Updates and some pictures of the hospital

I was just logging on to update Michael's blog for today when I saw an email that my aunt Kally sent out today to family and friends.  I decided I would just copy and paste her email here rather than retype all the updates, so here it is!  (Thanks aunt Kally for saving me some time!)


Just a quick note to let you know Michael's status. The commander arrived and spent much of the day and will return tomorrow along with the Airman who was Michael's roommate at Fort Riley.  Another room change brings Michael to a more long term room with less machinery and, although he is still receiving pain meds he is being weaned from the sedatives and will be more alert as time passes. He still has the trach and the IV, and the cleanup on his facial injuries is progressing. It is much like the treatment for burns in that it is extremely painful and needs to be kept moisturized and takes one step at a time. The eardrum injury is still draining and there is optimism that his hearing can be restored.

Evaluation is ongoing for the injured eye and we don't know much other than that. Michael has begun to write notes or at least, he is trying to write some words. 

Tomorrow, while his commander and roommate and parents are with him, Michael will be told about Senior Airman Bradley Smith. There are various articles online currently that you can Google to read more about the incident in which Michael was wounded and SrA Smith was killed. Both were TACP specialists (Tactical Air Control Party) and the TACP Association has posted some photos of the two in Afghanistan. I'm not sure how to get to that site but you can enter Michael's name, Michael Malarsie, and it should come up for you.  (the site is usaftacp.com)

Jim and Roxann are wiped out and needing to somehow restore and recharge their energy reserves. This week has already been about a year long for them! They know that they are in our prayers and are grateful for that. I don't know that Jim will get anything posted on facebook tonight since he sounded like he was ready to drop but keep looking.