Today Patti and the children and her mom went to visit Daniel. They also stopped off to visit their old neighbor in Union City, Marsha and her family (thanks for the gift, Marsha!)

Patti was excited to tell us about Daniel today and the news did sound great. First, he’s been moved to his own room. He’s not sharing with anyone anymore which makes it easier for people to visit him. He didn’t lose his snazzy bed, though. The doctor said that they would not put in a feeding tube directly into his stomach. They want to wait until he gets to Vallejo and see if they can rehabilitate his tongue and start getting him to eat solids again. Patti was glad to hear that as she really didn’t look forward to that.

He was being much more responsive today, Patti said. His arms are moving around more, he’s talking more and he even tried to squeeze Patti’s hand! The kids really enjoyed visiting him and he really seemed to really connect with Stephanie today, Patti said. She said that was really neat to see and she could tell Stephanie enjoyed that.

Over all, Patti saw a lot of improvements. She said it was great to see them and he was cracking her up. She was tickling Daniel and he was doing raspberry’s back to her. Is that too cute or what?

This will be his last weekend in Redwood City and he’ll be moved to Vallejo Monday at 9:00 a.m.. This will begin the long road to his rehabilitation and it’ll be hard for him at first, I’m sure. Heck, I know it will. My rehab was tough (and painful) and I can only imagine it’ll be the same if not tougher for Daniel. He’s going to need all of your continued prayer and I’m sure he’d love a visit in Vallejo if you can.

I’ll keep you posted on new updates as the become available and I hope to go see him after Christmas. So, I’ll have new pictures then.

God is doing an amazing things for the Rickner family through you all! Last night Liz went to her sister’s school play and the took a collection for the Rickner’s and they received a large sum of money. We were all very surprised and Patti was just over come this morning when Liz gave her the collection. She just couldn’t believe it.

She told Liz that Daniel’s work took up a collection themselves and gave her the check yesterday when they dropped off all his work tools at the house. She was floored when she saw how much it was. It was HUGE. All this from Daniel’s co-workers. What a blessing!

Patti has received financial support from many other people and she just wanted me to say, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” You have all immensely blessed her and have removed one major concern for her in this difficult time. It is giving her the ability to keep her concentration on Daniel and the family and not be over burdened with the details of bills and money to pay them right now. What an awesome thing. Thank you, everyone!

Patti was blessed with a ride from a dear brother in Christ from her church. They got to the hospital early in the morning and Patti was able to talk to the doctor.

He still has the fungus on his tongue and they are considering removing the feeding tube from his nose to prevent nasal infection and put feeding tube directly into his stomach. She doesn’t know how it will play when he’s moved to Vallejo, though. Thankfully, his fever is gone due to respiratory treatment they put him. Praise the Lord! Unfortunately, he does have blood clots. Hi is on blood thinner and will be for the next six months.

As for his mobility, his arms are moving often, which is good per the doctor. His legs are doing nothing and doctor doesn’t expect them to do anything in the future. The doctor hopes to have him in moving to Vallejo Monday.

This morning, Daniel again didn’t know he was in the hospital but knew who Patti was. The doctor is calling this condition temporary amnesia. He hopes this will soon correct itself.

That’s the update for today and we’ll have more news Saturday. If Patti hears anything different tomorrow, or sooner, I’ll be sure to post here.

I didn’t go with Patti to the hospital today, so the report will be brief. Rebecca and her girls took her, so I’m hoping to get a more in-depth report from her when she gets a chance.

What Patti did tell me is that Daniel does have an infection. He had a fever of 101 last night and it was 99 when they saw him today. He’s back on oxygen and he was barely audible today.

They ran some tests on him this afternoon fearing he may have blood clots in his legs. They don’t know either way on what the answer is until the tests come back. So, be praying he does not have blood clots as that will be very bad news.

Patti asked him if he knew who she was and he said very softly, “Patti”. She asked who she was to him and he said “wife”. When she asked if he knew who Stephanie was, he said “baby”. Jared was in a balloon and she couldn’t remember what he answered for Trevor. So, his short term memory is very off today.

That’s basically all I got. He’ll stay in Redwood City until the fever goes away and if the blood clots come back negative. If all goes well, he may be moved to Vallejo as soon as Thursday.

Be praying that he would get over the infection quickly and that he does not have blood clots. Pray for his short term memory to return and that he would be able to be conscious of his surroundings. Pray that the move to Vallejo would be soon and would be the start to a speedy return to home for him. Thank you, everyone!

I spoke to Patti tonight and she told me that Daniel seems to be suffer an infection and/or fungus growth on his tongue. She couldn’t remember if it was both or just one item, but he definitely has some white substance growing on his tongue. So prayer warriors, be praying that these latest set backs would quickly heal.

On another note, Patti wanted me to thank everyone for their kind support and prayer. She is just blown away by what everyone has done for her and the family. She told me she just can’t believe it and wanted me to specifically thank you all from her on the web site. Your support through this very difficult time has helped her immensely and I thank you all for your help, too. Keep her and the family in prayer, too, as it is much needed for them to get through these rough seas.

Patti and Rebecca plan on going to see Daniel tomorrow and I’ll forward her report her once I get it. I’m hoping for pix, too.

This morning, Patti and the kids, myself and the the Jones’ drove down to see Daniel. When we got there, he was in a sleepy state and we let him know that we were there. But, his bed is cozy and warm, he just kinda looked at us and drifted back off. Patti woke him back up and asked if he recognized us. She asked if he knew I was, and he said, “Ya, that’s Sven.” Then she pointed to Tom and asked about him and he looked at Tom, gave him the look over and you could tell he recognized him, but couldn’t come up with his name. So, I volunteered the information, saying, “It’s world famous Tom Jones, Daniel!” He smiled and then Patti quizzed him who she was. He didn’t say Patti, but I did hear him say ‘my wife’, but she didn’t hear it. She was joking with him telling him it was bad that he knew my name but not hers. I told her I’m hard to forget ’cause I’m so loud. She laughed at that.

Tom had to rush off to work but before he left, Tom, Patti and I laid hands upon Daniel and prayed for him. We told him that we were going to lay hands on him and he fully understood and shook his head yes. We just prayed that God would work in him mightily, bring him back to health, fill Daniel with His presences and if it were His will, have Daniel walk again. It was a good prayer time and I’m glad we got to do it. I know Patti was very happy, too.

Patti then went and brought the kids. Daniel has only seen Stephanie once, briefly, since the accident and none of the boys. So, this was special. When the all came in, he was in his dozy state and wasn’t talking too much. He did recognize the children and he smile a few times at them. Both Jared and Stephanie read him home made cards to him and opened them up to show him. Their meeting was brief but good. I know Daniel was glad to see them and it was a relief for the children to finally see daddy.

After the children’s visit, the Jones’ left and we went to the cafeteria and had lunch. Well, they did and I ran over to Erik’s Deli and grabbed my favorite and came back and ate with the silly hot dog group. Steph’ commented on how good my sandwich looked and I told her, “All sandwiches are this good at Erik’s!” hehehehe, I think she’ll go with me next time.

When we got back upstairs, we saw his father , Ted. He had actually bumped into us on the way down and we kinda filled him in on what was going on. So, we met back up with him and I hung out with him and Daniel as the nurse really wanted to try to keep it to two visitors at a time. Ted and Daniel talked some and then Daniel’s cousin Nadine and good and long time friend from Junior High, Richard, stopped in to see him. Richard is an officer of the law and I told Daniel that he had to be careful when Richard came in. Don’t call him ‘ossifer’ as that’s the first sign to them that there’s something wrong. Daniel totally laughed at that. Through the conversation with Richard, Richard at one point told Daniel that morphine is your friend in times like these and Daniel said yes and totally laughed.

Now Nadine is a nurse herself and she has some pep in her. She wasn’t having any of Daniel’s doze state and forced him to talk to her. She told him that they drove a long distance and that he needed to talk to her (in a sweet, loving way, of course) and he said, “I know , I know. Ok, ok.” It was funny to see her really get him talking. She asked him a bunch of stuff and he responded to most of it, but much of the response was like we were getting, work related information. Things having to do with “firing up” a truck, moving a crane and starting a new pile. She was holding his hands and asking him to squeeze her hands and he was trying to do that. She asked him if he could move his fingers and he said, “I don’t know, I haven’t tried yet.” It was an interesting response.

After that, the kids came in one more time to say goodbye and then he was visited by Connie and Aunt Georgia. I was out with Patti, the kids, Richard and Nadine, so I didn’t get any pictures of that, but they did come back out and say they did enjoy their visit with him. Aunt Georgia will be coming back to see him Wednesday.

I got a group picture, minus Trevor who didn’t want to sit with everyone, right before we left. So go to the digipix section and check that and the other thirty odd pictures from today. There’s a really good one of him laughing in there, too!

I told him that his son likes Raiders and should like Steelers.

Patti called Rebecca last night asking her if we could all go and lay hands on Daniel today. It’s really been on her heart to do this and we agreed that we would. So, Tom and I will be going up with Rebecca and the kids along with Patti and the kids. Liz will stay back with our company.

We see many examples in the Bible of laying of hands and what miracles came from them. So, we believe God’s Word that we are to go Daniel and lay our hands on him and pray fiercely for him. We know God’s will will be done and we hope and pray today that His example will give Daniel the miracle we seek.

We didn’t go see Daniel today, but Patti told me his old friend, Randy, went to go see him. I didn’t get much details, but I’m sure it was a great visit for Daniel to see an old friend come and see him.

Patti will bring the kids to see him tomorrow. I unfortunately can’t make it as we have company visiting. But I’m sure I won’t be missed as this will be the first time the boys will see their father since the accident. I know they will all enjoy their time together.

I’ll get an update here when Patti comes back and gets a minute to let me know how it went. I also wanted to thank everyone for their sweet e-mails (I’ve been passing them on to Patti) and comments here. The prayer and support have been awesome and it’s exactly what our dear brother in Christ needs. Patti says she knows people are praying for her and the family, too, as she can see and feel the difference it’s been making. Thank you! Please continue to pray for Daniel, Patti the children, Julie, Ted and Daniel’s mother and brother. They all need this wonderful prayer you’ve been showering them with. Thank you!

Today Patti and I went to Redwood City to see Daniel and see what wonderful improvements lay before us. When we got there, we spoke to his doctor who had some promising news for us. First, he can move his legs and he has sensation in them. It’s not consistent so it could be involuntary but it is very, and I quote the doctor, “…optimistic.” Second, his Pneumonia has cleared up very well so much so, that they want to transfer him to Sacramento’s regular acute health hospital. Patti asked the discharge nurse if he could stay to allow his family to have close and easy access to him and she said she’d work on it. His doctor told us, that he was accepted to Vallejo and when a bed frees up, he should be there within a week.

The doctor also told us that he doesn’t know he was in an accident but does know he is in a hospital. It seems that he lacks short term memory. It, however, should return in four to six months. This is what happened to me after my accident, so I re-assured Patti and she didn’t seem concerned with it.

His sister and father came in shortly after and she read some cards Patti brought. It was refreshing to hear them and see Daniel’s response. In fact, one of his old co-workers, who is now retired, told him that he had plenty of time to visit Daniel. He wrote, ‘Isn’t that what retirement is about? Time and fishing?’ Daniel totally laughed with all of us. It was awesome to see him not just smile, but laugh!

You’ve got to check out the pictures of his special bed that heats up and rotates him. It’s totally state of the art and way futuristic. He’s the first patient in the hospital to have one. At one point, he told Patti that he keeps flying. That cracked her up and he smiled back.

Once he was sitting up, he was talking full sentences. Talking a lot about work stuff. Stuff about cutting this and moving that. We have no idea what he’s really talking about, but it does seem to be work related. He was also talking about shooting and baiting animals. Seemed to be talking about hunting. He was saying he wanted Mexican food. We told him that there was some downstairs in the cafeteria with beans and rice and he said, “Ya, I want that.” Man, he really wanted Mexican food.

His sister told him about me blogging on him on my web site. He asked, ‘…what is on there…’ with a smile and she told him that I was telling people about his condition, how he’s doing and improving. How people can read and pray for him. How his brother, who can’t be there since he doesn’t live near by, can view the web site and even see pictures. Daniel seemed to be pleased and smiled.

Soon after, his therapist came in. He deflated the bed and had Daniel move his arms over his head and move his wrist around. He then sat up in his bed and moved his arms. The therapists told him to hit him in his stomach. Daniel did, gently, and the therapist said he wouldn’t let Daniel do it when he gets stronger and Daniel said, “You’re not?” Then Daniel said he didn’t want to hit him anymore because he doesn’t believe in hitting people. Is that too sweet or what?! Yes, that’s the Daniel we know and love.

Daniel did an awesome job with the therapist. He was able to sit up on his own and move his arms and wrist. The therapist said he was pleased with Daniel’s work out. At one point, Patti asked if he was getting dizzy from sitting up, common for Daniel’s situation, and he said in a clear and normal Daniel voice, “No, but it’s hard trying to sit up.” It astonished us all. It was the first totally clear and full sentence we’ve heard him say in his typical sweet voice. Praise God!

When he was done with therapy, Patti was kneeling next to him. She was trying to get up and made a comment about how she’s an old lady and can’t get up. Daniel leaned a little over and moved his arm to her and he actually “helped” Patti up from the side of the bed! It was absolutely amazing. Patti was so excited when she got up and stood next to me. “Did you see that!” she asked me. I told her I did and gave her a big hug. How totally exciting! When they put him back in the bed and started inflating it, he said, “Who’s under here?” We all cracked up. It appears that Daniel’s sense of humor is definitely in tact.

After that, Daniel’s sister and father said goodbye and left. We did the same and he gave Patti a kiss goodbye and he said he doesn’t just kiss anybody. Patti said, “Oh no? That’s good. Will you give Sven a kiss?” He replied with a huge smile, “Ya, I’ll give him a kiss if he wants me to.” We all laughed and I told him that was alright. Stick to kissing his wife. Too funny.

It was a great day there and Patti was so excited and jazzed when we left. She told me it was great to see “Danny again”. Yes, we saw a glimpse of Danny and we know God is going to bring him back to where he once was, mentally and spiritually. He probably will never be the same physically, but I just know God is going to richly bless him and his family. God is great and he gave us a great day today!

I know many are waiting for an update on Daniel and I will get a really good report up later tonight after the kids are off to bed. Patti and spent the day going to Redwood City and visiting Daniel. His sister and father were there and we got to see him do therapy. Man, the report is going to be a GOOD one and there’s pictures (65!) being uploaded right now. So be patient and come back soon for the update!