Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Nov 20, 5 Months Today!

Wow, how about that. 6 months ago today Lindsey and Stacy flew here from Boise. 5 months ago, June 20, she was put on the list. And we are still going strong.

I am with her at night, but don't see her much during the day. I have quite a bit of office work I am trying to get done.  It's all good.

It's amazing to read back through some of those June and July posts. Un-fun days that is for sure.  I am so glad our posts these days are boring.  She is currently on a 'lab holiday' (no pokes) until Thursday, and no dressing change until Friday. Still haven't had any notable PVC's, Vtech, or irregular heart rhythms in weeks, and haven't had clots in months. Her appetite still stinks, but she takes the feeding tube okay.

Doctors say they are working on the hospital policy to allow Lindsey to go to the Stanford side, but hospital policies can take weeks/months. Every so often I ask about the policy and where they are at with it.  I even have a note hanging in her room reminding them of the places Lindsey wants to go (Stanford Cafeteria, Stanford gift shop, Atrium, Stanford water fountain, and anywhere outside). Thank goodness they let Lindsey go outside into the LPCH center court and fountain area. 

Sierra and Megan are doing good at basketball on the 'Lightning' basketball team.  Starting in December they will play every Saturday. Physical exercise is so good for Sierra.  She struggles with the drive to push herself whether it is exercising, school work, or making friends in California. None of those areas come very natural to her and she has to work at it. And sometimes, well most of the time, she does not want to work at it.  Junior high can be a tough time, kids can say cruel things, or act in hurtful ways. Stacy and I are trying to support her and the rest of the clan the best we can.  Most of the time she just wants to go home.  There are some really nice people here in the church that has helped her and Megan fit in the best they can. This Lightning basketball is coached by our Bishop and he does a great job with all the kids.

Hunter keeps wanting me to mention on our blog about the Spanish he is learning.  He can now count to around 20 and know several Spanish words.  He is learning them from a girl in his class that lives at the RMH and rides the bus with him. There are sure a lot of girls that fancy our Hunter. Four of them live at the RMH. I've got to keep an eye on that boy!

We are starting to get more kids coming to Lindsey's room. Amanda comes around several times a day.  She received a heart and liver transplant and is having some complications.  She is older than our kids and plays with them well. We like having her around but hope she gets to go home soon.  Also, our newest friend is Kylara, a cute 9 year old waiting for a kidney.  She walks to school with Lindsey everyday and spends most of the day with no visitors or family around.  She spent the afternoon with our kids playing Wacky 6 and coloring.  Felt good to have Amanda and Kylara here.

Last of all, our friends the Trista and Shawn Stockwell.  These are the ones from Alaska that we knew from 6 years ago. Shawn had a transplant 4 years ago.  Today he was admitted onto 3 West with a 3A rejection.  Ain't that just great. Remember rejection goes from 0 - 4 with 4 being the worst.  So they will be here for a couple of weeks. Kinda weird, but I think we are the ONLY ones excited to have them here, just not under these circumstances. We always have to remember the highs and lows don't we. Heart transplant complications can and will go on the rest of our kid's lives, it the heavy reality of it.

Still haven't gotten used to NOT sleeping with my wife.  Call me shallow, but I like that woman, and I like to have her around when I get tired.

I am grateful for what we have, and I know God is still in control. What we are all praying for is still the unthinkable for another family.  Someone out there is actually going to loose their precious child in a horrible accident. How can we ask God to hurry that up?  We can't, only to prepare that family to make that decision when that child is called home to his/her Heavenly Father.  God bless them.

 Princess enjoying the sun
 Can you guess??

The site from Monday. I guess all the yucky tissue is good. Notice the color is NOT as red. But I still think it looks nasty but improving.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

While not easy on your family being away from eastern Oregon it is so great that you all are able to be there together. Your children will have so much to share with us when they return to PVS. We honored a very special student of the quarter at the board meeting last night Luis Balderas just recently received his US citizenship. Not a dry eye in the room when Mrs Martin made that presentation, just another reminder of how much we take for granted. He is so proud! It was also great to learn Mrs Frebois is going to be at school helping with testing in the coming weeks. Prayers continue to be answered!! God bless your family! love, the Hamann's

ReNae Coelman said...

Jason & Stacy, thank you so much for your updates every day. They mean so much to me. Most of the time I read them with tears running down my checks and filled with so much love for all of you. Thank you for your great example of being so positive and hopeful when it would be easy to get discouraged. 'So thankful that Lindsey is doing so well. Prayers really are answered! There are so many things to be thankful for. Love you so much!!

Steph Tidwell said...

I love your notes on Lindsey's door..what about making a game of it.

Wouldn't it be fun for the Nurses to open a cabinet door and find a sticky note that says. Lindsey would love to go to the Standford Cafeteria.

Or a picture on the Hall wall of Lindsey riding in the car. Or at the fountain.

or a Dr opening his mail with a picture of Lindsey at the fountain

I think your kids will get a kick out of trying to think and find places to put a picture or post it note. : )

BTY Jason your Mom Looks FABULOUS.

Janelle said...

I'll take a shot. Are they security passes that the hospital gives visitors?

Anonymous said...

Hey, Isaiah just showed me a picture in the Friend magazine, drawn by Megan B. age. 10 from Oregon. I think we know that cute face! Have you seen it? Good job Megan! Heidi

Anonymous said...

Thanks Lindsey and Keanna for the skype visit this afternoon! I just love to hear your voice and also miss seeing your smilin' face...but am very thankful for the technology that allows for that to happen! Enjoy your weekend with your extra family. Jason well said about the challenges that come from knowing that a precious child's life is taken for one to be saved. All the more reason for the need to educate people, especially parents more about organ donation. It's so easy for a young adult to make that decision when applying for a drivers license, but it's quite another decision when a parent hasn't given it thought and then is faced with the unthinkable, their childs fatal accident. Many parents that I've had an opportunity to talk with and have been inspired by your story obviously look at organ donation as a very positive and priceless opportunity, but think of how long many of us have had to think about it. Many parents have never given it a thought and then because of a split second fatal accident they must face the option of donation within hours. What a challenging and confusing time for these families, our hearts and prayers are always with them and may the Heavenly Father guide and protect them giving them peace during the difficult time. We are thankful for the many blessings that have happened over the past six months. And by the way I can't believe how much that wall has filled up, since I was there. Take care and may your Thanksgiving be blessed with happiness. Loves, hugs, and prayers xoxoxoxo