I contacted the Wilson home by phone today and talked to Jan, Watash's wife. The news was not good. Wayne's lungs gave out on him on Feb. 14 and she had to rush him to the hospital. He is now in a nursing home and is recovering, but very slowly. He will be on oxygen for the rest of his life. He wanted to let everyone know of his condition, but Jan does not mess with his computer. I'm glad I called. This is a continuation of the lung problems he has had from inhaling that substance he told us about a long time ago. There is some good news--as friendly and helpful as Wayne always is, he misses conversations with the rest of us railfans and modelers. He has a phone in his room and would welcome calls from us. Jan said "especially on weekends." He has therapy sessions from 3 PM (Central time) on, so call before that. Jan visits him twice a day. Here is the info on the nursing home: Watson Nursing Center 5000 East Lancaster Fort Worth, TX 76103 Phone in Watash's room: (817) 413-7208 So let's do some cards and letters, and phone calls. Flash, Jan said you had called but she did not get your number to return the call. :tb-sad:
I'm certainly sad to learn of his troubles. But am glad to learn something of his whereabouts. We haven't lost him! Get well, Wayne! Boxcab E50
Hang in there, Wayne. Cards-n-Letters are on their way. I wonder how the Staff will react to: Wayne Wilson, Inmate @ Watson Nursing Center 5000 East Lancaster Fort Worth, TX 76103 :laugh:
Not sure about the staff, but Wayne may get a kick out of it. Personally, I'm just grateful he's still with us.
I have been wondering, I know he said he was going to be spending more time taking care of his wife for a while, but I guess it turned out to be the other way around. My thoughts and prayers go to him and his family.
I spoke with him at length this afternoon, and will call him again tomorrow. I may go down to see him later next week.
God love him. I will be riding down to Raleigh tomorrow (5 hour drive) w/ nothing to do. I have taken down the number and will give Wayne a call. In the last 7 years since I have been on this board, he has been most helpful to me w/ many details I could not otherwise get answers on. His personal emails and assistance has been invaluable. Thank you so much for posting this thread and letting us know. I am sure those who have come to know WATASH appreciate it.
I wondered what happened to him! Man, not good news, but better than other types of news. Thanks for calling them and thanks for the address and phone# How long do they estimate his stay to be?
I talked to him this morning for quite some time. He has, as usual, a positive outlook about a bad situation. He is going to try to find a home care outfit for he and Jan. Is quite upset and vocal about how health insurance has wrecked health care, and I certainly agree with him. Wayne is an amazing person, full of faith. :tb-biggrin:
Best wishes for a recovery. Breathing problems are not good. Hope things work out and Wayne will be back here on the board. His tips and ideas are very good and have given me some most valuable information. Best Wishes may the Lord keep you in His spirit.
I just got off the phone with Watash. He sounds good and is certainly in good spirits. He does not have access to the internet at this time so he cannot acknowledge all you well wishes as he would like to. He does appreciate your notes being posted here and he will see them eventually. He also appreciates being able to talk to us, so don't hesitate to give him an occasional call. Watash noted that about 1:00 p.m. is a good time to call because he will have finished lunch and will be going to therapy a little later. (That is 1:00 his local time, or 2:00 eastern time.) Watash told me that he is slowly recovering his strength but he will have to be on oxygen the rest of his life. He expects to be in the hospital intensive care unit for about another month. Again, Watash sends his greeting to all on TrainBoard and thanks you for your thoughts and prayers. :bear-smile:
Since I am relatively new here, I did not know Watash as well as some of the others but I did interact with him a while back when we both joshed about this donkey-drawn truck cab. It looked like something straight out of Cuba or Haiti. I found his humor to be most refreshing. My prayers are with him and his family as well as a card and a wish for improved health. Larry777 Northern Pacific Main Street of the Northwest
