March 13, 2:30p update

Dear Friends,

I want to apologize upfront for the personal nature of this update. Throughout this past week, I've tried my best to keep my emotions in check and update this blog with the most current and accurate information regarding Linda's medical condition. But, as my sister Patti mentioned in the previous update, today's my birthday and my kids tell me that I can do anything I want. So I'm going to. :-)

Because of the best wife, children, extended family and friends that a guy could every dream of, I've had some pretty amazing birthday's during my life. Today is no exception.

As you know, Linda has been in critical condition, on life support and in a deep coma since early last Monday morning. (We've learned that they measure the depth of a patient's coma on a scale of 1 to 15 with 1 being the deepest or worst level. Linda has been at a level 3.) Over the past couple of days she's begun to open her eyes periodically, but still not being able to focus on anything or anyone. She's also been unresponsive to any sound or anyone's touch.

Yesterday afternoon she began to open her eyes more frequently, and keep them open for longer periods of time. It even seemed like she was beginning to recognize the presence of her two daughters and her husband. Today, when we arrived at her bedside, her eyes were open and she almost seemed to be having a silent conversation with Lynn. The kind of conversation with your eyes that seems to only take place between a husband and a wife. Her eyes were moving and following his face and she was responding to his voice.

When I had the chance to hold her hand, lean in close and softly talk to her...she made me feel, for the first time this week, that she could see me and hear me. That was the very best present I could have received.

In the last two days she's improved from a level 3 to a level 7 this morning. And already today she's gone from a 7 to an 8! What an amazing thing to witness!

Her doctors have decided to forego her hyperbaric chamber treatments today and let her body rest. They're continuing with her dialysis however and just completed a three hour procedure. They're planning to do a 12 hour "skid" dialysis treatment later today.

So that's the latest update...pretty exciting news! Thank you again for all of your positive thoughts and prayers. Lynn especially wanted to thank everyone who has been fasting and praying for Linda over the past few days. He's grateful for your kindness, friendship and service on behalf of his family.