Taking things at his own pace. That is our Todd
Alex and Todd are in an incredible groove. This from Alex at 5am this a.m. to me and few others – while I slept in our cozy room just out side the ICU ward
“It is 5 in the morning and I am soon going to sleep
for a bit. Todd and I were in such a peaceful state
together I just stayed in it. It is clear through our
time together that he will be taking things at his own
pace. We also somehow connected or at least I gained
clarity on what a good plan framework might be for the
next few weeks, keeping in mind that things are and
will be changing.”
We are in constant flow between being in the moment and planning as well as we can for what is ahead. An hour, a day, a week.
Today Todd has a fever. Antibiotics will kick in soon.
Today the drain was removed from his sweet head. This is good
Today he is coughing and not liking it when they do the ballon air in, suck stuff out routine necessary to keep his lungs clear. But in true Todd style he works through it and then settles right back into Alex’s loving hands.
More to come,
Peace, Love, Todd
*
Amy and Alex
Todd Blair 
September 28, 2007 at 6:23 am
A & A,
I emailed my former student and friend, Oscar, about your apartment needs. He is an amazing human being and one of the most trustworthy people I have ever known in my life. He is the salt of the earth. Please let him help you.
Still sending healing vibes, as well as housing vibes. Imagine a big, shining Brisbane Star catapulted straight over to the AMC.
Surrounding you with love,
Jill (and Eric and Paxton)
September 28, 2007 at 6:38 am
I heard the news last night from Frank.
I’ve struggled to find the words to express how I feel, and have failed. I miss you all terribly, and wish I could be there to lend my love and spirit to Todd and everyone caring for him. Know that, even from this great distance, I am very much with you.
Jonathan
September 28, 2007 at 7:29 am
On our many, albeit brief, encounters over the years, one constant and enduring quality imparted oh so generously by Todd, never withholding – the ability to make one feel comfortable in their own skin. Let us jointly give that back to him, in abundance! You are one bright light Todd. I love you.
Alex, we met once – outside after the women of srl event, and you were so excited about the project in Joshua Tree. That one glimpse of your inner goodness and strength left me feeling so, so happy for Todd in his love for you and now, gives me confidence that he has what he needs right there at his side.
Love to you both and special thanks to Amy and all those whose support is so critical at this juncture.
Beth
September 28, 2007 at 8:11 am
Dear Alex and Todd,
I think of you constantly, sending hope for healing and strength. This space in time is somewhat unsettling to our minds which constantly seek answers. I am impatient for news of progress, yet I know that we sometimes must sleep, must rest, in order to restore ourselves. Todd’s body has a tremedous task at hand. I’m sure that, although he appears to be quiet, there is very important work taking place. We (and you especially) are not so much waiting, but supporting him in whatever ways we can, and being patient while he does what he must in a realm invisible – a realm unknown to our eyes and incomprehensible to our minds. We know the tenacity of Todd’s spirit, and this gives us hope.
Sending you love from a soggy day in Oregon.
And thanks to Amy for helping my dear friends.
Jessica
September 28, 2007 at 8:16 am
My dear doter,I am praying for you and sending you positive energy. You are right as difficult it might be for you, Todd’s body knows what he needs and he is taking his time. For what you said he knows you are there with him and that gives him the energy and peace he needs to heal.
You are both very lucky to have so much love for each other.
Reading your friends comments, the much love and wonderful energy from all your friends is incredible.
Give your friend Amy my love and gratitud for all the support she has given you and Todd. God bless her. Tell her that if she ever wants to come to Mexico, my home will be always open for her.
Pete send both of you his love!!!
Many hugs and kisses mummy
September 28, 2007 at 8:37 am
It is really hard to find the right words. Simply put..Todd, you can do this. Our thoughts and prayers are are with you and Alex. From San Jose with love.
Joel
September 28, 2007 at 9:05 am
Dear Alex and Todd:
We are keeping watch with you too. Both of you are constantly in our thoughts.
S+M
September 28, 2007 at 9:08 am
To Todd, Alex, and all the crew in Amsterdam-
Hang tough! and stay strong! Our thoughts are with you.
We are sending all our love and positive energy to give you the strength to pull throught this.
All out love
C, C, A, K,& K
September 28, 2007 at 9:20 am
Like a new babe who’s each grimace and smile are a cause for celebration, even Todd just coughing is great news. All those human synapses are firing and reconnecting. I’m so happy you are able to sleep next to him and let him know he can relax while you are watching over him. We think of him constantly; we hope and wish for him. Tell him Zolie Mae wants to see him soon. I want to hear him say hi sweetie, give me a kiss on the cheek, and flash those dimples.
Alex, I want to put together a care package for you. Send me a request of anything you need or any comforting things that may make your hours there more relaxed. Send it to jet-girl at sbcglobal dot net.
September 28, 2007 at 9:58 am
Dear Todd, Alex, and family,
Hello. I am one of Todd’s students at CCa. I just wanted to say that Todd is in all of our thoughts and prayers. All of his students and friends at CCa love him so incredibly much.
Though I’m sure it is not always easy, I also want to say that I appreciate hearing the positive tone in which you write. It really helps those of us who are far away.
Stay positive. Give Todd a big hug for us. We are sending warm energy and love your way.
Kate
September 28, 2007 at 10:04 am
The news is sending shock waves through out the Exploratorium. Todd is a good friends to many of us.
I first heard that a crane had landed on him. I thought, geeze, he needs to stay away from cranes. I’ve heard they can be as tough as red winged blackbirds, and sparrows, although small, can be really a problem.
I was just listening to a report about healing. I’ve heard humor works best.
September 28, 2007 at 10:43 am
We are sending so much love and strength…we are thinking about you three Todd, Alex and Amy.
So glad he is so surrounded by love.
Please let us know what we can send or an address.
love,
Tiffany, Ken & Odessa
September 28, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Hello-
Mary Wilson contacted me about a place for you to stay.
I have asked my friends living in Amsterdam, and I gave them your blog adress. So, if anyone has anything, you will hear from them. I hope he gets well soon. You will be in my thoughts.
Take care,
Chris Cogan> Athens, Georgia
September 28, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Hey Amy and Alex and everyone else,
I have faith that Todd will use that massive brain he has to get those connections repaired and ready to rejoin us all. He is the sweetest, most considerate, darling man and our thoughts are with all of you guys over there and over here.
September 28, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Got to spend some time with Todd today and thought of all of you who would like to be here, and believe me, you are in that room. It is tangible how many people are thinking of him and sending love.
As the machines surrounding him whir and blink and chirp and calculate, he seems totally in his element, working deeply on a cool new project.
September 28, 2007 at 1:53 pm
To my sweet Alex and her sweeter Todd,
The following is from our friend David in Amsterdam (he’s Australian).He and his wife Jose are old friends of Keith’s and have lived there for at least 20 years. They have put the word out to their friends. He has some questions for you when you are ready.It appears that he is willing and able to be a liaison for you in finding an apartment. I was also sent Marvin’s way (Chico) and he suggests the International Budget Youth Hostel. I understand this is not your cup of tea…but it may be a notch better for the time being:www.internationalbudgethostel.com
My mom is involved with Unity Church in Sedona -Arizona and I have given her Todd’s name for the church to pray for him during their 24 hour- 7 day a week silent prayer.
We all continue to send Todd healing, loving thoughts and prayers.We are completely with you both in heart and spirit.
always Regina
Here is a portion of David’s response:
It would seem to me that the best chance would be to try through the theatre festival organization, they might be able to canvas the mailing lists of similar theatre groups in Amsterdam. Or has she already done all that? Does Alex have (Dutch-speaking?) people here to help her out at all? If she’d like to ring us up or come over we could talk to her about what she has already tried and that might help us to think of ways we could possible help her… (in Amsterdam tel: 412 0493) Otherwise she’s welcome to email us, but it might simplify things to be able to talk. Email:dcolmer@planet.nl
September 28, 2007 at 2:44 pm
todd, you are the embodiment of ‘joie de vive.’ the joy of life. as pure as that, you carry such a great heart and a great mind and a great love for everything around you. you are always there with an easy smile and the easy grace of someone totally in love with the world and it seems to me that your mission in life is to help as many people you can realize their grand ideas. I’ve known you for sometime, and though we have been on the periphery of each other’s lives until somewhat recently, I’ve always enjoyed your presence. but the thing is, I cannot separate you from the people around you, and as such, you reflect them and they you in the best possible way.
I met you early in ’96, when you showed up with tim north at my warehouse in emeryville. scott jenerek had talked me into hosting a show on easter sunday at the warehouse and though I was unenthusiastic about the idea, scott mentioned that there was all sorts of publicity and like it or not people would show up at my place. so tim shows up with a van full of hoverdrum parts and you arrive with the best kind of, ‘we can do this’ attitude, and even though you were jet lagged because you had just come from the SRL show in tokyo, you were on it with a smile, regardless of a lack of sleep. that show went off beautifully as well as a few others you had a hand in.
and then there was your wedding to violet and somehow I ended up dj’ing for you two. I suspect tim made the suggestion but I don’t remember. what I do remember is that it was a fine set that which was actually recorded and there is a james brown mash-up with some norwegian wailing above and I remember babalou twirling to it in a big skirt. I’ll have to make you a copy of that mash-up which was done live. years later when you were no longer with violet, I got to observe you two at an SRL show and was impressed about how you managed to act as a single unit. you would have never guessed that you were no longer together.
then there is alex. your great love and my friend. I met alex through you and over the last two years I have come to know both of you well. there was your birthday held up in bodega bay with some of the finest wine I have ever had. and hiking down to the water with penny and alex watching you and alex play like children upon the path. or when we were all hanging out at the pacific design center and you becoming excited about an artist’s book whose work had changed your own life and had inspired you to get deep in to the world of the arts. alex and you are a truly lovely couple and as are unsurpassable in my mind as any two people who are meant to be together. the circumstance for getting to know two better, though was unfortunately a sad one: the passing of our fallen hero, tim north. you two gave loving and solid support to susie and trista and have cemented bonds that were already very strong before tim’s illness. I never once saw you be sad or defeatist about what was happening and always you were there with a smile, a firm and helping hand, a reassuring word, and comfort when needed the most. I aspire to find that kind of calm in the face of our largest and strangest mysteries.
I think the people around us cast forth the reflections of our life. and what is reflected around you todd, is bright and serene and wishing you great love and great strength, and I am only sad that I am not there to tell you all this myself, but I hope soon this monologue will become a conversation that we can carry deep into our lives.
peace and get well soon.
mark w, aka vordo…
September 29, 2007 at 4:44 am
dear todd
keep improving! it’s wonderful to hear of your advances. i remember my favorite line of yours from a few years ago at cca: in response to all my questions about planning and fabricating a certain piece, and was it possible in the time available? you just smiled that smile and said, “that’s up to you”. just the right message of support and encouragement. it was, and is, always up to each of us. you can do it.
may you continue to pull through brilliantly,
dorsey