Sunday, January 31, 2010

The First Night

I want everyone to know that I am at a loss for words at the outpouring of support we have received over the last few days. Between the comments on the blog, the texts, and the dozens of e-mails, I am moved to tears thinking about the love you have for Elana. Don't think I don't realize that this all about Elana. On her worst day, Elana is kinder and sweeter than I could ever hope to be on my best day. This is not false humility. Anyone who knows me will tell you Elana is everything that I am not. All my friends like Elana more than me. My own parents, I am pretty sure love Elana more than me. Who would blame them. I know they would trade me and about 10 first round draft picks for her any day of the week.

I have received e-mails from people who I have never met, who know Elana from her pharmaceutical rep days. I have even received e-mails from friends of friends of Elana who maybe met her once or twice but remember how warm and caring she was to them however many years back it may have been when they met her.

I was not sure if I was going to do this, but I know Elana would want me to share this with you so you can be a part of this coma process in a way more than words will allow. I have attached a photo of her in the ICU unit from this afternoon after the doctors induced the coma. If your not comfortable with seeing someone, especially someone you know and care about, in this sort of condition, be comforted in the knowledge that she is receiving excellent care. She has no less than five different doctors here who are all involved in the coma trial. In addition there is a nurse stationed at a desk immediately outside her room (not to be confused with the nurses station) whose only responsibility is to monitor and make sure Elana is cared for.

Again, I want everyone to know that I have read each and everyone of the e-mails, posts and texts that you have sent. I just can't respond to them all so I am using the blog to respond to all of you to say thank you and please keep in touch. I'm am saving every message for Elana to read when we get home.

Lance







16 comments:

  1. Oh man - tough pictures to see - great to hear about the amazing care that you are receiving

    Love - JD

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  2. Wow. I must say she looks very peaceful. As far as you go, you are the most special because this amazing woman, that touches EVERYONE she meets chose YOU! So, nice try buddy but it was a sweet effort. You are correct though, there are alot of people that she has touched over dinner, that are keeping vigil for her, constant prayers, and thoughts of you & your families.

    So grateful the team at the hospital know they don't have another patient to treat, but the most important person in someone's life "sleeping".

    xoxo Amy

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  3. Lance, I am one of Elana's best girlfriends from college. I wanted to write to give my unconditional love and support to you, Elana, and your entire families. I can't imagine the strength you must have and my prayers will be for you and E continously this week and beyond. Words are so hard right now, it seems they just do not measure up at a time like this. Please tell her I love her with all my heart.
    Elaine (Holden) Brosnan

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  4. Sending love and strength to you. As Amy said, E is fabulous, but she chose you and we love you too! We thank you for all you are doing. I am a phone call away if you need anything.
    XXOO

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  5. Hang in there, Lance! You and Elana have many people who love you back here at home.

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  6. Lance,

    I can't even begin to image what you are going through. Thank you for the continuous postings -it takes the edge off of the constant worry that is on my mind while she is going through this. You are one tough cookie! For what it's worth, I have heard endless amazing things about you - mostly from Riggs but from Elana the last time I saw her. God bless you.

    KP

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  7. As she peacefully sleeps, know that her body is healing and that God is doing his best work! I am so glad to hear that you are feeling liften, cared for, and that the hospital and its staff has surpassed your expectations! It was that way for us as well.
    I am glad you are finding the blog the easiest way to communicate. There are alwayss so many people that are takiing ring side seats as we coma patients endure this. No one likes to see those they love in pain and the same is true of our friends. We used the blog to keep as many people current as possible and that was good for all of us! The letters of encouragement meant so much to my husband and then to me when I woke up.
    Stay strong. Know that you are lifted in prayer, covered in anxious thoughts, determined for Elana's safety and strengthened by your courage. May you feel suppported each and every day and may you enjoy those quiet moments with Elana even around all those tubes!
    Hope to see you soon

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  8. We are all sending our love to both of you. You and Elana are always in our thoughts. You both have an incredible strength of spirit. Both of you have touched so many people and have the love and support of so many. Stay strong. Love, Marcia

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  9. Hi Lance-
    I am a friend of Elana's from ASU and I was at your wedding. I am so sad that I had no idea she was suffering so much. I pray for the success of this treatment. Thank you for keeping this blog. Your strength is admirable and inspiring. Elana is a favorite friend of mine and I'm pulling for her full recovery.
    Love,
    Elaine Driscoll

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  10. My thought and prayers are with your entire family for a full recovery. I know you are strong enough for this fight and Elana, as you say, is even stronger. Keep the posts coming. XOXO, Elana

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  11. hey there-
    we have been thinking about elana constantly. thank you so much for your posts. keep them coming...
    if you need anything from florida let me know. skyler and i can go hang with jesse one day if you want!
    stay strong! lance you are truly amazing!! don't forget it!
    xoxo

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  12. Hey Lance,

    I can't even begin to let you know how thankful I am to have you as a brother-in-law and for being my sister's rock. I love you. Please give Elana an extra kiss and tell her it is from me.

    xo

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  13. Sir Lancelot,
    Because blogspot doesn't let me poach your blog, I have started a Facebook "Fan Club" so to speak for Elana to read when she wakes also. It's called "We Love Elana Hellring AKA RSD SUCKS". I'd like to encourage people to post photos & stories of E. It also refers people to your blog so they can be updated. Just another outlet to let her/ you know she has a "force" behind you guys.

    Love you

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  14. Hi Lance,
    I am a very old friend of the Rothberg family. Hilary and I skated together and is one of my best friends to this day. I wanted to let you know that I have been praying for Elana every day and my heart goes out to all of you. Thank you for keeping us posted on her progress.
    All the best,
    Liz O

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  15. jamie johnsen haradineFebruary 4, 2010 at 7:31 AM

    Hi Lance-

    I am an old friend of Elana's from ASU. We were sorority sisters and if there is anything that sticks out in my mind about Elana, it is her love for life and willingness to always help anyone!! I am sooo very sorry to hear this news. My family will be praying for Elana and your family during this difficult time. xoxo

    jamie johnsen haradine

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  16. Another reader from PoP; may this time pass quickly, may her health return as equally fast. Positive energy is flowing your way. Peace.

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