Sunday, January 11, 2009

Hi Everyone,

By now most of you know of Gordons accident. We are hoping to use this blog to keep you all updated on Gordons journey, through the ICU and then throughout his recovery.

At this point Gordon is still in ICU and Annie, Clare and Anna are keeping vigil over him. Doctors are optomistic.

It is thought that Gordon somehow suffered a blackout, possibly his heart skipped a beat or two, maybe a knock from another swimmer, and he has fainted, swallowing a mouthful of water.............................. Surf lifesavers noticed Gordon in trouble, pulled him out and administered oxygen resusitation. His big, strong heart still kept beating, :):) and then he was further assisted on the beach prior to being ambulanced to Geelong Hospital.

Thank God for the Surf Life Savers, they do a wonderful job, and it does seem a little ironic that they have saved one of their own.

It is now wait and see, how long til he comes out of his coma, probably dependant on how long it takes his stomach to register hunger, :):) just kidding. :):):) Once the extent of brain injury is determined, then rehab will be in order.

We are all hoping of course, that he will open his eyes, sit up and demand to know what all the fuss is about, :):), but the reality is that we just dont know how long that will take.

We know you will all be wanting to be updated, and will no doubt want to pass on good wishes and thoughts for Gordons speedy recovery. Feel free to post your messages and we will ensure that Annie, Clare and Anna get to read them, and get to read them to Gordon himself.

For now, Gordons work load will be covered by Russell and Nik. Please cut the guys in the office a little slack, :):) not only are they dealing with all the usual day to day stuff, but also the extra phone calls and of course they then have to deal with their own emotions. :):) Here we are on Monday, 2 days later and the impact of this is already huge. Gordon is already missed badly.

If you are friends, please know that Annie will know you are right behind her, she will gladly accept all the prayers, good and positive thoughts, white spells, chants, and anything and everything else you can offer up. :) While we understand you wish to sms or call her, please be aware that she is under a lot of pressure and cannot use the phone in the ICU. She saves her battery time. :):)

Should you wish to send a card, then the Interlloy office will make sure they reach Annie and the girls asap. :) There are no flowers permitted in the ICU and at this point Annie and the girls are camped out in the waiting room at the hospital. :) We are of course in daily contact and will be making sure Annie and the girls are not left alone. The Interlloy Family will pull together to support the Briggs Family.

Once Gordon is on his way to recovery, he will hopefully take over the postings, :) after all this blogspot is named for him. :):):) Til then, we will keep you all updated daily.

Our prayers, thoughts and support are with you Gordon.

Russell and Kristeen.
Gary and Ros.
Tony and Tracey.
Nik.
Anne.

9 comments:

  1. Gordon, From the entire Interlloy Family in Brisbane our thoughts are with you and Annie, Clare & Anna. We wish you a speedy recovery as we miss you already.

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  2. Gordon,
    Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with you, Annie,Clare, Anna and (Wodonga) family. Looking forward to seeing your smiling face soon.
    From Bruce & Denise Gregory and Interlloy Albury staff.

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  3. Hey Gordon,

    It wasn't until you told me the story of how you met Annie and about Clare and Anna that i realised you were one of the last true romantics (and you hadn't even had a drink at the time!). I know your love is strong for them, all your family and friends; So much so that your fighting the good fight for all of us! ... and we're all behind you as well.

    Our thoughts and best wishes are with you mate!

    Daniel & Michelle

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  4. A great bloke. All the best for a speedy recovery from everyone at Doerrenberg. Richard Buss

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  5. Annie...
    We've all been torn by this tragedy - you and the girls especially.I don't have the words to make it any easier for you.
    We're all praying that the big fella can come back and resume his mantle as one of the most respected guys around - a mate.
    Our thoughts and hopes are with Gordon,you & the girls.
    John & Cheryl

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  6. Gordon,

    You are one of the industry's most well liked and respected gentlemen. I am totally gutted to hear your news. I treasure the friendship we have shared, now and always. I will miss you Fred. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and the entire Interlloy team.
    Tanya Gourlay

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  7. Gordon,
    I made you look good when we played our last round together at the 2008 golf day.I can still hear you telling me about all your swimming training and how much you enjoyed it that I still cannot comprehend what has happened.
    You are one of nature's gentlemen & it has been a pleasure knowing you for these past 20 years.You will be sorely missed by everyone in the steel industry.
    We are all thinking of you and your family.
    Mark Finnane

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  8. Gordon
    The time spent with you will live with me forever, Collingwood football games and the drinks before and after were the best time; being able to walk into you office any time and just talk for hours has been lost forever now.
    Gippsland Precision Engineering will be forever in your debt.
    Annie and the girls; my heart is so very sad for you all.
    Gary, Tony, Russell, Nik and Interlloy staff I wish you all the best.

    Gary Olsson
    Gippsland Precision Engineering
    Warragul Vic

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  9. I have known Gordon for 27 years firstly as my boss then as business partner and mentor he became my friend and then more like a big brother over the years. His larrikin nature at social events kept all those around him smiling and made them comfortable he was a peoples man, but also a business man and serious when needing to be. Collingwood was his footy team and we all knew it, however Anna he had a soft spot for the Hawks as he never gave them as much curry as other teams. Kokoda is an experience you do with your mates and I am lucky enough to have incredible memories of as well as 27 years worth. Gordon we all dearly miss you, an exceptional man who will live on in our hearts and minds forever.
    I am missing you already but will carry on and add to building your/our legacy of Interlloy.

    Tony Green

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