Bull Update

Cowboy here. Bull remains in a coma as I write this. Prior to our arrival, the medics told us Bull has been entirely motionless, no response to outside stimuli. They believe his injuries are severe to the point that his mind is blanking, waiting for his body to heal.

Sar didn't buy this. She understands deep pain, has been through that, says a body goes quiet but the brain is still working. When the medics left the room, mia bambina put the tomcat on Bull's chest. The large feline made sounds I've never heard before. Took awhile for it to settle down, then continued to purr as it licked Bull's face, neck, ears. In the course of licking his face, it dislodged the tubes in his nostrils that feed oxygen. Bull's chest rose; he breathed easily on his own. Sar was the only one not surprised.

The cat hissed at the medics who, by the grace of God, didn't say a word about an animal in an ICU suite. A good thing. My wife would have kicked them all to hell; I'd have some serious explaining to do. We take turns staying near him, Sar and I, Bull's mother, sisters, nephews. Members of his unit stand honor guard outside his room, a long Navy/Marine tradition. I always know the minute David arrives; the guards greet him formally.

Modern medicine has never come up against the likes of my imp. She's losing patience. Regardless of their treatment, many IVs, injections, Bull remains in a coma. Yesterday, when they were out of the room, Sar straddled Bull's chest, whispered a few things to the unconscious man, then startled all of us by yelling at him to wake up. Apparently, that wasn't sufficient. Sar loudly accused him of breaking promises, a serious offense in her opinion. Bull moved his arms a bit, nothing too significant but definite movement. His shoulders are heavily bandaged, among his injuries, they had been dislocated and realigned. His head moves a bit to the side. He is agitated. Hospital personnel do not approve of my wife's actions but admit that an agitated man in a coma is a positive sign of brain activity. That is a hopeful thing.

I had a few moments of concern that Sar might be hurting Bull. The medics assured me he is loaded with morphine, doesn't feel pain or physical pressure. I hope that is true. I pulled mia bambina off of the man. Might as well have tried to pry a pit bull's jaws off of its dinner. My warrior woman is tenacious, determined to see Bull's eyes open. I, for one, am grateful Sar does not carry a weapon.

If Bull is going to recover, he will probably do so via modern medicine. I am convinced your prayers and ours also have much to do with this, Sar's yelling at God notwithstanding. He is a strong willed man; I am optimistic he will get through this. Your continued prayers are most welcome. Will try to update again in a few days.

Cowboy