was wheeled into intensive care still unconscious. “We’ll know more in twenty-four hours,” said the surgeon to Curt and Osborne after meeting them in the waiting room for the families of patients in critical condition. It was after eight.Lew had arrived while C.J. was in surgery, took notes even though Osborne and Ray could give only the sparse details of the accident, and left. Shortly after, she had called Ray and asked him to meet her at the public landing on Big Moccasin. That had been two hours ago.The surgeon continued, “When your wife landed on those rocks, she took the brunt of the impact on her forehead. She has a double skull fracture, and the challenge is to manage the swelling of the brain. Fortunately, we happen to be holding a medical retreat here this weekend so the brain trauma team from UW Madison is working with us, too. They know things we don’t. She is in good hands.”“Any idea when she will regain consciousness?” asked Curt. Osborne wanted to ask if she would make it, but he knew better than to intrude.“Hard to say.
