TR: 20071227 - UT, FreezeFest

[AJ]

Photos: http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=210534497/a=38054161/t_=38054161


Thursday 12/27: Finally getting out to FreezeFest; which is a canyoneering event over New Years, including a swimming canyon for New Year

[Jaxx]

Nice TR again! sorry to hear about Dan. In the story it didn't say how he and the 2 children were doing. Do you have an update?

There are more pictures than I will have time to look through today, Thanks!!!

[AJ]

Thanks for caring, and asking Jaxx. Physically, Dan is healing. He had a broken spine, but no paralysis or long term injury. He had to wear a head/halo brace for 8 weeks minimum; and has his checkup on Valentines Day. He may get the brace off, or may have to wear it for up to 8 more weeks. Other than that, he's healed up pretty well. All his stitches are out, etc. Mentally is another story. He's actually doing pretty well (better than I would be doing in the same situation) but obviously still sad over such a large loss in such a short time.

Sydney is doing decent. Most of her external injuries have healed, but she sustained a pretty severe head injury. There is still fluid, which causes some minor balance and/or memory issues. She is expected to fully recover in time. Losing her family is definitely hard on her; she still asks when her sister (the one she was closest to) is coming home.

Beau was actually pretty well physically. He was the first to be released from the hospital. However, he was conscious through the whole accident and afterwards. He saw his mom and family killed; and probably has the longest to go mentally. Since he's only 8, he doesn't really know how to deal with it; and has been really quiet. He was seeing a counselor and making progress.

The oldest son, Brett; who wasn't in the van was doing as well as can be expected the last time I saw him. Obviously fine physically, but obviously sad as well.

Looking at the van, it's truly amazing anyone made it out alive. Dan is trying to be as positive as he can about it, and has donated the remains of the van so it can be used to show the devastation that drinking and driving can cause; and has volunteered to talk at several schools and such about it as well to try to help others avoid what his family has to endure. Pretty amazing.

On the plus side, the response from the community has been amazing. People that have never met him have gone WAY out of thier way to offer encouragement, gifts and much more. A car lot gave him a van; and many people have hosted fund raisers to help financially. It's really been great to see people caring and pulling together to help in any way they can...


Hope you get time later to look at the pics, and hope you enjoy them!

[Jaxx]

Wow. That is a devastating situation to go through. I hope the kids and Dan can recover. That is such a sad situation. Thanks for the information.

[Scott Card]

Thanks for the TR. Nice to meet you guys. I was sorry to hear about Dan. I hope the best for he and his family.

[AJ]

Yeah, it totally blows in the worst way. I think in time, the'll get over it enough; but I'm sure it will be with them the rest of their lives. I'm sure it will be a constant reminder in mine...

Thanks again for your concern, thoughts and prayers; Jaxx, Scott and the others...