GBC GBC GBC GBC GBC update

Hello friends, Though I have much to say to catch all of you up in this experience, I can't go any further without first acknowledging the Grossman Burn Center.
GBC staff I am grateful for each one of you. From the cleaning staff to surgeons, you all are wonderful top notch people. I am going to follow here with some thank you's by name but of course I am going to forget someone. I hope that those I forget will know I appreciate them as well. One of the fringe benefits of getting shocked with 13,000 volts is that I am hoping people will cut me some slack with forgetfulness etc. --hah. After all what would be a better excuse.
Doctors.
Dr. Richard Grossman.
Thank you for the first days of diagnosis and surgery. I was actually unsure of who you were when we finally met. I am honored to be at the hospital you founded and have worked so hard to make it what it is. Your passion and compassion have worked its way completely through the staff. Thank You.
Dr. Peter Grossman.
Many doctors have great skill like you but lack a caring bedside manner. Not you. You made me feel important and secure with your many many bedside visits. Its obvious that you have a great passion for what you do along with a genuine kindness and compassion for those you work with/on. Those daily visits from you meant a lot. Thank You.
Physicians Assistants-- Kirt, Steven.
Much of what I said about Dr. Peter goes for you guys. You are following in the footsteps of a great founder, surgeon (s) and team. Your friendly bedside manner was also appreciated. So Kirt---Who is going to win Idol this year? Thanks you guys, keep up the excellent work.
Dr. Miao ( general practitioner)
Thanks for getting me on some pain meds that did not make me loopy or vomit. I appreciated your bed side manner as well. Nice guy.
Dr. Simons - Phyciatric
Dr. Scharf - Neurology
This may start sounding like a broken record but your care and manner were much appreciated. Thank you.
SALAR, You're awesome. thanks for your excellent work dealing with the insurance people. As you prepare to be a surgeon I know you will succeed with that kind of determination and skill.
Surgical Staff.
It has been an interesting relationship with most of you in that 95% of the time I was asleep and you were awake. hah. I know that your contributions to my surgery were a great part of the success of my surgeries. The few minutes we had before I went to la la land were reassuring and humorous making me feel secure before you all got your scalpels out! So who was the guy who offered me a Martini or a Margarita? Pretty funny guys/gals Thank You.
Transport Staff
Kitchen Staff.
Though we did not meet face to face all that much I want you to know I appreciate you. We had some fun rides down the hallways and the humor was again reassuring.
The food at GBC is really good. I got to choose from a host of different foods and were encouraged to make special requests. Being served great food to my room every day was a privilege. Thanks!
Cleaning Crew.
Antonio, Rosa, Arturo and others.
Your smiles and hellos were always there and your effort to keep it all clean is very much appreciated. Thank you. ( Arturo---Go Lakers!!)
Alan-Thanks for all your photo work. When the guys start talking about all there war wounds I will have some pics to help them put things in perspective! Happy Birthday.
Respiratory Therapists-- Herb and Steve.
Welcome to the land down under! Thanks for your kindness and conversation while getting me in and out of the "tube" I am sure the 18 sessions helped speed my recovery. Herb, have fun with your home owner projects. If you ever need advice please email me. My first advice is: Don't touch high voltage wiring...I know, I am genius. ---Thanks guys!
Burn Tech / CNA. Joe, Brianna and Lorena.
What great aid you give to the nurses. Thank you for your gentle dressing changes and humorous outgoing personalities. Joe I must say seeing you as the first GBC staff person gave me a little scare after getting my little scrub downs in SD. My fears were eased quickly when you ..well...did not hurt me. --ha. Bri. All I gotta say is "You go Girl" It is refreshing to see a young person as motivated, friendly and funny as you. I know you will be a RN soon. Way to go.
Director----Kelli
Good things start from the top. Your leadership of this unit is a testament to your kindness and compassion and skill. Thank you for your friendliness and smiles.

I saved my thank you to the nursing staff for last not because you are the least, quite the opposite. You had to put up with me the most and "do' for me the most from "more water" to meds, to IV's, to help walking,cleaning, and just being a friend. Every day when I went to chamber I would come back and have this perfectly made bed. I learned from Antonio that the nurses did that every day. It is humbling to be served is such capacities every day. You are all so warm, friendly,kind, caring and patient. I could not think of a better crew to care for the burned, especially the severely burned. God Bless You. Thank You Thank You Thank You.
Nursing Staff.
Stacey Julio Tracey
Emily Maria Josephine
Lolita Stephanie Barbara
Jennifer 1 Jennifer 2 Jennifer 3 Molly
Mark Betty Patricia
Mame Helana Kathleen Verona
Fate Valisa Elaine Sue/Susan
Out patient--Marcy Lilly Ruby
( I know I have missed some and I am sorry. I am a little outnumbered.)

--------------GBC INVITE.----------
IF ANY OF YOU WANT TO SPEND SOME TIME IN SANTA BARBARA AND DON'T WANT THE EXPENSE OF A HOTEL, PLEASE CALL THE RIDEOURS. WE WOULD LOVE TO HOUSE YOU. USE US A PLACE TO SLEEP OR A PLACE TO HANG OUT. WE CAN HELP YOU WITH PLACES TO GO AND SEE WHILE YOU ARE HERE WITH YOUR FRIEND OR FAMILIES.
EMAIL TODD FOR PHONE NUMBER ETC. todd.rid@gmail.com.

At this point I will say " see you later" and not good bye. I will be seeing you from time to time as I continue to recover.

See ya--------todd ridenour.