October 23 6:38 PM

It is Myra (mom) again. It is impossible to explain this experience. We are here with over 35 injured soldiers and Marines just on this floor. Each has loving families with them...all eating fast food, catching naps in lounges, sharing stories and encouraging words and tears. Attire changes quickly to comfort wear. To see many of the guys, including Josh,we have to gown up, wear gloves and a mask. He has a new toy today...a whiteboard and marker...much easier to communicate. Veterans and the Purple Heart guys have visited today to share encouraging words. The trauma team Doctor gave us a possible timeline...3 days to get the trach out (if major surgery goes well) 2-3 weeks here and then possibly to Walter Reed for rehab. as long as there is no neurologic concerns. Having observed Josh's strong will and occcassional bits of humor I feel he is OK there!!
We cannot answer most of your emails...the donated computers are limited in technology but adequate to read all your wonderful messages. Josh still has not felt like reading anything...but occasionally we mention a few and he seems amazed and very pleased.
So again tomorrow two very good trauma orthopedic surgeons (one from here and one from Water Reed) will place a plate in his hip and screw his broken pelvis together. This is support his future prosthesis' (I don't think we have spell check either so forgive my medical errors)
We are puttting together our family plan so one of us will always be here and then hopefully add some friend visits along the way. We love you all....
keep Josh in your prayers...he has some very difficult days ahead. M