Arlene, it's absolutely terrifying. Rich is 6'3" and is built like a redwood tree. To see him flat and know that a machine is breathing for him is horrible. When we are in the room with him, we have a hand or two on him all the time. The nurses who monitor "numbers" have told us that they can see him relax when he hears/feels us there with him. I hated to leave him, but he is in good hands and I'll get back there soon. We were talking to a nurse this morning, and I was on his left side instead of his right. He turned his head toward me.

We made it home with no problem, I already have one load of laundry done and we did a grocery run.

My thanks to all of you who are here with me through this ordeal.