December 19, 2008 10:30AM

Hey Guys,

Thirteen years ago today the world lost a very good person. During the past year I have never questioned God why this happened to me. But I did and still do at times bear down and wonder why he needed Adam right then.

For those of you that didn't know Adam Waddail, he was everything that was right in this bad world of ours. Not only did he love his sweet parents and sisters, but he thought his grandparents hung the moon. We played baseball together, I think we were on the same team from age 6 until our last year. We were in choir and later watch kids younger than us at church. He was just an all around great kid.

Oneof the things I remember most about Adam was him sweating. That boy could sweat through a snowstorm. However, he was a great athlete and played all sports. He could shoot a three with ease and knock a baseball a mile.

People throw the word friend around way to loosely in my opinion. If you were able to be called a friend by Adam you knew you had a friend it for life. He was somebody that you could go to with problems and he would always tell you what he thought. You also knew where you stood with him. If he didn't like something he would tell you, but in a way that it was fine even in
disagreement.

I guess what I'm trying to say is the world was a much better place with my good friend Adam Waddail in it. To Mr. Steve and Mrs. Melanie and Ashleigh, I Love You dearly and I'm a better person because of you and your wonderful son.

Neil

Wednesday December 17, 2008 10:30 AM

Hey Guys,

I apologize for the absence of post. Rehab is going very very well. My endurance continues to increase and we are starting to practice walking unassisted. We are going to New Orleans for Troy's bowl game this weekend.

I hate I didn't get this on here yesterday, but it was Beth Henderson's 39th birthday. She looks fabulous to have raised 6 kids including myself. Happy Birthday Bessie, I Love You So Much.

Hope everybody is having a great day and week.

Fins Up and Go TROY,
Jr.

Wednesday December 10, 2008 6:00 PM

Hey Guys,

Hope everybody is having a great week. I went for a quick trip to Elba yesterday. I went to George Lamar Collier's funeral. It was nice seeing John and the family, just not under those sad circumstances. Please drop a prayer for them.

Rehab is going well this week. We are doing more and I am recovering quicker, so that really helps. I'm also trying to get in the habit of just wearing a fake leg around all day. As you can expect it can get pretty uncomfortable at times. However, it sure beats sitting in a chair all day.

Talk to you later.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Monday December 8, 2008 5:00 PM

Good Afternoon Guys,

I hope everybody had a great weekend. D and I had a great time Friday night in Troy it was great seeing all of them and catching up.

We also had a good time on Saturday watching the Bama game at Teddy and Lisa's. I really thought we were going to pull it out. It is still great that we are going to New Orleans.

Speaking of New Orleans, my alma mater will be in the dome a couple weeks before the Tide. Troy will be playing Southern Miss on the 21st. This is big for Troy for a couple of reasons. The biggest being how well we match up with a Conference USA team. So congrats guys.

Rehab went well this morning. We are really picking up the pace and continue to get stronger.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Friday December 5, 2008 11:30 PM

Good Morning,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN KIMMEY. I hope you have a good one.

I just got back from having an ultrasound on my abdomen. The doc I went to see Wed. just wanted to see for himself what all is going on. I'm going to go eat lunch in a minute with Mom and some of her friends.

Tonight DeAnn and I are going to the SanBuck Christmas Party in Troy. I'm glad we will get to see everybody from both offices.

I have a great feeling about the Bama game tomorrow. But win or lose we are having a great season.

Fins Up and Roll Tide,
Jr.

Thursday December 4, 2008 10:45 AM

Hey Guys,

Well I missed another day, but hey every other day isn't so bad.

The doc ran a bunch of test yesterday and gave me an inhaler. He said that the 2 months on the vent could have been tough on my lungs. We should know something soon about the test.

Rehab has been good this week, but today was especially good. We just worked hard and fast and never really slowed down. Some days are better than others and today was just a good one.

I hope everybody is doing alot of shopping and getting that behind them.

Bama still has that big game looming Saturday against those Gators and I won't even talk about the other side of the state.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Tuesday December 2, 2008 3.45 PM

Hey,

Man I had a goal and broke it in one day. Therapy is going good. We continue to try new things and progress. I have a doctor's appt. tomorrow, but its nothing major. That's all I have on the Neil Newsfront.

Please say a little prayer for Mr. Jack Vaughan's family, he died yesterday afternoon.

I hope all is well.

Fins Up,
Jr.

November 30, 2008 7:45 PM

Good Sunday Evening Guys,

I hope everyone had a great Turkeyday weekend. D and I ate with the Young's on Thursaday and then with Grandmama on Friday. It was a great weekend all around. My therapists will be glad to know I'm not dog tired right now. If they had only known me before the crash. Man we used to stay on the road.

Saturday afternoon DeAnn and I split before the game. We hugged and kissed as she was leaving, I said War Eagle and she didn't reply. Wow some people are sore losers even before the game started. Coach Bryant sure would have been proud of that bust'em in the mouth running game. JP only threw that bone like 16 times or something. It was GREAT to watch. ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TTTTTIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Saturday Night I saw Robert and Kathy Waters. These are some great friends from Dothan that I grew up around and we kinda lost touched, but we all went to the beach last year and kinda reconnected. Mr. Robert chastised me about the frequency of my post and I told him my goal was to post everyday until Christmas minus weekends(hey you guys don't work everyday). Mrs. Kathy still looks as good as ever and it makes me wonder why she stays with Mr. Robert, but I guess I could say the same about DeAnn.

Mr. Robert talking to me really made me see that so many people started beginning or ending their day by checking on this sorry ole boy. That means the world and the least I could do is keep ya'll informed.

Anyway D needs help putting up the Christmas Tree. Love you all.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Wednesday November 26, 2008 5:00 PM

Hey Guys,

I tried to blog yesterday morning, but they turned the power off. I had a little toe surgery done yesterday to help my in grown toenail. Everything went wonderful and we were home at 6 pm and I was helping DeAnn get food ready for Thursday. This morning I went to rehab and we worked upper body. I have til next Monday off and will be back at therapy.

Well we are down to the only game that matters in college football. It blows my mind how all the national media think Bama has already won. I wish that were the case, but its not. Anyway, I hope everybody has a very Happy Thanksgiving. I know I sure have a ton of people and things to be thankful for. I Love you all.

Fins Up and ROLL TIDE,
Jr.

Monday November 17, 2008 8:30 PM

Hey Guys,

Things are going well up here. DeAnn even has some Christmas presents wrapped. Rehab is still going fairly well. I think I'm getting a little better everyday. We are talking about going to the Troy game Saturday.

Boy the Tide sure looked better in the second half against those dawgs for Mississippi. Now they need to get ready for Auburn and move on to Florida in Atlanta.

Sorry for the short one.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Thursday November 13, 2008 5:30 PM

Good Evening Everybody,

I hope everybody is having a great week. Therapy is going really really well. My strength is just about there now I want to concentrate on stamina. I really don't have that much to talk about.

I do want to say that it was great to be at the Troy game and see all our friends there. Also, Mrs. P(B) I still am going to get by and see you one afternoon when I'm in Elba. I really want to catch up.

I hope Friday goes well.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Speaking of that, Capt. Tony Tarricino died last week in Key West at the age on 94. Buffett wrote the song"Last Mango in Paris" about him and his bar that is right off Duval St. Just wanted all the Parrotheads to know.

Tuesday November 11, 2008 8:30 PM

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

Good Evening Guys,

I really want to say thanks for all the folks that have lived and died so we can rant and rave about last weeks election with out getting strung up. But honestly, thanks vets you have my utmost respect.

On the rehab note. Reese came up today since that state so graciously gave her the day off. LeeAnn wanted to try some things different and gave me a crutch with the cuff on the upper arm. Sorry I don't remember the name, but you know what I'm talking about. Anyway, it actually worked great and gave me great stability an leverage without all the baggage and weight of the walkers. I hope this will really help me become more independent.

Yesterday Mom and I went by to see Mrs. Sue and she is doing absolutely wonderful. Mrs. Susan came over also and the only people missing were Tommie Lee and Mr. Ed. We stayed longer than expected but it really made my day and I think they enjoyed it also.

Hope everybody is doing well.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Sunday November 9, 2008 8:30 PM

Hey Guys,

I'm so sorry about the length of time between post. I know it has been forever. Wow, where do I start?

Therapy with the new knee is going very well. However, I am getting a little impatient with my progress. I'm just not giving it enough time.

Before I go any further into this I need to talk about this. Gene and Pam Dorsey lost their 18 year old Steve in a tragic car accident 2 Friday nights ago. Mom and I went to Fairhope Wednesday for the funeral. For those of you who never had the opportunity or pleasure to meet Steve you truly missed out. During the hour long service, person after person stood up to say almost in unison that the world was a much better place with Steve Dorsey in it. Steve pretty much brightened every body's day that he came in contact with. Please remember this family in your prayers.

Bama sure pulled one out Saturday night. They didn't look like the number 1 team in the nation, but they were in a hostile environment. I sure hope they will be ready to play MSU.

Getting back to my therapy. Right now I am tiring out real quickly, but that will come around as I get more accustom to the knee. We are working on steps pretty heavily right now. I hope everyone has had a great weekend. I'll try my best to post tomorrow before somebody puts a hit out on me.

In the words of the great philosopher Jimmy Buffett.......Fins Up.
Jr.

Wednesday October 29, 2008 8:15 PM

Hey Guys,

I hope all is well. Boy this rehab everyday is rough. I am soooooo sore LeAnn is trying her best to kill me. The leg is still coming along great. Uncle Daniel came to hang out yesterday and Dad today. Uncle Daniel and I played almost all day yesterday and then this am after therapy I crashed and burned nearly all day with Dad. Sorry Dad that I wasn't up to much, blame you know who he's used to it. Even though the adjusting is taking a few days stamina wise, we really haven't taken a step back with our progress with the Rheo.

The only that I am really starting to see is just how easily I tire out. I felt like that would be back to normal by now. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

Thanks for reading and CARING.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Monday October 27, 2008 1:15 PM

Hey Guys,

I am so sorry it has been a week. We had a great weekend as the Tide rolled over the ugly Volunteers. Also my good buddy Jerry DuBose came and stayed with us for the weekend. We had a great time as we watched football and solved the worlds problems.

I FINALLY got the knee that will take me back to normal hopefully. The last time I had it I was not strong enough for it. Today I was almost jogging with it(with the help of a walker). Even so it was really neat and I am so excited about the prospects. As I spend more time on the knee i'll keep you guys posted. Also, I'm now back to 5 days a week at rehab, so LeeAnn and Jessica are blessed with my presents everyday.

DeAnn and I are planning on going to a Halloween party this weekend so that should be fun. Also, Bama has homecoming maybe the game will be easier.

If I'm not mistaken today is Josh and Elizabeth's 1 year annivesary. I hope you guys have 100 more, we love ya'll.

Talk to you guys later.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Sunday October 19, 2008 11:00AM

Hey Guys,

We went to Elba Friday afternoon and saw the parade and had a great time. Then on Friday night D had her 5 year at her parents house. I believe everybody there had a good time. Yesterday Dad, Reese, Buford and I rode up to God's Country and watched Saban and the boys slide by Ole Miss. We stopped by to see Mr. Jimmy Cook and his family and really enjoyed that. Then we walked over to the Houndstooth to check out the remodeling before game time. Before I go any farther I MUST thank Chris Ruddock for the escort to the stadium. Rudy that saved us at least an hour thank you so much. Also make sure that sweet Rachel gives your a little money for your time. Dad and I had real good seats in the North endzone. We saw 3 scores coming our way.

I will not be posting until at least Wednesday. Thank you saw much for your continued support and now for listening to me ramble.

Roll Tide and Fins Up,
Jr.

Thursday October 16, 2008 7:00 PM

Good Evening Everybody,

I want to apologize for the delay in post. I have been up to alot just not enough to put of telling all of you how we are doing.

First, I want to congratulate my cousin Howard Hornsby and his wife Dana on the birth of their baby girl. They are very excited.

Next, therapy is going very well and I seem to be getting much stronger and we are very optimistic that we will go to the Reho knee on Monday the 27th. I know I will have a small setback getting used to it, but hopefully it is going to be great.

Today Uncle John came up to hang out with me and after a small ordeal getting him in the gate we had a great time just catching up and shooting the bull. Thanks for coming up Unc, I enjoyed it bunches.

This Saturday the Crimson Tide is back in action and we are going to the game. I'm real stoked about going up and seeing the tide roll and checking out the new and improved Houndstooth.

I hope to see you all in Elba at Homecoming tomorrow. I think my old man's 40th class reunion is this weekend. Boy he's getting old, but He thinks he's still pretty.

Have a good weekend and Fins Up,
Jr.

October 10, 2008

Good afternoon everybody, Hope everyone is doing well. Everything is going well in Montgomery. Rehab is going excellent and my strength is coming back stronger than ever. We plan on having a quiet weekend and watching some football. I do not have to go back to Dr. V or the orthopedist. I still am going once a week to have the bandage on my abdomen changed. I think this will be almost completely healed within the next month. Shanna and Ms. Sue both seem to doing very well. Alabama is resting this weekend. Good luck to those Elba Tigers!!!!

Fins up
JR

Monday October 6, 2008 12:00 PM

Hey Guys,

I know. I know. I know. I am so sorry for not posting in dang near a week. I guess I got a little lazy and then we went to Elba this weekend. Rehab could not be going any better. We are hoping to be working with the permanent leg in a couple of weeks. We are going to all the Doctor visits and getting great reports, so everything is looking great.

Last Thursday night I had a wonderful dinner with 2 good looking women at The Pub. The food and fellowship was perfect. Thanks for calling Mrs. Janet, Mom and I had a great time.

My Crimson Tide didn't look real good this week, but you had the letdown and the zebras really had something against us. We have a bye this week so they can rest up and be ready to go when Ole Miss comes to T-Town on the 18th.

That's really all that going on. I am probably forgetting something, but if I remember I'll tell you tomorrow.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Tuesday September 30, 2008 4:30 PM

Hey Everybody,

I just wanted to let you know that rehab this morning was beyond great. When I got there we had so to a small re-evaluation since I've been gone a while, mostly to see what I lost. I was a little stiff at my stump, but my overall strength was maintained. That shocked us all. After the eval, we walked a little, then biked some, and lastly we walked a little more. This is not going to be as big a problem as I thought of getting back in the routine. I think we are pretty much starting back where we left off. Talk to you later.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Monday September 29, 2008 4:45 PM

Good Afternoon,

I hope you all had a great weekend. I sure sure did with the way the Tide just dominated the Dawgs in Athens. Friday night Dad and I had a great time at "The Camp" and I had a chance to see my good friend Katie V. Harbin. The food and the fellowship couldn't have been better. Overall it was just a great weekend.

Today Dad and I had a great lunch with Reese as she was coming through "The Gump". After that I had a Dr. Appt, surprise surprise. I had the drain removed from my abdomen without having to have a CT Scan. That was a wonderful surprise. Also I was cleared for rehab, so I will start that tomorrow and we are very excited and I am pumped to go.

That's really all I have.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Friday September 26, 2008 2:15 PM

Good Afternoon Everybody,

The last 2 days have been fairly busy for us. Yesterday I got my haircut and had a chance to talk to those wild women in the barber shop. After that Mom and I had some lunch at Down the Street Cafe, if you never been I strongly recommend giving it a try. Later in the afternoon I went to see the wound Doc and he fixed me up. Today Mom, D, and myself had a great meal at the Street Cafe. I know it's close, but 2 different places. Then Mom and I went to see Mrs. Sue at John Knox, she looks wonderful and seems to be doing great. They are such a great family and I just love them all.

I am now packing to try to spend a weekend in the big town and watch the Bama game with Dad.

I do want to send our love out to Mrs. Susan and Mr. Tad Bowman as they lost Mr. Tad's mother on Wednesday. They have been so great to us during my ordeal and all we can do is pray and let them know we are thinking of them.

I hope everybody has a great weekend.

Fins Up and Roll Tide,
Jr.

Wednesday September 24, 2008 5:30 PM

Hey Guys,

Dad came today to hang out with me and as usual we had a great time. We solved most of the world's problems and talked some football. That was really the extent of the day, it was pretty slow as most of you can tell. Tomorrow Lucia Gayle is coming and I have a Dr. appt to go to later in the day and I might get a haircut. I'm sorry but I really don't have anything new to tell, which I guess is a good thing. I hope all is well with all of you. Please let D and I know if we can help with anything. I am forever indebted to everyone. See you later.

Fins Up,
Jr.

September 23 8:00 PM

Hey Guys,

We made it home around 4:30 this afternoon. It's great to be home. We finally saw my Doc late last night and he said everything was looking better. I will go back next week to see him. Thank you all so much for keeping us in your prayer, you really don't know what it means.

Bama looked pretty good Saturday, but not great. I'm glad we weren't playing Georgia or somebody like that because I think we would have a lot more trouble. I hope this week those guys are ready to play. Auburn looked better and really had their chance to win the game.

I hope everybody had a great weekend and maybe the week is turning out well.

Fins Up,
Jr.

September 23 11:45am

Good morning from Baptist South, The doctor came by late last night. He said the infection was caused by bacteria and Neil could be treated by oral antibiotics. He said Neil should be able to go home today or tomorrow. The doctor also said Neil should be able to start back to rehab Monday. All of this is grand news!!!!!! We will keep you posted.


Thanks so much for your prayers, love and support.

September 22. 11 am

Good morning Folks, Neil is doing well. He is not on the 6th floor, but rather on the 4th. (This is a new experience as he has been on the 6th floor since he has been at Baptist South.) The abscess was drained on Friday and they left a drainage tube in his abdomen. He is on IV antibiotics. Neil has not had any temperature. Our prayer is the infection has been stopped in its tracks. We are waiting to see the doctor. Hope you all had a good weekend and are having a good Monday.

Thanks so very much for your prayers, love and support.

September 19 1:45pm

Hey Folks, Neil had the CT Scan yesterday. After that he went on to Elba as he and DeAnn were going there for the weekend. The doctor's office called DeAnn at lunch and said for Neil to go to Baptist South. Apparently there is an abscess and that is the source of the temperature. The radiology folks will drain this and Neil will be started on IV antibiotics. Neil will be in the hospital at least through Monday. The good news is that Neil feels good when he does not have a temperature and the weekend is full of football. We are very pleased they have determined what is causing his fever and he can get on the road to resolving it. We will keep you posted. Hope all of you have a good weekend.

We will listen out for those Elba Tigers as they are undefeated. Hope all of your teams win.

Thanks to each of you for your prayers, love and support. You all have kept us moving in the right direction.

September 18, 2008 1:45 PM

Good Afternoon Folks,

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday. After lunch I started running a fever that would not break, so I felt pretty bad. Before that happened, Dad came up to see me and we had great time just messing around. We went to Costco to look around and kill some time. It was a really fun day before the fever started. The fever has been pretty consistent for the last week or so. I'm really glad I have the CT scan in a couple of hours so hopefully we can figure out what's going on. Mom is up here today and we have both been working on the computer.

I have such a good time hanging out with my parents. I know I've told you before, but it is so nice having great relationships with them. Right now I don't know what I would do without them. We are going to Elba this weekend, so I need to go pack. I hope to see some of you this weekend. Thanks for reading.

Fins up,
Jr.

September 16, 2008 2:30 PM

Hey Guys,

I hope all is well. I went to the Doc this morning. The wound looks good, but there might be some infection. I have had a low grade fever since I left Baptist, I don't know if that has anything to do with anything. Thursday I will have a CT scan and that will tell everything.

Thankfully until this accident our family was fairly healthy. We didn't go to the Dr. much because we didn't get sick, so all these appts. and going to the hospital is very different. I think we have handled this nicely. The one thing I forgot to mention to the doc was about continuing rehab.

I don't know what is up for the next week or so, but the football is going to be great come Saturday. Talk later.

Fins Up,
Jr.

September 15, 2008 5:00 PM

Good Afternoon Everbody,

I hope the weekend was nice for everyone. We had a great weekend at the house. I'm still running low fevers from some infection. It's not enough to worry, just enough to make me feel bad. Dad, Mom, and Reese all said they hada good time in Troy and the team must have looked good. I know Bama sure played like they needed to.

Yesterday D and I went out to eat for a late lunch and had a good meal. I can really tell now that I didn't lose too much of my strength. So that excites us about going back to healthsouth in a week or so. I've got a Dr. appt in the am, so we will find out how he likes my belly. I hope I will have more for you tomorrow. Mom and I looked at the Killingsworth blog and the baby continues to improve. Isn't God good.

Fins Up,
Jr.

September 12, 2008 1:00 PM

Good Afternoon,

I think some of my dear readers need to get their head out of the gutter. It would be a VERY suspect decision for D and I to have a kid right now. We definitely want kids and plan to after I get well and we are a tad bit more established. I am having to be extremely slow with all my moving. So I have been being pretty lazy this week and I am ready to go next Tuesday to see Dr. V. Hopefully everything is healing well and we can get back to rehabbing sooner rather than later.

DeAnn and I don't have any plans for the weekend. My plan is to watch a good bit of football, but we'll have to see if DeAnn schemes anything up.

Richard Barlow, a guy from Elba, was involved in a car accident and is in SICU at Baptist. I don't know any details, but please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Fins Up,
Jr.

September 11, 2008 5:00 PM

Hey Guys,

OK before I start a revolt I will go ahead and tell the news.

My cousins, Josh and Elizabeth Stewart are expecting their second child. I am so happy for them and I am even more excited now that Tripp will have a playmate. I guess Uncle Daniel and I may have another one to raise "Our" way. Love You Guys.

Jr.

September 11, 2008 11:30 AM

Good Morning Everybody,

Has it really been 7 years since that tragic day? Where does time go?

Yes, we are home and it's not real fun. I can't do anything for fear of pulling this thing apart. The pain is very manageable, but the fact that I can't get up and go drives me crazy. I'm glad it's all over and my body is doing everything naturally.

I can't thank you guys enough for the thoughts and prayers you continue to send me. I hope one day I can repay you all somehow. I've got some great news, but I'm not sure I can tell it yet. I'll check and tell you later today or tomorrow.

Maybe my Crimson Tide will look better this week than last. I like everybody else really want to see some consistency. Thanks for reading.

Fins Way Up,
Jr.

September 9 5:30 pm

Hello to all, The doctor just came by to see Neil. He does not want to do anything about the incision. He said any other work on this could increase the risk of infection. He said he would add "Montgomery strips" to the incision. This is a strip on each side of the incision going the length of the incision. It is then tied across the incision to hold it closer together. The doctor is going to add Levaquin to help with the infection in the ostomy incision. The pain is still moderate, but somewhat manageable with medication. The doctor anticipates Neil will be discharged tomorrow. He said Neil should be able to return to rehab 3 weeks from the surgery. Tomorrow is 1 week so it is passing quickly.

We saw Susan today and Ms. Margaret(her mother in law) is doing well and should be discharged tomorrow. Please remember her and Shanna in your prayers.

Please surround the Andress family with your love.

Thanks so very much for your prayers, love and support. I fully expect Neil to resume this blog tomorrow.

September 9 4:45 pm

Good afternoon to all, Neil is having an OK day. The physician's assistant came by and changed the dressing. Yesterday Neil coughed and thought he had pulled something. In fact, three of the stitches have pulled out of the incision. She said there was not anything to do about this and she was not totally suprised. The incision where the ostomy was has some infection and they expected this. There is a drainage tube in that site and this should take care of the infection. The doctor will see Neil tomorrow. Neil will not go home today and maybe not tomorrow. He is not discouraged as he does not want to go home too soon. His abdomen is still very sore. We sure do look forward to tomorrow. Will keep you all posted.

Please remember Shanna in your prayers and Susan's, mother in law, Ms. Margaret Bauman.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers, love and support.

September 7 5:30pm

Hey Folks, Neil has had a good couple of days. He still is very sore. The good news is he has not had a temperature today. For the last couple of days, he has had the hiccups. This is not uncommon following abdominal surgery and he is getting medication for this. The doctor is very pleased with Neil's progress. He indicates Neil should be discharged Monday or Tuesday. All news is good.



We so appreciate your prayers, love and support.

September 5 6:30pm

Hey Folks, Neil has had a good day. He is still in pain, but each day it gets a bit better. Physical therapy came in and again Neil sat on the side of the bed. The doctor came by and is pleased with the way the incision looks. Neil has continued to have a low grade temperature. They think this is probably a yeast infection. This is being treated with medication. We sure to look forward to tomorrow.

Thanks so very much for your prayers, love and support. Hope you all have a great Friday night.

September 4, 4:30 pm

Good afternoon, Neil is still having quite a bit of pain. He did not sleep well last night. With all the work the doctor did in/on his abdomen, I guess this would be expected. They have adjusted his pain medication and that might be helping a bit. Physical therapy came in this morning and helped Neil sit up on the side of the bed. He said it was fine once he was sitting up, but getting up and getting down was not so good. The great news is his vital signs are wonderful including his blood pressure. We are all still so pleased.


Shanna and her mother, Linda, came to the hospital today for Shanna to have a barium swallow. Shanna did great with this and will be able to have soft food. They are looking to move her to Spain for more therapy. Both Shanna and Linda looked wonderful. They came by to see Neil and it was like a family reunion. Please keep Shanna high on your prayer list.


We saw Sue's son-in-law and he said Sue was doing great. We are so thankful for her recovery.


Everyone here at the hospital has been so nice to all of us from the workers in Chappy's to all of the 6th floor employees. They have done everything to make Neil's stay as comfortable as possible.


Please continue to love and support the Andress family. They have a baby boy, Graham Goodson. What a blessing!!!!

Thanks so very much for your prayers, love and support.

September 3 6:00pm

Hey Folks, Neil continues to be groggy and sore. He was up late last night and very early this morning. We hope he and DeAnn can get lots of sleep tonight. Everything is still great and we are all still smiling. Thanks so very much for your prayers, love and support.

September 3 pm

Hey Folks, Neil is in Room 615. He is still very groggy and is fairly uncomfortable. The doctor came out grinning and we could not be more pleased. They were even able to fix Neil's in-grown toenail. It does not get better than that. Neil looks forward to having visitors this weekend. He thinks he will feel much better by then. I will post again tonight.

Please keep Ms. Verbie Holley's family in your prayers.

Thanks so very much for your prayers, love and support. We are so very blessed with all of you in our lives.

September 3 1:00 pm

Hi Y'all

One of Neil's favorite songs is by Dr. Hook, "On the Cover of The Rolling Stone". One line in the song goes like this, (I got my old gray haired daddy driving my limousine).....well this is his old white haired Daddy driving and have I got good news for all of you. The Doc just came in and he has completed the surgery and to quote him "it could not have gone better". Neil will be in recovery for about an hour and then we are going back to our old stomping ground on 6th floor.

Will keep you updated. And as Neil says, "Fins Up".

September 3 11:15 am

Good morning Folks, We are in the Day Surgery Waiting Room at Baptist South. They just called and said the surgery was beginning. This morning we saw one of the nurses and she said they had blocked out 4 hours for this surgery. The plan is to close his abdomen and reverse the illeostomy. Neil is very excited about this and cannot wait to get back to rehab.

We so appreciate your love, prayers and support. We are celebrating all the wonderful things God has provided during this journey. We will post as soon as we hear or know anything.

September 2, 2008 7:45 PM

Hey Guys,

I hope everybody had a great weekend. What about the ALABAMA Crimson Tide? Man did they look good.

Just wanted everybody to know Reese went back to work today. So she is doing much better. I hope all of our racing pals in Houma LA rode out the storm ok. Also, They moved my surgery up to 10:00 AM tomorrow. DeAnn won't get all of her beauty sleep tonight because we have to be at lovely Baptist South at 7:00.

We had a pretty decent Labor Day as we just laid around then went to Jim n' Nick's to get a bite to eat. This morning I went to HealthSouth for the last time for a few weeks. I had a pretty good workout and did some walking. After that I came home to rest.

Mom will be taking over the blog for the next couple of days. I will get back hopefully by the weekend. Please keep my cousin Lynn's neighbor, Kim, in your prayers as she fights cancer. I hope you all have a great rest of the week.

Fins up and Roll Tide,
Jr.

Friday August 29 2008 2:30 PM

Hey Guys,

I just got off the phone with Dad and Reese is out of surgery and everything went ok. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. She should be able to go home this afternoon.

I just got back from Baptist myself for all the pre-op stuff. I'm going to have my last surgery next Wed. at 12:00.

Roll Tide this weekend and we'll talk later.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Friday August 29 2008 9:30 AM

Godd Morning Folks,

Hope everone is having a great morning. How about those Troy Trojans. They sure looked pretty good last night.

We think they are going to try to get Reese in around noon. Everybody down there got a good nights sleep and they are doing well this morning. I will keep you guys posted.

I hope everything went well with the Troy Club kick-off party last night.

I'll talk soon.
Jr.

Thursday August 28, 2008 8:00 PM

Heys Guys,

For once I really get to give you guys an update.

Reese woke up in the midde of the night last night with some bad pains and to make a long story short. She is in the hospital in Fairhope and is going to have her gallbladder removed tomorrow in the morning. Mom and Dad are down there and I am back in Montgomery. We will see what tomorrow brings and I'll update the blog when I know something. They currently have her pain managed and she got some sleep this afternoon.

Everything is fine on my end. Hope all is well with you.

Fins Up,
Jr.

August 26, 2008 8:00 PM

Hey Guys,

Wow. I kinda have a lot to talk about. First, today is the 6 month anniversary of my accident. It really doesn't seem like its been that long. Next, today was the first day at rehab that I did not use a platform walker at all to walk. I used a regular walker and a cane. Rehab was very good today and I am feeling so much better.

Now for the BIG news. I went to see "The Big Man" today, Dr. V. We have scheduled my last surgery for next Wednesday. This entails "the tummy tuck" and reversing the ostomy. We are so excited because this will make everything a whole lot better for DeAnn and myself. It means I'm free to take showers every night and really get on the road to recovery. The only downside to this is it will keep me from rehab for 4-6 weeks, but this is a must. We are planning a beach trip this weekend, so that will give us all a great break before we do all of it again.

I found out this morning that Trae and Keli Bryan's son Ben is in the hospital with a virus so please pray for him when you can. They hope he can go home in a couple of days.

Football season is upon us and that will make my stay at beautiful Baptist South a little easier. I hope everybody is having a great week.

Fins Up,
Jr.

August 25, 2008 6:15 PM

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As you know today is our 1st Anniversary. I am married to the best person in the world and I cannot say enough about how sweet and beautiful she is. We had a great, but wet weekend just like everybody else.

Uncle Daniel came up and took me to therapy. It sure made the time pass by pretty quick with all the comedy. We were supposed to have a Dr. appt., but it was moved due to the weather. We had a fun day and he even got back to Elba early. Thanks Unc for your help.

I hope everybody stay dry this weekend.

Fins Up,
Jr.

August 22, 2008 11:15 AM

Yeah, I know this is a rarity. However, this is a special occasion.

Today 58 years ago Kenneth Neil Grantham was brought into this world by Neil and Agnes Marler Grantham. Most of you know how lucky Reese and I are to be able to call him Dad. This guy has taken me to more things in 25 years than most people go to in a lifetime. At different times I have been to Augusta National, the World Series, Talladega, or Yankee Stadium. At each of these locations I have been able to give him a hug and say thanks for all he has done. Those memories are priceless and given the events of 6 months ago, it makes them that much more special. Reese and I have always been taken care of by Mom and Dad and have such great relationships with both.

The coolest thing is that I would follow him anywhere in the world just to say I was with him. He has given me so many things that money can buy, but even more that money couldn't touch. I'm so grateful I can call him and ask questions or get advice and not be judged.

I am so lucky that I get to call him my peer, my friend, my HERO, but the thing that makes me the luckiest guy in the world is that I get to call Kenneth Grantham DAD..

Happy Birthday Big Guy. Reese, DeAnn and I Love You so much. I hope you have a good one.

August 22, 2008 11:00 PM

Good Morning Guys and Gals,

OK I get the point. I need to keep up with this better. I I just got back from rehab and it is still going well. Wow, my stamina and recovery time have improved so much. We are actually working just with a cane in the parallel bars. This is getting so much better, but it is still so very hard.

Yesterday Mom and I so Mrs. Susan, "Miss" Sue's Daughter, she scolded me and told me I was the worst blogger ever. I agreed after laughing. She said her mother and sweet, sweet, sister are doing well.

As most of you know, this weekend is our anniversary weekend. We were going to take it easy anyway, but with the storm coming we are surely going to relax. I hope everybody fares well. We need some rain, but not 20 inches. Thanks for reading and I'll try to do better.

Fins Up,
Jr.

August 20, 2008 5:30 PM

Hey Guys,

I know, I know I'm sorry, lazy, or whatever adjective you want to use as the reason I've not posted lately. We have been pretty busy though. We went to the beach last weekend and had a great time hangin' out with everybody. The weather on Saturday was just perfect for me as it was a little overcast but still about 85 degrees. It was still warm but not hot enough where I was just burning up.

Rehab has been going good this week. We are using a regular walker, which is an adjustment but hopefully it will get better. Also, I hope in a couple of weeks I can get back to the Rheo knee. That way I will really feel like I am making big strides. Also, I have an appointment with "The Man" on Monday. I am hoping he will want to do the last surgery pretty quick. As bad as this is to say I can't wait to go back to the hospital and will even give up Labor Day weekend for it. I'll be sure to let you guys know.

I really don't know what else to talk about. I hope everybody is having a great week and I won't let it be another week before I post again. Thanks for reading.

Fins Up,
Jr.

August 14, 2007 11:00 AM

Hey Guys,

Sorry about not posting, but i've been pretty busy. Rehab has been going well, I'm not making as big of steps as I was earlier, but I guess that's a good thing. I've been hindered a little by an in grown? toe nail. I've never had one soi this has been a new experience. My wound care Doc cut my toe nail yesterday and Dad and DeAnn just laughed at me. I'm currently plotting my revenge.

I do have a bit of good news. Dad and I went to see cousin Rabbit Maddox yesterday at Jackson and he is doing better after bypass surgery. Also, Ben Wilks has made it home and is doing pretty well.

This weekend we are going to the beach. I hope the weather is nice and we all have a good time.
Thanks for your continued support.

Fins Up,
Jr.

August 11, 2008 2:30 PM

Hey Guys,

I hope everybody had a great weekend. I went to Elba for the drawing and the tournament, while DeAnn went to B'ham with her parents. I had a great time and saw a ton of people friday night and I stayed at Dad's. Saturday I got up and watched Dad, uncle John, and Reese(she filled in for me). I then went to Mom's for a nap. Saturday night we went to the club for the calcutta. Sunday morning I went back out to the club and watched a few more holes and then came back to Montgomery.

This morning I had a good workout at therapy and found out I am through with OT. Now I will just go for PT, so hopefully after my last surgery I might be able to go back to work pretty soon.
That's really all I have. I'll talk soon.

Fins up,
Jr.

Agust 7 2008 8:00 PM

Hey Guys,

I hope everyone has had a great couple of days. I really want to thank everyone for their continued reading. I have just set up an account at Troy Bank and Trust so that whenever you read the blog you will have to deposit a dime to go towards the Neil Grantham Foundation. I can't keep writing this for free. Just kidding, how could I charge you giuys when you prayed millions of times for my well-being. Thank you so much for the support.

Mom told me I really don't need to post names because I can't post them all. However, in the situation I must. About three weeks after my accident Mom and Dad moved in with Teddy and Lisa. I'm sure they thought Mom and Dad might be there for a few days. Well, that turned in to 4 months and they have never kicked them out. I know they probably had a few conversations wondering when these people would leave. I said all that to say, Wednesday night we went to "The Pub" to eat with them and the food and the fellowship was spectacular. Thanks Ted for the meal, but we went to take you guys. I've got next though.

I hate to do this to you, but I must end the blog on a sad note and asked for prayers. Stephanie and Bryan Lee lost a child today. These are friends of our family from the Mobile area and this is just tragic news. Please say a sweet prayer for them.

Fins up,
Jr.

August 5 2008 3:45

Hey Guys,

Hope everyone is having a great day. Therapy is going good, I got my leg back today. I walked around a good bit. Hopefully we will be able to kick it in to high gear soon. We are going to Elba this weekend for the raffle and the tournament. If anybody wants a ticket to the drawing, please let me know.

There was a blog post from Miss Lilly Grace's mom April and she said they are doing great and they are home so that is a huge celebration. Also, I saw where Mrs. Kathy Piland has been posting. Mrs. P I hope to get down there and I will try to get to the school so I can see you. It's been to long.

I want to thank you all for your continued support and prayers. My cousin Howard Hornsby called me and said the associate pastor at their church's family had been in a serious accident while visiting him while he was in Pensacola at school. They are all doing better, but please say a prayer for their continued recovery.

I am getting to go to "The Pub" tomorrow night and I am very stoked about it. It is one of my all-time favorite places to eat. Talk to you later,

Fins up,
Jr.

August 3 1:15 PM

I'm BBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK,

Guys I want to apologize for the lack of post. I really can't even give you an excuse. Wednesday I went to Elba and had a great time. The food was just awesome. Thursday Mom brought me back so I good get back to therapy. My stump kept easing out of my socket of my leg. After we left we went by AAL to talk to Glenn. He started looking and found out why my stump kept sliding out. My stump has shrunk 7 centimeters since we started all of this. He kept my leg so they could build a new socket. Friday at rehab since I couldn't walk we just worked out and started doing some weights. After I got through I went to eat lunch with DeAnn's co-workers, they are a great bunch of people and really take care of D. Yesterday after the sun went down and the crowds slacked off we rode to EastChase and did a little shopping. It has been a lazy, but great weekend. I hope all of you have had as good a time as we have. Hope all is well.

Fins up,
Jr.

July 29 2008 6:30

Afternoon Folks,

Hope everything is going well for you. I found out yesterday that Ben Wilks is off the venilator at UAB and I guess that means he is on the trach collar, but either way he is doing much better. That is just great news and a blessing .

Well I got back to therapy today and it just went great. I walked more than I ever have in a day and was able to stand up by myself. Things are really progressing and my endurance is really, really coming along. The only major problem is about every 4th night I can't sleep and only get about 4 hours worth. If anybody knows how to solve this without using drugs please let me know.

I may not blog tomorrow because I'm going to the big town to go to the Wednesday Night Meeting that I haven't been to in a while. If I don't get around to it, I promise to catch you guys up on Thursday.

Talk later.

Fins up,
Jr.

July 28 9:00 PM

Hey Guys,

I hope everybody had a great weekend. I was supposed to have one, but I got sick on friday night and just started to get back to 100% this afternoon. I missed rehab, but did get by AAL to get my leg. Tonight D and I went to Baptist South to see everybody, but the main reason for this visit was to see one of my nurses before he left to go back to school. Also I was able to stand up to get into DeAnn's Explorer. That was a milestone so I don't have to use that dang sliding board. While we were at the hospital I tried to reserve a room so when I go back next month we'll have that taken care of, but they wouldn't let me. Well that is pretty much all I have due to the extremely slow weekend and no therapy today. I'll try to have more manana.

Fins up,
Jr.

July 25 2008

Hey Guys,

I'm so sorry for the lack of post. I guess I can't hide laziness. Rehab has been very good this week. I'm walking more and I really think my endurance is coming along. Although, we have decided to drop back to the total knee to help my steadiness and balance. I think we are making the right decision, but we'll see.

Wednesday Mom and I went to Cedar Crest to see Shanna. She is doing so much better, hopefully she'll be able to go to a rehab facility soon. We were also able to visit with Mrs. Linda. She said her and Mr. Stan are doing well.

Thank you guys for reading. I hope ya'll have a great weekend. We plan on resting. Today is our 11 month anniversary. I don't have to tell ya'll how much I love that girl. We'll talk soon.

Fins up,
Jr.

July 22, 2008 6:15 PM

Hey Guys,



Wow I've got so much to talk about. First, the BBQ was absolutely perfect. We had a great turnout and the food was delicious. Thanks to everyone that helped we couldn't have done it without you. I want to thank Pope Tent for the tent, table, and chairs. Also, Broken Strings for the special entertainment. They were great. If you missed them you might want to try and catch a show you will enjoy it. Also, I've got to thank uncle Daniel and his crew for starting the fire at around 5 am, I know that was pretty early. Lastly, thanks to the mayor and the city council for proclaiming Saturday as Neil Grantham Day in the city that was very surprising but very neat.

I forgot to mention last week that on Wednesday, Mom and I went to Baptist South to take candy to my awesome nurses in the unit and also on the floor. I hope you guys enjoyed it, it was great to see you all. Also, I finally got to meet on of my heroes, Ms. Sue. All of you will remember her from Mom's post. I see where Mrs. Susan got her sweet spirit from. Mrs. Tommi Lee must have been adopted, just kidding. Ms. Sue was everything I expected, just the nicest person and I just loved her. It was great to see she is doing better.

Also, I got the Rheo knee yesterday. It is so much different, but so much more like a real knee. Eventually it is going to be so great, but right now it is pretty difficult. It is just like everything else that is new, you just have to get used to it.

I know I have forgotten something. If any of you know that I have please let me know.

Thanks and good night.
Fins up,
Jr.

July 17, 2008 8:00 PM

Good evening guys,

I had a good day at therapy and continue to get more comfortable walking. Uncle John came up and spent the afternoon with me and we had a great time talking. I've got one more day at HealthSouth and then we are headed to the big town for the BBQ for all of you. When we get back to work on Monday we'll be working with the Rheo. That will be so much better because that will be the leg that I'll be walking with for the next few years.

I want to say an early congrats to my good friend Bradley Bowers who is getting hitched on Saturday. You deserve it man.

DeAnn, Jerry and I went to the Pub last night for J's Birthday. Wow, that meal was awesome as usual.

Hope to see you all on the square.

Fins up,
Jr.

July 16, 2008 1:15 PM

Hey folks,

First, I want to say Happy Birthday to my buddy Jerry DuBose (The big 26). This morning I went to therapy and did some walking. I think I probably took aroung 100 steps. I had assistance from a walker, but I still think it was pretty good. We then went to my wound care Dr. and everything is great there with my abdomen closing fast. That's really all I have and don't forget about Saturday.

Fins up,
Jr.

July 15, 2008 5:15 PM

Afternoon Guys,

I'll try to recap everything. Friday afternoon after rehab Dad and I drove to Troy. We stopped by SanBuck and saw everybody I work with then we went to Creative Services on campus and saw everybody I used to work with. That was really fun and it fulfilled one of the things I wanted to do while I was in the hospital.

After we finished seeing everybody in Troy we stopped by Crowe's and headed to Elba. As we passed the Neil Grantham Drive sign, I had a tear in my eye because there was more than one night throughout this ordeal that I thought I would never see Elba again. I went to Mom's to rest a little before going to The Elba Country Club to see all my old friends. They were having a tournament last weekend so I got to see a bunch of people from south Alabama/northwest Florida that really helped pull me through with the thoughts and prayers.

Sunday morning we got up and went to Ham Church and intended to go to the Mehodist Church downtown but I was hurting to bad and had to miss it. I hope to go soon though. We then started our trek back home.

Yesterday I went to rehab and then on to AAL to get the leg. We tested it out and I stood up and after a lot of coaching I took a baby step. Today we did more work with the leg and stood more and worked on tranferring weight. Next Monday morning we go back to AAL and get fitted for the Reho? knee. Everything seems to be progressing pretty fast, so I'm trying to keep up.I don't know if she reads the blog, but our WC nurse Donna responded to AAL in 2 hours to let them know that the WC folks were on board with the new knee. We know that Donna is wonderful and now AAL knows. We couldn't do this without her.

That is basically all of my good news. Now it is my turn to help somebody else in need. I told you guys a little about Ben Wilks. They determined that he has yeast in his lungs that has caused a big infection, please keep this family in your prayers. Also, please keep Tesha Lee's family in your prayers.

As most of you have been reading the blog, Mom has told you all about Ms. Sue. Well she was having a little heart trouble and they put a stint in and she is doing much better. Thanks for reading. Don't forget the BBQ this Saturday. Ya'll come.

Fins up,
Jr.

July 14, 2008 9:00 PM

Hey Guys,

I want to apologize for the lack of blogs lately. I will catch up but it is going to have to be tomorrow because I'm sooooo tired. I do have a lot to tell and catch you up on, but it must be later.

Fins Up,
Jr.

July 10, 2008 4:20 PM

Good Afternoon Folks,

I'm really looking forward to going to Elba tomorrow. I'll be stopping by SanBuck to see everybody and that will be fun.

Rehab went very well this morning. I really felt like I worked pretty hard and really feel like I'm getting stronger. The support you guys keep giving me really helps and makes me want to keep working hard. THANKS.

Rene Wambles, Ronnie and Ramona's daughter, graduated with me. Her husband is going through the fight for his life right now. Ben Wilks? is at UAB and is basically having the same lung problems I had. I will try to find out more and will do my best to keep you updated.

Fins Up,
Jr.

July 9, 2008 6:20

Hey Guys,
Sorry about the short post yesterday, I was so tired. Anyway, we had a very busy day with the visit to the wound doc and then on to rehab. Everything was great at the doc's and, not to be too graphic, my abdomen looks amazing. The skin graph is actually pulling the sides together. Hopefully we are close to a month before the greatest surgeon in the land, works his magic maybe just one more time, and I'll be whole again. I found out this afternoon that next Monday morning at 8:45 we will be working with the new(used) knee before we move on to the bad boy in a few more weeks. Rehab went well this afternoon. It's just extremely exhausting, but that is such a good thing. They aren't in the business to pamper, and I really like that. I hope all is well with everybody. I'm also trying to repay all the prayers, so let me know of any request. Love you guys.

Fins up and the sailing IS getting smoother,
Jr.

July 8, 8:45 PM

Hey Guys,
I hope all of you had a good day. I had a socket fitting today and it looks like I will get to use my first leg either Monday or Tuesday. That is very exciting. Also, I stood up today on the parallel bars with very little help. Mom saw me stand at Alabama Artificial Limb during the fitting.

DeAnn and I are going to Elba this weekend. I am so ready to go to the Country Club and see all of my pals out there. We are also putting things together for the 19th.

I am definitely getting stronger by the day. Thanks for all the continued support.

Fins Up,
Jr.

July 7, 2008 8:30

Good evening everybody,

I hope everybody had as good a weekend as we did. DeAnn and I made a surprise visit to the beach on Saturday. I did make my goal of getting to the beach on the 4th even though it looked very unattainable at times. We got to see all the DuBoses and I must say it was very great seeing all of my brothers, Heather Beth, Bessie, and the kids. That night we went to Uncle V and Judy Karen's to eat supper, and we had a great time and good food. At rehab this morning we got all the evaluations out of the way and did a little work. It also looks like I may be getting my leg a little quicker than what we thought we should know more soon. As soon as we know you guys know I'll pass the word along.

We are also going to have a BBQ on the Square in Elba on the 19th of this month from 11:00 to around 4:00. This is an appreciation to all of you for your love and support through this tough time in our lives. We couldn't have made it through this without you guys.

Also, a lot of you have questioned me about my closing of "Fins up, Jr". Well the Fins up is a little tribute to my favorite artist Mr James D. Buffett and JR is the fact that I am a Jr. and is shorter than writing Neil I guess. I hope this answers all the questions. If there are any more I'll be glad to answer them if I can. Take care and good night.

Fins Up,
JR

July 4, 2008 7:00 PM

Happy 4th Everyone,

DeAnn and I have had a pretty lazy day today. We watched American Gangster, that is one movie I missed while I was down. If you haven't seen it I would recommend it, just not with small children. We went to eat at Jim N' Nick's. This was the first time we have gone out to eat and the transferring in and out of the car is getting easier and easier, thank goodness. Last night we went to buy me a new pair of sunglasses to replace the pair I lost in the wreck. Things are good in Montgomery and I hope everyone is having a great day.

On another note, today 26 years ago the world lost Lewey Stephens, Jr. This was another great man I never had the opportunity to meet and if half of the stories are true Iissed one hell of a man. It is only fitting that a man that served and loved his country the way he obviously did would leave this world on a day as important as the 4th. Papa, I hope to see you someday and for you to tell me your side of the stories.

Fins up,
JR

July 3 1pm

Yea!!! Neil in his recliner at home.

Hello everyone, You all tell us you know which family member is writing this and that makes us smile. We cannot pull anything on you. Well, as I write I have the biggest smile imaginable. Yesterday Uncle Daniel came to hang out with Neil as DeAnn went to work. As we have learned over the last four months, things change quickly. Instead of DeAnn going to work, she DROVE Neil home. Yes, he was discharged from Health South after lunch to go home. There was a parade and Daniel's daughters and his grandsons were there. Neil and DeAnn will celebrate the 4th of July at home. On Saturday Neil will go to Health South for out-patient rehab and will determine his schedule. Then he will go Monday-Friday for therapy. They hope DeAnn will be able to drop him off before she goes to work and pick him up during her lunch hour. (We will have to make some plans for her to eat a snack.) All of the "older adults" are jockeying for position to stay with Neil in the afternoons. HA!! I have the pleasure of visiting with Neil while DeAnn is working today. I must brag on her as she has everything arranged comfortable for them as they figure out the best way to manage. All of us, Neil most of all, are blessed to have DeAnn as a Grantham. Please continue to pray for Neil as he completes his rehab.

While I have this opportunity I want to give you a couple of updates. I was able to visit Sue and Shanna Saturday. It is so exciting to see progress with all of our friends. Both of these women are remarkable. They are surrounded by loving families who celebrate each step of recovery and progress. Please continue to keep them high on your prayer list.

Another praise report is the progress Laurie Killingsworth is making as she heads the class in the NIC Unit at UAB. I know Leah and Todd are bursting with pride. Please continue to pray for Laurie's growth and development.

We continue to remember all of our friends who are recovering at home all over the state. We know that Scott and Cindy are going to have the best 4th of July ever. We pray the patients we left at Baptist South will soon go home.

We can never thank all of you properly for all you have done for us. Your prayers sustained us. You fed us and loved us. Each of you plays a huge part in Neil's recovery and we are so thankful.

Please remember the Andress family as they get ready to welcome their new baby. What a blessing.

GREAT NEWS 7/1/08

Good afternoon everybody,

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, the reception here isn't that great for the internet, DeAnn and I were slacking also. The great news is I'm going home tomorrow and will be doing out-patient starting next week. We are very excited but we also know I have a long way to go. We will find out my schedule for next week tomorrow. Therapy yesterday and today went very well, I can almost tell daily my strength is coming back. It's not just my strength, but also my endurance that I'm trying to restore. This afternoon in PT we practiced transferring into Mom's car and it went very well and was surprising fairly easy. I cannot say it enough, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I probably here it once a day that somebody can't start their day before first checking the blog. That means so much. I guess i'll quit posting when ya'll tell me to. I'll talk later.

Fins up,
JR

June 29 7:00pm

Hey Guys, I have had a lazy day. It has been rainy here in Montgomery. I am really looking forward to getting back to rehab tomorrow. I hope to talk to the right people about trying to do this work as an out-patient. We are going to try to get a car early in the week to look at transferring to the car. I think once I can successfully transfer to the car, there should not be a need for me to stay the nights at the facility. That is one of several things we have to check on. Hope everyone had a great weekend and is looking forward to the short work week as I am. Good night and hope I will have more to talk about tomorrow. JR

June 28 3:45 PM

Good Afternoon Guys and Gals,

Dad and I are sitting on the porch taking in a cool breeze. I had a full morning of rehab and had lunch with Mom, Reese, DeAnn, and Uncle Daniel. Then we went back to my room and visited, then went to rehab for some extra work. Mom and Dan left after that going to Atlanta to see Oklahoma at The "fabulous" Fox Theatre. I did get the ok from my WC nurse to have a daypass on the 4th. I am very excited about the thought of DeAnn and I breaking out of this joint if not only for a day. As I said yesterday tomorrow is a day of rest and that is pretty dang exciting too. I know this is a pretty short blog, but there isn't much to report.

I also want to say congrats to our good friends Troy and Marsha on their wedding today, sorry I can't make it guys, I'm thinking about ya'll.

Later and fins up,
JR

June 27 6:30

Hey Guys,
It's me again. Sorry that ya'll had to her about my day from DeAnn, but I was so tired last night. Today was much the same therapy-wise except I am physically tired and worn out. We got some great news today, I might get a daypass next friday if I can transfer into a car. I know what ya'll are thinking that must be so easy well it is getting easier but I was down for a couple of days. So the weekend is here and I have half a day tomorrow and then rest on the Sabbath.

On to my main focus of the blog. I know what I'm about to say will not surprise any of you. I have the the GREATEST family in the world and our friends aren't to shabby either. I keep thinking everyday the the thoughts, prayers, calls, and letters will end, but they haven't and I firmly believe with all my faith that is why I'm here today.

Lastly, I can't say enough about my beautiful wife, she amazes me everday with her unending support. She is my Rock. DeAnn I Love you more everyday.

Later and fins up,
JR

June 26, 2008

Good evening! This is DeAnn tonight because Neil is asleep. He had a great day full of good therapy. He really has taken some great steps. He stood up today for two minutes with some assistance. He has been rolling up and down the halls in his wheel chair. He sat outside for about 45 minutes so he could work on his tan. He made the comment that it was good to hear the birds sing. It's amazing what we all take for granted in our everyday life. Please pray for Neil's therapy and sore muscles. Good night from HealthSouth!

June 24, 2008 3:00 PM

Hey guys,
I have completed my first full day at HealthSouth. DeAnn and I were first waken at 5:15 am. We went to breakfast at 7:00 and then on to OT at 8:00 and PT at 9:30. We ate lunch in the cafeteria and went back to the room and rested until 2:00 for more PT. I'm now in the room and D has gone to shower while I play on the net. Thanks and love you all.

6/23/08 6:30 PM

Hey Everybody. This is Neil from Health South. We finally got here about 4:30. So far everybody has been very nice and we got the great news that DeAnn gets to be my roommate. That's really all we know at this point. I will have a full morning of new things. I know some of this gets a little repetitive, but I want to thank each of you for all your thoughts and prayers. I also can't say enough about my feelings for all staff at Baptist. South. I also want to thank my boss, Denny Sanford, for his continued support. I will let you know more tomorrow after I find out the routine. Good night from Health South.

June 22 7:30 pm

Hello everyone, Neil is napping as I write this. He has had a good day. Maybe this is his last Sunday here at Baptist South. He has not had any temperature since last Monday. His right elbow is swollen and has been since they removed an IV from there. The doctor came by and wanted the arm x-rayed just to be sure it was nothing else. He started Neil on an anti-inflammatory to see if this will help. We know they will put a PICC line in tomorrow so Neil can complete the IV antibiotics. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please continue to pray for Leah Killingsworth and her family. Today, Leah is 23 weeks into her pregnancy. She will stay at UAB and hope to go several more weeks before the birth of her baby.

We continue to hear good things from Sue. We are so happy she is home and pray things go well for her.

Please pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so much for sticking with us through thick and thin. We so appreciate all of you. Please continue to love and support the Andress family.

June 21 7:00

Good afternoon, We are thinking this is Neil's last Saturday here at Baptist South. (I know we said that last Saturday, but we are thinking it again today.) Neil has had a very good day. The doctor came by and said he is pleased with Neil's progress. He said they would put in another PICC line Monday morning for Neil to complete the IV antibiotics. Everyone seems to think Neil will be able to leave at some point Monday. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please continue to pray for Neil's recovery.

We saw Rebecca Edgar's daughters today and they said Rebecca is still in the unit, but is improving. We are so pleased for all of them. Please continue to pray for Rebecca.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace, Leah and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 20 6:00 pm

Good afternoon, Neil has had a good, busy day. He went out to the wound care doctor's office this morning and had the dressing for the skin graft changed. This looked very good and Neil has another appointment next week. (It seems Neil will have to go once a week.) The infectious disease doctor came by and changed the antibiotic and said it sure suited him for Neil to go to Health South on Monday. The Health South folks are ready for Neil to come over on Monday. The orthopedist is ready for Neil to go on Monday. He sent a nurse down to take the remaining staples out of Neil's leg. All systems are go for Neil to be moved to Health South on Monday. We will wait and see. Hope all of you are having a great Friday. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace, Rebecca, and Leah.

We so appreciate your love and support.

June 19 9:00 pm

Hey Everyone, Another good day for Neil. This morning he went downstairs to the barbershop and got a haircut. He was in the wheelchair for several hours. The doctor came by and said that Neil going to Health South was on the radar for Monday. Neil is getting Vancomycin 3 times a day through the IV. He has not hand any temperature since Monday. Yea!!!!! We cannot wait until tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Rebecca Edgar is still in ICU. She has had a restful, healing day. Please pray for her full recovery.

Please pray for Leah Killlingsworth and her family. Leah is pregnant, having complications and is at UAB where she and her baby can be treated. Please pray for this family.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna and Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support. Please continue to surround the Andress family with love.

June 18 3:00 pm

Good Afternoon, There is good news and not so good news. I hope soon we only have good news. The bad news is Neil has a staph infection. The doctor is watching the culture to determine the exact type of staph and what medication is needed. He thinks this is from the PICC line and it has been pulled. Neil's veins are not what they were before the accident and it took several tries before they could get the IV going. They are going to start Neil on vancomycin and change this if necessary. The good news is Neil feels good. He does not have a temperature. He was in a wheelchair for a couple of hours and was able to do a brief tour of the hospital. He went down and met our friends at Chappy's and at the barbershop. He also checked out the SICU waiting room where we all stayed waiting to see him. The other good news is that Neil might be able to go to Health South Monday. (Again, we are not packing yet. )We cannot wait until tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please continue to pray for Rebecca Edgar. She had to go back to CICU. We visited with her daughters and they are so optimistic.

Please pray for Rae Walker. We visited with her and she hopes to go home tonight or tomorrow.

Please continue to remember Sue in your prayers. Also, please pray for Shanna's full recovery and for Lily Grace to go home with her mom.

Our quote for the day. The doctor's physician assistant said that with Neil they do not go day by day, but rather Monday to Monday. Thanks so much for your love and support.

June 17 6:00 pm

Yea!!!! Neil is much, much better. He has not had any temperature today. The doctor is saying Neil can go to Health South in a day or two. We are so grateful Neil feels better. He sat up for a while today. Please pray for Neil's recovery.


We have another praise report. Rebecca Edgar is much better. In fact, she is so much better, she was moved to a room. Her sweet daughters are thrilled. Please pray for Rebecca's full recovery.


Rae Walker had surgery here today. Please pray for her complete recovery.


Let's all pray for Shanna to keep waking up and for Lily Grace to be able to go home.


We can never express our gratitude to all of you. You have been so faithful with your love and support for us. Today is 16 weeks since Neil's horrible accident. At times it seems like yesterday and then again it seems like forever ago. Since Neil has been here, the weather has changed dramatically, from snow, tornadoes to 100 degree days. Throughout the ups and downs, you all kept praying and blessed us with your love. You were willing to respond to our many prayer requests as our paths crossed with many families as scared as us. Because of your prayers, we have witnessed many miracles for Neil, Sue and others. Thanks so very much. We sure look forward to tomorrow.

June 16 7:00 pm

Good Afternoon, Neil has felt better today, but is still not 100 per cent. He has not had any fever since this morning until about an hour ago and it was 99.5. Neil's white cell count is good so it does not seem to be an infection, thank goodness. The doctor ordered a chest x-ray and blood cultures. We are still hoping this is a virus. The best guess is maybe Wednesday might be the Health South day. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

I saw Lily Grace's mom today. Lily Grace continues to make progress and is able to take two bottles a day. The goal is for her to take eight bottles a day. Please pray for Lily Grace to be able to go home with her family.

Please pray for the full recovery Shanna.

Please say an extra prayer for Rebecca Edgar today. She is in CICU following open heart surgery. Her sweet family loves her so much.

Thanks for each prayer you have said for Neil and all our friends. Your love and support continues to sustain all of us.

June 16 12:00

Hello Folks, The good news is Neil feels a bit better. The bad news is he still has some temperature. Last night his fever spiked to 103. It is hovering around 100 today. The doctor ordered blood work so we are waiting to hear what they think. The move to Health South is off the table for now. We will keep you all posted. Please pray for Neil's temperature to return to normal.

Rebecca Edgar is out of surgery, thank goodness. The doctor was able to do 3 complete bypasses. This is great news. Please pray for Rebecca's complete recovery.

Please continue to pray for the complete recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so much for your love and support.

June 15 7:30pm

My goodness, I missed posting again. I am so sorry. Hope all of you have had a great Father's Day. Yesterday Neil and his Dad spent all afternoon together watching the golf tournament. It was "Boys Day Out" and they had a wonderful time. They both agreed this was the best Father's Day ever. That is the good news. The not so good news is Neil has had a fever today. He woke up feeling lousy. His temperature was 101.3, but went away a couple of hours later. Neil said he had been here well over 100 days and this was the first day he had felt "puny". He has not had any more temp late this afternoon and we are hopeful it is gone. We still are thinking this is Neil's last Sunday night at Baptist South. DeAnn has everything ready to go to Health South but we are NOT loading the car until Neil is on his way. (We are smiling when we say that.) We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

I went by and visited Shanna yesterday. I missed seeing her sweet parents but will get back by there. Shanna looked beautiful and her room is fabulous. Please continue to pray for Shanna to fully recover.

Last week when we talked about all the wonderful staff here, I completely left out one very important group, the respiratory therapists. My goodness, not only were they so very competent, but they care so much for their patients. I cannot tell you how impressed we are by this group of professionals.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 13 5:00 pm

Good afternoon, Now, we are thinking this is the LAST Friday Neil will spend at Baptist South. I know, I know. I said that last Friday, but maybe it is true this week. Neil went to the doctor this morning and he said he wanted Neil to remain still, on his back through Monday. Apparently the middle of the Apligraf was not exactly as he wanted it. Later, the orthopedist came by and took out half of the staples on Neil's leg. He took out every other staple and week after next he will take out the remaining staples. He was very pleased with the incision. So, this will be another slow weekend in the hospital. The good news is the US Open is on and Neil is sure enjoying that. This is a great change to the usual television shows on day and night which have little to offer in the realm of enjoyment. Neil's spirits are good and he sure looks forward to the possibility of going to Health South on Monday. (Maybe, but we are not packing until they come to get Neil, HA) We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

I went by to see Sue today. What good fortune as I was able to see both of her sweet daughters. Sue is back in her apartment and is doing great. She is somewhat of a STAR as everyone wants to see her. This quick visit sure was a boost for me and I was able to share with Neil, DeAnn and all. Please continue to remember Sue in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Please pray for the family of Mr. Bill McCraney. He was involved in a tractor accident two weeks ago and passed away today. His family is precious and loves him so much.

Thanks so very much for your love and support. Hope you all have a good weekend planned.

June 11 9:00 pm

Hey Folks, Sorry we did not post last night. The last two days have been "healing" days for Neil. He cannot move his abdomen so that basically means flat on his back. He is able to watch TV (he repeatedly says there is nothing to watch) and read. Neil feels better and better. The pain medication is fairly effective. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

We sure do like for friends to visit here at Baptist South, but we DO NOT like for friends to be admitted here. Rebecca Edgar is here and will have heart surgery Friday or Monday. Her sweet daughters are taking good care of her. Please pray for Rebecca's full recovery.

Sue should be settled in her apartment by now. Please know you all prayed her home. She is a miracle and she and her family have blessed us many times over.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Shanna , Lily Grace and our other friends here. Please remember the family that is still in SICU. The father was injured in a tractor accident.

Please remember the Rex Killingsworth family in Elba with your love and prayers.

We send our love to each of you. We continue to be amazed at how all of you have stayed with us each day. We so appreciate you.

June 9 5:00 pm

Good Afternoon, As I said the other day, we are not gone until Neil is discharged and that is not happening today. He just got back and has the Apligraf on his abdomen. What we did not know is that he cannot move his legs or abdomen until he goes back to see the doctor Friday. At that time, the doctor will determine if Neil can be mobile. Neil is back in his room and we have moved everything back in. We have decided we will not move out again until Neil has left the hospital. Everyone here is so gracious and have accepted us back. Neil's spirits are good. He is disappointed but understanding of the situation. Thanks to all of you for your love and support. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Please continue to support the Andress family with your love and prayers.

June 8, 2008

Hey guys! This is Neil and DeAnn doing the blog tonight. As our time here at Baptist South is drawing to a close, we look back with much appreciation for the many blessings we have received. One of the greatest blessings has been the staff here at Baptist South. It is clear to us that without some of these people the road we have traveled would have been a lot bumpier. Another blessing has been the relationships we have formed with some of the other families here. We both can honestly say that this experience is one that no one should have to go through alone. During our last day (hopefully) here Neil rested well, and we all did a little packing. It's hard to believe that Monday will be 105 days here, but we can think of a lot worse places to be. Once we get settled into HealthSouth we will let everyone know when visiting times are. Please continue to pray for us as we make the big move tomorrow along with skin graph on Neil's abdomen. Goodnight from Baptist South!

June 7 8:30 pm

Hey Folks, Hope all of you have had a good Saturday. Neil has had a good day. He has been "nappish" much of the day. It gets very quiet in the hospital during the weekends. We hope this is the last Saturday Neil has to be in the hospital. The target day to go to Health South is still Monday. We are clear it is not a done deal until he is discharged from here and admitted there, but it is on the radar. During this journey all of you have been a blessing to Neil and all of us. We could not have made it this far without you. Your prayers and love have provided countless miracles and blessings for all of us. We recognize how far Neil has come from the night his oxygen sat dropped all day, but then started back up with no explanation. We know that was one of many miracles. We still smile when we think of the day Neil opened his eyes, the day he spoke, the day he left SICU and many other milestones. You all were with us each step of the way and we humbly say thank you. Each day we have asked you all to pray for Neil, Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and all the others and you have all done that without fail. We have made friends here that will be in our lives forever. The doctors and nurses have been so professional and in the same breath so caring. In SICU, Neil could not have received better care any where in the world. All of Alabama can be proud of Baptist South and all of its doctors, nurses, techs, security staff, and other employees. We are convinced one of the miracles for Neil was that he was brought here. We so look forward to tomorrow. Please continue your prayers for Neil, Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here. From Neil and all of us, "Night, night from Baptist South.

June 6 8:00

Good Evening, We hope this is the last Friday Neil is here at Baptist South. The doctor said the plan is for Neil to go to Health South Monday. He has had a good day. They changed the dressing on his abdomen and the wound looks great. We have not heard a word from the culture so that means there is no problem. Physical therapy came in twice today and Neil is getting stronger and stronger. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for Sue, Shanna and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 5 8:00

Hey Folks, Neil has felt better today, thank goodness. They have changed some medications and this seems to help. Also, he just got back from a CAT Scan. This was ordered just to be sure nothing was wrong. We do not know what it indicated, but they told Neil he could eat and drink anything he wanted. He has been on a liquid diet since yesterday afternoon. Physical therapy came by twice today and this worked well. Neil is having dinner as I write this. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's full recovery.

Please pray for Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so very much for your love and support.

June 4 10:00 pm

Hey Folks, Sorry I am late posting. Neil had a very good day until about 2 pm. Since then his stomach has hurt. The doctor and others are considering all the possibilities and are trying several things. It is some better right now, thank goodness. Physical therapy came in twice today and Neil had good workouts. We cannot wait until tomorrow. Please continue to pray for Neil's recovery.

Please continue to pray for Sue, Shanna, Lily Grace and our other friends here.

Thanks so much for loving us. Please continue to surround the Andress family with your love and support.

June 3 8:00

Good afternoon, Neil has had a good day. The doctor came by and said someone would be by to change the dressing on his leg. He was pleased with Neil's progress. The dressing was changed and the Neil's leg looked very good. They did a culture just to be extra sure there was no infection. Physical therapy came by and Neil sat on the side of the bed and exercised. Neil had a consultation regarding the prosthesis he will get in the future. This was very informative. It seems that Neil will remain here until Monday or Tuesday. He will get the skin graft on Monday and will have time to be sure all the medications are effective. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

We met April Kirkland today. Her baby girl, Lily Grace, was born at 25 weeks (March 26) and has been in the NICU since then. She will be here probably until July. Lily Grace continues to improve. Please pray for the full recovery of Lily Grace.

Sue's son-in-law, Ed, came by. He takes such good care of us. He said Sue was having a good day. Please continue to pray for Sue.

We so appreciate your love and support. We could have never managed this without you.

June 2 8:00 pm

Wow, Neil has had a busy day. He started the morning off by going outside to the Wound Care Clinic. He went by wheelchair and the sun was on his face for the first time in almost 14 weeks. They were not able to do the skin graft because the wound had some hyper-granulation. They put a special dressing on this to take care of the granulation. The dressing will be changed on Thursday and Neil will go back on Monday for the skin graft. Then at 1 pm Neil had an appointment with the Pain Management folks. This was another trip in the wheelchair. The doctor reviewed all of Neil's medication records and ordered a Duragesic Patch and other medication for break through pain. The doctor said he was confident this was make the pain manageable and could tweak this if it was not effective. This has been a good day. The orthopedist had said Neil might be ready to go to Health South by Wednesday. We are not writing that day in our calendar yet, but at least Neil is a lot closer. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's full recovery.

Susan, Sue's daughter, came by today. Sue has been doing very well but has an urinary infection. With all things being equal, Sue should be able to return to her apartment next week. Please pray for Sue's full recovery.

Please continue to pray for Shanna. We are so optimistic her progress will remain constant.

Thanks to all of you for your love and support.

June 1 9:00 pm

My goodness, I forgot to post this and I am so sorry. Sunday has been a good day. Neil has had some pain but there are a couple of medications that help. He was sitting in the chair was about 2 hours. This has been a day of healing. We so look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's recovery.

Please pray for Shanna to completely wake up. Please continue to pray for Sue and our other friends here in SICU.

Thanks so much for your love and support.

May 31 8:30 pm

Hello to all, Tonight is certainly better than earlier today. Neil's pain was finally managed this afternoon. It took longer than we would have liked, but the pain is now where Neil can tolerate it. Because Neil was so sick for so long, he has been on many medications and his tolerance for medication is very high. This makes it difficult for them to determine what Neil needs. Neil was able to sit in a chair for an hour and a half today. We are so encouraged by his progress. We look forward to tomorrow. Please continue to pray for Neil's recovery.


Please pray for Sue, Shanna and the families in SICU.


Thanks to all of you for your love and support.

May 30 9:00 pm

Good evening folks, Neil is back in the room from surgery. He is napping some and they are trying to control the pain. While Neil, DeAnn and I were downstairs waiting for the surgery, the doctor came by and told Neil there was no infection in his blood, but there continued to be infection in his leg. He explained the amputation would have to be above the knee. He went on to say he planned to cut through the rod in Neil's femur as he did not want to have to make an incision to remove this. He did not want Neil to have another wound. So, the surgery went well and he was able to cut through the rod. Because of the multiple surgeries this week, Neil got a unit of blood in the operating room and another unit in recovery. The absolute wonderful news is all of this is we are looking at and loving Neil. Please pray the pain will be managed from this minute forward.

Neil has been blessed by many miracles and continues to thrive with the love and prayers you have showered upon him. We honestly can never express our gratitude for your help in saving Neil's life. Today is a grand day as the is the beginning of Neil's leg healing. We so look forward to tomorrow.

Please continue to love and support the Andress family. Please pray for the families is SICU. There have been several accidents and many families are so scared. There was a tractor accident so please remember this family.

May 29 9:00 pm

Hey Folks, Neil has had a very good day. His appetite has been normal today. Yea!!!! His pain has been managed for the most part. The wound care folks came and took the wound vac off his abdomen and left it off. Monday, Neil will go to the wound clinic and will have a skin graft placed over this wound. Physical therapy came in twice and Neil worked hard. He is getting stronger and stronger every day. He will have surgery tomorrow. Tomorrow is the "start" day for Neil and we are all looking forward to this. Please pray for Neil's leg.

Susan Toole came through her surgery well and the biopsies were good. We are so pleased.

Linda, Shanna's mom, called today. She said physical therapy works with Shanna everyday and that Shanna is making some progress. We are so pleased for Shanna and her sweet family. Please continue to pray for Shanna's full recovery.

Thank you all for your love and support. Please continue to love and support the Andress family.

May 28 8:45 pm

Good Evening Folks, I have had a pretty good day. There was a little more pain than the last surgery. Other than that, it has been great. My spirits continue to be high because of all of your thoughts and prayers. One of the main reasons I am still here is because of your prayers. Please continue to think of me as I going to have another surgery on Friday that will let us know exactly where we stand on my leg. We will keep you informed of my progress. Good night from Baptist South.

This afternoon we found out our good friend, Joe Wright, was in an accident coming home from Troy. He is actually right across the hall. Please pray for Joe's full recovery.

A good friend of mom's, Susan Toole, had surgery today. Please pray for her full recovery.

May 27 8:00

Good Afternoon Folks, Neil is out of surgery and is feeling so much better than he did on Friday. The doctors have absolutely figured out how to better manage his pain. The doctor said there was more dead muscle as well as some infection. These are the same infections, serratia and VRE, that Neil has had for some time. The doctor had to take the amputation up higher, but it is still below the knee. The doctor will go back in on Friday to take a look. He is cautiously optimistic that the amputation will not have to go above the knee. I am writing this note with Neil. He is ready to get on with this so he will have a "starting point". Neil as well as all of us so appreciate your love and concern. We are amazed that today is 13 weeks since this horrible accident occurred. Without all you we could have never managed this and we are so very grateful. We sure look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's leg.

May 26 Part 2 8:30pm

Hey Folks, Sorry I put the wrong date last night. We have had a good Memorial Day. Neil's pain has been effectively managed most of the day. He has exercised his leg and is doing incredibly well. I would like to think his appetite is beginning to return. He has not been nauseated for several days (knock on wood). Today he had shish kabob for lunch sent by Teddy and Lisa(our home here in Montgomery) and BBQ chicken and ribs brought by Mona Berry. He and DeAnn enjoyed it all. We have celebrated our holiday in style. We have not yet heard from the doctor so we do not know when the surgery is scheduled. We are hoping around 3 pm like last week. We sure do look forward to tomorrow. Please pray for Neil's leg.

Please continue to pray for the full recovery of Sue and Shanna.

Thanks so very much for your love and support. Wow, we are so blessed with all of you.