Tuesday, July 5, 2011

No More Secondhand News

This morning we received confirmation that Seth is in Germany--hooray! Additionally, I got to speak directly to Seth's doctor. I was concerned about our latest update wherein we were informed that Seth had a colostomy--my only experience with colostomies is that they are permanent. The doctor said that colostomies are a common part of treatment for wounds as extensive as Seth's and that the colon will be "reconnected" once Seth has sufficient healing. I also learned that the brace or rod in his right leg are actually external fixators that will be removed when he gets to Walter Reed. The doctor hopes to have Seth off the ventilator tomorrow; on Thursday they will wash his wounds again, and Friday they hope to send him on to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. and that is where we will get to be with him.


We received a newsletter from Seth's battalion with the following information about the soldier who was killed on the same day but in a different explosion than Seth's.
PFC James A. Waters, 21, of Cloverdale, Ind., died July 1 at Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.
As I have mourned for myself, I have thought of the Waters family and know that they would trade me places in an instant ,and I grieve for their loss.

 Many people have asked what they could do. Well, here is something--especially for friends of Seth. I would love to take a stack of cards and letters to him when we go. If you could write a note to him, there is time to mail it to me or drop it by our house. Address it to
Seth Pack
1550 27th St
Ogden UT 84403
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7 comments:

  1. StephanieJuly 5, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Sylvia, I'm so glad that Seth is okay, and that you get to be with him soon. My prayers are with all of you!

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  2. PatJuly 5, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Sylvia, I dropped a note in the mail this afternoon. I hope you get it before you leave. I'll bet you're soooo anxious for Friday! Love and prayers, Pat

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  3. Michelle HJuly 5, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Yay! I'm sure the time can't go fast enough. Let me know if you need anything! Love, Michelle

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  4. Diann JunkinJuly 5, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    So glad to hear good news. Sylvia what an emotional week for you. I haven't stopped thinking of you or Seth. Hugs for both of you. Diann Junkin

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  5. MichelleJuly 6, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Good News that Seth is in Germany! Yes, what a wave of emotions. Our prayers are with Seth and PFC Water's family also.

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  6. the New Kings of Non-FictionJuly 6, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Seth's momJuly 7, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Dear New Kings,
    I'm not sure why you removed your comment but I received it in my e-mail and I wanted to say thank you for trying to see Seth and for your kind words of hope. Of course, I wept. I doubt they will let you see him, but it would be so awesome if you could.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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