When I wrote this report yesterday I had initially included some other very bad news..I was tired and second guessed myself and decided to take it down. I kept thinking well, what if Chris reads this in a week or a month from now?
I don't want to upset him..I just want him to stay positive and focus on his recovery.
This morning I realised that by the time he is able to read this, that he will hopefully be strong enough to process it and who knows what will have happened by then. It was decided that we're not going to talk about this around Chris..we know that he can hear everything and his family wants to keep the flow on good vibes.
I am amazed being a witness to the strength and support of his family, that's why I am being protective...we all want to do whatever it takes to keep Chris comfortable and quiet and focussed on breaking through but his family needs support too. This is very draining on his beloved children, three sisters, two brothers, his Dad and especially his Mother.
Yesterday his Father had a heart attack..and as of late last night his Dad had been stabilized. I know (we all know) that Chris would be mad at me for not telling him but not right now...it's up to his family to decide the if and when Chris is strong enough to process that.
So we're not going to talk about his Dad in the hospital room because we know that Chris can hear everything. The stress level is high enough and it seems grotesquely unfair that Life has thrown another trial at them...they are incredible people but enough is enough.
CHRIS IS BACK
click on pic
My BFFF
a journal dedicated to his comeback
tru dat!
snapshots & snippets of his synaptic resurgence
his pride and joy
chick magnet
professional journalist
I have always looked up to him..even when I'm standing on a prop
Chris and I met in Creative Communications @ RRCC back in the 70s...
..and we are still the best of friends!
Cub Reporter @ CP
excuse me I ordered the LARGE glasses
vege-fright night!
endorphin junky
Simpsonized
groovy avatar
goofball
I tease because I care
my encapsulation
music afficionado
I kept him on his toes
uber competitive
23 comments:
Oh how horrid, you are right that this family has taken enough and for his father to now be ill is completely unfair. I, like many, feel helpless in what we can do. We send our love and well wishes, we light candles, and meditate in quiet moments that this will all find a way to healing and now, they both come back to their family and friends.
If there is anything I can do Donn, you need only let me know, never hesitate. Can we send cards or flowers, anything?
Please send my love and prayers.
Soft love,
T
I am hoping that friends and relatives feel welcome and comfortable enough to comment or leave a message for the family.
This is NOT intended to be a Blog thingamabob. I just wanted to create a central point where we could meet and I will try to keep it as current as possible.
I don't expect his brothers or sisters to post anything for a while because they are overwhelmed..but they need to know that there are plenty of people who are concerned and love Chris because, well, he is an awesome guy.
I know that a lot of you feel more comfortable emailing me and that's fine...donncoppens@mts.net
Thanks
tell chris that when he's up for it, i will finally grant him that interview he's been longing to do for years.
be strong and get well.
we are thinking of you a lot.
Also tell Chris all his co-workers wish him nothing but well and want to see him back in the fine form that he appears to be in the shirtless photo on this page.
In fact, when he gets back to work, he will now be required to be shirtless at all times.
bart
Many a times well wishers forget that family needs to be alone and without pressure. As I have faced it, I know how it feels for the concerned family.
They need to hold on and frankly they don't need others telling them all the time to do that.
My thoughts are with Chris and his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Chris, his dad, the entire family, and of course you, Donn. It's not an easy path to walk, so please know that if there is anything at all I can do, all you have to do is ask.
My thoughts and prayers are with Chris, his dad, the entire family, and of course you, Donn. It's not an easy path to walk, so please know that if there is anything at all I can do, all you have to do is ask.
Donn, I wish I had something insightful to say.
Chris and his family are in my prayers and I know they'll all pull through this.
I think it's wise to keep the news of his dad's health from him at this time. This is a time for him to be selfish. Chris needs to focus on his own healing and not be burdened with the stress of worrying for others.
It's frustrating to not be able to do anything from here, but not nearly as frustrating as I imagine it to be for all of you there with him. You all need to be strong for Chris and keep things positive, but you also all need to be able to break at some point and let the emotions flow out of you somehow. I hope that all of you have the support you all need and deserve.
Thanks Donn for doing such a fantastic job of keeping everyone up to date...I look at the times you have posted the updates and hope that you are not burning the candle at both ends, thus burning yourself out. When I read your latest update, I couldn't believe how this family has been tested again. You are all one amazing group of people, coming together to provide these endless hours of love and support.
...and from Australia, love, prayers and strength for Chris, his Dad...rest of his family and everyone to get through these challenging days.
Never underestimate the power of the human spirit. Plus, Chris is so relatively young, strong...it is a very tough time to see him and his family being thrown incredible curve balls, we had a member of the family suffer serious, extensive head injuries (accident caused stroke) and she came back. Not without the roller coaster of emotions, for us and her, but she came back. Long road round, but rehab and determination..
Chris is a fighter. He has the world willing the fighting and praying for him too.
That's right Donn, Chris will want to hear "what he can do"...it's the can dos...
Love, prayers, strength, recuperation and hugs to Chris, his Dad ..his family, his friends.
I'm so glad he can hear what goes on around him; I'm sure there could be nothing worse than talking to him, trying to get through, and just not knowing. Also, Aidan and I have arranged for a card to be sent, along with some flowers - really hoping he'll crack a smile if somebody reads it to him :)
Also, very glad to hear his dad has stabilised. Must be a huge relief for the rest of the family.
Hugs to you, Donn, as well as Chris. Much love :)
Donn,
Let me say, on behalf of everyone in my family, how grateful we are not just for what you've done and what you're doing for Chris, but for who you are. With friends like you, Chris has a much better chance of recovery. I hope to return to Winnipeg soon-- keep on playing that music for him! You are one special human being, man...
Doug
You hang in there, ya doing this for all of us who cant be there. and Ya know we support you as well.....
Stay strong, be positive and never give up..
Can men hug?
Ya got one from me!
Donn, the decision is certainly the right one at this time, Positive speakig around your Mate and keep on playing that music for him too.
Huggs to everyone concerned..positive thoughts from Down Under to you all!
My very good wishes to all of the Cariou family.
Came by and got updated on the news, sorry to hear the latest - sorry the new blow sounds hard.
just to let you know that I'm thinking of you
WW, I'll be keeping you and your loved ones in my thoughts. Whatever the universe has planned for you, know that you are not alone, and that you are loved and admired by many.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
donn--i am so sorry this is happening to your friend. you are a good friend and i hope you have a support system that is there for you. this must be terribly difficult for you to deal with and i am so sorry for that. it is so difficult to watch someone you love suffer. i wish chris, his family and you comfort and strength during this time. i am not good at this sappy stuff but please know i am so saddened to know your friend and in turn you are suffering.
donn-i would also like to say how lucky chris is to have such a caring and devoted friend in you.
i wake up every day and feel lucky and grateful to have my friend april. she has been there for me for so many years and i am grateful she trusts me to be there for her. i love her and i could not imagine life without her in it. we are lucky people to have friends such as chris and april.
hang in there and thank you for reminding me what truly matters in life-the people that we share our hearts with-for without these people we would be not be complete.
cheers to lifes lasting friendships!
I spoke to Gerry, Chris Brother and said he was listening to a 3 way coversation and he was following their conversation with his eyes. Gerry went to poke him and made a joke and Chris smiled. I have to say Gerry was very pumped and excited.
Chris needs alot of stimulation even if you think he's sleeping. I believe he needs everyone to tell him stories and trying to get his attention. I just wish the hospital would get off the pot and get his treatment started.
I'm a little pissed they have put him on a waiting list for a Geri- chair.It is very important to get him up and moving and if anyone has any influence of a very loud voice to get Chris what he needs to start therapy and try to regain his LIFE!!
Kim
Riverview Health Centre has a very good stroke recovery program. Perhaps contacting them would be a start in the right direction.
Oh Donn,
Please pass on hugs and good vibes to Chris' family. May his father have a speedy recovery- relieved to hear he is stabilized. Sure wish I lived near you all.I hope they have more friends than just you to give them support. They sound like the kind of people who give of themselves. Now is the time for their friends to give of themselves to them.
-gel
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