THANK YOU!

Dear Friends and Family,

THANK YOU for your prayers, cards, emails, calls and visits. We didn't open any of Daniel's cards while he was in the ICU. As he became alert, he would open a few each day. The first few he opened like birthday cards expecting money to fall out. I told him they were filled with prayers not money. Your words describing Daniel's smile and hugs were ingrained in his mind. While at school, in the hospital, he had to write a bio-poem. In this poem he had to write two words that described him and he wrote, SMILES and HUGS. He heard your words and took them to heart. Your words of encouragement gave us strength to get through each day!

The last four months have tested our faith and been an opportunity to gain wisdom. It is a shame that both are strengthened and gained through adversity. My favorite prayer throughout my life has been "The Serenity Prayer", God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change: courage to change those things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Little did I know that this prayer would be my breath prayer and help me determine my path.

I so very much appreciate my Mom and Dad being with us every step of the way. They were always there offering support and encouragement. Mom and I would laugh as one would say exactly what the other was thinking. Daniel was quick to tell others that Jean-Jean got him in the clinical trial at UNC. Aunt Kim stayed with us offering Mom a break to return home and get some much needed rest. Kim took care of Shotgun, Daniel's fish, spoiled Daniel and helped me with leg work. He knows their steadfast love never wavers.

I'm sending a huge THANK YOU to my dear friend, Jessica Blackburn, for keeping each of you informed in the most poetic way. Jessica has a gift of putting thoughts into words. I've told her more than once she sure made me sound smart:) Tommy and I appreciate her daily devotion to delivering you the news on Daniel.

THANK YOU, also, to friends and my brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Connnie, for keeping Gatlin's life and routine as normal as possible. They picked him up from football practice, fed him delicious food and helped him study for tests. Your help gave us a peace of mind. Gatlin is a great brother, wonderful son and a lot of fun!

We are creating a new normal in our home. Each day is getting a little easier and more comfortable. Daniel thinks I have to be at his side every minute yet he has the knowledge to train the nurses on his care:) He told the home health care nurse to suction going in and out, he reminds her of the length on the suction catheter and gets supplies for her when needed. Aunt Angela, Tommy's sister, comes by each day to offer help and moral support.

Daniel's fight to survive has amazed many people. He left the ICU nurses and doctors in awe as he was rolled to the trach floor the doctors said, "There goes our mascot." His spirit impressed his care givers as they continued to visit and watch his recovery.

Daniel will begin homebound school next week. It was recommended that he stay out of school during the flu season. He will miss his friends but this time allows him to gain strength and rest when needed.

Please come by when you have a minute to visit. Daniel's days get long and a new face is always welcome. You can continue to blog Daniel, he enjoys hearing from each of you. Once again, thank you for your unconditional love shown to our family. We are truly blessed!

Hugs and smiles,
Karen

Daniel and Gatlin

Birthday Extravaganza

Hey everybody, we had a celebration tonight!! I missed 7 birthdays while in the hospital. Uncle Greg turned 51, Aunt Angela 50, Aunt Kim 43, cousin Jarratt 25, his wife Lindsey 25, cousin Clint 23 and baby Japeth 1 year old. We had a lot of food and a really good time being together.
My 98 year old great-grandmother was there, too.
Dad, Gatlin and I went hunting this weekend and mom went shopping. Gatlin and I checked out the wrapped gifts under the tree but none of them were for us.
Tara, we did get your Christmas card and I show everybody my photo album where you were the patient:)
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Hey everybody, I hope you are in the Christmas spirit. We decorated the Christmas tree last night. Mom bought a pre-lit tree and Dad said he needed sunglasses it is so bright. Gatlin and I liked our red-neck tree with white blinking lights, colored lights and shot gun shell lights.
I had a low fever two nights ago but feel a lot better now. I rented movies today to fill my time. I start homebound school next week. The nurses were afraid of the germs, viruses and staff that is going around. So I will be out of school until Spring break or the end of the year. Mom isn't going back to work either.
Come visit me if you get a chance.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

New Pictures...

Out shopping...

Hey everybody, I went to Academy Sports today and bought shotgun shells with my gift certificate. I bought Gatlin a couple of boxes, too. Dad cooks the duck like roast with carrots and potatoes and serves it over wild rice. It is really good.
We give a lot of the ducks away and freeze some.
Dr. Elizabeth, believe it or not, I didn't have to be suctioned from 9am-1pm in the blind. I was lavaged and went back out until dark. But during the day at home I still have to be suctioned a lot. Apria only sent 100 catheters and Mom had to call and get more.
We miss the great people in Cincinnati but don't miss the hospital.
Come visit when you can.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

Happy to be Home

Hey everybody, it is great to be home! I ate a lot on Thanksgiving and enjoyed being with my family. I did get to go hunting!!! We killed 60 ducks on Saturday. Mom said if the doctors could see me now they wouldn't believe it. Dr. Elizabeth, Mom did wear my boots and she stayed warm. Hey McCarthys, your Bengals beat our butts. I don't know what is happening to the Titans.
I went to my school today and saw some of my friends. I miss them but not the work.
Thank you to everyone for praying for me and blogging me during my hospital stay. If you get a chance stop and visit me:)
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

En Route

At 12:18 I got a call from Jessica to let you all know that Karen, Daniel and Mrs. Gunnels are on the way home!!! They called Jessica as they were turning the corner going away from the hospital. They aren’t sure how long it will take to get home, but we at least have a starting time to kind of gage their arrival home. They are obviously very excited and relieved to be heading home! Pray for a safe trip back to Franklin and for them as they settle in back at HOME!

If I hear anything else from Jessica I’ll pass the word along…

Karyn Caldwell

Bang-Bang Shrimp & Quality Brother Time

Hey everybody, I have my voice back! I have to plug my trach but you can hear me. Gatlin and I went to the teen room and shot pool. Gatlin has been practicing at home and he beat me. Then we went to the activity room and did some art things. We had Bang-Bang shrimp from Bonefish last night, it was good!! Gatlin has been suctioning my trach. He is a great brother...
I hope to be home next week but I am afraid to say and jinx it.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

False Alarm

Hey everybody, false alarm, I didn't get to come home and I was upset with everyone. I got my enzyme, Elaprase today and began 2 other IV antibiotics. I hope I can come home Monday. The trach floor is moving to the B building on Tuesday and I want to be out of here! Dad and Gatlin are coming up Friday after school. Mom says they are my best medicine:)
I'm tired and ready for bed.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

Looking forward to home...& Mom in hunting boots

Hey everybody, Dad made it! He did his 24 hours and he was out of here. Mom and Dad started packing up my room so I know the time to leave is just around the corner. I have a Vanderbilt home nurse for Mon.-Wed. right now. The Mutz family sent me a video of friends from school and a couple of football games. I had fun watching them. Our preacher, Brother Chip visited this week and brought me a video the church had made. I can't wait to see everyone! I can't wait to go hunting!!!! Dad said Mom may have to go the first few times to help so he was getting her some boots. I know she can't wait:) Poor Mom is so out-numbered.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

No snoring please!

Hey everybody, I've had a good day. They changed my 8mm trach to a 7mm and it works better. I have enough air flow to cough and try to clear my airway. Dad is doing his 24 hour stay tonight. Dad, Mom and I went to the teen room for Bingo. They had pretty good prizes. I won a Texas cap and UT cap. Mom and Jean-Jean are going to the hotel tonight. I hope Dad doesn't snore:)
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

Feeling the Rain

Hey everybody, it rained here all day. My little buddy, 5 year old Manny, lives here at the hospital. We walked outside and he heard and felt the rain for the first time. This afternoon a new friend, MacKenzie and her family came to visit us. We went to the teen room and I played pool with her brother then we went to the cafeteria for ice cream.
What happened to the Titans today?
The Bengals beat the Ravens.
My infection is getting better and my trachea isn't as sore. I'm ready to go to bed. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

Keep praying...

Hey everybody, I was not happy when I left the OR Tues. I have a long trach that sticks out like a pipe and I don't have a voice. Dr. Wood is ordering a smaller one but it will take 5-6 weeks to get here. I slept off and on until 2 o'clock today. I was in isolation because I have an infection in my trach. My oxygen dropped last night but is up today. I am feeling better. Mom made it through the 24 hour care now Dad has his turn:) We are waiting to hear from home health care so I can come home. I hope it will be soon!!!!!! They are nice here but I am tired of it.
Thanks for blogging and keep praying,
Daniel Man

Kings in the Corner Champ

Way to go Titans!! We haven't been able to watch any of the games up here. We watched the Colts and Patriots today. I go to the OR Tues. morning for Dr. Wood to bronch me. He wants my voice back and for me to be suctioned less.
Way to go Page High Band!!!
I just beat Mom and Jean-Jean playing Kings in the Corner:)
Keep praying,
Daniel Man

Happy Saturday to ya!

Hey everybody, I'm doing better!
I want to come home. Uncle Greg came to visit me Thursday.
Thanks for the Halloween pictures. I had a good time at the hospital party. I met Indy driver Brad Jaeger. I wore the Page football jersey, the team gave me, to the party. Everyone thinks it is a New England Patriots jersey.
I'm getting my enzyme treatment today.
Thanks for blogging me. Keep praying.
Daniel Man

Epworth Fall Festival

Happy Halloween!
Took some photos at the Fall Festival last Sunday and had some people say to me, "be sure and send some to Daniel!"
Have a great day, Dan Man!
Donnie Reed

Happy Halloween

Hey everybody, it is cool here, we don't have school on Halloween!! They have a huge party for all the kids in the hospital. I'm wearing the Page Football jersey the team gave me to the party. Dad is coming up this evening. I may have to beat him in pool:)
See you soon,
Daniel Man

"Dan in Real Life"

Hey everybody, I was excited to see Gatlin. Within a few minutes we were wrestling and mom was afraid my trach was going to pop out. She just laughed:) We had dinner as a family Friday and Saturday nights. We are getting ready to watch the Bengals and Steelers play ball. This will be a good game. You know how they act when they come to the Titan's stadium. Gatlin and I went to the teen room and shot pool. We also did some art activities. I've been sleeping better! Gatlin says I've been eating like a gorilla.
Thanks for blogging me.
Daniel Man

Tipping the scales...

Hey everybody, Barbara and Russell Lacey are coming up today to visit. Dad and Gatlin are coming up tomorrow. We will probably watch football games this weekend. I gained 2 1/2 lbs. in a week. Mom is shoving food down me:) I'm going to take a walk.
Keep praying,
Daniel Man

More visitors for Dan the Man...

Hey everybody, the Cincinnati Cyclone hockey team visited the patients in the activity room today. I had my picture taken with them and they autographed a mask for me. I went to the hospital classroom for 1 1/2 hours today. I will go each day for 2 until 4.
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel Man

Dan the Pool Shark...

Hey everybody, I wish I was at home. I have a sleep study tonight to make sure the pressure is right on my CPAP machine. I've been to the teen room to shoot pool the last two nights.
It has been raining here all day so I didn't get to go outside.
See you soon,
Daniel Man

Go Titans!

Hey everyone, I heard the Titans won! We don't get to watch them up here. I've been outside twice today. I wanted to buy a Bengals flag but Mom won't let me put it on her car:) Uncle Greg won a golf tournament,at Nashboro, in my honor! Way to go, Uncle Greg!!
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel Man

UFC Fighters

Hey everyone, the UFC Fighters came by my room yesterday, Rich Franklin is from Cincinnati, Houston Alexander and Wanderli Silva. They are fighting in Cincinnati tonight at 10:00. I went to the gift shop and outside today. I'm ready to come home.
Keep praying,
Daniel Man

Good report...

Hey everyone,
I went to the OR today. Dr. Wood said my trach and stents look great and I should be going home soon! I went back to the cafeteria for lunch today. It is good to get out of the room.
There is a bat hanging on the building outside my window, just in time for Halloween.
Thanks for blogging me everyone.
Keep praying,
Dan the Man

Wednesday...

Hi everybody, thanks for the new pictures. You should see the big fish that got away:)
I'm going back to the OR Friday for Dr. Wood to check my lungs and trach. I've been walking alot today. Mom and Jean-Jean got here at 1:10. They brought me Aunt Connie's mac and cheese, Ms. Barbara's spaghetti, cream corn, cooked apples and meatloaf.
Talk to you later.
Daniel Man

Gone fishin...

Nice fish Daniel! Especially for that pond. Tell Daniel along with hunting
not to forget about fishing. (I'm big on fishing)     : -)

Best,
Donnie Reed

Page Homecoming

Hi!

I got an email from Brad and I saw Daniel's blog today. Glad to hear
he is doing better. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I also
saw where we can email you photos for Daniel. Here is a photo of the
Page Homecoming presentation. Blake Hastings made the announcement
that it was dedicated to Daniel. Not sure if you saw any photos of
this or not.

Best,
Donnie Reed

Thursday's update...

Hey everybody, thank you for sending me the cards and posters. Aunt Kim and Mom hung them up in my room. All the nurses, RTs and PTs say I have the coolest room in the hospital. Aunt Kim bought really good Halloween candy and they like to come by for treats.
I have a 6 minute walk tomorrow to test my breathing endurance and my first trach change.
Keep me in your prayers.
Dan the Man

Dan the Man

Tuesday...

Hey everybody, I've been walking around all day today. I'm trying to get well to go duck hunting. Mom is making me eat alot. I had shrimp alfredo for supper. Aunt Kim, Mom and I are getting ready to play cards, Kings in the Corner.
Thanks for blogging me.
Dan the Man

Hey Friends!

Hey Friends,
I have been walking around the pod today without oxygen on my trach. It is different but I can breathe now. I have lost 11 pounds and everyone keeps telling me to eat. I haven't eaten in a month so I fill up fast. I feel better.
I'm ready to go to bed. Talk to you later. Thanks for your prayers.
I hope to see you soon.
Daniel M. Jones

Adding pictures...

Hey everyone!
For the time being, email any pictures you'd like to add to the blog to laniebwalters@yahoo.com. Daniel would love to see pictures of anything you have going on. To add a comment, click "comment" below any entry and type your message. Include your name in the text part, click anonymous, then click "publish your comment." Have a great day!

Granddaddy, Daniel, Gatlin, and Jean-Jean

The new blog!

We have set up this blog as a way to keep our friends and family updated on the latest news about Daniel. This will be a great way for us to stay connected. Feel free to post comments, pictures, or encouraging thoughts for Daniel to read.