Bob Green had an auto accident Friday. He's in the hospital, and has been improving, but it may be a long haul. I am reposting two messages from his daughters. The first is from Saturday...
Some of you may know that my dad (Bob Green) was involved in a serious auto accident on Friday. Because he has so many people who care about him in the contra community, I wanted to summarize what happened and how he's doing so you all can be updated together.
He
was driving by himself on the highway west of St. Louis when his car went off the road. No other car was involved and we don't know why he went off the road, as it wasn't witnessed.
Highway Patrol and paramedics responded relatively quickly (his iPhone called 911 on its own!) and he was transported by LifeFlight to a trauma hospital. He sustained a serious neck injury that required surgery right away, and he also likely has some degree of traumatic brain injury. He broke several ribs and had one collapsed lung, thanks to the seat belt that did an otherwise good job keeping him inside the car.
At the moment, he is on a ventilator and is being kept relatively sedated. He has shown signs of positive improvement over the first 24 hours - he is intermittently responsive and able to answer yes/no questions, and he is moving his arms and legs and following basic commands. He has attempted a smile at a few dumb jokes, which is quite encouraging. The neurosurgeon and trauma team were very pleased with his progress. However, his injuries are still very serious and we will be taking it day by day. He will certainly be recovering for quite some time.
We are so appreciative of the support from his contra family, which means a lot as he heals and as Martha adjusts to his absence in their usual routine. As there are limited hospital visitors allowed and several of his family are in town to be with him at the hospital, at the moment we would like to ask that no one ask to visit him at the hospital. We would welcome any videos of music, dancing, well-wishing, etc to be sent this way so we can lift his spirits with loving presence.
Thank you,
Leah Baruch, Sarah Spencer, and Emily Green
("Bob's Daughters")
... And here is an update from Tuesday morning...
I wanted to post an update on Dad's (
Robert Green) condition. He remains stable which is the best we could hope for currently. He is more awake and aware and trying to communicate. He has been listening to a lot of contra music and at times has been coreographing new dances in his head. if someone can dance in an icu bed while recovering from a spinal cord injury, it is my dad.
... His wife, fiddler Martha Edwards, has family and friends taking care of her needs... It's recommended that emails, videos and posts are good ways to send support to Bob, no calls or visits.... Bob has been a positive, creative, joyful presence in the lives of many in this community. Please transmit your support for him in the best way you can. I'll post updates for the next few weeks, if that's okay with the moderators.
Keith Tuxhorn
Springfield IL