My husband Hugh, Night #71, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Let's first start, and yes, let me warn you, THIS IS ALL DOOM AND GLOOM AND OH WOE IS SHELLEY TIME. You were warned.

Well, after a pretty emotional day yesterday, and learning of the "bad news" about the nerve damage. I proceeded to have melt down after meltdown. Daughter comes home and her Jeep took a big $hit on the way home. Most likely alternator, hopefully just the battery. But we have THE bestestestest mechanic that works on the car now.. CHEAP. So, ok, breathe I say, I have to have this Jeep working because this is what Hugh can get into for car transfers. I proceeded to have a ANOTHER meltdown after she called me with this bit of news. I scream, I yell, I cuss, and I laid into someone totally innocent and was taken back my my emotions. I felt so bad about this. Anyhowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... melt down continues. I am at my computer, this is about midnight, I decide it's time for bed. I get up, leg is semi-asleep, and I take a step, and my leg as more asleep then I thought. I did not feel it bend and turn up inside me. Yes, I did it. I collapsed screaming in agony. No one is home. I lay there helpless for 15 minutes not knowing what to do. Finally after the leg subsided, I crawled and was able to reach the phone and called my daughter back home, thank God, her boyfriend lives around the block, and they came running home to find me on the floor. My foot was black and swollen. They got me to bed and iced it, and elevated and sat with me until I dozed off.

This morning I took myself to urgent care,where it was xrayed. I now am the proud owner of a 4 week foot brace that is removal, and no crutches. Thank God. Ligaments are torn a bit, and sprained. I'll live. However, this puts a *crutch* on being able to walk Hugh in his wheelchair.

Learned today, Hugh's LEFT leg is 1/2 inch shorter then right leg. Ok, no biggy. Hugh will wear a support in his shoe for this. Right leg was fitted for his "brace" and that should be here in the next day or two. This WILL hopefully enable him to be more steady and learn to walk better. Occupational therapy (Alex) who we both just love, is working hard with Hugh for Hugh's daily needs. Hugh was able to dress himself with little assistance today! This is another great step for Hugh.

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My husband Hugh, Night #70, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

I know I haven't written, but to be honest, there isn't much to say in way of progress except that Hugh is the same.

He is starting to transfer from wheelchair to bed by himself, no board, as well as standing up in a walker (with much assistance) and taking some steps.

After meeting with another orthopedic doctor last week about Hugh's knee/leg he thought it a good idea Hugh follows up with a nerve test to see if he has spinal damage as his feet/ankles are so weak. Well, that was done today, and he has full nerve damage in the right leg which is, well permanent. Hugh will walk with braces. As to how the damage was done, well, could be spinal damage or due to his pelvis fracture. They do not know this at this time. He has foot drop/neuropathy (which we knew) just didn't know he has full nerve damage in the right leg.

My husband Hugh, Night #65, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Kathleen from Marri's Pizza, without them this would have never happened. EAT THERE! You won't reget it! Photo Courtesy Of www.lbreport.com

Hugh and I. Photo, courtesy of www.lbreport.com

Hugh and and my life long best friend..sister, Andrea.

Hugh and owner of one of the local businesses.

Hugh and Bill Pearl of www.lbreport.com

One of my best friends, Melissa, selling raffle tickets. Thank you for your endless support my Angel.

Hugh and his miracle worker, Stephanie. His physical therapist. She is a gem and cannot thank her enough for her work, along with her team of other therapists. She may say, "Hugh is the one doing it", but I often remind her, SHE is the one who drives him, and knows her stuff to get him better! xoxoxo

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I know I haven't written in a while. But to be honest, I am so burned out, it's all I can do is come home after working in the mornings, being at the hospital all day, come home, do more work, eat, and put my feet up for a little while. Yeah.. poor pitiful me.

Anyhow, some updates!!!

FIRST OFF.. A VERY BIG THANK YOU to EVERYONE that participated on the 2nd HUGH'S BITE NITE at Marri's Pizza last night. Much to many surprises, Hugh was able to attend. We had to hire Long Beach Yellow Cab wheelchair van to pick him up and bring him back. I of course was very nervous but it all worked out! Thank you to a generous donation that came in, this allowed Hugh to be there. There were soooooooo many surprise faces, tears and happy moments!

Hugh was greeted by so many well wishers! People who saw him get hit in the intersection, people from all over the community, all my friends and family, some Facebook friends I have never met in "real life", and Twitter friends, and SO MANY OLD SCHOOL FRIENDS. You ALL are so amazing, and have become a special part in my life and will remain in my hearts forever! Some of the staff at his REHAB facility showed up!! Thank you Susan, Rachel and Stephanie!!! Of course their families and of course all my ANGELS were there.. .ANDREA, KIM AND MELISSA. xoxoxoxoxo

Hugh was greeted by the owner for the one of the businesses who told Hugh about what he saw. Let's just say, I wasn't prepared for what he told Hugh, and it took me back and wish I hadn't heard it. Hugh cried when he said the kids at the bus stop were traumatized by what they saw. Apparently Hugh flew and was thrown up in the air, in 3 circles before landing where he landed, which was in front of the bus stop by Taco Bell. He must have been hit pretty damn hard, well we already knew this by his injuries. You aren't injured like Hugh was with just someone creeping through in intersection. He FLEW and his bike was hit so hard it was down way down by Taco Bell's drive way.

Special VERY BIG THANK YOU to Bill Pearl of LBREPORT.COM for their continued support and beautifully written article. Thank you Kathleen and the workers of Marri's Pizza for doing a spectacular job and most delicious food!!! Melissa Keyes (one of my best friends) who of course organized this and the VERY SUCCESSFUL RAFFLE DRAWING (winners WILL be announced tomorrow!).

Ok, about HUGH! Since the last update, more strengthening and more transfers. Hugh was seen today by the orthopedic office and we got the GO AHEAD on 100% WEIGHT BEARING which means. HE CAN START WALKING. They had him up on the parallel bars, and even in a walker taking a few steps! His hardest part is getting him up right now. No strength, but his miracle worker Stephanie is working on him with this. His orthopedic doctor wants Hugh now to be seen with (Dr. Warden) the sports medicine doctor (just another term for specialized orthopedics) about his left knee and also worried about his shoulder/rotator cuff, needing an MRI and follow up. This will be done tomorrow. We already know surgery needs to be done on the left knee area, but something doesn't seem quite right maybe with the shoulder/rotator cuff. You are asking, why wasn't this done before, well, because, with the amount of injuries and broken bones that Hugh had, first things first.

So, I will update the blog tomorrow night (providing I am not worn out), about what Dr. Warden (the shoulder/knee doc) says. Until then....WALKING WALKING WALKING so Hugh can come home!
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Dear Hugh!
I LOVE YOU!!!! To be honest, I thought by now, you would be home. I am more unrealistic as you know, but it's getting closer.. I can feel it. Last night you, I was just so darn proud of you.


If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

Vintage PIN UP Panty...OH SOOO BETTIE PAGE!

Vixen...Vampy...Pin Up Burlesque Style Panties
Authentic...The real deal.. NOT retro vintage style.. but STRAIGHT OUT OF THE 1950'S these gorgeous all silky soft nylon full cut panty..Only at Sweet Cherry Vintage Lingerie

My husband Hugh, Night #58, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Hugh's speech therapy is cut down from 5 days to 3 days, and he is drastically improving they said. They have him up standing several times through the day.

His doctor appointment (orthopedic doctor) is on Tuesday and we are hoping they give Hugh's physical therapist the go ahead for 100% weight bearing on his right leg, to prepare him for walking. His physical therapist also anticipates a goal to have him home in 2 weeks!

We have decided to keep Hugh at the current rehab he is in. We love them. They are doing Hugh wonders. I only thought "acute" rehab would be to Hugh's benefit, but they are pretty much doing "acute" rehab with him there. Plus, Hugh (and I) LOVE the rehab at the place he is in. In fact he wants to go back there for out patient therapy, if insurance approves it.

Dear Hugh..
I LOVE YOU! We are NOW seeing the brighter light at the end of this tunnel! We talked about this today. So, keep that light shining darling! We will get there.
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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My husband Hugh, Night #56, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Need I say more? :)
and POSSIBLY HOME in 2 ..2 1/2 weeks!

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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

My husband Hugh, Night #54, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

It's been 4 nights since I updated about Hugh. I couldn't resist today. I promised to do this for him. He had one of his best, if not the best, day's ever. Hardly any pain, his tummy was good, he ate well, and was totally uplifted and felt sooooooooooo good. He made several phone calls to some important people in my life, to thank them for what they have done for US. This was HIS doing, I only dialed the phone. He only wished he could thank each and everyone of you that either donated, said prayers, sent cards, sent well wishes, gave blood, or prayed. He knows of each and everyone of you.

We went over to Memorial Hospital (our usual walk) and visited the Acute Rehab facility there. I think he is ready for this. We are going to inquire about this on Monday and what it takes to have him evaluated for this. We will see! It was like a luxurious spa and hotel compared to where he is at, not to mention YOUNG people. Not that where he is at is bad, but it's a "nursing home" for pities sake, and the rehab is fabulous!!! I think he just wants a change, and more "acute" more more more rehab to get him better.

Being that he should, or claims to withstand 3 hours of acute rehab now, we hope this will allow him to be transferred back to Memorial's rehab.

Anyhow, that's all folks for now. I promised him a good positive blog post, so I wanted to keep my word.
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as for my letter to Hugh, well, I LOVE YOU.. I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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Sweet Cherry Vintage Lingerie Back Open

After a long talk with Hugh over the past week, it's time I dive back into my business. He fully understands, and we need the income of course. Hugh's disability just doesn't quite cut it and the bills are stacking up. Soooooo...

I have relisted nearly 70 items up for auction and/or sale on eBay. I will keep posting on the Hugh's progress now only a few times a week.


If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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My husband Hugh, Night #50, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

What a great day. Hugh had absolutely no tummy problems, feeling MUCH better, except for the normal pains from broken bones. His right knee was less swollen and not to concerning.

Nothing happened unusual today, more therapy, more speech/cognitive therapy, and in his wheelchair most the day! My nightly routine is to get him to bed myself, help dress him in his night clothes, brush his teeth (however, I will teach this tomorrow to him so he can start practicing!), and tucking him in. I am not "settled" until I get him comfortable in bed for the night. After that, he calls the nurses for repositioning him through the night. The morning comes early and he starts all over again.

Dear Hugh,
I am just unbelievably happy about you feeling better (on the inside!). I know this was wearing on you so much. Let's keep our fingers crossed it keeps up this way! This roller coaster has to stop at some point for you. I wish you were home with me, these nights are horrible, even though it was a good say, being alone is something I do not want... please hurry and get better, I want you home, I need you...and I love you forever darling..........

If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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My husband Hugh, Night #49, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

7 weeks ago to the day, was the worst day of our lives. Hugh was in his accident. Today, 3 weeks later to the day, he is in rehab. 4 weeks in hospital, 3 weeks so far in rehab.

Today a good day! He is starting transfers on his own from bed to wheelchair. We think we found out the tummy problem. Time will today. He had a good tummy day. Even had a WHOLE HOT DOG at Memorial Hospital for dinner! Yes, I wheeled him over there again. He likes getting out, can you blame him?

His RIGHT knee is a bit swollen, and aching. I need to talk to Stephanie (the PT) about this tomorrow. We may need to have Dr. Warden (the ortho/knee guy who will be doing Hugh's left knee surgery to see about his right knee).

As we were wheeling across Atlantic Blvd., a motorcycle was racing by. I can see Hugh's eyes and head moved watching the bike rider. I know he probably still has that twinge in him to ride one day, but that isn't going to happen.

I keep thinking these nights are going to get better for ME, they aren't. I'm on edge all the time and found myself even snapping at my Mom.

Dear Hugh,
I'm so proud of you! I was so happy to see you finally out of pain with your tummy stuff today. I think Dr. Marshall has a good idea on the change of plans for you as far as the tummy stuff goes. I sure like him. He is on top of it. I am not feeling well, which we discussed today. I will be going to the doctor tomorrow if it's not better. I love you so much, and I want you home......
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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Hugh's Bite Nite! is BACK! August 23 at Marri's !!

My husband Hugh, Night #48, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

If it wasn't for Hugh's visitors today(thank you Greg, Melissa and Chris), it would have been a horrible day! Sunday's are the WORST here. Nothing but in and out of bed, no therapy, no nothing.

Putting a call in to the doctor in the morning before I head up there. Hugh's tummy is horrible, I think this is day #5. I think he's on too many different tummy stuff and it's counteracting everything.

I'm done, I'm tired, long afternoon and night trying to get him comfortable. Very dreadful day. I feel so bad for him. Freaking roller coaster ride. I'm DONE.

Dear Hugh,
Oh you poor sweety, I feel so helpless trying to get you comfortable! What to do, what to do!!!!!!!!!! I hope tonight you have somewhat a peaceful night. I hope tomorrow a painfree day. I love you, I need you! I want you HOME! :(
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

My husband Hugh, Night #47, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Saturday.. I don't like the weekends.. they DRAG on. Oh well, it's about Hugh, not me. Anyhow, got him to do bed to wheelchair and wheelchair to bed transfers on my own! Apparently, Hugh's PT gal Stephanie told him this morning, this week they will make it a goal for him to do this on his own. WOW! No more relying on the dang nursing assistance to HOIST him into the chair. Can you believe they aren't trained to do board transfers?

He still isn't eating much, however, he is trying to drink 2 to 3 Ensures a day, and he poor tummy is still very rumbley and queasy. He is learning to manage it though. If it's not one thing, it's another... bless his heart :(

Things in my opinion are moving ahead, Hugh feels the same way. He told me today he doesn't want to be a "burden" on me. This broke my heart. I hope I never ever give him that impression, because he is not. This is what we do for one another. This is what a woman does for her husband. This is what people who love each other do for one another. WE JUST DO IT. This is NOT about me, but about him.
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Dear Hugh,
I pretty much said it above...what more can I say except I want you home. I need you home and I love you forever. Please hurry and get better darling....
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

My husband Hugh, Night #46, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

You know you are exhausted, beyond tired or delirious, when you come home from the hospital, shower, and forget if you rinsed out the conditioner out of your hair or not. I just can't do it again tonight. Love to all.
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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My husband Hugh, Night #45, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

I got to see Hugh do a "board" wheelchair to bed transfer! The idea is for him to use a "slide" board under his butt, and scoot over to the bed on it on his own. Tomorrow physical therapy will practice with me so I can assist Hugh in doing this, so we don't have to rely on the nursing assistants to come in and HOIST him in that hoist thing to bed. Which is quite an ordeal. Hugh has to wait sometimes up to an HOUR for the nursing staff to do this! Unacceptable in my books. Anyhow, not much longer and he and I can do it, then he by himself.

His tummy has been playing up. However, had a good day today with it. He had his 3 Ensures, and eating little bits of food (but a good breakfast)!

We went over to Memorial Hospital tonight, and he got to see more of his nurses, like Patrick, Max, Pretty surfer blonde nurse, ;) and some other just incredible nurses. All those nurses 7th floor (CCU/ICU) are just INCREDIBLE. Well, ALL the nurses at Memorial are for the fact.
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Dear Hugh,
I hope you have a good day tomorrow like you did today. We talked about how much we can't wait until we go on a much deserved mini-vacation after all this is over. You deserve it, I deserve it. Won't be able to afford it, but we can dream right!? Please hurry and get better, I want you home, I need you home, I love you forever darling.....(I didn't cry tonight leaving you, however last night, not so much).....
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

My husband Hugh, Night #44, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Just can't do it tonight, extremely rough, emotional day for me.

My husband Hugh, Night #43, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Day was filled with more therapy and started "bed / board to wheelchair transfer" to practice a bit. Stephanie (Hugh's physical therapist) told me 3 to 4 more weeks yet before he will be able to stand up and have some use of his legs. In the meantime, strengthening, and doing the bored/bed to wheelchair transfers, getting his right arm strengthened, and speech therapy (and cognitive stuff).

Dietitian came in because she was concerned with Hugh's weight loss. He is only eating nearly 50% of his food, so he promised her to drink an Ensure with each meal. He now weighs 235 pounds, the day of his accident, he was pretty big, at around 285 or so. He needs to lose weight, but not like this. He needs calories/energy to heal. He agrees.
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Dear Hugh,
Long day for you, I know. You are doing me so proud. I know you are worn out early, and you are discouraged by this. I had to remind YOU to not be so hard on YOU about this. Your body is still healing, you are up at 6 AM, and that is most likely with broken sleep through the night etc.

It was good seeing Jonathon, Henry and his wife, Mom and Papa today! You even spoke to Melissa on the phone. She had good news to share with me/us.

I am discouraged knowing you will be in there for another month at least. Let's prove them wrong! OK? Please hurry and get better, I want you home, I need you home, and I love you forever darling.......
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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My husband Hugh, Night #42, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Wow, can you believe it's been 42 days.. 6 WEEKS since the worst day of our lives happened on June 21.

I am having to start back work this week, Hugh understands, and well, we have no choice. Hugh's days are filled with therapy so I'll go up to the hospital around 2 or 3 pm and stay through the evening until he gets into bed.

Ok, today! WOW! He wheeled himself around the WHOLE HOSPITAL floor by himself. It's a "square" building, but the hall circles the whole place. He did a complete circle. I was soooooooooooo proud, of course, I cried. They worked more on his arm, and was supposed to start ultrasound therapy on his shoulder to "loosen" it up a bit, but tomorrow this will happen.

Spoke with the speech therapist today. She and the rehab physician both think Hugh did suffer some brain trauma (TBI). He had to have, with the amount of trauma he had, and coupled with the fact he doesn't remember a thing about the accident (as he was coherent and conscious) when Trauma brought him into the trauma unit to ER. So as I have mentioned before, we are learning "new stuff" that has or is happening to him along the way. This will be further investigated of course.

So, Hugh wanted to go over to Memorial for a late lunch/early dinner. So on our way down to the cafeteria, we run into one of the head Trauma nurses who is a complete ANGEL. Cheri (not sure the correct spelling). It was an emotional meeting. Hugh got to talk with her again in depth about what he remembers in his coma. She found it fascinating, then offered as Hugh was quite curious about the Trauma/ER unit he was brought in. I was very emotional about this, scared and reluctant. However, I must go on for Hugh. I walked in, and to the right was room 39/40/41. Cheri walked is in, I buckled at my knees and broke down pretty much hysterical. I never got to see the "area" where the Trauma team saved Hugh's life, and 6 weeks later to the day, I did. I told Hugh, I lived it, while he doesn't remember a thing, so that is why I think I am so emotional or was so emotional over it. He was/is very "detached" about the whole thing. Brain injury? Trauma from not remembering? I don't know.

Then leaving the Trauma unit, we went over to radiology where I first saw Hugh. This is where my family and friends were gathered with me, waiting for Dr. Jones to come out and tell me where the bleeding was coming from. He left me go into see Hugh, and this is where I saw Hugh lying on the table, with his jeans covered in blood and a huge pool of blood on the floor. I lost it again. My knees buckled just like they did when Officer Moody came and knocked on my door that dreadful June 21 day saying "your husband has been in a serious accident". I relived that nightmare all over again today.. only for a few minutes.

Hugh felt much better today. The hot/cold surges were less and I am so anxious to see him tomorrow. These nights are so long and lonely, and days are long until I see him.
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Dear Hugh,
Well, I'm wiped out. You being the inquisitive you, wanted to see the Trauma unit. Darling, I must say, I wasn't ready, however now I am glad I did see it. I got to see where your life was saved. Those doctors and nurses are ANGELS sent from heaven above.
As I have said before I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. You keep fighting and get better soon. I want you home, I need you home, I love you forever...........
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button:

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My husband Hugh, Night #41, Critically Injured, Now in Rehab

Weekends are VERY uneventful, long and dreary. I so much look forward to Monday through Friday for Hugh. Today was a horrible day for Hugh. Long, drawn out, and to top it off, he was not feeling well. He is having cold/hot/cold/hot spells, and been going on for 2 weeks and really starting to take it's toll on him. Will consult with the doctors about this. We can't figure out what it is. I feel so bad for Hugh, it breaks my heart.

He was able to get in his wheelchair for about 1 1/2 hours, but that's it. We wheeled over again to Memorial Hospital for lunch, but as soon as we got there "it" hit him. Had to hurry through lunch and get him back to his room and back to bed :(

The doctors NEED to find out what these hot/cold spells are, and I am not kidding you. 5 minutes apart.

Dear Hugh,
Poor darling, you had a rough day. I only wish I could take away your discomfort in you. It hurts me to see you suffering. The Mom in me? Or just a loving wife? I don't know, but it hurts. I wish I could suffer for you instead. I hope tomorrow is a much better day sweetheart, I know it is. Stay strong. You are doing so well, and come such a long way. I want you to hurry home, get better, I miss you so much. Memphis, Sam and Tyler miss you. It's not the same. I love you forever............
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If you are so inclined to help with Hugh's medical expenses and our mounting bills, you can donate to us by clicking the yellow donate button: