Final Skydive with Adam

I would like to send my deepest appreciation to all that attended Adam’s Memorial Skydive November 18th at Skydive Taft. The turnout and support was tremendous and Dave and the Staff at Skydive Taft did a wonderful job. Many people are requesting a video copy of the Skydive and Memorial tape that was shown. We will be preparing a final copy and will make it available once it is completed. However, it may not be until the first of the year.

Memorial Skydive

A Memorial Skydive is scheduled for Sunday November the 18th at Skydive Taft. There were two members of the family who unfortunately never got the opportunity to jump with Adam, so this will be the closest thing they will have and remember him for what many of us were able to enjoy with him.

Weather permitting, we will start around 12:00 noon with a short memorial video of Adam's accomplishments and life, proceeded with one or more memorial jumps in his honor.

Visit http://skydivetaft.com/ for directions and skydiving information.

Adam Bluestone

Adam Bluestone
Feb. 18, 1964- Sept. 6, 2007
Adam, best known for his warm smile, gentle spirit and love of people was born on February 18, 1964, near London, England. He moved to Southern California with his family at a young age, attending schools in Santa Monica and ultimately graduating from Santa Monica High School. Following a brief career as a water sports and skydiving instructor, Adam decided to finish his education at California State University, Bakersfield where he earned several teaching credentials and a Master of Art in Special Education. He worked for the Bakersfield City School District teaching special education classes for children with severe disabilities and autism. Adam became recognized as a gifted teacher with notable expertise in autism. In 2003, he started his own business and began consulting with school districts within the State of California. Many children and their families have been touched by Adam's positive attitude, patience, and commitment to special education. Adam is survived by his wife, Angela and sons, Zachary and David: Father and stepmother, Dr. Rodney and Elizabeth Bluestone; brother, Simon Bluestone; sisters Courtney and Kate Bluestone; mother, Jean Bluestone; and many other family members, friends and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund established for Zachary and David Bluestone at Washington Mutual Bank. These donations should be deposited for; Zachary and David Bluestone, Acct #: 4922431400. The Routing Number is 322271627. Donations to the Adam Bluestone Autism Education Foundation can be sent to: 29929 East Vale Ct., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818)889-8001) Donations will benefit individuals and families impacted by Autism.

Continuation

Everyone’s response and gratitude is simply overwhelming. While we all feel great loss, we should learn and take with us each day what Adam has shown and shared with us. His love and passion for family, life and his students is beyond anyone we have ever met. He will never be replaced in our hearts but we can carry forward each day in our lives for what he stood for. Remember Adam for the man that he was and what he shared daily. Continue with the love and compassion throughout your day.

Thank you from Angie

While we are all deeply saddened by this tragic loss, Angie and the family express great gratitude for everyone’s love and support. The Bluestone family is very touched by the outpour of generosity and support. A memorial service will be held in a small chapel on Friday September 14th, 2007. Close friends and family who wish to attend can contact Brandon Neal for more information. BrandonLNeal@Gmail.com. Please be understanding and considerate to the families needs based on the limited seating available. Thank you.

To Show Our Respect

The Bluestone family has planned a Memorial Service later this week and is in the process of personally informing immediate family. While the family appreciates everyone’s love and support, they understandably desire to keep the service small, for many reasons. Adam has touched so many people and this is very devastating to the Bluestone family. Respect to their needs is of the utmost importance. However, the family is planning to have a memorial in Adam’s honor that will include something Adam loved, Skydiving. The family recognizes the need to give everyone an opportunity to come together and honor Adam and felt that this would be a good way based on the situation. We will be looking at mid to late October and will give plenty of notice for all to attend. While I can’t disclose the details, I can assure you that this will be very special day. Additionally, In lieu of cards and gifts, the family asks that your kindness and generosity be directed towards the two things Adam loved. His work and his boys. A Trust Fund for Zachary and David is pending and information should be posted (ASAP) by Tuesday. A donation fund has been established for Adam’s love for his work. Donations can be sent to: The Adam Bluestone Autism Education Foundation, 29949 East Vale Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, Phone Number 818-889-8001. Funds will ensure that his efforts and love for his work will continue.

Loss of A True Friend

It is times like this that we realize just how special Adam really was. The amount of support and response is not only remarkable but also overwhelming. We will all agree that Adam was “one of a kind” and as Norm and Patty commented, “He was probably the nicest man I have ever met. He touched us with his enthusiasm for life, his laughter, and his love.” Many of us met Adam from skydiving while others met him through his passion for his work. Both were ultimately touched by his unique personality and persona of life.

Blue Skies Brother

God Has Called

It is with regret, that all hope has passed.
Adam Bluestone passed away around 10:00 PM September 6th, 2007. We all want to do more than we can possibly do and we ask ourselves what should I do? Adam has touched so many lives and more people than any of us will know. The compassion and love for what he has done will always influence our lives and decisions we make. The person he was and what he developed is monumental. His work was a dream that came true and touched so many lives. We should continue in all of our daily activities how Adam has shown us and would expect us to continue. More information will be posted as soon as it is made available.

It’s in God’s Hands

While things had looked promising over the past several days, it seems that things are definitely in God’s hands. Adam was taken off the ventilator today and is breathing on his own but with great labor and without much brain response. We were all made aware that this would be the time that would determine the extent of brain damage Adam has suffered. While we continue to be positive, we must keep in mind that that Adam suffered severe brain trauma and remains in critical condition. Based on the latest information, the Doctors have listed his condition as poor and deteriorating. Adam is being medicated for pain and only time will tell. Adam is a fighter and will be with us as long as God allows. All of our prayers and wishes are with Adam. The Bluestone family thanks all of you for the love and support everyone has extended.

Blessed Wednesday

Additional good news today. The Neurologist made the recommendation that they stop administering the drugs that keep Adam in a state of coma. Already today Adam showed signs of responsiveness and attempted to open his eyes when spoken to. You can probably imaging how Angie and the boys felt. The next 72 hours will be a waiting period for the drugs to fully wear off. While this response may sound minimal, it’s a good sign that his brain is responding. It is till too early to tell what extent of any damage his brain has suffered but again positive based on the original prognosis. The family wishes to thank all of you for your love, support and prayers. While this a hard time, it would only be harder without all the love and support everyone has given.

MRI Tests

MRI Tests were conducted today and results came back “No Change” in his condition. However, There was noted blood flow through the brain and stem and that confirmed and encourages HOPE for the best!

First Entry

As you have found out by now, Adam suffered a massive stroke on Friday August 31st. He was taken to Memorial Hospital and first observations were that his condition was serious in nature and was given a 30% chance to make it through surgery.

Adam underwent surgery and was admitted to Memorial Hospital ICU where he was stabilized. His condition and prognosis remained the same through mid-day Saturday.

Tests were run later and the results came back positive. The swelling had started to reside and it was determined that the initial prognosis had improved. A conference was called for the update and Dr. Bluestone informed the attendees of the following.

“The swelling has started to reside and test results have noted that Adam’s Brain Stem is intact but only bruised from the swelling. This is good news but will not determine the full extent of damage.”

Further tests were conducted the next day to attempt to determine the extent of brain damage. The results of this test came back with more positive results. During the test, Adam exhibited some reflex behavior that would support that positive brain functions exist. During the test, Adam attempted reflexes of coughing, choking and breathing. All related to natural brain instincts that prove to show that his brain stem is in better condition than expected.

On Sunday, the ICU Nursing asks that contact be kept to a minimum in an effort to let Adam’s body do what it needed to do. Relax and recover. This advice was taken and visitation was limited throughout the day.

At this Point, Adam will remain sedated through Wednesday until further tests and results can be conducted.

To All, We may be focused on the positive and you can understand that that is what we all want for Adam. But this is still serious and we have no speculation on the outcome at this point. So please focus on your prayers and support.