andy's better details

Howdy folks,

This should be our final update assuming things continue to go well. Clark's surgery took about two hours, and we are waiting for him to be brought back to the room once he comes out of the anesthesia. Clark had 3 titanium plates and 16 screws put into his jawbone, cheek bone, and above his left eye in the ebrow area. The surgeon told us that things went very well, and that the surgery had been quick and uneventful for this type of procedure. So much so that they apparently listened to Metallica the whole time the worked on him. Clark will need to only eat soft foods for the next month or so, and will not actually have to have his jaw wired shut, as we previously thought. It looks like he will be released tomorrow morning to go back to Ohio, but will have several weeks of recovery to work through along with at least 2 trips back to Grand Rapids to see the surgeon who performed the operation.

Heidi and I will likely stay with Clark and Kim for a few days while Kim's leg gets better and help her manage things around the house. Right now we feel very fortunate for Clark's improved condition, the success of the surgery, and all the thoughts and prayers that have been sent to us via email and phone messages. Clark has been especially encouraged by the messages and we have been reading them to him when he has been awake today. It has certainly brightened his spirits, and for that we are very thankful.

Again we thank you for all the kind words and support.