It wasn’t but 8 days ago when I posted a photo of Max playing soccer on a warm summer day in Bend. Today I find myself looking after him with Laurie at the Oregon Burn Center in Portland. The amount of support we have received has been overwhelming and Laurie and I thank everyone so much for their thoughts and prayers. Everything has been happening so fast – it’s been hard for us to keep up with letting everybody know how Max is doing so I think it’s best to just post his status here as he is being treated.
On my way out the door to Portland on Friday I made my best attempt to let family and friends know what had happened, but in my haste (and using Laurie’s computer) I didn’t get an email out to everybody so I will recap what happened and end with where we are today.
Friday evening Max was standing outside by the bbq grill when our friend Eric was making an attempt to re-light the fire w/ some sort of fuel. Max tells me now that he was standing about six feet away from the grill when the fuel my friend was using exploded. I was sitting inside talking to Laurie when all of a sudden we saw this massive explosion right outside the side patio – I had never seen such a thing before in person. The 1st thing I thought of was Max. I immediately ran outside and saw both Max and friend partially on fire – I ran towards Max and tackled him to the ground rolling him and smothering him as best I could. With the the fire off his body I ran with him to the car to take him to the hospital – but then someone called the ambulance so we waited. We grabbed as many towels as we could and soaked them in cold water to put on Max and my friend – skin was just peeling off of his face, arms and chest – Max still didn’t realize what just happened – and didn’t know at 1st why his sister and mother were screaming and why I was acting so crazy. The ambulance came, Laurie left with Max and I took Ana to her Grandparents house as fast as I could.
After dropping of Ana and explaining to mom and dad what had just happened I took off to the hospital – and waited for the ambulance to arrive.
Max started to realize what had happened and was looking at us staring at his face and was getting a little concerned – he had very serious burns on his left arm, face and chest – so the doctors decided he needed to be flown to The Burn Center immediately – my friend was to go as well, but he took the helicopter not the jet.
Once the decision was made that Max was going to Portland, I left for home to get whatever I thought I would need for our stay.
I got home – threw some clothes, toothbrushes in a bag, stopped, typed up a quick email and sent it off to whoever I could think of at the time – I let the dogs out got in the Pathfinder and raced to my dads house picked him up plugged the hospital in the GPS, got fuel made hotel reservations and headed for Portland.
The drive up there was torture – my father did his best by talking about anything but what had just happened to Max – I as a father I kept thinking how could I let something like this happen to my son. What could I have done to prevent this – why did this happen?… I had no idea how bad the burns were, if Max was going to be OK – his beautiful 10 yer old skin had been chard from his body, his eyebrows were gone, eyelashes burnt, I kept on seeing him as I did when I ran out there after the explosion – blank stare on his face while his hair was on fire, then his skin peeling off as I was trying to keep the wet towel on him – then my phone rang as we were entering Sandy – it was Laurie.
‘Hey honey, the Dr looked at Max and he thinks he’s going to be ok. his arm is kind of bad, but his face may be ok – he can see, and still feel – but we’re going to be here for about 2 weeks’ My state of mind went from uncertainty to relief – my stomach stopped churning and I felt my foot get a bit lighter – my dad immediately called my mom and left a message.
Laurie was there about an hour and a half before we arrived – We 1st went to the emergency center, but they directed us across the street to the Burn Center (which is where I am now). We buzzed the door told them who we were and they let us in (it was after hours). Once inside there were a series of doors we had to go through to get to where Max was – but it was quick.
I remember walking into the room with my dad – it was very quiet, somewhat brightly lit and there were two nurses working on Max. They had already mostly finished wrapping him up. His head was mostly covered with dressing less a few holes for his nose and eyes, they had already wrapped his arm and were just finishing his chest – ‘Have you washed your hands?’ one of the nurses asked. We were directed to the hand washing station before we could approach Max.
Immediately after washing my hands I quietly walked up to Max who was sedated and appeared to be unresponsive. I whispered in his ear ‘Max it’s dad, I’m hear’ – his head jerked toward me and his right hand moved up to reach for me. I squeezed it just hard enough to let him know I was right there. He let go of my hand and then gave me the thumbs up – and then put his hands back down and was out again.
Max had tubes and wires all over him – he had a tube in his nose to feed him, a tube in his mouth to make sure he could breath, a catheter in him so he wouldn’t have to get up to go to the bathroom, IV in his arm for hydration and potassium, a blood pressure gauge on his ankle, a blood oxygen reader on his finger. These guys had him covered. I believe the people at St Charles actually put the breather tube in him before the flight.
Our 1st night here was rather bizarre – after spending a little bit of time with Laurie and making sure Max was OK I took dad to the hotel and drove right back here. Dad was looking tired and I knew he could have used some sleep – All of us had gone from 0 to 200 in seconds and we still had no idea what the final outcome would be. They set us up with cots in the waiting room so we took turns staying with Max and the whole time I was just starring at him, thinking is this really happening?
The next day (Saturday) was amazing – Max did not look good at all – but it was amazing to get calls, emails, and text messages of support from our family, friends, and neighbors. Laurie’s brothers and childhood friend flew in from the east coast, my brother just happened to be in Portland with his wife for a Wedding so he was here too. Max’s face was swelling up by morning, healing, but it looked bad – his spirits were up and he would give us the thumbs up on occasion and would gesture with his two arms up for hugs. They had been medicating him for the pain that he was no doubt in. Throughout the morning and afternoon he would have moments of lucidity, gesturing in the air like he wanted to write something – so we gave him a pen and paper. His eyes were swollen shut, and he couldn’t talk but he still wanted to communicate with us. The 1st thing he wrote was ‘The hospital is fun’. We laughed and tried to give him the best hug we could without crushing the tubes and wires and touching his dressings – we wanted to kiss him so bad, but his lips were just raw flesh. After a moment – he realized that it was just Laurie my dad and I and he gestured for the pen again and wrote ‘I love you guys’. I started to cry. How could this little dude who was just on fire less than 24 hours ago be so strong and spirited! He was keeping our spirits up because he felt we were upset.
The day progressed with dressing changes, family visits, phone calls, emails, texts, and just starring at Max. I made my best attempt to keep people in the loop, but realized after several hours I was loosing my ability to focus on anything else but Max. I may have returned some phone calls, but it’s a blur at this point.
It’s Sunday early morning and Max is actually doing really well! The swelling on his face has gone down considerably and the doctor says his face looks like it’s going to be OK, but he’s a little concerned about his arm which is bordering a 2nd degree burn – his face was mostly 2nd degree burns, which appear to be healing – but with burns I’ve learned it can go either way.
He has just one tube in him now for food, but that’s it. He hopped out of the bed today and we took him for a roll in to the beautiful garden here. He walked around for a bit to go to the bathroom (record pee time for him today) and his appetite has come back (he was nauseous yesterday and vomited pretty much everything that was pumped into him). I’ve been helping the nurses remove and replace his dressings – Laurie helps too and has been right next to Max this whole time. There was one sad moment today when Max looked in the mirror and saw his face for the 1st time – he gasped and was shocked – he didn’t recognize himself and was scared – we assured him he was getting better and this was just part of the process. I think seeing himself really put things in perspective for Max – he’s as strong as ever and now understands what happened. He’s such a strong kid and we are so proud of him. We’ve been with him this whole time, watching movies, reading, playing roshambo, talking, explaining, and mostly relaying messages of encouragement from our family and friends. I just want to say thank you to everyone for your awesome show of support and prayers – I believe it is really helping Max’s healing process with everyone thinking positively!
The doctor came in today and gave us a bit of encouragement. We may not have to be here for 2 whole weeks – Max seems to be healing well, so that’s good to hear. Eric is also here and is doing OK – he may need some surgery to his arm/side but we will know more later this week.
It’s getting late and I’m tired, but wanted to write about Max’s condition here and continue to post his progress for family, friends and neighbors to see. Thank you all for all your positive thoughts, support, and well wishes. We really really appreciate it and realize that without you guys this would have been way way harder!
Carlos & Laurie,
As friends and fellow parents, you know our hearts go out to you and your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Max at this moment, knowing that a child of God can never be out of His care – even for an instant – and can never be anything less than perfect. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.
Cam & Lori
we love you and our hearts will be with the fam and with max at every moment!
Max- When you are next in Bend, lets have some hot chocolate together.. I’ll buy!
Don’t forget, as much as the lights, bells and buttons in your room make you think of a spaceship, you CAN NOT try to fly the adjustable bed to Disneyland. The wheels on that thing simply cant handle the landing!
Best wishes for your speedy return home-
Thanks for doing this so we can get the updates Carlos. Max has been on my mind non-stop, as well as the two of you. We are praying for a speedy recovery for him and hope he is not in too much pain. That poor little guy. I just hug Bryce over and over, and hope that Max can feel it through him…Love you all! Michelle
Hi Max.
I’m really sorry to hear about what happened to you — but I am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED to know you’re on your way to a speedy recovery. You’re a tough little guy! Very loving, kind and strong too!
I hope the doctors and nurses are giving you super-special treatment since you’re and super-special guy!
Get well soon, buddy.
Lots of love,
Danno
Hello Perez Family,
I have just read of your situation. I spoke with Zach and we had a moment and both are thinking of Max with prayer good thoughts and energy for him.
Max keep those thumbs up.
Take care and keep us all posted.
John & Zach….
Hello Perez Family,
I have just read of your situation. I spoke with Zach and we had a moment and both are thinking of Max with prayer good thoughts and energy for him.
Max keep those thumbs up.
Take care and kepp us all posted.
John & Zach….
Carlos,
I am holding you and Laurie and Max up in my thoughts and heart. I am praying for you all. I worked in a children’s burn hospital for a couple of years. I know it from another angle but not from yours. I am available if you there are questions you have that don’t seem to stick when you ask them up there. Please do call. 541.390.3964
Stephen Archer
What a great idea guys. In tears again. You guys are constantly in our thoughts and prayers! You guys are amazing. Seeing you guys yesterday was such a relief. We’re lucky to be a part of your lives. Lucy and Cocoa say hi and they love you Max. Can’t wait to see you. Hugs and kisses…
Carlos, thank you so much for informing me of the accident. You have been on my mind lately, no wonder. Please give Max a Big high 5 and that I am thinking of him and wishing him good thoughts for a quick recovery. My thoughts are with you all, love Terry and Jet
Max we hope you have a speedy recovery! once you feel better you should check out sift heads http://www.siftheads.net/ =) blake&maya
Max, Ana, Laurie & Carlos!
You know you guys are family to us, and we are here to help in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to have us help take care of things over here for you – just let us know and we’ll make it happen.
Max: Please keep the docs and nurses on their toes – they need someone to tease them once in awhile, too. I’d recommend a surprise Nerf gun attack – just hide it under your covers, and BLAMO!
Love,
The Cecils
Hey Max, Ana, Laurie & Carlos,
So sorry to hear about the accident but with the strength of each of you, especially you Max, I’m not surprised to hear that you are recovering so well and so fast. Our thoughts, prayers and positive vibes are with all of you, all of the time. If there is anything we can do to help, let me know. Thanks for doing the blog and keep it up up.
Love, The Murphys
Thank you everyone for the kind words, thoughts, and bit of levity. :^)
Max is doing great today – after an almost full nights sleep – he woke up around 1am and looked up at me and said ‘Dad, you need to go to bed’ and then turned back around and crashed. I took his advice.
We woke up around 7:30 to a couple of nurses coming in to check on Max (everyone here has been very helpful, knowledgeable, and nice).
We knew Max was getting better when breakfast rolled in and he lifted himself up from laying down and stared at the waffles as they approached.
His swelling has gone down quite a bit and his spirits have improved significantly – he’s playing Mario Cart right now, so I’m going to have to go soon to get schooled – again. :^)
Max had another IV removed early this morning because he told the nurses his arm was getting sore. So that’s a total of 1 IV in his arm and 1 tube up his nose (which may be coming out today if he keeps up his food intake).
His minor burns around the 2nd degree ones are turning brown and healing well. He’s got some gunk in his chest and is trying his best to cough it out.
Max, Laurie and I are for sure feeling better today and Max is moving around a lot more. More later.
Laurie and Carlos,
Just wanted to let you know that everyone at High Lakes has your family in our thoughts. Max has such a great positive spirit. I’m sure he’ll be fine. He is surrounded by such a wonderful family. Let us know if we can do anything.
Janelle
Hi Max!
Weston and I are so very sorry to hear about your accident, but we are thrilled to hear that you are going to be A.O.K. and healing well!! And we hope for a speedy recovery!
Sending you lots of well wishes, positive energy, hugs and love!
See you soon!
Kristen and Weston
Hi Max,
It was great talking to you and your Dad just now! You are an amazing young man. I am so proud of you! Keep up the good work and you will be home in no time. We love you SO MUCH! : – ) Love Uncle Kevin, and your cousins Steve, Danny and Lauren. They all send you their love and get well soon wishes.
Max, I am so sorry to hear about your accident but absolutely thrilled to hear that you are on the mend and healing fast. I hope to be back to Portland in time to visit you and bring you a get better treat, but hope that you can heal up qucik and get out of there and back to the playground.
keep those thumbs up and the hugs rollin in!
Jeri
Dear Carlos, Laurie, Max, and family,
We both send our love and prayers to all of you right now. Max, I wanted to tell you about when I was a kid about your age and also got hurt pretty bad. My friend and I were riding her pony and I fell off onto a barbed wire fence. I got cut pretty bad on my side but I wasn’t really scared until I saw it in the mirror! So, I know how you felt but the good news is that I got all better and I know that you will get all better. It just takes a while but you are super strong and I bet you will be feeling better in record time. By the way, David is jealous that you got to ride in a helicopter!
Carlos, thanks for keeping us in the loop. Life can be so unpredictable! You have lots of loving friends and an amazing support network around you, don’t hesitate to ask if we can help in any way.
Love,
Kathy Jo and David
Hi Max
Wishing you a speedy recovery!! Very happy to know that you are doing well. Praying for you constantly and know you will be running around again in no time!!
Cheers!
Dennis St. Germain
Hi guys:
Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for a quick recovery and safe trip home.
Max, I hope you are beating your dad at any and all video games! Hang tough… and we expect to see you home soon. : )
Carlos and Laurie, thanks for keeping us in the loop. Much love to all of you,
The Champion Family
Hi Max-
Thinking about you lots this morning. You and your dad, mom and sister are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Tim Underwood
Carlos and Laurie—
We are thinking of Max constantly and are sending positive energy his way.
Please let us know if there’s anything we can do.
Hey Max,
We are SO happy to hear how well you are doing, and we hear you sort of like the hospital. You mean to tell us your parents don’t wait on you like that at home? They better snap to it. I bet Lucy cannot wait to see you, as well as the rest of us in Bend! It’s just not the same around here without you. Feel better Max, so we can go on a fall hike OK?
All our love you and your family.
[And don’t forget, your parents are probably willing to buy you ANY special presents right now!]
Bomber, Gregg, and Ana
My heart goes out to Max, you and your whole family. Tell Max to heal up so you can bring him in and we can rap about animation!
Mike C
Hi Max, The moment I heard about your accident I dropped to my knees and started praying for you and your brave parents. God is great and will not leave you for a moment…I told my teenage son about you and his two freinds that happened to be at my house and they said they would do the same. So we all send you hugs and hope for a speedy recovery. Be strong little one…XOXO from the Killelea family. Thanks Carlos for the update and let us know we can do if anything. Love ya Laurie…
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as Max recovers from this terrible accident – and accident it was. You as parents couldn’t have predicted or done anything to prevent it, so please lay off the guilt! It won’t help Max. His strength and resiliancy are the result of all the love and confidence you have instilled in him over the years. We have faith that you will all come through this with even more love and appreciation for the precious family you have created.
Hi Max,
I’m Vicki, your neighbor Kristi is my sister, Doris is my mom. We haven’t met yet but I wanted you and your mom and dad to know my thoughts and prayer are with you guys. When I was six I spent a few weeks in the hosital too. Don’t eat the lime jello with grated carrots and peas, it doesn’t taste any better than it looks! Carlos and Laurie, I live in Oregon City, if you or other family members would like a place to land to be near Max my home is your home.
Love,
Vicki Corbett and Beagles Url and Jak
It has taken me a moment to process what has happened to your family…
I am overwhelmed by the love and support that everybody has shown. I am inspired to see how in the face of such a tragic event, that the love of friends and family and the strength & resolve of such a young man can seem to overcome.
Best wishes to you all.
Hi Max,
We’re so glad that you are doing okay. We heard about your accident and have been thinking about you constantly. We are sending you all our positive energy, love and prayers and hope you are healed up and back home very soon.
Carlos and Laurie – please let us know if you need anything at all – we’re glad to help in any way.
Love Scott, Danielle, Charlie and Poppy
Max,
You are in our hearts and prayers… Before bed last night Dakota asked his fairies to send some fairy friends to watch over you. These fairies really work, too, and are especially good with chasing away bad dreams.
We know what a strong, awesome boy you are and how very much you are loved! All of these things will contribute to your complete healing…. We’re also sending our best wishes and love to your parents, sister and extended family as they support your recovery. Big hugs Laurie, Carlos and Ana!
Love,
Chelsea, Preston, Genna and Dakota Callicott
Hey Max,
Just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you and are SO glad to hear you are feeling better. Trey says he bets your video game scores will get even better now!
Carlos & Laurie
We are SO thinking of you!!! Took me ten minutes to recover enough from crying to type and send virtual hugs through this computer. You are amazing, loving, incredible parents and for that, I know Max is so fortunate to have you with him every single moment. Please let us know if there is anything at all that we can do for you (besides pray and keep you constantly in our thoughts!)
xoxo
Georell (& the rest of the Bracelin clan!)
Hi Max,
I am amazed on how brave you and your mom and dad have been. I am happy to hear that everyday brings better news and a stronger you. I am sending you all my love and best wishes, if you need anything let me know, I love you all, kerri
Dear Carlos and Laurie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish Max a speedy recovery. If there is anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.
Brian and Mona
Hi Laurie & Carlos,
My heart was in my mouth- when I heard from Kristi about the accident. Words fail when you hear of people you know and admire having to face such an ordeal. I just read the blog and am naturally in tears at the description of Laurie & Ana in shock and again at Carlos when Max wrote I love you. It’s so obvious you are amazing family- you guys will get through this!!!
I don’t even know you Max- but just from your Dad’s description and all of the emails it sounds like everyone is so proud of you- it’s obvious that you are a true hero and courageous kid! Get well soon. And keeping hugging your Mom & Dad- it’s better than vitamins!
xx
Max,
We wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and keeping you and your family in our prayers. What a brave and courageous young man you are! Know that there are virtual hugs and well wishes coming your way from Bend…
Laurie, Carlos and Ana…
My heart aches for you what you have had to go through, It is beyond comprehension. We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers and are ready to assist you in any way upon your return home.
Kelly, Dan, Parker and Adison
Geez Carlos – I’m so sorry to hear about your son. Thanks for sharing so much of this tragedy as I’m sure it’s very hard for you and your family. If there’s anything I can do to help you out while you are in Portland please let me know. Give Max a gentle squeeze for us and let him know he’s in the best care possible right now.
Dave
Dear Max,
We were sorry to hear about your accident here at High Lakes. We’ll miss you the next few weeks, but just concentrate on healing fast. Our thoughts are with you and look forward to your return. Mrs. Bouck PE
Hey max,
sorry to hear what happened to you. I hope you make a speedy recovery, and I will definitely see you over the holidays…….but be safe, and remember god love you and so do I.
Max, Laurie, Carlos & Ana,
We just wanted you to know that we are thinking of all of you and keeping all of you in our prayers. If there is anything we can do you for while you’re in Portland, please let us know. Max keep positive thoughts and you will be home before you know it. Remember that you are a brave young man and you have an amazing family filled with love.
Best wishes!
Art, Janet, Abby & Annie Guerzon
Hey Carlos and Family,
Well I didn’t expect to come to tears over this but it’s a sad story indeed. I am very happy to hear everything is alright and going well and my thoughts ad best wishes go out to you. Safe journey back to Bend and I look forward to hearing everything goes okay.
Robbie
Hi Max,
The whole card group is “all in” with support for your recovery!
You are an amazing kid! Next time we play cards at your house, I bet you will be playing that keyboard like nothing ever happened… and you will have a cool survivor story to tell for the rest of your life!
Love,
Leslie
Hi Perez family!
You’re in our thoughts nonstop! So glad to hear that things are moving along okay.
Max, Miles has big plans for you when you get back. Let us know when you’re up to it and he’ll call to talk about video games.
If any of you need anything just say the word and we’ll make it happen.
Be well,
Kelly
Max,
I’m speechless. You are one tough 5th grader! The class and I are very happy to hear that you are going to be okay. (Don’t worry, we’re saving all the work you’re missing…I’ll give you a day or two to make it up…wink, wink-just kidding)
You’re one smart brave boy Max, and I can’t wait to see your hand up in class again. (Notice the compound sentence. 😉 The kids are already planning a party for your return. (They said you like Cibelli’s Pizza and bagels.) That’s one party that I can’t wait to attend.
Hurry home Max, I’m praying for your quick recovery. Call me anytime on my cell phone, your mom has my number.
Love,
Mrs. Stirling
We are very glad to learn you are healing so quickly Max. Its obvious all those prayers, good thoughts, and “fairies” are working overtime for you. We will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers every day and Kristin is helping your neighbors make sure Lucy and Cocoa are not getting too lonesome for you.
With lots of get well wishes from San Diego ~
Ryan and Nicole’s Nanni and Poppy
Max, We miss you so very much and hope you are feeling better with each day. Please don’t worry about us. We can’t wait til you come back because Aunt Kristi just isn’t the same. Today I have been jumping on her bed every time she goes out of the room. It’s really bouncy but she keeps taking me off. She’s afraid I might hurt myself… you’d never make me get off your bed!!! Cocoa is doing good too. She’s eating her breakfast like a good dog and giving Aunty K lots of nuzzles. We can’t wait to see you and give you big sloppy kisses. Woof woof for now.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo woof xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hey Max, Laurie and Carlos,
Just wanted to drop a note to let you all know we’re praying for you and are happy to hear Max is healing quickly! I have no idea what roshamba and mario cart are but sounds like fun (and makes me feel old since I’m clearly out of the loop!). You all are in my heart and on my mind through this….
Best wishes for all of you to go home soon,
Love,
Allison, Scott and Sydney
Max!
Its your cousin lauren. i miss you so much! When i heard what happened to you i was devistated. After seeing that picture of you i broke into tears.I wish i was their to see you and give you a big hug! We all have been praying for you, Stephen, Danny , your aunt Lisa and I. We all wish you the best of luck and know that you will be our strong little cousin and work your way through this! Im overjoyed to know that you are doing better and hopefully we will get to see each other some time this year when you are doing much better! i love you soo much !!!
Love,
lauren:)
Aunt Laurie, Uncle Carlos, and Ana,
I am so sorry that this had to happen to you guys. It must have been the worst possible thing to see your son, and brother like this. I hope you guys are well I hope to see you soon. I miss everyone very much and I and pray that Max gets better !!!!
Love,
Lauren 🙂
Hi Max,
You don’t know me, but I bet that you have a big heart just like your Father. I understand that you are a very smart, caring, positive and brave soul. My heart is sad to know that you have had to experience such a scarey situation. I wish you a speed recovery and hope you are able to return home soon. Home, family and friends are the best medicine. In the mean time, you will meet many people that will take such good care of you.
Best wishes,
Gale Slaughter
Carlos, Laurie and Ana,
Please let me know what I can do to help.
Gale
Hello Carlos, Laurie, Max and Ana,
Kent, Finley and I are sending positive thoughts your way for quick healing and a speedy return to your life in Bend! If there’s anything you can think of that we can help out with, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m happy to feed the worms, & the fish, (not worms to the fish!!) water the plants, cover plants from the frost, pick up the mail or newspaper, cut the grass, paint your house, stain your deck,,, provide Italian sodas for the party Max’s classmates are planning… Treat Max & Ana & a friend to some yummy drinks and treats at Thump. Seriously,, if there’s anything we can do, little or big to lighten your load, we’re happy to do it!
Our hearts go out to each of you!
Hazel, Kent & Finley