Update....

Spoke with Noah... He arrived early today in Landstuhl, Germany. He had a preliminary evaluation and they looked at the x-rays and tests from Balad and don't think he fractured any vertebrae (that's what those good people in Balad said!). He's scheduled for an MRI and additional spinal x-rays tomorrow morning and then he has to make appointments to see various doctors. Says he has been having difficulty sleeping since the attack (me, too!) The terrible pain in his neck persisits (I will not comment about payback LOL)... it's constant and the worst of his pain, although he says his back is also painful... a little ringing in his ears and slight hearing loss in one ear, some tingling and some transient numbness in his arms and feet.. but his headache is mostly gone (I'm sure the pain meds are helping that!) Until he sees the doctors, and they evaluate the test results, etc., and make a diagnosis, he won't know if he's staying there or for how long or if he will be sent elsewhere...

So we won't know anything more really until probably some time next week. Frustrating for him (and the rest of us)... But for him -- he's never been sick or injured before and has not had to deal with "these things take time". I wish I could be there to run the gauntlet of medical personnel with him (it's a Mom thing)... we talked about my traveling to Germany but Noah said to wait until he has some idea of the timeline and destination (in case he's sent elsewhere). They issued him new DCU's (desert camouflage utilities/uniform), boots and PT clothes (shorts/t-shirts). He sounded ok... tired... very hoarse (he says from the neck brace). The pain meds make him drowsy but not sleepy... He's bummed because -- if it weren't for the pain meds -- he could be having a beer LOL

We are so very grateful that the initial reports of his injury were exaggerated, that he is receiving care, and that we have finally had an opportunity to talk somewhat at length.... and that (at least for the moment) he's not in Iraq. I know that there's a good chance he'll return at some point (especially if he has his way) but for now, it is the tiniest of comforts to me. He said he'll call again soon.

So that's the news...

We thank all of you for all your calls, emails and messages of support and caring for us and your prayers and good wishes for Noah. And I again would like to thank Patti and Willie and all the wonderful people at Soldiers Angels for their dedication and devotion to our soldiers -- especially to our wounded soldiers and their families. Please consider visiting their site and donating (hey -- tax deductible!) or volunteering -- even if just to write letters to those soldiers who need the support from those still back here! This is an exceptional organization and group of people about whom I can not glow or crow enough.

Thank you all again. You can't begin to know how shocked and awed we are (I couldn't resist!) at the overwhelming support and caring you have all shown.

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2:00PM I have turned "on" the word verification feature in the comments as the comments were getting spammed and porno spammed ... Unbelieveable! I hope you will continue to post comments as they are precious to us...