Heal Nick

It happened. Yesterday was my birthday. For some reason this time around I feel old in some way. Nothing has changed aside from the date on the calendar, and really I’m just one day older than the day before but I feel it creeping in some odd way. I don’t know. Can you fix this for me? I smile to think you just might be able to somehow.

The weather out in Indiana has been wonderful the past few days and I finally got down to the lake with my dog. That was the closest I’ve felt to the ocean. The rocky shore reminded me so much of the beach by my old house in Swampscott. The only problem was I could still see the other side of the lake. But, there is an amazing camping spot right in a cove by the water. It’s almost as if no one knows about it although there are a few fire pits. It’s open to the public and very quiet during the week and up until the busy times of year from what I’ve been told. My roomate and I are talking about going back there some night to sleep. We also have plans for a fire in our backyard. We have a nice fire pit and are in the process of collecting geodes (sp?) and other nice rocks to decorate it. I hope the sparkle in the flames but we shall see.

I’m glad to hear you are doing well. I have something to send off to you but just awaiting an address. Remember slow and steady wins the race. What race? you ask… I have no idea, but it’s probably the best one there is to win.
Missing you.
Hugs and love
Jess

Is there a good address to use to get things to Nick? Sorry if I missed a previous posting where it was listed and thank you.
hugs and love
Jess

Hi Nicholas, Had a great dinner with Lucy and your Dad last night. It was really terrific to see them back on their turf and be able to give them a huge hug!
I’m sure you know how that feels now that you have all your buddies coming to visit. The power of friends is truly a magnificent thing. All our best and keep up the battle. You’re doing great! Arden and Bill

It’s Monday, It’s Raining but NOT SNOWING and I’ve spent a weekend of watching the greatest March Madness basketball… I know, I’m strange for loving to watch sports as much as I do but I get some of my best thinking and knitting done then. Anyhow, I was thinking that I hadn’t checked on you and your family recently and was wondering how everyone is doing. What a trip home, huh? I bet you miss the accents but are happy as ever to be back closer to those who mean so much to you and love you soooo much. Spring is (quickly, I hope) approaching. Spencer is already sailing (races Martha’s Vineyard tomorrow), Taylor is back on the tennis courts and Zan & Molly are nearly to the alter. I still have some snow in my back yard but not much and am excited to see green sprouts in my gardens. We have been watching an antique home be cut and moved from Chapoquoit Island/West Falmouth to North Falmouth via Old Silver Beach. It has been really wild to watch the crews build a “barge bridge” so they could roll the house from road level over the beach to the barge that then carried the two parts from Chapoquoit Beach up Buzzards Bay to Megansett Harbor where it stayed until very early yesterday when the barge puttered down to Old Silver Beach. Throughout the day, the Easter Bunny stayed away but not the crowds - the weather was ideal and the house was rolled (slowly!) off the barge and into the back parking lot. Eventually, the pieces will be moved down the road to a lot on Wild Harbor. Amazing! The interior of this house is fantastic and it is a very good thing that the architecture is being saved. The journey has been roughed (somewhat like yours) but the end result will be a beautiful thing! If anyone could provide a snail mail address, I have a card for you that I addressed to NZ and was about to mail when I got word of your return trip. I’d love to send it along - if nothing else, you might get a chuckle from it. Be well. Ellen

Dear Peter and Lucy,

Wondering when or if it will be helpful for Nick to have friends of his come in to boston to give support? Thank you guys so much.
all the love,
maki

It’s Elizabeth from the Lodge apartments. We’re so happy that Nick is home. This website has really been terribly important to keep us all up to date. If David and i can be of any assistance in either your lives or Nick’s, please let us know. We’re right next door and would be happy to help in any way for the family.
We’ll keep updated and hope to visit Nick soon or whenever the family feels like the time is right.

The trachea was removed entirely earlier this week and, although Nicholas has a slight cold, he’s adjusted very well, and I’m sure enjoys not having a piece of plastic tubing down his throat. Monday through Friday he has three 1 hour therapy sessions daily (occupational, physical & speech). Weekends are for rest with only 1 therapy session per day. Although progress is very slow, which is normal with brain injuries, the therapists are please with his performances. Physically, he’s getting stronger each day. The cognitive skills are a little slower coming. He responds well to objects (knows what to do with certain things, such as a cup, ball, face cloth, etc.) but does struggle with voice commands. All will connect in due time. Actual speech will probably be developed much later, as he has to be able understand & communicate simple concepts, such as the difference between “yes” & “no” before making any attempt to communicate by voice.

Keep those sparks, prayers, thoughts, postings and anything else you can thing of coming his way. I know he senses the great support he’s getting. Peter & Lucy

Yo bro, just wanted to let ya know that the gang was feeling ya in The keys of florida while we were sailing and watching the sunset. Presence, presence in so many places right in the peak of happiness and harmony within oneself and the earth around us. Amazing timing always my man. All the love and can’t wait to see you soon in Beantown. All the love,
maki

You floated safely atop our mind sparks and wishes for you back to home. I am very grateful for your return and very positive about your recovery here in the U.S. Again, welcome home.

Mariko

We miss you out on the ice Nick! Though I’m still a rookie, I can tell Tuesday Nights just aren’t the same without you and your Dad. As I meander across the blue line, I find myself looking for the trusty left wing with the silky smooth moves to bail me out. Alas, no Nick means I’m getting the puck stolen away regularly. For the sake of our game, we need your playmaking abilities to make us look halfway decent. And that goes for your Dad too! His savvy veteran leadership and on-ice presence is missed. It’s like you two are holding your own personal NHL lockout. Maybe there will be no hockey for this season, but I trust you’ll be back – it’s just a matter of time. As for Tuesday Nights, your spot is permanently reserved. So keep up the great work and we’ll see you back on the ice whenever you’re ready.

Take care,
Steve Lai

BTW, the showers are still ice cold, so you’re not missing much there.

hey brother
i have the photo of all of us at the waterfall that day on the desktop of my computer, and i see your grin daily and send you out positive vibes. i’ve been checking on you regularly online and things sound positive. keep pushing because that big fishshape you rode when we surfed matapalo is now officially yours and sitting patiently waiting to be ridden by you again. take your time but hurry your freckled butt up too, because we got all kinds of stuff to do.
much love out to you and any help or healing i can provide,
abrazos
b

Apologies for the recent down time. Sometimes this happens with the hosting provider.

hey nick,
welcome home!!! i’m so happy you’re home closer to more family and friends and that the journey went well.
i just got back from ft. lauderdale. after a short stint in bloomington after scotland…. i feel like you with all this travelling. visited my friend jolene, who i’m sure you met at bennington briefly. then down to miami for a night with my sister. scott, my boyfriend, and i drove down in my car with my dog. yes, my car made it all 16 hrs and back. amazing i know. but who would doubt the VW, no matter what the model, right? woody, the dog, stood up for the first 7 hrs of the trip. entertaining but i’m glad he finally settled in. it was so nice to be in warm sunny weather. i’m no ready for spring to really come. indiana is odd… if you thought new england warranted the phrase “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it’ll change,” you are mistaken. i think the meant it for indiana.
i’ve also started a new job at bloomingfoods, the local co-op natural food market. i’m in th kitchen now but will probably be doing as much as i can there soon enough. also, hoping to start a transition to teaching program this summer. i’m meeting with the dean next week and will keep you posted on that one.
hope you have a good day. miss you.
hugs and love
-jes

Nicky boooyyyyy!!!——Kangurooooo here sending you a mighty “WELCOME BACK HOME!!!” Just wanted to report to you that all is well in our part of the universal matrix. We all were sending you mass amounts of love from the crown chakra of the Hawaiin islands. Jacobi, Shane, Tobey, Brendan, Gypsy, Murray, Sugar, JP and countless others were missing your presence and needless to say we are all so excited for our next physical rendezvous with you, my man!!! Lots of great adventures in Kauai for me for sure, including many humbling surf sessions. However, I did manage to catch many waves for you in the process. Soon, we will be hitting it together I am sure! On another note, I wanted to give you a progress report on our little slice of the rock in Costa. I just booked a flight to go in April and May to start the process of building our first structure. Pretty soon, we will have our own little place to ch-ch-ch-chill. Don’t you worry mate, we will have a nice place for you to rehab whenever you are feeling ready to make the journey. However, I would much rather have you involved in the creative process, so keep on keepin on in your road to physical well-being! One more thing. we will be playing shows this weekend in Denver, so keep your psychic airwaves open cuz, we will be sending you a huge collective shout out! Alrighty, more reports to come soon. Loving you bro!!!!———MK

We will be doing the Parent Posting every Sunday evening for the foreseeable future, unless Nicholas does something out of the ordinary during his recover/rehab process, which will be posted that day.

4 1/2 days at Spaulding Rehab & Nicholas is doing well. The size of his trachea was reduced by more than 1/2 & capped on Friday afternoon. He’s adjusting to breathing through his nose & mouth & with a little luck the trachea will be removed entirely on Tuesday or Wednesday. He is doing physical, occupational & speech therapy 3 times a day, except for the weekends, & making slow but steady progress, as expected. His determination to perform certain tasks that he himself decides to undertake is typically Nicholas. He won’t give-up. He will continue to be evaluated this week & we will eventually meet with the team when a determination has been made on the ultimate course of action for his rehabilitation. In the meantime, keep your postings coming. Nicholas needs to hear from you. Peter & Lucy

it’s tim schaefer’s sister terry. just a very quick peep to say that we too are following all your progress on this wonderful site and send so much love and hope for nick’s continued recovery. what an amazing family you are, each and every one of you. love, terry christo & tim [doyle]

I want to thank ALL OF YOU for helping to bring Nicholas back home. He might still be in New Zealand if he hadn’t received so much love and energy sent by his friends and family.
So, hoist a glass for Nicholas. And one for yourselves!
Sheila

2 on 1 day! We’re back only to advise that we have decided, now that we’re back on familiar soil, we will only do a posting once a week and/or when major events happen in Nicholas’ progress. You can rest assured that he is doing very well. Now it’s just a matter of hard work on his part and time. It will be a slow process. In the meantime keep posting messages. I will continue to read them to him, and they are very important to his eventual recovery. Thanks for your understanding. Peter & Lucy

Nicholas underwent physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy today for evaluation. By the middle of next week the therapists along with the doctor in-charge of Nicholas will determine the best course of therapy in terms of length and measured progress. He continues to be quite alert and stimulated by the therapeutic work-outs. One very positive decision today was to reduce the size of his trache. This is a big step toward removing the trache altogether, which, hopefully, will lead eventually to talking and eating.

I think I must have sent a mixed message on yesterday’s posting regarding visits. Unless you are family, please do not plan to visit Nicholas for the next couple of weeks. I have requested this restriction be placed in his record at the nurse’s station. He needs this time to get adjusted. When you decide to visit, please call me (508-517-4940), Kristin (617-335-1525) or Pamela (617-596-1254). I am not by any means discouraging visits. Quite the opposite. It’s just that they need to be managed. He’s shares a room and space is very limited. Also, by calling in advance, you may avoid any conflict with scheduled therapy. We feel this is in Nicholas’ best interest. Peter & Lucy

Apologies for the delay of this posting. Our “technical” difficulties have been resolved. Nicholas made the 28 hour journey without a hitch. As a matter of fact, he did better than Lucy & me. He didn’t mind the super-cramped conditions or the lack of a toilet in the Lear 36! All arrangements went like clock work. We landed at 12:30pm on Monday and he was admitted to and in bed at MGH by 2:00pm. After being evaluated that afternoon and Tuesday, Nicholas was transferred to the Spaulding Rehab Hospital (8th Floor, Room 807) at 12:30pm today, where he was further evaluated by doctors and various therapists. This evaluation will continue tomorrow at which time the team will meet to decide on just what type of rehab program Nicholas will undergo. These are rather trying times for him. We suspect he’s glad to see more familiar faces than just Lucy & me, is a bit confused and certainly tired. If anyone in the Boston area feels that he/she absolutely has to visit him, please feel free to do so, but wait until this weekend and keep it short. No more than 2 people at a time. HOWEVER, I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO WAIT AT LEAST 2 OR 3 WEEKS BEFORE VISITING TO REALLY GIVE HIM TIME TO GET ACCLIMATED AND MAKE SOME REHAB PROGRESS. Right now, Nicholas might be considered minimally responsive. He can’t talk; therefore, it’s difficult to know if you’ll even be recognized. The longer you can wait to visit, the more responsive he MAY be. If you have any questions about this, you’re welcome to either post them on this site under “comments” or call me on my cell (508-517-4940). Peter & Lucy

Hi Nick,
It’s great that you are home, but I’m sorry to say your days of rest and relaxation are over. It’s work now! Being in rehab is like being back in school, classes all day, and homework too! But the good news is you can wear real clothes, no more jammies. I volunteer at Spaulding on alternate Saturdays and I’ll come by and say Hi next time I am there. I’m going to see if I can find any pictures of the band, if not Baird will send me some.
Becky

Just a word to let you know that the parents behind the parents postings are doing well but are currently experiencing technical difficulties as their computer is not working. Hopefully they’ll be back on line soon. Looks like Nicholas will be heading to rehab at Spaulding at some point tomorrow…details to follow and, as we know, unexpected things can still prolong this transition. N did well today with his PT evaluation today and the MGH people feel he is ready for rehab and we’re thrilled.

So as usual I logged on to www.nicksrecovery.com to make sure you were all back in the U.S. of A. Again I noticed holding my breath until I saw “The Eagle has Landed". Phew!!! Huge sigh! I’m sure you all felt an unbelievable amount of relief as I did. You must all be exhausted. Well done and we look forward to seeing you whenever you feel like it. All my love, Arden

We were so thrilled to get the call that you had actually landed!!! We had been looking at our watches continuously since you left NZ, wondering where you were and if it was going smoothly. We know you are all exhausted but exhilarated, and we will coninue working on all those positive vibes. Big hugs to you all.
Westy and Julie

Hello all you Nicholas fans…
Just wanted to let you know that Nicholas Mum (Lucy) and Peter landed as scheduled at 1230 today. I just left him at MGH where he is resting peacefully. According to Dad, the flight went perfectly and N did not require any sedation. He was awake a great deal of the trip and today, so he needs some rest. His length of stay at MGH is unknown at this point so be patient at we figure out the best plan with regards to visitors. THEY ARE HOME!!! hurray!!
:)pamela

Hello Nick and family. This is Colette Coté writing from Manchester-by-the-Sea. I first met Nick during the Summer of 2000 and we’ve been friends since. I was devastated to hear the news of Nick’s accident at the beginning of this year and keep him in my thoughts. Nick you are doing great so far so please keep it up. There are so many people rooting for you right now, I never imagined you touched so many people.

I am writing today because like others that have posted, I had a dream of you last night. The two of us kissed and when we did I could here music that was in your head. You couldn’t speak but I could here the music when are lips were together. It’s just a dream but probably means that you touch people even though you can’t physically communicate just yet. The interesting part of the dream is that I just read of the news of your transfer today and you were in my dreams last night! Are you sending messages?

I’m sure everyone is anticipating your safe return to The States. This is just another journey for you. Hopefully you’ll be well enough for a visit soon. Your presence is missed.
Take Care.
Miss Colette

If all goes as planned, this will be the last posting from Base Dunedin. The three of us are scheduled to depart Dunedin at 5:00am tomorrow (Monday morning NZ) via local air ambulance for Auckland, where we will transfer to an air ambulance jet for an 8:00am departure. A doctor & nurse will accompany on all flight segments. Refueling stops scheduled for Pago Pago, Honolulu & Salinas (CA). Arrival in Bedford (MA), Hanscom Field, is approximately 12:30pm on Monday for an ambulance transfer to MGH. We have no idea at this time how long Nicholas will be at MGH. He needs a work-up & evaluation. Hopefully it won’t be too many days before he gets to Spaulding Rehab. We do have a favor to ask all who read this and are in the Boston area. Please do not plan to visit Nicholas for at least 3 or 4 days after our arrival. This trip and the new surroundings are going to be confusing for him. He will need some time to settle down and into a new routine. We will advise when it is appropriate to plan visits and be prepared for when you see him. Thanks. The next posting should be from Base Manchester. Dunedin computer is now shutting down. Peter & Lucy.

N… so what is it with you and early Sat morning dream time. Have you worked out a schedule to ensure you visit everyone who needs you at a set time every week? I do wonder.
This time we were in Thailand! It was so beautiful. I was hanging up a poster at a beach while people on the beach were watching this beautiful breeching whale (yea that part doesn’t fit bc he was about 200 ft off shore..but whatever). Anyway, you walked up behind me so when I turned around you were just there. You had a pale yellow shirt on with your floppy beige sun hat (which I have had with me every moment since your accident..i’ll give it back eventually). Your huge blue eyes just stared right at me and you gave me a second to process it. For the first time in our dream world dates, you acknowledged that you knew you had been away for a while but you were back now and there was nothing to worry about. Your deep stare was litereally all I needed. I think this dream was triggered by some reports that K gave me of some intense eye contact over the past week. I’m jealous, I can’t wait to see it for myself..but for now I appreciated the dream time version.
All my love,
p

Nico,

I’m sure you’ve noticed that there has been a bit of a lull in the letter writing lately. I want to assure you that you are in my thoughts constantly; every single day I think about you multiple times and envision your return to health. You’re present in my waking thoughts and, quite often, in my dreams as well. Last week there were two consecutive nights when I dreamt that my phone rang, I picked it up and, on the other end was a familiar voice saying “Hey, Will, I’m back.” I look forward to that day.

Sitting there in that bed with that tube in your throat has to be getting a bit tiresome, it’ll be great to get you back to Beanville and into rehab- Pamela has certainly been paving the way for you at Spaulding. I can’t wait to see you; I’ve got tons of stuff I want to read to you and have been thinking about putting together a “smell-kit” replete with all sorts of stinky stuff to stick under your nose. Things that come to mind are garlic (por supuesto!), ginger, basil and other nice, smelly things. Also, pine needles, various teas, fresh coffee beans. How about some seaweed? Ulva lactuca? Irish moss? Mmmm, stankariferous. Of course this kit of stank needs to be approved by the professionals, but we all know how important and powerful (both physically and emotively) the sense of smell is; I can’t imagine it being a bad idea, so prepare yourself and your olfactory bulb.

With all this snow this year Nick T and I have been getting back into Dogtown on our backcountry skis; there aren’t too many huge drops to be had, but it’s real nice to have a place to strap on the boards just outside the back door. Speaking of NT, he and Abi just had another baby! This time it’s a boy whom they’ve named Mac Trotman. Kim baked them a polenta lasagna and, for their sake, baked us one too- otherwise it may not have made it out of this house. Wait until you taste this latest creation- the layers of polenta take the place of the noodles… oh man…

Jon and I have been contemplating an abduction; we were thinking about kidnapping you and strapping you to your kiteboard for rehabilitation purposes, of course, but have decided that perhaps we’ll let the Spaulding people have their way with you for a while first. Still, be prepared, we’re expecting you back in full action in the near future and will do everything we can to facilitate your recovery.

Nico, you have made so many peoples lives so much richer and we all love you so incredibly much. I have complete confidence that, regardless of how long it takes, you will soon be filling our lives with laughter, love and light again soon.

Love,
Will

All is well so far today. Nothing out of the normal & normal for the past week has been good. We are making more definite plans to head home With Nicholas. Stay tuned. Peter & Lucy

N… so I’m thinking it makes a heck of a lot more sense for me to meet you in Boston rather than Dunedin…sound good to you? Ok so we shall rendevous in Beantown bc I just cancelled my trip to NZ. My secret wish when I booked my trip to see you was that I would cancel it because you are coming home. Ah…it would appear that wishes are coming true. You continue to impress me every day and I cannot wait to see what you are capable of for myself! You are reaching every little goal I set..nice going!!! You’re coming home to me (all of us!!)…ah, the way it should be. I’ve got a LOT planned, so rest up on the way home…we have a lot of catch up to do. Enjoy the fancy-pants jet..wow…talk about impressive.
See you soon bro!
All of my love,
pooh

We’re in the countdown toward departure. CT Scan was pretty much negative (good) & all vitals are normal. Nicholas has been doing very well in various aspects of physical therapy and continues to gain a little strength every day. He still has a trachea, which prohibits any sort of speach development, and a feeding tube into his stomach. Hopefully, these will be removed in the near future. Just need to get through the next few days with no hitches and we’re on our way. Peter & Lucy

Nick, thought you should know that you were honored at Zan’s bachelor party this past weekend with a communal bottle of Don Julio. We did our best and made it 90% of the way through, i guess we saved the last couple of swallows for you. You were in our thoughts and were missed as a key player in the Olympic/Henries crew. Can’t wait to see you, keep up the good work. bone

So far, Nicholas has had a very good week. All vitals have been normal & he appears to be gaining strength very gradually. He continues to be quite alert & voluntarily move his arms, hands & left leg. There is some, sporatic reflex movement in his right leg. The PT’s have been working him quite hard. We are now very definitely making plans to return to Boston next week. Provided Nicholas stays fever free and the CT Scan tomorrow is negative, we will advise a more precise date of departure from NZ as we get a little closer to departure. Peter & Lucy

Dear Nick, Lucy and Peter,
We are so happy that Nick is doing so much better and that he will be coming home soon. What a relief that must be for all of you. We believe that recovery always moves along much quicker when one is at home and among family and friends.
Our thought and prayers are always with you.
Sam Cabot and Deamie Helmboldt

Nicholas,

Andrew here…

We celebrated pending nuptuals with ZP up in Vermont this past weekend. An excellent crew of “gentlemen” assembled including the likes of Bone, Foom, Dan Warchol, No Sean(he’s with you in NZ), Trip, Timmy P., Jeff Kolva, Sam Hawkey and many others from places like Newburyport, the Cape and the Boston area. YOU WERE MISSED! Foom lifted the tequila high in your honor and we all drank to your nearing return to Boston.

Continue to fend off the “fever” so that you may hop that swanky jet and wing it on back to the States. Many friends are awaiting your return.

Big winds at the Cape tonight. We are getting a warm storm for a change… mostly hard rain and even some excellent lightning. Which reminds me, the wind that is, there have been a bunch of kiters out in West Falmouth lately. I definitely think of you when I see these guys.

Looking forward to seeing you in the next couple of weeks.

Best Wishes,

Andrew

PS- I’m a recovered “phone pacer". I sit now.

Hi, Nick:

This is just a quick note to say that we wish you and Mum and Dad a good trip back to Boston, which we understand will be very soon.

Cheers,
Bob and Katherine

Such a shock to hear of a bad accident to someone you’ve known even slightly through someone you didn’t expect to have any connection…..but so thrilled to hear you are coming HOME!!!! Good for you and for all the people who love you, too! It must have been quite a prayer circle because it seems to have stretched around the world. You’ve been in ours, for sure
We’re sending positive vibes your way….and love from all the Lynches in Marblehead.

Nicholas has strung together several good days now. No fever and all other vitals reading normal. He’s been given good work-outs by the physical therapists. Tilt table alternating with sitting on the edge of the bed every other day. Sitting is big, as it involves neck & trunk muscles, and is quite a work-out. This sort of PT really stimulates Nicholas. Just have to be careful not to overdo it, which the PT’s are. If Nicholas can keep going along the way he is and avoid infections, we should be on our way to Boston sometime next week. Peter & Lucy

hey nick,
i got back to indy from skye yesterday. there is a postcard on its way to you. i refrained from buying you any minimugs at any of the airports i visited en route (5 total) since you would then have to transport them back to the states with you; however, i’m sure i can make it up to you someday and i’m sure you have a sufficient amount waiting for you either in SF or in storage or something. i’m feeling a bit of jetlag but had to check in on you and see how everything’s been going. i’m glad to hear you are feeling better from the fevers and that you are moving around so much. at some point i have to tell you all about my work at bradford woods and how it alone has helped me to understand where you are in your progresses. well, at least i will tell you a sroty of a young girl with whom i played big ball bowling. but that will be at a later date. for now i must rest. my internal clock thinks it’s 2:30 am although it’s really 9:30 where i am currently. i’m so glad to hear that soon you will also be making to transition in time zones. in your own time, no rush, but we all look forward to having you back in boston ("boston you’re my home").
hugs and love
-jess

Morning N,
So by now I know you have heard about our incredible day skiing yesterday. I’m not a huge fan of day trips, but thanks to my relentless roommate, Liz and I took a leisurely trip up to Sunapee to enjoy a fantastic day on the slopes. It was about 35 degrees (do you still remember Farenheit or have you been converted being over in NZ for so long?!), cloudless blue sky, strong sun and, get this, SNOW! I have no edges on my skis, but I didn’t need any. The conditions were great. We saw a teli guy absolutely murdering the bumps…I was quite impressed. THEN..my favorite part of the day.. lunch! We walk in to the lodge and who is there but Joanie, Gay & Bunk! What a treat to walk in and see 3 of our Olympic parents. It was so great to see them. We reminisced about Jackson Hole (Liz is headed there in a couple of weeks).
Then we made the world very small bc we gathered at the base of the mountain to call NZ and say hi to Mum, Dad Kristin & Sean. At a mountain in little snowy, wintery NH calling half way around the world to summer time in NZ..thank you technology.
I heard you got M, D, K & S involved in your PT session the other day…way to put them to work. I can’t wait until I can help too. Ok well Dad’s good report on the tilt table yesterday has helped drag me out of bed so I can head out for a long run. You are such an inspiration bro!! Keep up the hard work. Perhaps when I get home I’ll have a toast of pineapple juice in your honor
All my love and confidence,
P
PS… Annie sneezes-A LOT- is that wierd?!

Dear Nick,
Was drinking out of my Halibut Point mug last night, and it made me think of the few times we ate there together. I’m just not sure the Black Cow holds the same rustic appeal. Whatever the locale, I look forward to breaking bread with you again soon., my friend.
I am encouraged to read every day of your progress, and I can’t wait for you to be back in Boston. Needless to say, Dawes-Hamilton-and especially Baines-are anxiously awaiting your return as well.
Enquaybo,
TJ

Nichlas…..Just got home from a day trip to Sunapee (rinky-dink, I know, for you crowd), but good for us seniors. I was with Bunky and Gay and it was a wonderful, sunny day made all the more wonderful by running into Pamela and Liz. We had lunch with them and made a date (it was a tad too early at that time) with them to meet at the end of (our) day to call Peter and Lucy. What a thrill it was to hear their voices (are you tried of them yet)? What I can’t wait for, and it will come soon I hope, is the day we run into you on the street or the slopes or the water. Until then…stay well and heal well. With love….Joanie

Wonderful to have Kristin & Sean in Dunedin. Welcome! Nicholas continues in pretty god health. Every day getting closer to being able to fly home. He went through a major PT session today by sitting on the edge of his bed. He is no where near doing this by himself, but the pure act of being in this postion is great therapy and a lot of hard work. Good for him. Peter & Lucy

Hi Nicholas,
Just checking in. New Jersey? you say. Yup. You may have heard that we somehow yanked ourselves from San Francisco last year and landed in central New Jersey. It’s quite nice actually, and we feel lucky to be back on the east coast, closer to friends and family. And soon you will be too! We’re continuing to cheer you on Nicholas. Keep up your hard work, and know that we are thinking of you and your miles of progress so far. We know it will continue. You’re of a mighty Olympic clan…so carry on.
Cheers and love to all, Annie, Chris and Galen Roy

Nick,

You have been on our minds. Reading the multitudes of letters on this site has really made me (once again) remember how small this world is and how we are all so interconnected in so many ways. When Will told us of your accident I was less shocked that you’d been climbing a giant tree than at the idea of you being out of action. You are such an action man and I can only imagine that you are slowly but surely working your way back to that way of being. Your family sounds strong and courageous- I feel as though I have grown to know them (whom I’ve never met) by way of their loving words. I wish you all strength and health throughout the next phase of this experience. I would also love to know where you will be in rehab, so that we might pay a visit. The next clambake awaits you, sailor Nick.

With much love,
Dani, Brian, Miles and Oona

Hi Nick,
As we view the website faithfully, and your wonderful sisters and parents keep us posted on your progress, we are so excited to hear that you are coming back to Boston soon! That is great news! You have made such incredible progress and I’m sure a lot of it is inner strength, but I know a lot of it is the love you receive from your family.
This weekend is Zanny’s big bachelor party at the Schwendi… who knows what will go on there! I’ll never know…
A whole cast of partiers well wishing Zan will have a blast, I’m sure- Drew, Bone, Trip, Timmy and many others will be there and wishing you were with them. I know you will be there in spirit, and they will have a beer or two or three… for you!
The conditions in VT have been great, too, so I am sure if they have slept enough and have the energy, they will get a day or two of skiing in.
Anyway, we look forward to your return!
Zan and Molly send best wishes and love to you.

Hi Nick,
Just a little update from one of your many companions on the road. I have been thinking of you and reading the updates daily knowing I am part of an extensive web of friends and familly ,many not knowing one another, that are concerned and caring for your well being. I too continue to have recurring visits with you in the dreamworld, vivid encounters with your wakefullness and alertness shining forth. In the last dream I was so excited because it was real and I was telling you about the previous dreams!
So Nickster,something is going on here! You are weaving togeather this extended familly as well showing up in many places at once while appearimg to be sitting around,resting and renwing! Pretty smooth Silky!
I am so excited you are coming home to Boston. Get ready as a mighty posse is going to decend upon you helping to rekindle some of those deeply heartfelt friendhips.
Travel well
Ralph

Hi Nicholas – Everytime I log on to the website now, I’m holding my breath
until I read the Parent Posting and then I give a huge sigh and say “Way to go
Nicholas! Hang in there. You are almost home! Then you can see Pamela and Kristen on a regular basis and all your other buddies. ” Keep up the good work
and we look forward to seeing you all. All our love, Billy and Arden

Good day. No changes from yesterday. We’re firming up plans to bring Nicholas to Boston for extensive rehab. Just need to keep him on track for the next few days. Peter & Lucy

HI N… ok just a quick little note. Dad told me as many details as he could about your adventure sitting at the edge of the bed today. He told me via IM and I demanded that he call me so I could hear all the juicy details. Yes I am a dork and an elated dork at that. You performed wonderfully and I know it was hard work. That’s just the beginning bro…you’ve a got a heck of a lot of tough work outs in your future, but you’re always up for a physical challenge, so get ready! As your sister, who knows a wee bit about physical therapy, I am just bursting with pride . You made some wonderful strides today so keep it up. I promise I’ll do my best to be more sister than physio, but if the lines get blurry sometimes it’s just out of excitement (not torture, although I’m sure you might not beleive me at times… I do have some pay back for you eventually ).
Hurry home and have fun with K.
All my love,
Pooh
PS…keep up the progress and give me a reason NOT to return to NZ.

Dear N,

I’m heading out to see you tomorrow and will be there on Saturday afternoon in time for tea with you. I did hear, however, that if you ace that CT scan tomorrow you might decide to come home pretty soon, in which case I might beat Mum and Colin in the shortest-trip-to-New Zealand contest. If you decide you are not ready, that’s fine – I can understand not wanting to rush home to New England in the middle of March. Still, I hear you are going to be flying Donald Trump style in your own special jet (please make sure you think of us regular folk sandwiched in coach with a daycare’s worth of crying babies around us) so that’s some good incentive.

So thanks to a funny habit of yours I have been able to solve an annoying little mystery in my apartment. The guy upstairs does this thing where he starts pacing - back and forth back and forth back and forth – the whole length of the apartment. This usually happens shortly after he gets home every night. Sometimes it goes on for 45 minutes and then it will abruptly stop and all is silent. The thing about the pacing is not that it is loud or intrusive because when he just walks around normally it doesn’t bother me. The pacing was annoying in that way that continuous sounds are annoying when you can’t identify or understand them – so whenever he would get into one of his pacing jags I would become completely distracted trying to figure out why someone would walk the length of his apartment and back for 45 minute stretches. Nerves? Exercise? Is he an actor rehearsing his lines out loud and pacing in that way actors rehearse their lines out loud and pace? Something about it seemed strangely familiar, though….Then in one of the many flashes of brilliance I have every day I realized that he is like you – a phone pacer. And sure enough, shortly thereafterI heard his phone ring and he started walking the walk. Phew. I have to say it was a relief to figure it out. Now that I know what it is I don’t even notice it anymore. So thank you. I also think that maybe I am a phone pacer, too, and just haven’t come to terms with it.

Anyway, I heard that they had you sitting on the edge of your bed today with your feet dangling off the side. That must have felt nice. I hope you are imagining that you are sitting at the end of the pier at the Cape letting your feet dangle in the water.

I’ll see you in a couple of days.

much love,
K

Good day for Nichlas & quite busy. Fever free & pretty much awake all day. They still haven’t located the source of the infection causing high temps but many have been eliminated. Sometimes in these circumstances these can be very elusive. He was extremely alert & active, the most the physical therapists have seen. If Nicholas can keep this trend going, we’ll be able to get him to Boston sooner than later. Peter

Hi, Nicholas. Some of Dad’s recent comments about you moving your arms reminded me of a dream I had a few days ago: You were in your bed moving a hand rather aimlessly, then restlessly; then gradually the hand started strumming and suddenly you leaped out of bed with a huge grin and looked around for a guitar. I must have woken up before you found one, so that’s step I still look forward to.

All the love in the world–Mum

Hey guys. Cunningham the younger here. Just wanted to let y’all know that Strap and I are thinking of you and we’re glad you’ll be getting back soon. I gotta mention that all of you have been nothing short of stupendous and it’s been comforting so see so much warmth and encouragement from everybody. Great stuff. Be well master Nicholas. Get your keister back here so people can hang with you. -jc

Nicholas basically slept all day. He must have needed the rest after such a trying day yesterday. Peter & Lucy