On April 27, 2001, while working on a large, computerized, inventory managment device, Charlie fell. He fell 22 ft. onto a cement floor and landed on his head. Amazingly, he did not damage his neck or spine, nor did he break any bones - except his skull. He fell on the back of his head and fractured his skull there ,but also has frontal, center (mid-section) and temporal bruising and shearing injury to his brain (as seen on CAT scans). He has been in the hospital ever since the accident. First, Intensive care Units - surgical and "regular" depending on whether he had surgery or not (his brain/head have been operated on 3x since the fall), then the neuro-medical floor, and now finally the rehabilitation unit of our medical center. He was in a coma for about 5 weeks and now is "emerging". He is medically stable and his trach was removed about 3 weeks ago. His periods of alertness are now 20-40 minutes long, and he is beginning to talk to us and eat soft foods if they are fed to him. He recognizes close fHe was a wonderful man, husband, father, and we shared so much - taking care of our kids, our careers, hopes, dreams for the future. Of course, I don't know how much of that will come back ...it is so amazing how our lives change in the wink of an eye...I just keep telling myself that I can't go back to what we had, however wonderful it was, and I just have to look forward.

Every day I tell Charlie how much I love him and that I will be with him through this event. Many times, he tells me he loves me too and he smiles so tenderly at me. I also tell him how strong and brave he is to face such a serious, frightening injury. I hope that I can match his strength in dealing with our future - whatever it brings.

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