Vicky Has Passed 29 Dec 16 -- WAYNE ORWIG & VICKY DOWN! Pix Added 6 Dec 16

[johnr]

Just saw this today.   Bugger!

This sort of thing is never good news but I am glad we have the opportunity to share it here. 

It sounds like Wayne is recovering well and it just a matter of patience for him now, but his mind will be full of worry for Vicky.

My very best to the both of them and I wish there was more I could do.

[guzzisteve]

Was there for a bit earlier today and saw Vicky. Didn't stay long, too many family. Wayne got the room for therapy in the same building and was doing it so I left. Some more tests being run on Vicky soon from what I heard. She seems to be hanging in there stable. Will be going back shortly.

[Nick]

Thanks for the update Steve.

[guzzisteve]

Last night he looked good, trying to delay the rehab slowly to be by Vicky longer. I took him something to take the edge off. Hope it'll give him a more positive outlook amid the heavy responsibility's at hand.

[jetmechmarty]

I'm late to the party.  What room is Wayne in?  I assume it's NE GA Regional?  Those who have been to see him, should I stop or would I serve them better to stay out of the way?  I'm very close by.

Just now seeing this, it's tough to sink in.

[guzzisteve]

Rehab inpatient room #4109 South tower, go in by emergency entrance, Vickey is in North tower RM 3725. Go see them, make them smile. 

[steveford]

I haven't been on here for a while. Sorry to hear this tragic news. My thoughts to Wayne and Vicky for a full recovery. Be safe out there everyone. You just never know when someone might take you out.

[Mike Craven]

Just visited Wayne who was with Vicki in her room.  (midday Sunday, 4Dec2016)  Wayne in a wheel chair seems almost surprised that he's not in more pain.  It's all quite tolerable for him.  The wrist hurts more and the 'cast' on it is annoying.  Of course, he can show you where it should be trimmed to fit better.  Vicki is just as serious still in a coma and everyone is watching for glimmers of improvement.  My wife, Sue, talked *to* her a good bit.  We all believe there's a thread of consciousness and she (Vicki) may be listening.

We chatted again briefly with daughter Amy who is apparently there a lot.  She seems good supporting dad, maybe a little stoic.  We also got acquainted with Wayne's sister Patty with her husband David who were there and will be around a couple of days. 

Last Thursday (1Dec2016) when we visited we were part of the hallway rally.  That time Sue also talked *to* Vicky and was able to keep it together part of the time.  We explained to Vicki's sister about the monthly meetings and Vicki's part at the 'chick end of the table' where the women get together and have non-motorcycle talk.

I must say thanks for the show of mutual support from all the thoughtful, caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, curmudgeonly, entertaining, antagonistic, adventuristic, plain ole funny Guzzisti.  From the artistic to the grammar-impaired I appreciate and enjoy y'all.  Ironically a bunch of eccentrics and iconoclasts pull together for each other all the time.

Deep regards,
Mike and Sue

[oldbike54]

 Mike said "plain ole funny Guzzisti" 

 Dusty

[Bill Hagan]

Just visited Wayne who was with Vicki in her room.  (midday Sunday, 4Dec2016)  Wayne in a wheel chair seems almost surprised that he's not in more pain.  It's all quite tolerable for him.  The wrist hurts more and the 'cast' on it is annoying.  Of course, he can show you where it should be trimmed to fit better.  Vicki is just as serious still in a coma and everyone is watching for glimmers of improvement.  My wife, Sue, talked *to* her a good bit.  We all believe there's a thread of consciousness and she (Vicki) may be listening.

We chatted again briefly with daughter Amy who is apparently there a lot.  She seems good supporting dad, maybe a little stoic.  We also got acquainted with Wayne's sister Patty with her husband David who were there and will be around a couple of days. 

Last Thursday (1Dec2016) when we visited we were part of the hallway rally.  That time Sue also talked *to* Vicky and was able to keep it together part of the time.  We explained to Vicki's sister about the monthly meetings and Vicki's part at the 'chick end of the table' where the women get together and have non-motorcycle talk.

I must say thanks for the show of mutual support from all the thoughtful, caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, curmudgeonly, entertaining, antagonistic, adventuristic, plain ole funny Guzzisti.  From the artistic to the grammar-impaired I appreciate and enjoy y'all.  Ironically a bunch of eccentrics and iconoclasts pull together for each other all the time.

Deep regards,
Mike and Sue

Nice post, Mike. 

Kathi and I just arrived in Atlanta.   Somehow I managed to take 13 hours to go only 600 miles.  Kathi does it by herself in 9, but she has an iron bladder. 

Hope to get up there tomorrow. Will bring Wayne some tools to fix that cast.   

Will also look in on Vicky and join the others there -- and all over the planet, judging from this thread -- who are plugging for her.

Also hope to see Amy again and meet some of Wayne & Vicky's kin.

Bill

[Bill Hagan]

Kathi and I went to Gainesville this afternoon and visited Wayne & Vicky at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC),  http://www.nghs.com/north-patient-tower.  NGMC is a very high-end medical facility, and, without exception today, the staff was friendly and professional.

And -- as Kathi isn't looking over my shoulder!  -- I'll add that the physical therapist who worked with him while we were there was a near stunning blonde in her late 20's who was also a sweetie.  I seem to recall visiting Dean in Asheville and noting a similarly attractive nurse.  Maybe it's just that Guzzi guys are  ... oh, never mind.   

We met in ICU where Vicky is just now.  The reports others have given seem to still be the state of things.  We left, however, as a doctor came and began discussing Vicky's condition with Wayne and Amy. We do not know what, if anything, is new.

Vicky remains in a coma, and Wayne, daughter Amy, and some of Vicky's family have been loyally waiting with her.  Amy is a great "gate guard" for both of her parents, and says she doesn't need anything just now.  Her employer has been generous with her time off, but she starts back to work tonight.

Wayne is Wayne.  If you did not know what had happened, and see his arm when the dressing was changed today, you might doubt he'd been in such a tragic accident.

It is touching to see him sit with Vicky doing just that: touching her as a loving husband, holding her hand, and watching the countless displays of data from the cables attached to her.

Kathi "talked" to Vicky for a bit, and I listened to Wayne tell about the accident.  Inasmuch as he remembers nothing of it, his story is pretty much limited to showing -- and marveling at -- photos guzziknight took of the Stelvio and the car that hit them. 

That's pretty much it, but more prayers, good wishes, and similar sentiments won't be wasted.

Bill

[screamday]

Thanks Bill!!

[Tony/CT]

So sorry to sign in after a couple of weeks away and read this news. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

[Dilliw]

Thanks Bill for the update and thanks to you and Kathi for being there. 

I guess I wake up every morning hoping to see something better than "the same" but I do know that the  process of healing  takes time.   So I'll take "the same" as encouraging and continue to offer my prayers and thoughts for a good outcome. 

[Tobit]

I haven't been here in a while and just saw this.  Very sorry to hear of their accident and will include them in our prayers.

Tobit

[AMGeneral]

Lots of positive healing vibes in this group! Sending even more from Kansas!

I still concider myself new to the group. If someone has a photo of them they could share, it would help put faces to names. Only get to meet some of ya once a year.

Shows just how quickly our lives can change. And what is most important.

That's the reason I started riding Guzzi. The people!

Rod Patten

[Bill Hagan]

Lots of positive healing vibes in this group! Sending even more from Kansas!

I still concider myself new to the group. If someone has a photo of them they could share, it would help put faces to names. Only get to meet some of ya once a year.

Shows just how quickly our lives can change. And what is most important.

That's the reason I started riding Guzzi. The people!

Rod Patten

Good point, Rod.  Will look.

That said, most of us only see Wayne & Vicky's backs when we ride with them.

This is not an apocryphal story. I am not the only one to try to keep up with Wayne when he has Vicky as a pillion on his EV while towing a trailer.  Instead of passing them while I am solo on my Ballabio, I still have this mental image of Vicky turning around and waving and laughing at me as they lengthened the gap!  The result would be similar were I on my Norge or even Griso. 

Yes, many if not most of you are likely better riders than I am, but I suspect the number here of riders better than Wayne is way smaller!

Bill

P.S.  If inclined, read about the first time I learned he was alpha dog in my junkyard:

http://www.mgnoc.com/print/print_article_yeeha__we're_going_to_cheaha_ .html

[Dilliw]

Lots of positive healing vibes in this group! Sending even more from Kansas!

I still concider myself new to the group. If someone has a photo of them they could share, it would help put faces to names. Only get to meet some of ya once a year.

Shows just how quickly our lives can change. And what is most important.

That's the reason I started riding Guzzi. The people!

Rod Patten

I have some pictures but, as Bill can attest, my phone flips them when I upload them.  When I get home I'll put some out here but this is what Google provides:

[Dilliw]

With Bill


With Guzzi content

[Bill Hagan]

Thanks, George.  Nice shots.

I did a quick search of my laptop files here in Atlanta and some on-line.  No doubt there are many more and better ones at home, but these might give those you who do not know Wayne and Vicky an idea of that great couple.

The first two are from two different South'n Spine Raids (2014 & 2016) at Tellico Plains, Tenn., and Riders Hill at Dahlonega, Ga.

The last two are at their home in Dacula, Ga., last month when I picked up my EV.  Wayne had it for a few weeks  -- including curing a long-time oil leak that has been driving me nuts for (I'm serious  ) years and installing some (spectacular) Chinesium conspicuity lights.

In those home pix, Vicky is not getting ready to kick Wayne  , but is about to show me her new pink slippers.   









What great folks the Orwigs are.  Hope  these photos give you some insight into the Orwigs we know and love.

Bill

[John Ulrich]

 

[oldbike54]

 Thanks for the pics guys 

  Dusty

[Muzz]

Thanks Bill. Seen photos of Wayne but never of Vicky.

[Bill Hagan]

Not much new in the "news," but at least this is the most current I have.

Came in an email today from Bob Brewer, a longtime friend of the Orwigs.  He has made three 200-mile roundtr=ips to visit them in past week including this yesterday, thus, even though he is a Goldwingster, we can forgive him!

===

To all:
     I went to the hospital to visit with Wayne and Vicki today.
     I first went to see Vicki first, as I knew where her room was, and thought Wayne might be there also.  I knew that Wayne had been moved to a different wing of the hospital and he was not in Vicki's room at that time. I said a few words of encouragement to her, telling her of so many people who were pulling for her.
     I went to the information desk to get directions to Wayne's new room. It seems to be a longer walk than I was informed about, but I guess I walk slower than I used to.
     Without too much confusion, I found his new room. Wayne was sitting up in his chair, and dressed in regular street clothes. He was looking much better. He explained that he felt better, and was in no pain. He was in a new room in the rehabilitation section of the hospital, and he had just finished lunch. After about 20 minutes of conversation, an orderly came to take him to Vicki's room.
     I followed along, back to Vicki's room. We sat together, talking quietly for about an hour, and it was time for me to leave. As you would expect, Wayne's time with Vicki is very emotional for him.

    ....

     In short, Wayne is making quick, visible, physical progress. Vicki's progress is much slower, and not so visible. However her vital signs are stable, and she continues to breathe on her own. As I understand things, this is a good sign.
     Please keep Wayne, Vicki, and Amy in your thoughts and prayers.

===========

Bill


 

[Nick]

What great folks the Orwigs are.
Bill

 :1:

[Arizona Wayne]

Haven't read all these pages, but do they know who was driving the car and have they been ticketed for causing the accident?

[guzzisteve]

Yes, she went to jail on 2 counts. DUI and drugs.

[Tom]

I thought I saw Wayne posting on the thread.  Those of you that have contact with him, might want to advise him to follow through with the Prosecutor's Office handling the case.  The 2 charges that the driver was arrested for doesn't cover the physical damages that happen to him and Vicky.  He needs to give input so that additional charges are put in.  DUI and drug charges don't cover Wayne's and Vicky.  Wayne needs to stay on to of the Prosecutor's Office.  The driver that caused the accident needs to do some prison time on top of the DUI/drug charges.

[Bill Hagan]

I thought I saw Wayne posting on the thread.  Those of you that have contact with him, might want to advise him to follow through with the Prosecutor's Office handling the case.  The 2 charges that the driver was arrested for doesn't cover the physical damages that happen to him and Vicky.  He needs to give input so that additional charges are put in.  DUI and drug charges don't cover Wayne's and Vicky.  Wayne needs to stay on to of the Prosecutor's Office.  The driver that caused the accident needs to do some prison time on top of the DUI/drug charges.

Thanks, Tom.

It is my understanding from Wayne that the Barrow County DA and LEO folks are -- as they should, of course -- taking this VERY seriously.   By that I mean they appreciate what has happened in all its facets and will pursue the case vigorously.

Bill

[Muley]

When I read about the perpetrator of all this misery my first thoughts are not fit to publish here or anywhere, but what good will it do Wayne and Vicky?

Again, I check this site morning and night for better news.  Please keep us posted, those of you who visit the hospital or talk to someone who has been there.

The best end to all of this is that they both recover and rebound to at least the shape they were in before the crash and , this coming from someone who despises most (not you Bill or the other Bill ) lawyers and hates the ambulance chaser types, they get enough of a settlement to make life a little easier.  Maybe even retire and spend more time in the mountains they love.

Oh, and a thought that many of you already have had.  This could have happened had they been in their Mustang, Miata, my pickup or even in a MARTA bus.