It is a quiet day. Off of all swelling medicines and sedatives Todd is in some ways – on his own – and in others, as we all know – not at all.
We wait.
We rub.
We encourage. We humm, we sing, we tell stories, we are quiet.
We love Edith – his brilliant and very lovely nurse for the day – and are happy when she kicks us out so she can give him a nice bath and rub down.
We (all of us) want our Todd. We really really really really want our Todd.
We wait.
*
Alex and Amy
Todd Blair 
September 27, 2007 at 7:02 am
we wait, we hope, we focus whatever energy we have out there on a speedy and complete recovery. Heartfelt sympathies for Alex and Amy.
greg barsamian
September 27, 2007 at 7:05 am
we wait, we hope, we focus whatever energy we have out there on a speedy and complete recovery. Heartfelt sympathies for Alex and Amy.
September 27, 2007 at 7:25 am
I was at CCA yesterday and many students expressed their love for Todd and that their thoughts are with him. Everyone misses him there and is praying for a safe recovery. We all believe in him, and while we are “holding down the fort” in his absence we dearly want Todd back with us. He is such an inspiration to so many students (and me too)!
Love and health,
Sue Costabile
(CCA Faculty)
September 27, 2007 at 9:02 am
Dear Alex,
We love you. You and Todd are in our thoughts days and nights, and we pray for your speedy return home!
Alex, let me know if there is anything I can do re. architecture commitments you may have here.
xxx brian and laetitia
September 27, 2007 at 9:43 am
Jon and I were able to spend the day on Tuesday with Todd and Alex. We had prepared ourselves for how he would look and what the medical condition outlook was, but were truly heartened when we showed up. His color was good, the swelling had already reduced quite a bit, and around his eyes were much less dark. And throughout the day he only continued to improve; I said to Todd before we left how much more like himself he looked. When the physicians checked him and did some adjustments they were incredibly gentle. It was an odd feeling to hang on the streaming monitor number showing his cranial pressure. We had a very few up and down moments, but overall he had a fantastic recuperation day with that all-important number staying low. There were also several instances when we saw or felt some sort of motor movement, either barely moving his hand when holding his or attempting to breathe when the nurse took him off the ventilator to perform their routine manual ventilation to check his lungs. He is strong and determined, I can feel it; even the nurse commented on what good shape he seemed to be in. Alex is strong, positive, and together. She is what I aspire to be. I can’t wait to see Todd’s dimples again.
Love and positive thoughts,
Kyrsten, Jon, and Zolie Mae
September 27, 2007 at 9:54 am
Amy, Alex and Todd,
We send our love and may it wrap around you, envelope you and give you sustanance. You are in our thoughts and we have hope for continued progress and healing. Meanwhile, Stella has been busy drawing pictures to send. She firmly believes they will make Todd feel better, and speed him toward recovery. Her enthusiasm is contagious. I smile and am reminded of your energy and enthusiasm Todd, your smiles and spirit. Get better!
Lots of hugs and kisses – Jen, Tim, Stella and William
September 27, 2007 at 9:55 am
Shannon and I are sending lots of love and well wishes for a speedy recovery. We unfortunately had to fly out on Tuesday, so did not get a chance to see Todd before we left. I gave Kyrsten a simple Jin Shin Jyutsu (a style of acupressure) flow to do on Todd that would support his recovery, but wasn’t sure if she had an opportunity to show you. It’s called alternate hands/feet flow and it helps to keep the energy flowing in the meridians during recovery. You start by sitting on his left side and hold his right little finger with your right hand and his left big toe with your left hand. No pressure is needed – almost like holding his hand. Then you move through each of the fingers and the toes at the same time(little finger to thumb; big toe to little toe; holding each set for about 5 of your own breaths or until you feel a nice pulsation). Then do the other side. I have used this often with people in the hospital and it’s quite magical. It will not do anything to change his condition if he needs to stay unconscious – that’s the magic. It will keep him getting better on the energy level to support the healing of the body.
My love to all of you and if there’s anything else you need, please let me know.
Kathy Tucker & Shannon O’Hare
September 27, 2007 at 10:12 am
Todd, I keep thinking about that time about 17 years ago that you and Tim worked all night at the compound and I woke in the a.m. and hadn’t had a call from Tim during the night to say he would be working all night. That was so common for you guys back then–burning through the dark hours like night hawks. So I was walking to BART to go to work that morning a bit pissed off because Tim hadn’t called, and you and Tim come driving along, him finally on his way back home. I was playing the pouty game giving Tim the cold shoulder as he approached in the car with you. I saw, as you guys pulled up, you leaning over to Tim and saying something really fast to Tim and then popping back into your seat like nothing happened. Tim rolled down the window and said “You look really pretty this morning, honey.” Todd, I totally know you told him to say that. And that was really really good advice. Thanks for helping Tim charm his way through that one. I sure enjoyed all those subsequent happy years with him and you there always so much a part of our family. Man oh man you have always been such a brother to me. I still can’t wait to get you out to Joshua Tree again and chill out under the Milky Way.
I love you Mr. Toad
September 27, 2007 at 10:34 am
Todd, it’s so great to hear about your steady progress – we know you are working your way back to us. And it is inspiring and truly wonderful to share in the outpouring of love from your amazing community. It is a testament to the love both you and Alexandra share with those around you.
Do you remember bouncing around our Seattle home in the morning – hugging Randal in all his morning grumpiness, drinking cofee and goat milk? We’ve also been remembering our trip to Mendecino with you and Alex, our very own hottub, long walks, and impromptu yoga sessions. It’s time we had more of that.
So bring it on home brother. We need to see you up here in Seattle again soon. Much love to you and Alex, we are with you both.
Randal & Kathy
September 27, 2007 at 11:19 am
Everyday i read the entry’s here, and everyday i pray/meditate and send blessings, and healing light and love. No matter what i feel gratitude for everything in life. Alexandra, know that your love, touch and words are a healing elixir for Todd.
blessings and radiant light, Jefferey
September 27, 2007 at 11:26 am
Dear Todd,
When you and Alex were waking up on the sofa the morning after oysterfest, I heard Alex say “good morning, cutie” to you. Let’s hope she says that to you soon, sooner, soonest.
Alex: if I could visit you today at the hospital, I would bring you fish tacos from that place you like. Ok, I’d bring Todd some too. And Amy, if you think she’d like them. And Edith, because I bet she never had them.
September 27, 2007 at 11:34 am
My dear doter I love you and Todd so much and I can feel his positive energy and loving ways. I am so glad to hear that he is breathing on his own, that is such a grat news! I know that he is using this time to heal and come out of it juast as good and energetic and wonderful as he usually is. Anytime now he will open his eyes smile at you and say “Hi”
I am sending you all my love and positive energy. Take care yourself also honey for he needs you, and we all need you well.
I send you and Todd a big hug and kisses and know that you are in my thoughts and heart at all times!!!
mummy
September 27, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Todd,
Last night I had a vivid dream of your WELCOME HOME PARTY. It was a dream filled with so many extremly joyously happy friends and family. Bright colors and music and wonderful fruit drinks. I woke up with a warm wonderful feeling..
One thing I know for sure… that you are so greatly comforted with your Alex by you side… with her hand touching you ..I can hear you say her name.
Me and Pa Kettle are holding you in prayer. You know how much we want only the best for you two. Brother Johnny and I send our hearts to you. Keep your eyes on the light, you sweet, sweet man. Bless you.
I love you, and Missie too,
Carol Marol
September 27, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Dear Alex & Todd. All my love and prayes to both. I lifted you up to the lord with my womens bible study. God is with you present to hold everything together. Lean on him and ask for exactly what you need he will provide. Love Trudee
September 27, 2007 at 4:25 pm
todd is one of the most intrinsically joyous people i have ever met. my thoughts are with you all. he could not be in better hands.
September 27, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Alexandra, we love you so much. We are thinking of you and Todd all day long. Let me know what you need. Kathy
September 27, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Hi Todd,
You probably won’t remember me, but I was one of your students in spring of 2005 in the Recombinant Media class. I built the bicycle machine that put sprinkles on cupcakes.
You were off traveling for most of the semester, so John took over for you, but you still helped me with it when you were there, and were always really fun and supportive even though it was my first time building -anything- ever, let alone anything that moved.
I remember when I burned off my whole finger print when I was welding, and you and John running around the screen in the shop to see what had happened. You told me it would grow back, and it did.
A few weeks later, I remember running upstairs from the metal shop to the cafe, where you and John were sitting around in the chairs just chilling by the vending machines. I was super excited, because I had built part of the nautilus gear for my project all by myself. You said “Great! Now we don’t have to do any more work.”
Not many memories, I know, and not very interesting, but I think it’s telling of how fun and awesome you are that even though it was not much, after two years, I still remember fondly the little time I did spend in your presence.
Get better soon!
-Miriam Wilson
September 27, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Todd, It’s Melissa from the Exploratorium-now at the Black rock Arts Foundation. Darlin’ I want you to know that the globe has lit up with thoughts for you. joe ansel is up in Alaska in some God forsaken place on one of his projects nd he’s thinking of you and Alex. Others at the Burning Man office have heard and are thinking of you. folks in amsterdam and elsewhere are thinking about you now. i know that beaming smile you gave me when you told me about your wonderful Alex—that day you were doing the talk with Liz Keim at the Explo-is Something I will see again.
September 27, 2007 at 9:46 pm
http://www.canalapartments.com/pg.php
this is where amacker and i stayed.
do it. asap
September 28, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Many prayers,vibes,& chants–Erin’s dad.
October 1, 2007 at 4:36 pm
daily prayers
our daily prayer