I visited Kirby today, he is responsive and can respond with eye movements and can nod "yes" or "no".
He still has a ventilator tube down his throat but is mainly breathing on his own. I think they are controlling how much oxygen he is getting, as they slowly bring him down to normal levels. While I was there, a team of 7, Doctors nurses and other people in hospital garb, surrounded his bed as they discussed his improvements and what to do next. With a lot of help from the staff, they got him sitting up on the side of the bed, with his feet touching the floor. I could see the excitement from his family members, as this was a major step towards his recovery. Cards, money and visits are very much appreciated.It's interesting how Kirby's co-workers in the fire department, Kirby's co-volunteers from the Aquarium and his other dive buddies and nwdiveclub members, are getting to meet each other and see how much support there is for Kirby and his Family. I don't know if I'll get a chance to see him before I leave for my vacation but I'm sure going to try. I could see frustration on Kirby's face as he can not talk or use his arms for communicating.
Before I left I talked with one of the doctors, as he was talking about how Kirby needs to be staying at one atmosphere or maybe not diving at all after this. I did get him to agree that he can still dive in a 12 foot deep aquarium. He said, "well that wouldn't be much fun!" And I told him If you have a bunch of sharks in there it is! I asked Kelly about the "Bell" I heard Kirby found and she said, "Someone else mentioned that too" So then she turned and asked Kirby, "Did you find a bell?" Kirby's eyes opened wide and he nodded a solid "YES!" Keep Kirby in your prayers, I was able to join in a group prayer, with some of his fire department buddies before they left.
