Josh Newman, a Selkirk graduate and married to Tara Porter, was injured yesterday at work. He received 2nd degree burns over 35% of his body. Apparently he will have to stay in the hospital for at least 2 months. I am asking all of you to write him over the coming weeks and try to keep time from weighing on his hands. He is at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Google their website and click on "Clinics & Services". Click again on "Additional Patient Services and Amenities". That should bring you to a screen that has "email a patient". I don't know his room number but you don't need it, nor do you need to have known Josh to write him. I am sure that any correspondence over the next few weeks will be appreciated. Hope everyone is well. Take care. V
I also have several Selkirk grads on my MySpace page and posted a bulliten letting everyone know about Josh's accident. I think Harbor View Medical Center is about to see how special us small town folks really are.
Well, I don't even know where to begin. This last week has been a whirlwind of doctors,nurses,union staff, L&I staff, constant phone calls,and lots of family and friends. But, we are making it through. Josh seems to be getting weaker every day, but the doctors say he is healing well. We will find out early this week how extensive his skin grafts will be. The final calculation on his burns is 34% of his body with deep burns, 2nd degree I assume because they are soooo painful. Though I have to say, he is probably the toughest person I have ever seen and has had such a positive attitude through it all. As for me, sleeping in the waiting room and using a public shower is making me appreciate the good things in life. We are taking one day at a time and I know that life will one day return to "normal". We miss our little girl, but were able to spend some time with her over the weekend. Any prayers, emails and good thoughts our way are always welcome. I'll try to post updates occasionally. Tara Newman
Well, after 18 days in the Burn ICU and 4 days here in the stepdown unit, we are headed for home! Monday we will finally get in the car, drive back to Deer Park and hopefully start getting life back to "normal". Josh will still need a few months off work to recover and I will continue to be on family medical leave until he is able to completely care for himself and do all his own dressing changes. Thank you all for thinking of us during this difficult time. We appreciate all the support from all of our "small town" friends. Thanks again. I'll try to keep everyone updated from home, but I know things will be very busy for a while. Tara Newman
Thanks for keeping us updated Tara and thats wonderful news!! I will continue to keep you both in my thoughts. I hope he has a speedy recovery and everything goes well!
Tara, I'm glad ya'll get to go home! I sure hope Josh is feeling better and I'm sure you are glad to get back to your daughter as well. I will keep yall in my prayers and hope Josh recovers quickly~
