“I’m just saying, sometimes you get a knock on the head, you get special powers. It happens all the time. Read a comic book, okay?”
–Carl Naughton, Jr.
Talladega Nights (The Ballad of Ricky Bobby)
I’m using this method to communicate with everyone who knows and loves Earl – and I know there are SO MANY who do and rightfully so. I never thought the most stressful part of a process like this was the recounting of the story over and over to a slew of different people all day every day. Earl’s boss, Alyson actually shared this as a much better way of doing it.
And Earl and I have both agreed that we’ll be light-hearted about it.
The quote above is one of our favorite quotes from a favorite movie because we’re both comic book buffs and we both think origin stories can be wild sometimes.
We’ll tell you what happened, where we’re at, and what is going on as we get new information.
Here are the bullet points so that you don’t have to read every post – BUT if you want the answer to the question “WHAT HAPPENED???” read the posts. If you call me and ask me “WHAT HAPPENED???“, I’ll just link you to the posts.
You get where I’m going with this:
1) The Overall Institute of Medicine can be deeply flawed. I maintain that they’re all trying to do THEIR level best. “Best” is highly subjective, also.
2) After four days of searching for answers it’s been determined that Earl suffered a stroke on Friday at 11:26 AM
3) Next steps look like physical therapy to strengthen his legs and steady his gait; speech therapy to address the disconnect between his thoughts and his words and extended research into Alien Limb Syndrome. He’ll be in the hospital for the next week or two.
4) We all love you very much and are bolstered by your unwavering support. Talking is really hard for Earl right now. Even texting and email are a bit laborious. So we’re just asking for a little bit of time for him to gain his strength a bit before he communicates.
5) Visiting hours at the hospital are between 12P and 6P Eastern. Chances are, I’m right there with him. If you insist on communicating, do it then so I can help him a bit with transcription or interpretation.
6) Athena is worried about her dad but is his biggest cheerleader. In the midst of this, I’m preparing her for her first day of middle school next week. So she’s as fine as a little one can be in a situation like this. Keeping her spirits up and assuring her that Daddy is coming home soon.
7) I’m okay. I need sleep. And liquor. And the time stone. But mostly, continued prayers and positivity.
Know that Earl has stated he will become an advocate for Stroke Awareness (superpower).
So be on the lookout for that.
Thank you for your love, encouragement, and positivity.
-Victoria, Earl & Athena
