The big day. February seventh, 2002. Twelve weeks of halo hell have come and gone, and none too soon. I was really getting downright miserable. The doctor x-rayed me today after taking off the halo contraption, and was very please with the huge amount of bone growth todate. Here are some picures of today's events. Enjoy em. I sure as hell did. I'm hurting like crazy in the neck and shoulders but it is very much worth it.

CJ's Diner before the doctor's appointment. Go to have a full stomach if there's a chance you'll be betting violenty sick, right? Actually, I was up all night watching the clock so my father picked me up early to kill time. What better way to kill time than to eat? I don't even think I was hungry, but hunger has nothing to do with it: IT'S ALL ABOUT TIME.

I'll give the doctor a plug, as if he needs it. Well, this was the moment when the butterfiles in my stomach really began to puke....approaching the door and the realm of the unknown.

This was very odd. I had to physically hold my head up while the doctor removed the support struts that have been holding up my head for three months. You know what? I have one heavy noggin! If my expression doesn't say it, this was not very pleasant.

Another shot of the fun that we were having! Let's do it again!

Well, it was off finally. I can't express how strange it felt. I am never at a loss for words so that should tell you something. Very uncomfortable feeling, as if my head was going to just roll off of my neck. My shoulders and neck locked up like steel beams.

I can't really explain this look. Bewilderment, confusion, physiological chaos? A hint of relief? No clue at all. Nice holes in the forehead though. Free body piercing at the number on the door in the pic above if you're interested.

Dressed in normal sized clothes and feeling air on my chest and back...WOW. Couldn't walk to save my life though, but boy did this feel good. It's hard to explain. Lots of discomfort and pain, yet it still felt great!

Well, this is normal Todd again. Usually I can bend my neck and twist my upper body, but it's a close second for now.