Care Calendar & More of the Interview....

Matt's article yesterday was great - he is a good reporter - thanks Matt!

There were several things that I learned from the interview I would like to mention as well.  Bryan Rickman who was the first official responder to Michele said when he arrived a couple was with Michele who were comforting her. They were doctors and married, I believe he said they were anesthesiologists, but not sure. If you are out there and have followed Michele's blog please know that the Dunklin family and all of her friends and relatives are so grateful you were there to keep her calm and comfort her.

Bryan also said one of  his off-duty guys was in the area when this took place and he came and helped on his day-off, by driving the ambulance, so Bryan could be in the back with Michele - thanks also to that fireman! Bryan said Michele was answering all her questions  - she said her back hurt and it was hard to breath - she told him her who husband was and where he worked - she was responsive and  talking the whole time to Bryan until they intibated (sp?) her at the hospital. We then all deduced God didn't want her in Heaven yet because he had not sound proofed her room. You all know one of the things we love most about Michele is that she is loud:)

Matt reported that Michele only remembers that she was coming home from Craig then the next memory is Stevie D. in her face. This part was pretty funny. Steve's concern is that  one day she will have these nightmares of his head in her face. Time will tell on that one.

She also has not wanted to know a lot about what happened to her body since she is concerned about nightmares and afraid if her memory comes back it will be too scary to relive. She heard more during the interview then she had previously known - especially the details of the impaled object. She knows in time she will want to know more, but for now she likes being in the dark of the gruesome details. Steve did say once she could speak when she was in the ICU,  her first concern and words were if anyone else was hurt. The answer is only one driver had a small cut to his thumb and was not taken to the hospital - God was truly with all involved. She has not read the blog yet, since she knows we tried to document everything for her. When she is ready it will be here for her. Jody Spradlin was at the interview with her husband Chris (pastor at Euzoa) and understands. She also said she would have liked to have known about what she missed when she lost her leg in an accident. For those of you who don't know Jody, she was hit by a drunk driver when she was a teenager. She is now armed or should I say legged with a mighty stick should Chris get out of line. I can only say this because I know Chris and Jody and they will be laughing - she has probably already threatened him with it.

God is my final thought for the interview. Although Michele gave credit to the men who saved her she emphatically gave the ultimate credit to God. Yes their faith is drastically increased due to living out these miracles, but she knew without God, Bryan or the doctors could not have done what they did.  As Michele gets better I tend not to be as reaching for your prayers and kind wishes nor do I talk about God and his role in all of this as much, but please keep her in your prayers and thoughts. It's like when you have a baby everyone comes and offers help in the beginning then a month later the new mom is faced with a crying eating pooping peeing machine. Where is the help then? Michele will certainly need our support for a very long time.  God is with her every step of every day and she needs Him - as we all do.

God, I don't mean to leave you out of the blog - we know you are just as much with Michele during her recovery phase as you were in saving her. If I forget to give you as much credit as you deserve its only because I am human and I know you have already forgiven me for my oversight, but just wanted you to know that. You know I tend to forget about you when things are going good - my bad. I am going to try harder to remember you in this blog and at all times:) Please stay with Michele to keep her spirits up, her attitude positive, and her will to strengthen her body  as strong as ever.... Thanks God!

 Also remember, the account at Vectra is still active - Steve would prefer I am sure not to mention this, since everyone is hurting financailly in this down economy, but I know the bills they are incurring are astronomical. Thanks!

Euzoa Bible Church now has the Care Calendar up and running. Please check it out at: http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/64101

     CALENDAR ID      :   64101
     SECURITY CODE :   4021

===================================

HELPER LOGON

===================================

The HELPER logon is used by family and friends

that would like to sign-up to help a loved one.

To access Steve & Michele Dunklin's personal CareCalendar site,

visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/64101 and enter

the following information in the appropriate spaces:

     CALENDAR ID      :   64101

     SECURITY CODE :   4021

    

Steamboat Pilot & Today Article on Michele by Matt Stensland

I am sure all of Michele's Steamboat friends read Matt's article today in the Pilot - it was front page:) For all of Michele's family, friends and relatives outside of Steamboat,  here is Matt's article cut and pasted directly from the Pilot:  

Steamboat's Dunklins grateful for community support, ‘Michele’s miracle’

By Matt Stensland Saturday, January 29, 2011

Get updates on Michele Dunklin’s condition at www.micheledunklin.blogspot.com.

Steamboat Springs — Michele Dunklin walked outside the Doak Walker Care Center on Friday, closed her eyes, looked at the sun overhead and took in a deep breath.

“It feels very nice,” she said.

Before Friday, the last time the 47-year-old Steamboat Springs woman got to take in the mountain air was briefly on Jan. 10 when she was being transferred from an ambulance to the Doak, where she would continue her recovery from a near-fatal Dec. 8 head-on car crash.

Those who have cared for her have been astonished by her recovery. They call it “Michele’s miracle.” Dunklin has trouble grasping the generosity shown by her friends, family and the community as she recovers from the horrific wreck that has brought her family closer and affirmed her strong Christian beliefs. Rehab has been a daily battle. On Thursday, she climbed a flight of stairs for the first time since the crash. She hopes to return home in two weeks, where there are 22 steps, one for each of the ribs she broke.

Heroes at work

Dunklin credits two people for saving her life. The first is West Routt Fire Protection District Chief Bryan Rickman, the first emergency responder on scene after Dunklin tried to pass a semitrailer on U.S. Highway 40 outside Hayden and hit a pickup head-on. Rickman on Friday described it as the worst wreck he had seen where everyone survived.

Dunklin was the only one injured in the crash, the force of which broke all but two of her ribs. A piece of her vehicle also had stabbed Dunklin in the side and hit several organs.

Dunklin’s condition was critical, and she needed a trauma surgeon. Instead of tediously extricating her from the car, Rickman lifted her off the piece of metal stabbing her and pulled her out the passenger door.

“She was talking like there was nothing wrong with her,” Rickman said.

Dunklin was answering questions and said her back hurt and she couldn’t breathe.

“We made one very quick trip to Steamboat, to say the least,” Rickman said.

After traveling the 30 miles to Yampa Valley Medical Center, Dunklin was rushed to the operating room, where she met her other hero, Dr. Alan Belshaw.

Assisted by Dr. Mark Hermacinski, Belshaw removed Dunklin’s spleen to stop the bleeding, closed a hole in her stomach, and repaired the lung and diaphragm.

“At one point in the operation, she bled so much that her heart was almost empty,” Belshaw said. “In just a few

minutes, we replaced her blood volume.”

The metal object had missed Dunklin’s heart by an inch.

“Everyone stepped up,” Belshaw said. “There wasn’t a lot of panic. It went very smoothly.”

The surgeons had repaired her life-threatening injuries, and Dunklin was flown to Denver Health medical center. Doctors there had planned to take her straight to the operating room, but no surgery was necessary, and Dunklin instead was taken to the intensive care unit.

Dunklin’s husband, Steve, manager at Cook Chevrolet and Subaru, arrived in Denver along with close friends and family. Michele occasionally would wake for a few seconds, and Steve would rattle off the names of the people who were there.

She remained in the ICU for most of three weeks and underwent numerous procedures.

Michelle Diehl, a close friend of the Dunklins’, set up a blog and updated it regularly to let friends and family know how Michele was doing. It included benchmarks such as when Michele took her first post-crash steps Dec. 23 and when Michele got to eat a burger and fries Jan. 2.

“The best part is that Michele is completely off the ventilator, trach and no more worry zone,” Diehl wrote. “We are going to be headed home soon!”

The blog provided some relief for Steve, who had been getting more than 100 text messages a day.

“It’s been really good because we have friends everywhere and family everywhere, so they were able to stay in touch,” Steve said.

Home in sight

Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, has special meaning for the Dunklins, who have been married 16 years. It is the day the two met and the day Michele might get to return home to Steve and their 14-year-old son, Zach. The family has only grown closer since the wreck.

“Ever since the accident, I realize how much I really enjoy hanging with you and dad,” Zach recently told his mother.

The couple’s love for each other was apparent as they exchanged words with tears and laughs Friday in a sunroom at the Doak.

“You have been a rock,” Michele said to Steve. “You’re my right hand. You’re my strength. You’re my other half. Without me I don’t know what you would do without me.”

The Dunklins are hoping for a full recovery. Michele said she looks forward to returning home and being around people, because she loves people. She wants to be home with her family and live a normal life again, which includes doing the laundry, a chore she loves and her husband appreciates.

“I was the one who suffered … but it was more of a test for you to see if you could do all the jobs I did,” Michele said to Steve.

Michele also said she looks forward to rejoining her congregation at Euzoa Bible Church.

“Once I get out of here, that’s the first place I’m going,” Michele said. “I’ll be wheeling in there. No, I’ll be walking.”

The Dunklins’ faith remains strong.

“We call it Michele’s miracle, but we know whose miracle it really was,” Steve said.

The support from the close-knit Steamboat community also has played a major role in helping the Dunklins through the tragedy.

“Anytime there was something missing in the puzzle, someone was just like, here it is,” Steve said.

The support has been overwhelming at times. It is something Michele greatly appreciates and is thankful for but does not quite understand.

“What’s so special about me that people reach out to me?” Michele said. “I’m not a pastor. I’m not like Bryan (Rickman), who saves people’s lives. I just hope one day I can give back.”

Steve tries to help Michele understand.

“I think your strength has been an inspiration for us,” he said. “You’re an inspiration to a lot of people.”

— To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247           970-871-4247      

 or e-mail mstensland@SteamboatToday.com

Big Strides (literally) in Therapy!

Michele has had some good days and bad. The other day Steveie D.  was there and gave her an awesome foot rub and lotioned her all up to make her heal - that was good. Too much therapy for two days in a row made her have a bad day the other day (just really tired not necessarily a bad day), but she is learning her balance of working hard but not too hard. One of her therapists really has figured out where her balance is. In addition to two therapy sessions a day she is also showering where that used to be a therapy session, so in reality she is doing three therapy sessions. Go Girl!

Yesterday's therapy was the most encouraging. She walked up and down a full set of stairs. WOW! This is huge to look back and realize that since December 8th and for several weeks after we didn't see her eyes except for brief moments and certainly we did know her life outcome or if she would walk and to what degree. Its just amazing to everyone who sees her that she has come so far. Prior to yesterday she had done a few stairs but certainly not a flight - up and down!

Today there was a big interview at the Doak by Matt from the Steamboat Pilot. I don't want to burst his thunder, so look for the article in the upcoming Pilot. I will also wait to read it and anything that I feel friends and relatives want to know that was not included in his article, I will blog tomorrow or Sunday.

Stay tuned .... By the way, today although her first respondent  Bryan Rickman was there and she calls him her hero and she knows he was the first part of her miracle life saving adventure, she gave all the credit and glory to God...

Therapy & Healing Continue....

I only have positive comments to say. Michele looks and feels great. She is doing physical therapy twice daily and is elevating what she can do. She now can do some leg exercises like kicking a ball, stair simulation, throwing and catching and a lot more core strengthening exercises.   Before long she will be kicking Steveie D:).  With all of her therapy she is just withering away to nothing - almost like a Sports Illustrated model. Sam - she needs your good cooking!

 Many of you who read this blog have been in and have seen her - tell us your stories.... I have not been able to visit as much as I would like since I am getting over a cold. Her room looks lovely with all the Fishman balloons, the many cards, bears and flowers. It really is a nice environment  and she has her room to herself which is good for her steady flow of much welcomed visitors:).  

The wound vac. has been removed permanently , now its just a matter of time for the wound on her leg to heal. Everything is very positive but know your visits keep her spirits up! The new washer and dryer were ordered and should be installed today sometime so Stevie D. now has the proper tools. Euzoa Bible Church is preparing a helper's calendar that I will give you the website to as soon as it is up and running. If there is a big snow this week I am sure Steve could use someone to plow his deck. He was supposed to have shoulder surgery on the 23rd of December, but he had a pressing engagement.

If you have a story you would like to tell and are following the blog but not logged in to leave comments, just e-mail me at MichelleDiehl@comcast.net and I will post  your story. Even if it doesn't have anything to do with the recovery, but  you want to be a part of the fun - e-mail me.... Thanks again all! Love you Michele!!!!

Happy Meal Day

"Bring me a Happy Meal," Michele said to Steve. Sounds like dinner tonight is taken care of. It's a great sign when our wonderful health conscious great cook, Michele, wants to put McDonalds in her body. Michele was in such great spirits today. I got a cold this weekend and haven't been able to visit her since Sunday. I was only receiving  second hand information; what a difference just a few days make. Since I last saw her she is now able to place weight on her left leg which is the broken one and able to walk by herself around her room safely. She is still assisted when running laps around Doak  (her version of running laps anyway), but such a great improvement in only four days.  She also sits on a big ball and exercises and uses a form of a sit down elliptical working both arms and legs. She now has two sessions of physical therapy daily. Before you know she will be able to take Steveie D on. She is getting better because she is ready to let Steve have it. He is telling her to do her breathing exercises or risk pneumonia. She is not really going to let him have it and he is doing all the right things, but she is now very focused on doing her breathing exercises. He is also a food pusher, if we are going to air all the dirty laundry. Steveie D. she loves you so much, but you are a food pusher!

I just talked to Steve and he wanted to express his desire for everyone to come visit. It really lifts her spirits. She can only take the women on the "View " for so long before real people are needed.  I found today that she is feeling so good she wants to go on and on, but don't let her or if she insists, just stay a half hour or less. Even a short five minute visit is very welcomed. There is a sign on her door that says she is resting - she is not. Just check in with the nurses and they will call her to be sure she is not with a doctor, doing physical therapy,  showering , etc... More than likely you can say hi; just check in with the nurses first.

Tomorrow we are shopping for a new washer and dryer. She doesn't know this yet , but  Steveie D. cannot possibly be the house husband he wants to be with faulty gear. Butch Loveland tried to fix the old girl and although she is spinning better she is on her way out.  Steve loved being back at work and his passion for selling cars. Our family has bought at least three from him, so I know how he loves what he does. Even if you don't need a car stop by Cook Chevrolet  and give him a big hug - he is under a lot right now. Last night Z was running late at B-Ball practice then he took him shopping for some much needed new clothes - the boy is growing like a weed. After clothes shopping they went to visit Michele then home for more laundry. Michele still has a few  weeks to go at the Doak, but Steveie D will be so happy to have Linda and Michele home:)

 A couple of major improvements are that she is off the two oral pain meds. and now on  one patch that does it all. She is also off the sleep aids. Her wound vac. was removed today. We will see if it stays away. This was in process when I left. Really great news!!!! Thanks for staying tuned in to her progress and be sure to go say hi - she is our Christmas miracle and will surely brighten your day when you go to see her. Love hugs and kisses from her happy happy family and friends.

Getting Better Every Day

Michele's recovery is coming right along thanks to all of you! Its a long day just laying around doing therapy and watching TV, so short visits by loved ones really boosts her spirits.  Steveie D continues to be there as much as possible in the evenings, until Michele kicks him out and makes him go home and eat. During the day, he is back to work at Cook Chevrolet. He has been away a long time and is really looking forward to being back at Cook selling cars. I know he has told Scott at Cook Chevrolet how much he appreciates the family leave time, but all of you should know what a great company Cook is for allowing Steve the time he needed to be with Michele and Zach. Thanks Scott!

Zach is also doing well and was released to go back to school today. He will soon have the full release to play contact sports again, but for now its just light practices.  

Euzoa Bible church is going to be arranging a helpers calendar which will allow all of you that have wanted to cook meals, clean house, run to the  grocery store, etc... a chance to help out. Once they have it posted I will let you know how to access it. In the mean time keep your prayers and well wishes coming and stop by for  a quick hello to brighten Michele's day. Thanks everyone!

Doak - Day 5

Michele is making a huge recovery! Her physical therapy is going quite well and her stamina is improving. She has had many visitors and her room smells like an aromatic bouquet with all the  beautiful flowers she is receiving. Each day she does more and more. The visiting hours are working with everyone being respectful of short visits; she doesn't get as worn out that way. Talking seems to be the most exhausting on her now.  Steveie D. is able to spend a lot of time with her since he knows her limitations better than anyone. Zach is improving as well and they have hopes he will return to school on Tuesday (Monday is a Martin Luther King Day - no school,  so we can celebrate a 21st century hero).

All is well in Dunklinville....