PaulGlasse

Paul Glasse - information update page

On Saturday, November 27, 2004 while returning from downtown Austin, our beloved friend and his family were broadsided by a pickup truck apparently attempting to outrun a red light. All were injured. Due to severe trauma, Paul's wife, Nine--seven months pregnant--had to undergo emergency C-section, delivering their baby boy prematurely. Little Mariel suffered a broken finger. Paul himself, though not driving, was seriously and extensively hurt. As of this morning his injuries include a broken pelvis, broken clavicle, broken arm, broken wrist, broken ribs, gastric hemorrhage, and a collapsed lung. He is presently in intensive care, receiving respiratory assistance. The prognosis remains good, however.

We will continue to update this information as often as it is made available to us.
**UPDATES**

Benefit for Paul and his family
Sunday April 10th

4-10pm at

Antone's
213 W 5th St.
Austin, TX 78701
 
Antone's Club info:
Info Line: 
512.263.4146
Age: 18+
FuLL BAR: YES (2)
OPEN: 365 DAYs A YEAR
PARKING: NO...on street:-(


featuring:
Shawn Colvin, the Austin Lounge Lizards, 
James Hand, Gene Elders and Rick McRae, Mitch Watkins, Christine Albert and Chris Gage, the Texas Swing Kings & more!

Chronolgy of Paul's medical progress:

12/2/04 -- Paul now awake, but still on ventilator.

12/3/04 -- Nine and Mariel are home; Paul still in ICU, continuing to improve.

12/5/04 -- per Paul's mother, Lou: Nine is improving, though using a walker for support to get around. She and Paul have named their new little son, Julien "Crash" Glasse...at 4 and a half pounds the little sweetie is growing stronger every day, remaining in NICU until he gains a little more weight. Grandmother Lou was even able to hold little Julien last night! Mariel's cast may come off next week if her hand is healing properly. And Paul will hopefully be taken off respiratory support today. He has been awake and able to communicate some with use of a writing tablet. Hopefully he will be able to speak soon:-) The ICU staff has even had him standing briefly! Visiting hours at the hospital are 1pm-1:30, 5pm-5:30, and 9pm - 9:30, though he needs plenty of r&r to get better. His family requests short visits until Paul is stronger.

12/6/04 -- the following wonderful report came to us today from our friend Richard Somers:

"Joel Hobbs and I visited Paul yesterday evening. He [Paul] was off the ventilator and all reports state that he is responding very well. Today he will be removed from the ICU and will have a busy day making this change. The good and bad aspect is that Paul is healiing, and along with that and coming out of the Morphine drip's and all, is that the pain is also showing its face, and Paul was rather uncomfortable when we arrived, so our visit was very short.

The baby, Julian 'Crash' (official) Glasse is doing well. Nine has breastfed him first time, and he is also breathing on his own. Nine is at home doing well but moving slow and also feeling the pains from the impact, and has a bum leg that needs some looking after. Mariel, is running around with her casted hand and having people sign it.

Apparently, it all happened just blocks from their house on 11th street returning from town. Not much is remembered about the actual impact, but Paul remembers really knowing he was in trouble afterwards as he couldn't breath. Thank God for the new car they were in. It may have been the single factor that diverted the impact to a non fatal area. The Honda would have been crushed. Also, Nine told me that Paul was driving originally, but couldn't figure out the steering lock. So Nine got in the drivers seat, and once the key thing was figured out, she decided to drive. What a huge factor!! If you can imagine if she was in the passenger seat at 8 months pregnant....so, Paul can heal knowing all is okay with the family. Its just going to be a painful time of healing.
All the best for now." -- Richard

12/7/04 -- 6pm: Gene reports that he took all of your emails to Paul that arrived prior to noon today. Paul was thrilled. He has been "stepped down" from ICU to Intermediate Care. His breathing is still being monitored. But he is really doing better in spite of his many injuries, and deeply appreciates everyone's care and concern for him and the family. Paul sends his love and thanks to all of you. Nine is still using a walker due to her leg injury, and Mariel is still wearing a cast on her little hand. And, littlest "Crash" Glasse, their own tiny Christmas miracle, is continuing to grow stronger.
Until tomorrow...

12/8/04 -- We just received this good news from our friend, Steve Schwelling:

"I just got back from [the hospital]. Paul looks good, especially considering what he's going through. He was sitting up and was alert and talkative. His voice is strong and he is improving daily. He was very moved by all of the emails as well as the visits and phone calls he has received. He sends his love and thanks to all. He is still in an intermediate area but will soon be moving to a larger private room. I told him he will need a ballroom to hold all the people that want to see him. I'm very thankful."

12/10/04 -- Gene and I visited Paul last evening. It was my first visit. Even as a former nurse, I was shocked at the visible extent of his injuries; in addition to what we originally learned, he informed us that all of his ribs (on his right side) were also crushed in the wreck. (He was having some audible difficulty with breathing and speaking.) He still has a chest tube (quite invasive procedure and painful).He looked beyond exhausted. His multiple injuries are going to take quite a bit of rest and rehabilitation. This is not going to be accomplished quickly. Paul is not out of the woods. Yesterday was the first time he had been permitted to see his little newborn son. The experience of even being upright for a few minutes is complicated, exhausitng, and extremely painful. Gene and I are grateful to know he is improving, but he has along way to go. This family is going to need our ongoing support. We must all understand and be patient in our desire to see him -- perhaps we should all reconsider his condition and limit our visits to no more than 5 or 10 minutes, at least until he is off all breathing support, altogether. Meanwhile, the hospital medical staff will be tending to Paul's healing, and he will need our love and prayers, cards and letters. But he needs rest the most. At home, Nine is going to need our help with the children after Paul's family goes home. Perhaps we can be most pro-active there, with rides to the store for her or running other errands, helping with meals, baby-sitting.

In the coming days we will know more. As Gene and I learn what will be beneficial to them, I will post that information here, as well as link to any other web sites designed for similar purpose. Please let un know if you are aware of such. Gene and I, too, are grateful to God that our friends are alive, for it is only miraculous that they are here at all. But now is just the beginning of a very long road.

***
12/10/04 -- Late afternoon report from Mitch: Paul doing better. More comfortable. In good spirits. Paul hoping to move to Rehab. next week. Mitch feels encouraged re: Paul's progress....

12/12/04 -- Sunday -- Paul's brother, Jeff writes us:

Hi Betty - I'm Paul's brother, Jeff

I want to let you know that Paul's spirits have been lifted so much by the concern and support from his friends. Thanks for providing these updates - they are a valuable way for Paul to stay connected.

Today, Sunday the 12th, the doctors removed the remaining chest tube from his right lung. Monday he will be transferred to a rehab hospital to begin that phase of his recovery. He's heard "they work you pretty hard" in rehab, but I haven't heard any complaints from Paul through this whole ordeal.

Though he still has a long way to go, I am truly astounded at Paul's progress since he was so terribly injured just 15 days ago. This is a testament to Paul's strength, the medical care he's received, and the support of his friends and family.

Thanks,
Jeff Glasse

12/13/04 -- Moday's update comes from Gary Hartman's band's newsletter:
"Many of you have asked about how Paul Glasse is doing after he and his family were hit by a pickup that ran a red light in Austin on November 27th.
We're happy to report that, although it was a very serious accident, everyone is now doing well. In fact, Paul is scheduled to be released from Brackenridge Hospital today.
(He and his family are very grateful for all the good wishes sent by everyone.)"

*****

December 13, 2004

a tiny Christmas miracle

12/14/04 -- This from Paul, yesterday....
"There is so much to be thankful for. Everyday I feel stronger; so many friends have come and offered help and love to our family. Nine and I are so grateful. It is quite overwhelming...."
(Thanks to Richard Somers for the beautiful photo:-)

12/15/04 -- Gene and I visited Paul at Rehab today. He is mending slowly. Slowly. It is beyond difficult and extremely painful for Paul to even sit up with all that is still broken. He has a fresh new red scar running all the way down his abdomen from is breastbone to his...well, all the way down. That alone would slow down most of us. Major surgery to repair the torn gastric artery. He almost bled out....but those broken bones...aieee! (How can anyone walk with a fractured pelvis?) Paul beams at us through weary eyes. "Thanks for coming," He manages, smiling. He is pale, medicated, in obvious discomfort, taking small shallow breaths but does not complain. We stay for some time. He asks about how long we think it will take for him to return to function. We say could be a couple of months; could be as much as six. I am thinking a year or more. We smile at him and talk about the road ahead. Nine will need so much help, he observes, looking far away.
It will be a long road for everyone. *
****

12/21/04 -- Great news from Paul-- he is so anxious to go home, he says, that he is getting grumpy...YAY!
Looks like the Rehab Center is getting ready to send him homeward tomorrow, in time for Christmas!!
Congratulations to Paul, Nine, Mariel, and little Julien "Crash" Glasse.... you are true Christmas miracles to all of us.
Much love, prayers, and support are coming your way for the long road ahead.
And Merry Christmas.....

12/29/04 -- Paul himself reports that the whole family is home and healing slowly! He and Nine are truly grateful for all the help they have received from all of you. (He was holding little Julien as we spoke....aw-w-ww!) Paul sends special thanks to Joel Hobbs, Scott Tichenor, Jane Sharpe, Aletha, and the rest for all their efforts.

(FYI: in addition to the fine FriendsofNineandPaul message board Jane set up,
Scott Tichenor's great "Mandolin Cafe" contains a link to the Paypal site for your donations to Paul and his family, HERE.)

1/11/05 -- Gene and I visited with Paul on the phone tonight. (We live ~ 40 miles from town....) Paul says he is getting around much better (pelvic fracture). His speech (breathing--collapsed lungs) sounds much better. Says his shoulder still giving him a lot of discomfort (broken collarbone), but overall improving daily:-) Had his splint removed (broken wrist) the day before; CAN play mandolin! And he is receving email now! Claims to have even begun a NEW Paul Glasse tune.....
Nine is still having trouble with her leg injury, still in pain; still using a walker part time. Family still needing help with running household.
Paul and Nine do appreciate all the wonderful assistance they have received thus far.....
Read on below for information on helping out.

**You can send now Paul, Nine and family a get-well email, to pglasse@fastmail.fm !!!

1/22/05 -- Nine writes to us via the great Yahoo message board:

Hello all,

Nine here.

I just wanted to let you know that Paul and I feel like two of the
luckiest people alive, partly because we are alive, and partly because
we live among some of the most caring, considerate, wonderful friends
to be found anywhere, anytime. Several people have commented on how
fast our family is healing and Paul and I are certain it has everything
to do with the love and attention, all the food, cards, calls, rides,
child care, acupuncture, massages, photos, financial and organizational
help that we received from you all. We are truly overwhelmed by the
experience and thank you very, very much for being there for us. Out of
this terrible event has come renewed hope for the potential of humanity
and a poignant confirmation of the importance of friends, family and
community. Paul and I, Julien and Marielle, are truly rich people.

A very special thanks goes out to Katherine, the electronic maestro,
for setting up this web site which has been invaluable in making all
this happen and to that trio of amazing queen bees, Aletha, Jane and
Heather, for all their organizing energy and expertise. I only have one
question left after all this ... how on earth will I ever carry on
without you girls?!!

Some of you have been asking about our needs these days. We are happy
to report that they are greatly reduced compared to two months ago. In
fact, since we are now all ambulatory (even I who has had the lingering
hip and limp problem am now walking without a cane. If anyone needs a
miracle chiropractor, call me. I've got The man!), and since I can
drive Paul's car, we can now do all of our own grocery shopping. I know
to most of you this may sound banal, even awful, but believe me, for us
it's thrilling to be able to do this ourselves. Ah, the small things
that we sometimes take for granted!

As he is still not able to drive, Paul has requested continued help in
being shuttled to and fro from his various health related appointments
. His schedule occasionally conflicts with appointments for other
family members. If there are some of you that wouldn't mind remaining
on his on-call list, could you please e-mail your names and contact
numbers for him to have access to you? Thanks in advance.

Food wise, I think we're doing fine in that department too. We are now
cooking again although I will admit that the occasional meal is highly
appreciated in relieving the general stresses involved with having a
newborn, a 4 year old, and two old, fatigued parental bodies.

Marielle is still quite available for play dates. She loves kids and
big girls and boys, too. She's quite social and will teach you French
if you ask her. She's been having such a good time with all her outings
(more than usual since the accident) that Paul and I are afraid she's
equating trauma with unbridled fun. My, my, what a harsh return to
reality it will be!!

In truth, Marielle seems to have processed the accident in a healthy
manner. She can now talk about it casually whereas before, she'd get
blocked by a wall of tears. It no doubt helped her when her Papa came
home from the hospital. Now, she's focusing on being a good big sister.
Although she's not thrilled about abdicating the coveted position of
"only-child-center-of-universe", she is quite excited about the arrival
of little Julien. She thinks he's "chou" (adorable) but then again, he
hasn't started playing with her toys yet.

Julien, for his part, is doing what he can to catch up to a normal
birth weight. He's a guzzling kind of guy, no doubt in training for his
upcoming college days . We're thrilled to report that about two weeks
ago he weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz, technically out of the preemie and
now entering the "big he-man baby" category. He's a little man of big
appetite and we're happy for it.

That about covers it for us. Again, thank you so much for your love and
help. If ever you're in the neighborhood, please stop by to say hi and
meet the latest member of the clan. We'd love to see you.

much love and gratitude from us all,

nine, paul, marielle, and little crash

1/24/05 -- NEWS flash from Scott Tichenor, owner of the Mandolin Cafe Web Site:
"...We ran a fundraiser on the Mandolin Cafe
this morning and raised $1,029.02 [for] Paul's PayPal account
shortly...
Thanks to David Grisman for
[his] CDs. I just did the footwork, mailing, communication, etc.

best regards,
Scott Tichenor

(Stay tuned!)

We will keep posting reports until Paul is able to write his own reports:-)
Thanks to all who have kept us informed--Nine Glasse, Mrs. Lou Glasse, Jeff Glasse,
Richard Somers, Mitch Watkins, Jane Sharpe, and Gary Hartman,
and for dear Dave Oberman's having spreading the word on FOLKWAYS,
as well as divine John Aielli's help on EKLEKTIKOS.
We are delivering all of your wonderful email letters to give Paul and Nine.
Meanwhile., your prayers are appreciated by all of us, on behalf of our dear friend and his family.

* P.S. To keep up with those who are coordinating volunteer efforts to provide ongoing help for the Glasse family in a multitude of ways, please go to Yahoo Group, "Friends of Nine and Paul" HERE, join Yahoo and get on their help-list.

In re: to that....

Betty,
Here is the link to click on the join the Nine and Paul elist.
If they just send a blank email to this address, they will be signed up and will automatically begin receiving emails.
friendsofnineandpaul-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (just click on the link, hit "send", and it is done!--Betty)
Let me know if you have any problems. This should be very fast and easy.

Thanks Betty,
Aletha St.Romain

With love and best wishes for the coming year,
--Betty and Gene Elders
info@bettyelders.com

BACK

You can order Paul's three original CDs online at the following websites:
http://www.midcontinentmusic.com/search.cfm?searchkey=paul_glasse&SearchType=0
http://www.discoweb.com/uk/Music/scripts/info.asp_$origen=$ref=00-237914_.htm l

"One More Night" (just one of Paul's stunning CDs)

Or, simply type Paul's name into Google and go.....

...or find more mandolin info at Scott Tichenor's incredible site: The MandolinCafe.com