Dear Friends of the [HOSSRA] Family:

First of all, [HOSSRA] and [HH6] send the most deeply heartfelt thanks to all of you who have reached out with all manner of love, prayers, and support, and have showed so much concern after Wednesday night's fireworks accident.   Thanks to all.

Here's the current update:

Max woke up around 11:15 pm last night and his uncle John read to him for about 45 minutes.  He tried to talk, looked around the room, held John's hand tightly and nodded yes and no to various questions, including about the stories he was being read, and about going swimming.  At midnight, the nurse sedated him again so he would get some more sleep.

This morning Max (who turns four in August) had surgery to repair his cut upper right lip.  He has some stitches extending up his cheek, but the nurse is telling me that the handsome little guy will have minimal scarring - maybe just a line.   He has some other cuts on his face and took about 15 stitches on his head but those will heal fine.

Max' CAT scans have been good and he will be allowed to come out of his medically-induced coma today.  It is expected that he will stay in the pediatric ICU until tomorrow and then go to a room here at Children's Hospital.  Andre is sitting next to him as I write this.  He should come out of the induced coma very soon.   
  
[HH6] is scheduled for additional surgery on her arm at 4 pm today . Her mom & dad are in town to help [HOSSRA] attend to her and the kids, and are with her at Washington Hospital Center.  She would prefer not to have calls or visitors, as she's pretty uncomfortable (her left arm is broken in several places, has a metal plate in it, and is in a cast from shoulder to wrist).  She also has some bad burns on her torso and arm and suffered damage to both eardrums.  Still, she's in strong spirits and sends her thanks.   Also - she cannot receive flowers since she's in the burn unit. Some uplifting cards would be great, and can be sent to her at home:

[HOSSRA Address removed, contact Rigger82 for details]

Seven-year old Alex has a second degree burn about the size of a silver dollar on his rear end. He is basically fine.  When [HOSSRA] checked in at home, Alex proudly showed his dad the internet news video in which Alex is visible.  I just saw Alex, and he seems pretty proud of his newfound internet celebrity status.  

Many have asked how they can help. We are exploring some practical options, such as a ready-made meals service, a local laundry service,  getting [HH6] a cleaning lady, etc.  We're happy to hear further suggestions, which can be directed to me.   Please note:  some have offered to cook or send meals.  This is very nice but please note that Alex is at home now and has a SEVERE allergy to all nuts, so unfortunately you should hold off on this as well, at least for now.  

For those who hadn't heard the background of "how did this happen?", I attach the following news links which provide at least some info.  I'm sure [HOSSRA] really can't stand to relate the details over and over.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19620684/
http://northernvirginia.injuryboard.com/general-personal-injury/vienna-virginia-fireworks-horror.php
http://www.wvva.com/News/index.php?ID=14637
http://www.wric.com/Global/story.asp?S=6751225
http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=3689616&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
http://dynamic.allbrittontv.com/watchvideo.hrb?s=wjla&id=2881
http://www.nbc4.com/news/13622975/detail.html
http://video.nbc4.com/player/?id=126194
http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=1181531
http://www.wusa9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=60480
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/05/AR2007070500924.html?sub=AR

I have to run. I am learning the hard way that it takes a lot of time to blackberry [HOSSRA]'s friends.  I have surely missed some people.  I know Aretha and Pastor Greg will forward on as appropriate.  

Again, [HOSSRA] & [HH6] send a million thanks to all of you who have been such great friends.    God Bless.

"PJ" 
([HOSSRA]'s college roommate).

Good news:  Max came home today from the hospital.   He has some cuts & stitches to heal, and his perforated left eardrum will take about a month to heal (so I overheard), but he's back.  He got a clean bill of health from the neurologist this morning as well.  Also, [HH6] underwent additional surgery Friday and is doing well.  Her left arm is in a cast from shoulder to wrist, she has burns and two perforated eardrums, and she may be in the hospital for another week or two, but I saw her today and she looked healthy and strong and was in good spirits.  

Attached below is an update from [HOSSRA], written earlier this morning, when he and Max were in the hospital, not knowing that Max would be released today.

Praise God.

I lay this morning, as i write this, beside Max in his NON-ICU bed !!  He is alert, responsive and wants to go home. . I hope and pray to be able to take Max home in the next 48 hours.

[HH6] is better. Her second surgery last night went well. They closed some of the wounds and she took a few steps. She has additional (and, hopefully, the last) set of surgeries Monday.

Alex is fine. His burn is superficial and the docs say he can resume full activities in 5 days,  meanwhile, he is filling himself on ice cream (!) And takes great pride in being famous on YouTube.

Thank you all for the prayers, calls, cards and love. We could not have made it so far without them.

More later !