Peter Update:
Two steps forward and one step back. We had everything in place to move him to rehab however his white cell count was up and the hospital won’t release him unless they know why it is up.
Peter under went a battery of tests, which took a little long (OK a lot longer) because the computer system was down so most of the day was hurry up and wait.
Over all he was pretty out of it. He did his rehab and the other things that he needed to do but he dozed most of the day between people having to wake him up for the things he needed to do. He was much more alert at night and we watched some videos together.
Today we find out the results of that test and what is next. We are hoping to move him to the rehab on Monday since this gives the hospital two days to get him back to where he needs to be for rehab. Cross your fingers that his bed is still there then.
Now here is Caroline (with me typing) about what has happened
At first when I found out, I didn’t feel very well and I thought this was going to be the worst vacation ever since my Dad was in a hospital bed.
When I saw Dad in the hospital bed I was scared and upset. But Dad made me feel better. He hugged me and talked to me.
He told me that he was going to be going to a different hospital so he could start walking again. He was going to be all right but he may be gone for a month.
Later Mom and Ariel took me to Disney Hollywood Studios, I barely talked to anyone because I was worried about Dad. Ariel tried to hug and comfort me but I just pulled away.
Then we went on Star Tours. I was still really angry and worried about Dad. After the ride I felt much better. I could laugh again. But I realized I was having fun and Daddy wasn’t there. Mom told me that Dad was happy that I was having fun so we went on the ride again. After that in the gift shop I built a droid and Mom built Skippy the Jedi Droid for Dad and put a pirate hat on it for fun (Dad has to wear an eye patch).
On the 2nd Day we went to the hospital in the morning and I spent time with Daddy. I was helping him with his hand exercises. Later Mom took me to Animal Kingdom and we watched the Tigers who were very active. I felt safe with my Mom at Animal Kingdom. I felt a little better about all that had happened.
On the 3rd Day we stayed at the hospital all day and watched “Big Bang Theory” with Daddy. I felt really good that I was near Daddy all day and could see his life in a hospital. I was proud at how hard he was working to get better.
On the 4th Day I found out that he wasn’t going to rehab until Monday, which made me happy and sad. Happy because I got to see my Dad another couple of days but sad because I know he needs to go to rehab to get better and come home.
Overall I feel happy because I realized it wasn’t my fault that Daddy had a stroke but I also feel really sad because Dad had a stroke. I love him very much and I want him to be OK again. I am praying for my Daddy to be my Daddy again.
(Kath back here now. I will be reading her the comment that relate to her from this entry.)
I am grateful that Caroline can talk to us about what she is going through.
• 
Caroline is awesome.
Good thoughts for all of you.
Caroline is awesome. A real trooper.
Hope Peter recovers quickly.
Much love to Peter and your family from Canada! Get well soon, big guy!!!
Wow, what an awesome young lady you guys are raising Kath and Peter. We still have all you guys on our prayer list.
Mission accomplished. Tears of Joy achieved. Well put young lady. Your Dad is lucky to have a daughter as understanding as you.
Thanks for sharing. Tough on all but in a different way for kids.
Continuing to send good vibes in your direction!
I too wish a full and speedy recovery of my favorite Star Trek Author. Peter and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I own most of his Trek books since I started reading the Worf Academy books as a young teenager.
Thank you for sharing!
I was in the hospital for 5 days a few years ago because I lost two days thanks to a mass in my brain. My daughter was only 2 but it really affected her – for a while she would cry whenever I had to leave the house.
She was young enough that she wasn’t able to really explain how she felt. So it’s good to see Caroline able to express how she’s feeling during this tough time.
Good thoughts for Peter and for your whole family!
Thank you for sharing that with us, Caroline (and thank you, too, Kathleen). It’s okay to be worried and upset – everybody feels that way when sudden things happen. Your Mom and Dad are probably going to feel the same way sometimes and you can all help each other get through it. It’s also okay to be happy even though your dad’s in the hospital. There are always ups and downs.
By the way, thank you for helping him with his exercises, too. All his fans wish they could help so it’s nice to know that you really are helping.
Best wishes to al of you.
The two of you have raised an amazing young lady, there.
Caroline: Your Daddy is a tough guy, but he’s got a lot of work ahead of him to get better, and I know you know that. Most of the time it’s something that he’ll have to do on his own, but sometimes he might need your help. It’s important that you remember these things… First, that he loves you very, very much; just as much as you love him. Second, remember that none of what happened, or will happen, is your fault. Sometimes, bad things just happen, and we have to deal with them when they do. And it’s OK to be angry, or sad, or upset sometimes, but I know that it’s tough because there’s nobody to be mad or upset at, because nobody is to blame.
When I was a boy, my mom and dad both got very, very sick, and since there was no one to blame, I kept all of my feelings bottled up. Don’t do that, honey; it’s not good for you. Because if you let yourself be upset at things when they’re bad, then you’ll also let yourself be happy when things are better and your Dad is home with you.
You are a wonderful young lady, and your Mom and Dad are lucky to have you.
Hope he gets better soon. A big hug for all of you.
Dear Caroline, I have been reading your day’s X-Factor book for the last six or so years, and I’m sure you know how much he talks about you there. I feel like we’ve gotten to see you grow up in a way. So just know that he is so proud of you and talks about that all the time. Your family is in my prayers.
Dear Caroline, I have been reading your dad’s X-Factor book for the last six or so years, and I’m sure you know how much he talks about you there. I feel like we’ve gotten to see you grow up in a way. So just know that he is so proud of you and talks about that all the time. Your family is in my prayers.
As silly as it may seem, Peters updates on the random happenings of your family in X-Factor every month make this all just that much more personable. He came across very genuine and that are all very close. You are lucky to have one another and best of luck in his recovery. Having a great support system means the world.
Caroline, you’re an incredible kid. This is surely a difficult time for you but know that your dad has endeared himself to millions and though we can’t all be in the room with you, we are all praying and hoping for him with you. I’m happy to hear that you were eventually able to enjoy yourself(it’s important to your parents). How’s Star Tours? I’ve only ever been on the one at Disney in California. …and that was in the 90’s. I loved that one but I hear its much better now.
Kathleen,nice touch there with Skippy the pirate droid. 😉
Caroline, I knew your Daddy ‘way back when your sisters, Shana, Gwen and Ariel were little and living on Long Island. I know how much fun he can be as someone to play with. I am sure that your being with him right now in the hospital helps him know how important it is for him to work at getting well as soon as possible. So you keep helping him with his exercises and give him lots of hugs; that’s what he will want most.
Kathleen, we’ve never met but Peter was a member of my husband’s and my wedding party back in the ’80’s. Please let him know that Pat and Jill O’Neill are thinking of him and wishing him a very speedy recovery.
Dear Caroline, I have been reading your day’s X-Factor book for the last six years or so. As I’m sure you know, he talks about you all the time. We get to hear about school, and martial arts, and watching Star Wars and cartoons together. It’s obvious to all of us readers that he loves you very much and couldn’t be prouder of the young woman you’re becoming. Stay strong! Your family is in my prayers!
Very nice of you to share your story Caroline! I have a ten-year old daughter too and I hope if anything ever happens to me, she will be as strong and helpful as you are. Never be afraid to talk to your parents or your sisters about whatever you are feeling, good or bad. You are all there to help one another through the tough times – and don’t worry, the tough times never last forever. I hope you write again soon.
hey, Caroline! I’m a dad,too, and I can tell you EXACTLY what your dad would want.He wants you to enjoy your life and have a great time. You sound like my daughter, who always wants to help. Well, the way you can help your dad (and mum, too, because mums are just the same!) Is to carry on as usual, cheer them up with jokes and fun, and just to behave normally. You see, all parents want to look after their children and can’t bear to see them sad, so if you can just be your normal self, that will help them to relax, so that’s the best thing you can do. So…no crying, no moping, no fretting. I’d be very proud if you were my girl, and I bet they are too! Good luck, and love to your mummy and daddy too!!
Dear Caroline,
I know how you feel. My Mom had a stroke. For many days, we didn’t know whether she would live or die. She lived, but then she got discouraged and wouldn’t do her rehab and ended up in bed all of the time. I don’t think your Daddy would do that, but just keep telling your Daddy to go to rehab and get better.
And if you need to cry, it’s okay to cry. Your parents understand that!
Keep your chin up!
Lorraine
Dear Caroline,
You are being very brave and that is the best thing you can do for your Father. Life is full of surprises, some which will be good, and others that you will need to deal with, and right now you are doing your best with this. It is okay to be brave and scared at the same time, anyone who says they never get scared are only fooling themselves. You are a caring person and I know you will help your father any way you can, and we both know if anyone can recover from this your dad can! Think good thoughts about this, as we all do, and you will be surprised at how much that will help!
Well said Caroline, thank you for sharing this with all us, your dads friends and admirers. You are an incredibly strong girl and you will be a great help to your mom and dad during this. Stay happy and strong and most importantly stay talking about how you are feeling, let that out and it will help a lot.
Kathleen – Thank you for the constant updates, I am glad to hear the news, no matter what it is, as it really helps to know whats happening without having to relay on ‘news’ sites. You have an amazing little girl there, it was nice to hear her side of this all too. I pray my kids never have to face anything like this but if they do I can only hope they could be half as strong as Caroline! I would love to buy Peter’s books to help you guys out but as of yet have not been able to find how to get them in paperback. Keeping you guys in my prayers!
If there is anything I can do to help, send me an email.
Thank you for the update, I know I’ve been keeping him in my thoughts.
Caroline, you are incredibly brave and strong. Great reporting job.
Caroline… We are all pulling for your daddy. You just keep smilin’ and laughing, for him, ’cause that is better than ANY ol’ medicine, or rehab the doctors can give him! As long as your daddy knows you have his back, he will move mountains, or even dreaded “Deathstars”, to get better. Even Superman has his “bad” days…but-with your love and laughter, Superman will fly again. I promise…
We have been keeping up with your blogs and appreciate them very much. Thank you for keeping us all up to date.
Kathleen,
Bob Reyer from Mother’s Movies (and Talking Comics) here; your family is in all our thoughts, and if there is anything that I can do beyond spreading the word, please don’t hesitate to ask.
To Caroline,
My Dad had a stroke, too, and even though I was a grown-up when it happened, I had the same feelings that you’re having. Never worry about sharing those feelings with your Mom and Dad, and remember that you’re the best medicine that your Dad can get!
Peter and family,
My name is Charlie and I’m a 39 year old stroke survivor. When I was 37 years old I suffered two desperate strokes on the right side of my brain. One was in the front and the other was in the back. Still to this day we don’t know why I had them and probably never will. After 8 months I was able to return to work! I know how you are feeling Peter, I was there. I know you’re scared and are wondering why it happened to you. I used to have a lot of harsh feeling to people who would say “oh I hope you get better or I could only imagine how you feel.” I had it in my head that they did know how it felt to not know how to sign their names, how to spell their daughter and wife name, or how to plug the darn electrical plug into the wall socket ( first day home I freaked out because I didn’t know how to). I didn’t start to become at peace with what happened until I reached out to a stroke survivors group. I ended up talking to him for over two hours comparing what had happend to us. Finally I met someone who knew how I felt and what I was going thru. You need to remember the brain is an awesome thing. Thanks to therapy you can re-wire it so other areas can fill in for the effected spots. Please if Peter or the family would like to talk to another stroke survivor or the wife of a stroke survivor, please let me know. My wife use to leave me notes around the place that would say,”today will be a better day.” Everyone needs to remember that! Best of luck from one stroke survivor to another.
Thank you for keeping us up to date and for all the great reporting. Caroline, you are a writer like your dad! You write from the heart and we can get a real sense of what your family is going through. Thank you for being so honest and brave.
Both of my parents went through tough times in the hospital. When they came home, at first, they seemed a little different. But then , as time went on, it was alright, because I could see they were still my folks, and they were happy to be home. Your dad is a great guy, and he will work hard to come home. We are all rooting for you and your dad!Keep letting us know how things are going!
love,
Pat
Sorry to hear that Peter is ill. Wishing and praying for a speedy recovery. Caroline, Makenzie says if you,d like
to call, she,d love to talk. Caroline, keep givin Dad lots of hugs and kisses. Those are better for him than any medicine.
Any word on a “donate” button, Kathleen? Peter’s been good to me in the past and I’d like to help out more than buy a 99¢ book!
Dear Caroline,
I have a daughter only a little bit younger than you (8 and a half), and I know she had the same set of mixed feelings that you did when I was in a bad car accident last year and wound up away from home for a month or so. It was scary, both for her and for me and her mom, but I got much better, and am almost 100%. I bet your dad will do the same; he’ll get great care where he’s going to rehab, and although I only know him a little bit, I think he’s too stubborn to let things like a stroke mess him up. And you can tell him I said that if you like. 🙂
You’ve done a great job telling us all how you feel; please always feel that you can do that. You’re a great young woman; your mom and dad should feel very proud of how they’ve raised you so far. Be well.
And Kath — wow. Just wow.
Thank you Caroline, Ariel and Kathleen. Your updates and feelings are very much appreciated here. We share them in our household. Please pass on to PAD my most sincere wish for his return to you fully mended.
Best wishes to the whole family as ya’ll all go through this together. I’m so happy that Peter is getting so much love and support through this trial. Hopefully he’s out and in rehab only very soon.
Good wishes continue to come your way from Cleveland!
Caroline,
It sounds as if you’re being very brave and very strong, and that’s one of the best things to help your Dad get better. He’s got a lot to do, and knowing that you’re okay and strong will help him get okay and strong.
I’m sure it made him happy that you got to Disney, and I hope you shared all the details with him.
I know it’s a little scary right now, but you’ve seen that your Dad has got a lot of doctors and nurses and therapists helping him out, and more people will be there to take care of him. It’s also great that you and your Mom and your sisters are going to help take care of him too – he needs that most of all!
You should know that there are a lot of us – your Dad’s fans – who are sending good wishes his way, and to your Mom and sisters too – and to you as well! We’re hoping that all of you are well and strong, and that everything gets better for your Dad. Keep smiling, Caroline!
I remain,
Sincerely,
Eric L. Sofer
Caroline, you shouldn’t feel bad that you can have fun when your Daddy is sick. It’s hard sometimes, but your Daddy wants you to have fun. When my little baby died, I thought I would never have fun again. I thought I wasn’t supposed to have fun because Jordan couldn’t have any. But Jordan wouldn’t want me to be sad all the time and neither does your Daddy. The people who love us want us to be happy, and it makes them happy when we are. Be brave, be strong, and with all these people pulling for your Daddy, how can he NOT get better! Love and good energies to the whole David family.
Everyone is sending their best wishes for your dad to get better, Caroline. Many people here have had experiences with strokes and know the problems that your family faces.
My family has too much experience in hospitals and I know it has often been a scary time for us going there.
Your dad is an amazing guy and his work has meant a lot to many thousands of people. We all want him to get better and are grateful that you have taken the time to share a little part of his recovery with many of us who wish well for you.
Dear Caroline
When my own Dad lost two fingers to an industrial accident, I felt guilty because I was having fun at summer camp while he was in the hospital. I was very sad and angry when I found out what’d happened.
As it turned out, my Dad wanted me to have a good time at camp. My Dad recovered and even learned to write again with his injured hand. I learned that determination, and the love of your family are factors that play a huge part in recovering.
I think your Dad values his time with you, just as my Dad valued his time with me. Look on the time you spend away from him as time to refresh yourself and collect interesting things to share with him. The road of recovery’s a long one. The things you share with your Dad will cheer him, encourage him, and make him think. I’ve been in recovery myself. I can testify to how much appreciated those little bits of the outside world are.
Be good to yourself, and your Mother. Take the time to enjoy sunny days and walks, and everyday pleasures, and talk to friends and family when things get frustrating. They will get frustrating, but it’ll pass.
Bless you and your family. I’ll be thinking about you, and wishing you all well.
I don’t need to tell all of you to hug each other a lot, but I want to give all you big hugs.
To Caroline:
I know how you feel about feeling a bit guilty. A couple of years back my Mother had to have heart surgery at the same time I was scheduled to go away on a trip to Finland (I live in Sweden). I asked her if she wanted me to stay home and of course she said no. I went, and although I enjoyed myself my thoughts were with her and I worried. The surger was successful though amd now, six years later, she is as healthy as she ever was. I really really hope your Dad will be too. But even if he doesnt get 100% better, he will always be your Daddy. Take care of him and yourself!
To Kathleen and Peter:
I really hope the white-cell count comes down to normal ASAP so you can start rehabilitation soon. It seems like progress is already quick though. My thoughts and well-wishes to your whole family!
Caroline, your courage shames me. I wish had half of yours.
I’m keeping you, your mom and your dad in my thoughts.
Luigi
🙂
Caroline, your mom and dad have shared stories and pictures of you from the day you were born so a lot of us feel like we’ve been there watching you grow into the amazing young lady you obviously are. One of the first thing we all felt when hearing about your Dad’s stroke was “I hope Caroline will be ok.” I don’t think I would have been as brave as you when I was your age.
I’m glad you know that you had nothing to do with him getting sick but you should also know that you will have a LOT to do with him getting well. Rehab is hard work and no fun but one thing that drives people to do the hard work is knowing that it will get them back to their family. I’ll bet there is nothing he wants more than to be able to do the same things with you that the two of you did before and that will keep him doing what he has to do to make that happen.
You are a very lucky young lady to have such wonderful parents and sisters and after reading this I think they are very lucky to have you.
You’re very brave, Caroline! Keep taking care of your parents!
I’ll try to drop some money in with you guys, as soon as I get my money in, by the first of the coming month. Wishing you all the best, Mr. David. Sending my thoughts & prayers your way. 🙂
I’ll try to drop some money in with you guys, as soon as I get my money in, by the first of the coming month.
Wishing you all the best, Mr. David. Sending my thoughts & prayers your way. Take care.
P.s. Caroline, you have a very brave daddy! Stay strong! 🙂
Caroline,
I’m glad to hear you’re helping your Dad by being there and supporting him through this. I’m sure you know he’s pretty special. There are lots of us in the world for whom your Dad and his work have brought many happy memories. He even help inspire some of us in our careers! Even though I’ve never met your Dad, he’s made a difference in my life. I want you to know that I, and many others, are thinking of you and your family and the doctors taking care of your Dad. Having read your comments, I know your Dad is incredibly proud of you. You’re going to play a big part in helping him get better, just by being there for him. I wish you all the comfort and support that you need.
Caroline,
I work at the place where you saw the tigers at Animal Kingdom sometimes (I wasn’t there the day you were, though) so I’m really glad you had a good time there, especially since your father has written so many things I’ve enjoyed. I wish I could have been there to talk with you about tigers because I like to watch them too. I’m praying for your dad too as well as you and your family.
I hope you’re able to come to Animal Kingdom again soon,
Tommy
Hello Caroline, hang in on there. My mom’s also in the hospital, so I know how you feel. I met your dad a few years ago when he came to my country for a convention, and he’s a real strong guy, a real fighter, and a fun person to be around… not to mention how awesome he is at writing…. give him all your love, and helphim recover, and he should be doing great in no time!