guitarman8491 - Posted - 07/01/2015:  08:36:53

Dan, my prayers continue for Chris, you and your family. God bless you all.

Will1717 - Posted - 07/01/2015:  09:17:13

Dan: Good news to hear that Chris appears to be over the most critical stage of his recovery, and they can now turn their attention to fixing the rest of his body. As your aware I've been up the same road and fortunately survived, so am well aware of the road Chris has ahead of him. The best you can do is be there to support him through his physical and emotional recovery. It can be a tough and long journey to say the least, but having the support of family and friends will help more than anything. As we've discussed in the past the biggest factor during my personal recovery was the realization of how many friends turned up to support and play music for me at my bed side. I never realized how many friends I had, which included musicians that I'd never actually met prior to my accident. All we seem to hear about in the news of the world today is the negative side of people. It's refreshing to learn first hand that the world is actually filled with more good people than evil. As I write this email my thoughts go to the beautiful banjo that you built for me during my recovery. You named it "The Angels of Mercy" banjo and engraved the spunover rim appropriately to tell the story of my recovery. I've since shown this banjo to literally hundreds of banjo friends and gone over every detail of the engraved message, plus beautiful inlay work.  I'll never part with this particular banjo as it came from a true friend. When ever I feel a bit down about life, I just need to have a good look at this banjo, realize what the hours of work mean, and I get back that positive feeling about life and remember all the friends that were there for me during a terrible part of my life. It works better than any pain killers!

When the time is right you'll need to let me know, and I'll do a road trip to visit Chris and attempt to put a positive spin on his recovery. From personal experience, I know that speaking to someone who's been up the same road can be tremendously helpful on the emotional side of recovery.

Thinking about you and your family constantly and wishing Chris a speedy recovery.

Bill Rickard

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/01/2015:  20:52:47

bill, thank you so much for your comment that means a lot to the Debbie and me.

We are in the hospital now, day four. Not much change. They have again put back the surgery, so as not to stress him. We wait, we watch.

Thank ya`ll so much for all of your kindnesses.

Dave1climber - Posted - 07/02/2015:  05:51:20

Dan, I am wishing Chris a full recovery.

Steven M - Posted - 07/02/2015:  13:39:45

My thoughts are with you all.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/02/2015:  20:51:53

Day 6.

Today was a rough day. The Doc. told us early on that there would be good days and there would be not good days. Today was one of the latter. Tomorrow should be better. Difficult days just make you tougher.

We all thank you for your kind thoughts & prayers.

kvdkieft - Posted - 07/02/2015:  21:40:38

Dan,
I have not been on the Hangout for many weeks. I have had all kinds of fun musically. It was heartbreaking to see what has happened to Chris. As you know I have been riding motorcyles for many (50) years. I was nearly in a head on collision this last weekend while in a Subaru on Hiway 101!!! We never know the time that will be our time. That said I have some very strong prayers to be made for you , Debbie, and Chris. My most heartfelt longing for a strong recovery , for patience and diligence while waiting., and for the abundant faith in life itself to be self evident. I love you brother. Hang in there one minute at a time..........

guitarman8491 - Posted - 07/03/2015:  04:18:06

Dan my prayers and thoughts are with Chris, you and your family. God bless!

Aradobanjo - Posted - 07/03/2015:  05:04:28

Hello Dan,

As another survivor of an auto related accident, keep looking to the recovery beginning. Every day for every survivor is a new beginning. The completion of each day is the success we need to know that survivorship is possible.

I and my friends are praying on your family's behalf for a swift recovery. The good new is that his life is still with us. May the Lord grant us the desires of our hearts. 

Kaelri - Posted - 07/03/2015:  06:41:39

We are still praying for Chris, yourself and your family, Dan. May the Lord give you all strength to face and endure each day as it comes.

The Pope - Posted - 07/03/2015:  10:44:06

Hang in there Chris, Dan & family! 

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/03/2015:  20:07:55

Day 7

Today has been a quiet day for Chris. The pneumonia has been successfully fought back with antibiotics. Because of this he was allowed to just rest.

 

When he was brought up from the deep drugged sleep that he is mostly in, Chris was able to recognize friends. This means a lot to us.

 

Thank you all again for all of your encouraging words and comments. This means more to myself and my family than I can ever express.

cbrianroll - Posted - 07/03/2015:  21:14:26

Good.to hear the good news.....I rolled my jeep Cherokee 4 times.....missing.4.days.of.my life...other than that grateful I can kiss my family.goodnignt.....prayers afe.still going.yojr familys.way!

Nels - Posted - 07/04/2015:  03:47:28

Glad to hear of his progress. Prayers continue for Chris and all of your family.  

guitarman8491 - Posted - 07/04/2015:  04:44:38

Dan, so happy top hear the good news. My prayers for Chris, you and your family will continue for a speedy and full recovery. God Bless

Dave1climber - Posted - 07/04/2015:  06:05:08

Good news, I am very happy to hear it.  Continuing positive thoughts for Chris.

kwl - Posted - 07/04/2015:  07:48:50

Thanks for the update Dan. Chris and the rest of the family continue to be in my prayers.

manomusic - Posted - 07/04/2015:  15:42:17

So glad you are seeing some improvement in your son's condition Dan, cannot imagine the pain you all must be going through, I really feel for you and your family, it must be very stressful. Take care, Neil.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/05/2015:  21:16:48

DAY 9

Monday will be day 10, surgery day for Chris. It will be long and very, very dangerous. His condition is stable but not yet strong. Please remember him and the Doctors

Again I thank y'all for your kindness and concern.

If there is anything that I have learned in this is the kindness of friends & strangers.

Please remember when you are watching the news with all the stories of how terrible things are in our world.

The bad, the violent tale is only a very small part of the story. 

The thoughtfulness of so many people amazes me. I'd hug y'all if I could.

Thank you.

Yanni - Posted - 07/05/2015:  23:51:08

Hi Dan

I have not had a chance to look at the Hangout recently and I was shocked to read about Chris's accident :(  My thoughts are with you all.  I am sure Chris knows and is pulling strength from the love from you and your family.  He also has the best wishes from many places around the globe.  I wish him well with the operation and be sure that I am thinking about you all.

Ian

Nels - Posted - 07/06/2015:  03:31:04

Prayers for this day of surgery ... for Chris, the medical team, and for you and your family.  

guitarman8491 - Posted - 07/06/2015:  04:31:40

Dan I will be praying throughout the day for Chris's surgery. I am sure that God will be watching over him. Prayers for Chris, you and your family..God bless.

Dave1climber - Posted - 07/06/2015:  06:07:09

Best wishes for Chris, and that his surgery goes well with no additional complications.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 07/06/2015:  13:48:42

We're thinking and hoping and willing you all on Dan. Hope this is not an inappropriate question, but is your son fully insured, health wise? You have given a lot of joy to a lot of people Dan, if you're in need of help at all, you have friends here who could probably have a BHO auction maybe . . .
All the best from Bill.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/06/2015:  15:30:43

Thank y'all so much. Chris is in surgery at this moment (5:30).
We are waiting.

BNJOMAKR - Posted - 07/06/2015:  16:37:54

Prayers being sent...

Dave1climber - Posted - 07/06/2015:  16:40:53

Still thinking of Chris and sending best wishes to him and all of those involved in his recovery.  

Aradobanjo - Posted - 07/06/2015:  17:22:33

Hello Dan,

Praying for your family,Chris, the surgeons and their attendants. "Ask anything in My Name and I will do it." Jesus Chris, John 14:14.

rubicon - Posted - 07/06/2015:  17:24:03

Are prayers are with Chris your family and you Dan wishes for a speedy recovery

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/06/2015:  18:56:35

Chris just got out of surgery. All went more than well! They (and we) were so very fearful of his survival. The high brain pressure could have killed him but they tried an innovative procedure elevating him at 45 degrees which kept the pressure down.

During a 5 hour surgery surgeons were able to repair all of his broken bones ( both sholders, arm and legs.
There are many high fivez and happy tears here!
Thank y'all so very much for everything!

jbalch - Posted - 07/06/2015:  19:01:01

P.T.L.!!!  Thanks for sharing the great news with us here Dan.  Now praying for a full recovery....

Crusty - Posted - 07/06/2015:  19:32:15

That's wonderful news!  

I'll keep sending out the positive waves to the Knowles family.

rubicon - Posted - 07/06/2015:  20:11:04

Thought id check in before bed it is so great to hear the Great. News Dan obviously our prayers are being heard I wish all the best to you and yours

Pine Cone - Posted - 07/06/2015:  20:38:21

Such good news!  I'll keep you all in my prayers, but I hope the worst is over.  May blessings continue to be upon you and your family.

Paul R - Posted - 07/06/2015:  22:09:15

Just found out after a time away from this thread - what an awful shock.

Dan, I trust you are all feeling much better after the surgery and about Chris's chances for a full recovery. I think that the support of such a caring, loving family will help him pull through. I know that blows to the head can take their toll (three concussions on the bicycle - one careless driver, two careless cyclists). Your awareness and constructive attitude will help the healing process.

Thoughts and prayers for Chris and the rest of you.

Paul

Nels - Posted - 07/07/2015:  02:59:15

Great news that surgery went well.  Prayers for healing and speedy recovery.  

Banjosnob - Posted - 07/07/2015:  05:43:17

Continuing the prayers for your son....Prayers for you too!

kwl - Posted - 07/07/2015:  06:25:53

Again, thanks for the update Dan. I am glad to hear that the surgery went well. All of you continue in my prayers. I especially pray for a speedy recovery for Chris. It will be hard work getting everything moving again.

Ken

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/07/2015:  07:29:11

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts, prayers and support. This means more to us than I can ever express.

Dave1climber - Posted - 07/07/2015:  08:40:33

It would seem that another major mile marker has been passed.    My thoughts and well wishes are with Chris and all of your family, also to the medical team that have kept Chris with us.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 07/07/2015:  08:51:29

Rounds are complete. It is almost 11am. Chris, though groggy, is very aware. For the first time he is responding and recognizing people. Although the road will be long we know now that it can be successfully traveled.

guitarman8491 - Posted - 07/07/2015:  08:51:50

Dan this is wonderful news and my prayers will continue for Chris's speedy recovery, as well as for you and your family.

DEmery - Posted - 07/07/2015:  09:00:34

dbrooks - Posted - 07/07/2015:  09:16:57

Dan, this is the good news we were hoping to hear. Thanks for taking the time to give that update. 

David

rubicon - Posted - 07/07/2015:  09:55:11

Good to hear Dan 

Nels - Posted - 07/07/2015:  10:06:40

...Great news... here's to a speedy recovery...

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 07/07/2015:  10:51:46

Groggy is good. 

Recognizing people is great.

Awaiting reports re: appetite!

Keeping a good thought,

Lew

Dave1climber - Posted - 07/07/2015:  12:17:21

  Here is to a complete recovery.  There will be good days and not so good, but here's to more good than not so good.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 07/07/2015:  13:20:18

Yes! Brilliant news!
All the best from Bill. :D