckers insurance company yesterday.  They are trying to settle the car for $500.00.  Yeah that's right, FIVE HUNDRED!  That was quick. . . More like $25,000 is more like it, as that is what My Sara will cost when it's done.  FYI, I sell my Sara to Joe, and I will be finless.  I'll be banished.

I haven't been to the hospital yet. . . . .  Took a video of the fireworks last night to play for Joe on my laptop.

Since I will not be at Carlisle, now for two reasons, I wish you all a great time there.  Hang a picture of me up next to Jessica Pooh Hoo.  The mind is there, but the spirit has to stay here and take care of business.

I just realized, I don't even have a picture of these two. . . .  I guess that's what happens when you see them every day

Just a quick note

Betty seems to be doing better. . . She is struggling, I haven't see her since Friday.  She's in New York where she got more brain surgery done.  Supposed to be back Thursday this week.  I talk to her 6 or 7 times a day.  She desprately wants to be at Joes side right now.  Better make it soon

Joe is in and out. . . He seems to be going backwards.  He is getting more surgery in the morning.  His liver seems to be doing OK, it will be two weeks before they know for sure.  His kidneys are still not functioning right yet, they are trying to seek the problem.  He seems to be going down hill for some reason.  He knows that Betty is doing OK, but can't stay awake for more than a minute or two.  His vitals are waivering in a downward fashion.  Dr. DeRosa is starting to worry.  As I said before, these two have been joined by the hip for 30 years.  DeRosa and I are trying to get Betty back here sooner.  He's been running into a stone wall in NYC.  But he isn't her primary doctor either.  Her primary is also in the ring with us.  It worked a mirical before, we need it again right now.  I try to talk to him, but he doesn't seem to be responding.  His grip on my hand is weaker than ever.  Right now, things don't look that good for him.

I'll keep you posted.

Joe,

You're going to get better,betty and all of us are pulling for you.I send you lots of fwdlk healing and strength from Canada. Strengthen that grip and resolve and come back to all of us,especially your family. Steve needs an upstanding type like yourself to keep him in line. Two semis were not enough to take a special person like yourself!

Any news on Joe today? I continue to pray for him and Betty and it's saddening to hear that he is still struggling.

Sorry, I have been too depressed to do this, but I guess I owe you members a update.  BTW  Thanks for all the input here.  I still print the updated pages and take them to Joe and read them aloud.

As of last night, and a few members on the chat were aware of this, Joe had fallen back to the propably won't survive list.  He's still on it at this time.  But is still with us.

Betty was flown in, arriving here around 11:15 this morning.  She was rushed to Joes side as we demanded.  (Half the hospital staff was waiting for the Medivac to land)  The two were brought side by side where she was able to touch Joe again.  Joe had more surgery yesterday and is pretty well drugged up.  Very little response from him, but the monitors did bump up in activity.  He now has Betty at his side in the same room.  (God help the administrator if he tries to interfere, it violates all the hospital rules) When I left a few hours ago, she was yacking away a mile a minute about good things, spurring on things he loved to do and their common interests.  Betty is fully aware he might not make it.  Being a Psycoligist, she knows how to do it and is working her years of experience overtime on him. 

Betty is not mobile, but has enough useage of her left arm to be able to do simple tasks like wash his face with a cloth and massage his fingers.  She is on Joes left side, and facing him. (Her bed is backwards in the room)  She is ignoring he own wounds and problems for the time being.  Except for some physical theropy she will stay at his side for the next few days I am assured.  Otherwise she has been moved to the gaurded list.  She can't chew anything, swearing at the goo they are feeding here.  Wants me to go to our favorite burger joint and get her the works.  We spoke loud enough for Joe to hear, pretending he was in the conversation.  A private nurse in with both of them now.  He needs constant care

Betty has 95% of her motor functions restored.  This is a result of the Brain Surgery in NYC.  Her face is disfigured but has had the facial bone structure reconstructed already.  It's up to Leone (The Plastic Surgeon) from here on.  Her right arm is still imobilized, and her fingers are working (That's the 5% missing).  They expect almost a full recovery for the arm, she'll loose about 20% of the useage.  The girls are looking for a recent picture for the plastic surgeon, Betty is a beautiful woman for her age (Beautiful in very many ways) . . .   I think I said, she looked 20 even though she is 48.  I enjoy here devilish behaivior, always pulling some harmless prank on me.  Right now I miss that.  Last several stunts she pulled would be a beach bucket full of pool water dumped down my shirt.  It was fun.

I couldn't stay for any more.  This is getting harder and harder for me.  Falling into a hole.  But still optomistic.

LOL  Mike  He was the one that was trying to cut corners when he helped me put the chassis together.  But like we have all said here, "It's my car Putz!  My Money!  I will do the job right!!  He always agreed with me anyway. . . .

Basically I put allot of money into that car where it counted.  Even new body bushings.  He's getting a new car for cryin out loud!  Well that's OK, he's be able to drive it for years before he has to mess with it again.  This one will even have swivel seets.  I think he'll need that.

Corner cutting  HA! :)

Yeah Doug. . . I am obviously rattled with all this.

You wrote that, and it will be read to Joe in the morning.  But I would like to have someone else say this besides me.

I intend to tell Joe "I need him on his feet so he can kick (or try too) my ass".  That has been a standing joke between he and I for the last 17 years, since I met him.  I haven't had a good way of saying it to him.

We know his is listening, sometimes he moves his head slightly.  We watch the monitors thinking he is trying to communicate with us that way.  I could be wrong, but my impression is he is trying to get out of his cacoon and become part of the human race again.  And Oh Boy!  What a race it is.

I always skip part of my reports to try to keep things on the lighter side.  I don't want him to know what we know.  But I am sure he knows what his condition is.  I have been looking around to see if I have any pictures of he and Betty, none so far.  It would be nice to put a face with a name.

I got a call from the State Police today in response to me getting some pics of the car.  They did this as a courtesy to our locals.  They told me I cannot go near the car, and the car is being taken from the town garage tomorrow.  I asked them if I could get a few of their shots of the car, the officer took my email address.  He was kind enough to listen to how much involved our group is and understood we are a big family.  He told me he would see what he can do for us.  He is into those old chebbys, never thought about old mopars.  He said the next time he sees an old Mopar, he "would have a new respect for them".  It will be a few more days before I will have anything.  Maybe someday, I will be able to show you all what this little Welchman survived. 

By the way, Joe is a shorter version of me.  He's 5'7", was 200 pounds, and has shoulders on him that filled the seat of his car.  I often teased him about being shaped like a funnel.  Those ham hocks he calls hands are like a pair of vice grips too.  He tightens  things with his fingers I have to get a wrench to loosen.  (Maybe I'm just getting too old  LOL)  He's tough!  Real tough.  This is the guy that I want with me when I take on a bus load of punks. hehehehehe

So this post will be passed over tomorrow. . . .

Thanks Ray. . . You and I were posting the same time.  I hope to have good news for you when you return

Sorry to hear that Jessica. . . I hope everything is OK.  That's two of us now.

Status report

Well He's still with us. . . Doctors seem to think he is delibrately shutting himself down to heal.  They can find no reason for Joe to be in the state he is in.  His vital signs show some improvement after Betty chewing his ear off for several hours.  A glimmer of hope.

Betty, being fully aware of her and his condition, was wheeled out of the ICU room so we could talk privately.  Betty said she had a talk with him while the private nurse was out of the room.  We know what that means. . . .  So she is accepting the fact he could go either way.  She said she ended her brief discussion with, "I wish you wouldn't go Joe.  I need you".  A sentance like that is really hard for me to accept without breaking down.

So far, his liver is improving, his kidneys are starting to function, his blood pressure is still a bit low, but he's not loosing any, he's resting.  Brain waves are good, he's breathing on his own and there is spontainious reaction from all his limbs and body areas.  His stomach mussles are all re-attached and he now has several layers of skin graphed to his adnomin.  They can find no blood clots, but are keeping him thined out to make sure until he heals a bit more, about another week.  About a third of his left torso was torn out with another third badly damaged.  His intestines are healing nicely.  So he really has everything going for him.

The doctors told us today his quality of life in the future will be very good.  He will be almost normal in about a years time, except for heavy lifting or anything that will affect his stomach mussles.  They said two years and he will probably be back to the old grind as he used to be.  They are glad to hear he has a pool, as this will help him greatly with excersise.  He is physically looking very good at this time with all the signs of a full recovery.  However, the lazy SOB won't wake up.  They could give him a stimulant, but they don't want him to move around too much yet.  So it's wait and see.

With all this in mind, Betty instructed me to find someone to enclose the pool for winter use and to work up an enclosed walkway to it.  That ought to be interesting. . . .  He already has a heater so we're ahead of the game.

Over all, I feel better about him, but with reservations.  Betty will be fine, according to the Plastic Surgeon, Joe Leone, she will have her youthful look back in 6 months.  He said he'll make her look 16. 

I got nuthin much for you today.  I haven't been to the hospital yet, I will be going over there as soon as I finish this.

I talked to Betty on the phone however.  She tells me his status is the same as it was yesterday.  So we are in limbo.  She did say since she knows this guy for almost 30 years, she can tell that "he is up to something though".  Joe is a planner, when he executes a plan it usually is successful.  Betty seems to think he is going to come out of the box running when he wakes up.  I sure hope so. . . .

Besides.  He has half my tools and I don't know where they are!  I wish he would wake up so I can get my bushing driver kit back. . . .

I tried to get in here yesterday, but the site was down.  I didn't come back to it later

Joe is still status quo with no changes.  This morning, I told Joe I was going to come in tomorrow and "slap the S**T out of him if he didn't wake up and tell me where my bushing tools are".  That got a rise out of the monitors, so we know someone is home, the lights are still out.  Maybe I need to connect him to a battery charger or something.

Betty is fine, she continues her vigil on Joe to snap him out of it. 

The girls are doing well also, Wendy is back in school (Local)  So she comes every night.  Casey is working 3/4 days and spends the balance in the hospital.  Wendy Graduates the 28th, so I guess I will be the Mom and Dad for that.  She goes to school with my daughter who also graduates the same day.

I am doing fine.  Reality has finally settled in. . .  Don't spend as much time over at the Hospital as I should, But I need to get caught up here.  I am finally getting some rest, tossing and turning allot, depressed, but coming around.

More when I can

A Forward Look care package is on the way!

-Dave & Juley & Everyone @ C@C

Well I'm glad to see the board back.   Sure you guys want to know what is going on. . .  .

Well, I got a frantic phone call last evening around 10:30 or so to come to the hospital as quickly as possible.  Wendy called in tears, blubbering so hard I could hardly make out who it was, but there was a pretty loud din in the background.  All I could make out was "Come Quick!  We need you here.   It's Daddy!!"   I feared the worse.

Lickity split, in the rain and all, I darted down to the hospital at a full sprint.  You can imagine a 55 year old fat mad running in the rain.  I bolted up to Joe and Betties room.  Now mind you there was a croud in there.  They were all leaning over Joe, there was a great deal of comotion.  I took a second to get my composure, it looked to me as if Joe had coded on them and they were trying to revive him.  It was so loud, nurses and doctors surrounded him, blocking my view through the window in the hallway.

OK so I busted your chops on this one. . .  He're the news.  The son-of-a-bitch is awake!  He woke about 1/2 an hour after I left the hospital at 10:00.  He looked like crap when I left.  Betty said she got the nurse to push the bed over.  She said he first started to moan.  The he spoke a few slerred words, then out of his mouth he said.  "Tell Hobby his bushing tools are in the trunk of the Saratoga".  She broke out laughing so hard she pulled an I.V. tube out.

Wendy and Casey went down to the caffiteria to grab a soda.  When they came back, Betty was hanging on him with dear life.  She was crying, while not supposed to be because of the eye surgery, they thought Joe had passed also.

So I walk into the room.  Soaked, leaving a puddle on the floor.  She see's me and waves me in.  I got a glimps of his face, and I saw that pair of hazel eyes looking at me with a half assed grin.  First thing out of his mouth to me was. "YOU!  You have been here every day, calling me names, as usual, reading me stuff from Forward Look, talking to my wife behind my back, asking me where your sh** is, worrying yourself sick over me, and here you are!"  My reply.  "Why you low down dirty Son of o bitch, don't you ever scare me like that again.  I was beside myself for almost three weeks!"  "Yeah I know you were.  I was aware of everything, but was trying to talk.  These dudes here had me so doped up. . ."

Well there was more, but I found out Joe was compalining about the pain from all the traction equipment on him.  The word spread around the hospital like wild fire.  DeRosa showed up in his shorts and a T shirt with paint spots on it and an old pair of ragidity sneakers.  So all the comotion was the doctors and nurses trying to adjust his traction to reduce the pain.

I gotta' tell you, this was the most emotional time I think I have ever had.  Still crying with Joy!

I spent much of the day at the hospital with Joe and Betty.  I am leaving tomorrow on a business trip for a few days, so I wanted to get my time in.  Joe asked me to send a message.

"Tell everyone at Forward Look, I don't know how to thank them.  I know these people because of you, (Meaning me) I have never met one of them.  I came close to Jessica in June,  Missed her by a couple of hours.  But I have learned to love those guys through my contact with all of them."  These words will stay with me for the rest of my life .

So there you have it.  2 for 2.  All the praying and Crying we have all done to save these two paid off.  How do I say thank you from here.

Special thanks to Mathan for your email.  I just got it half an hour ago.  I figured this was the best way to reply.

I won't have time until Monday night to see Joe or fill you in.  But I will be in contact with them while I am travelling.  I may try to call Spanky and have him post an update.  But don't worry, he looks like he's going to be fine.

Oh Yes.  I should tell you about the day.

We told Joe everything.  It took us a day to describe the details of events from the time we heard about it until he woke up.  We told Joe about the Saratoga, he was disappointed, but knew the car was totaled on the first shot he took.  He remembered fighting with the car to regain control and try to steer it to safety.  He sid he remembered a loud bang and then knew nothing for some time.  It was a couple of days before he realized how bad he was.  He remembered us argueing with someone about moving the two together in the same room.  He remembered things that went on in the operating room, recovery room.

He was saddened to learn that the first truck driver was killed.  We explained to him he may be charged with death by auto.  But later in the day, a local poice officer and a state police officer cam in to take a statement from him.  What none of us knew was Joe was technically under arrest.  He gave the cops his statement, that is how I learned about what happened at the accident.  Joes description was pretty close to what I concluded from the info I got.  I spoke to the trooper in the hall after the interview.  He said he couldn't say for sure, it was up to the prosecuters office from here. (Another friend of mine)  But based on everything he has done in the investigation, if he does get charged, he will be acquited.  He has to go through the formality.  He did say candidly, he was recommending he not be charged.

OK  I'm outa' here.  I'll be able to sleep in 6 moths or so.  I have lots to do now for the living.

Praise the Lord! I can't begin to tell you how happy I am to hear that Joe and Betty are going to get well. It's a pity about Joe's 59 Chrysler, but things can be replaced. Maybe Steve will give Joe a break on his 59.

I too don't understand why Joe would be charged in the truck driver's death. If I understand how the accident happened, it was the truck that blew a tire, crossed the median and nailed Joe. Wasn't his fault at all. And then a truck going the same way as Joe plowed into the accident and turned the 59 Chrysler into the filling of a hamburger sandwich. Must be New Jersey's strange traffic laws. No doubt they deserve the high insurance rates they pay... 

Well My goodness.  You guys have been busy.

I was away for 4 days, up watching Canadian Teleivision in the evenings.  No wonder Psycho has a screw loose.  CTV is the pitts.  But I guess it falls in place with the New York stations. . . .

As I promised I would, I tried to call Chuck so he could post an update.  But alas, the weather up there was pretty rotten and I couldn't hold a signal on my cell.  Soo I waited to now to bring you more news.

Upon returning from a 9 hour drive, I went directly to the Hospital to physically see Joe and Betty.  I had been calling them from Canada when I could, but most of the conversations were interupted with static and lost signals.  I guess beer is Canada's stronger point.

Betty and Joe have been moved to 2 separate rooms.  Betty is has graduated to a wheel chair, she is still pretty banged up and has some strong pains in her back and arms.  They are looking into that now.  One xray revealed a small bone chip against the spinal cord, in a low danger area.  The plan is to go get it in a couple of days.  Meanwhile she can move around, but needs to be real careful.  The chip is not life threatening and small enough that it will not harm her other than the pain.

Speaking of pains. . . .  Joe on the other hand, has stooped to new levels.  He's been pinching nurses butts.  Now figure this out.  The guy has been out of it for almost three weeks, he comes too, swears at his best friend, crys at all the support and then next thing you know, he is being fresh.  Betty is aware of it and scolds him, knowing all along he wishes it were her back side.  His spirits seem to be real good. But he's still under quite a bit of medications.  He's been working on some mental excersises to keep him busy.  I gave him two over heating problems to think about.  One is Mikes 59 and my 71.  I already know the answer on the 71 and he hit that on the head.  Mikes on the other hand is annoying him.  Everything is in place on his car. . . .  But he continues to think it out.  Good for him.  Joe Kidneys, Blatter and Liver are all functioning now. . .he is off the machines for that.  He's been getting frequent MRI's, the hole in his lung is healed up pretty good and they have removed the little baloon they had in him.  He's now able to go "pottie", as he called it, on his own, but they continue with the cathiter.  He is still unable to chew like Betty, has allot of jaw pain yet.  He's on baby foods which he says he's finally getting a taste for.  Over all, he looks fabulas considering what he was 3 weeks ago.  He's punchy and rightfully so. 

Joe says the Doctor is going to keep him in there for another month, while Betty should be able to go home in a week or so.  It's safe to say they can be separated.

Got a package from Dave today.  It's a banner from Carslile.  I will tend to it tomorrow with Joe.  For now, I have a whole page to print out for him.  This time, he can read it for himself.

By the way, the bushing tools weren't important. . .  I can replace them, and will have too.  It was an excersise to get his brain working.  He responds to stuff like that.

If there's any changes, I'll let you know.  But for now, I need to get some of my work done.  I'll be quiet for a few days.

Hi All

Just a quock note.

I took the banner to Joe today, but he wasn't there.  He was getting an MRI and was expected to be gone a while.

I didn't leave the banner.  I want him there for the unvailing.  I'll try to go over tonight, camera in hand.  Working in tiny windows here now.

I gotta' say this thread has to be a FL record.  Over 4000 visitors, in 3 weeks with 144 posts.  What a nice feeling.  Thank you.