June 24th, 10:00 p.m. EST
Tonight’s update comes from me, and Michelle gets the night off… Needed rest for a woman who has been incredibly strong.
My name is Mike Ruetschle, I am Steve’s younger brother by 18 months, and was the one on the motorcycle trip with Steve when the accident happened. I was first on the scene with Steve within minutes (or less) of his accident, watched him be flown off on helicopter to the hospital, and was with him from that moment until Sunday when I returned home to my wife and kids in Ohio. This evening was my first time to see Steve since Sunday morning, and I was absolutely blown away…. My brother that in moments I feared I might have lost, is very much alive and well.
Coming right off his second major surgery I was expecting puffy face and eyes (like we were warned) and sedation and no communication similar to the first surgery. I hadn’t really talked to Steve since the accident site. Steve was very much the opposite, and very present. As soon as I walked in the room he wanted me right in his face, to look straight into his eyes, as he shed tears and shared personal things with me. We talked straight away about the accident, his memory of what happened, and he pressed into me not to feel guilty about signing him up for the trip. More than anything he wants me (and all of us) to stay positive for him, as he is acutely aware of the challenges that lay before him, and aware of his need for support when things get hard. Steve knows this is the beginning of a crazy God story and believes that good things are in store for him. Tonight I believe it also.
Steve was showing off for me a silly thing called “baby bar bells”. This is where the nurse rolls 2 wash clothes into tight rolls and lays them on his lap. He goes and finds them with both hands, clenches them with his fist, and pulls the up over his head. This is monumental and was more glorious for me than the US goal in the 91st minute.
This second surgery basically completely fixed his neck – with the insertion of structural platinum rods. His neck brace that he wore up until now is removed and he is free to move his head from side to side. Michelle taped photos of the kids on the side rail of the bed to give him motivation to turn his neck. Steve was shocked that he was able to turn his neck, almost feeling like he shouldn’t be able to do it, and half curious / half afraid to give it a try. I am not sure he even was aware that he would regain full neck mobility – but he has it. He really wanted us to also do lots of foot rubs to keep stimulating his feet as Steve is determined to use them again.
Steve was clear on wanting to go to Seattle for rehab as he understands and trusts the research that is telling us its one of the best facilities in the world. While things were incredibly positive for me – there are still some issues and prayer requests. His drugs are making him paranoid and he still thinks some of the nursing staff are “out to get him”.
He is very tired, so please pray for good sleep tonight. Pray that his bone graft would take and his new wound from surgery would heal. Pray that there would be no fevers tonight or infection. Pray that his medical team would find the right balance for the pain meds – they are trying 2 different ones, one for nerves and one that will induce sleep. Some of these have had adverse affects in the past and pray that the team finds the right balance. Pray for Michelle, a woman who has faithfully been at Steve’s side every step of the way, for a good night sleep also, and renewed strength in the morning.
God Bless all of you around the world who love and care for my brother. His surgeries are behind him and he is on the road to recovery…