Whatever we are doing it is a whole lot better than what we were doing 1 year ago today.
Everyday I ponder on what was happening one year ago. Last year these were some pretty rough days, Lindsey just days away from the Berlin, constant vomiting and weakness, Gage was acting 'weird', kids spread over 3 states, I was home while Stacy was in Calif.
Report in later, we are all good. Going on a hike tonight up to VanPatten Lake. Great pictures coming.
VanPatten Lake was awesome. It's a nice little hike to get to, but well worth it.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
June 23
Feels like we are back into the groove. Hard to believe how much our things have changed in the last 12 months. Just to keep things exciting, Hunter was sick with some stomach flu / diarrhea. We thought we were home out of the woods, then Megan got it, next day Lindsey, then Gage. Waiting for Sierra to fall, but not yet. As for now, they all seem to have come out of it. Lets keep it that way.
Saturday we worked in the shop for most of the day. Stacy and I sure enjoy doing that. The Zundels came by for a visit. They lived her back in the early 80's for 6 years. He was our Bishop for a time and she was an OB nurse. She helped deliver Justin back in the day.
Had a really good rain her a few days ago, something this valley was really needing . It has been a bit cool, even started a fire in the fireplace a few times, just to take the edge off. I keep watching the Calif weather. They haven't had rain since January. They sure use it.
Stacy signed up to start working again at the hospital as an OB nurse. She loves to be a nurse delivering babies. I'm not crazy about her going back to work, but her one shift a week really seems to do her a lot of good.
Till next time
Saturday we worked in the shop for most of the day. Stacy and I sure enjoy doing that. The Zundels came by for a visit. They lived her back in the early 80's for 6 years. He was our Bishop for a time and she was an OB nurse. She helped deliver Justin back in the day.
Had a really good rain her a few days ago, something this valley was really needing . It has been a bit cool, even started a fire in the fireplace a few times, just to take the edge off. I keep watching the Calif weather. They haven't had rain since January. They sure use it.
Stacy signed up to start working again at the hospital as an OB nurse. She loves to be a nurse delivering babies. I'm not crazy about her going back to work, but her one shift a week really seems to do her a lot of good.
Till next time
Hunter and Megan doin the mashed potatoes
Below are pictures from 1 year ago this week. Amazing how much Lindsey misses those days... really. Seems like all she can remember are the good memories, mostly the nurses, therapists, and doctors, she has forgot the yucky stuff!
Another picture from 1 year ago this week!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Day 365
It's been a while since we updated. Good stuff is going on. Nothing earth shattering. Whatever we are up to, it is better than this day 1 year ago. On this this day last year, Lindsey was put on the list. She was so sick. I think about that often. These were pretty horrible days last year. But that was then, we are moving on, life is good.
To catch up on what is going on, Lindsey had her biopsy and Sierra had her IVIG last week. They both did great (of course). Lindsey did her biopsy awake so she could recover and hang out with Sierra in the Short Stay Unit (that was her call). Once again we are doing the zero dance. We never tire of doing the zero dance. While Sierra was in on our IVIG, the Zanger's picked up Lindsey so she could play with her Calif friends. I have to admit, we are happy to be home, but we do miss our Calif network of friends.
Meanwhile, Megan went to basketball camp in Halfway and loved it. I picked her up and met Stacy and the girls in Nampa. We then drove to Nephi Utah for a very enjoyable Bingham family reunion. Also spent some time in Logan with Stacy's family and in Idaho with our good friends, the Yecks. Hunter got sick while were down there, so it was pretty exciting taking care of him and keeping him away from little miss Lindsey Lou Lou. They did a nice little fund raiser for Lindsey. For now, everything is good. Had a really nice rain today. Our crops and pastures really need it. Jake had a rough day yesterday. We all did. His good horse, Sham, passed away. He was a horse that had been in the family for over 22 years. Sham was a good horse for gathering cattle, roping, and packing deer. Sham was giving to Jake when he was a colt. It's tough to see good horses, and good cow dogs pass on.
We still receive letters from people from all over the country regarding the Dateline special. I am in awe on how many good people are out there. Not sure how to adequately thank so many people for the kind words and support. We are still truly blessed.
Our next trip to Calif is July 9, 10, 11 with the same schedule of Lindsey biopsy and Sierra IVIG. In August we will be taking 3 kids down for tests and biopsy.
Last bit of news, received an e-mail from Sierra's donor grandmother. It was a short message, which I responded to. It was a good opportunity to tell her how grateful we are to them and how good Sierra is doing with her heart.
Tonight we have a fire going in the fireplace. It's a very cool night after all the good rain we received.
Looking forward, I am going to continue to share my thoughts and feeling. We may not update as often as we used to (thank goodness), but if anything important or 'unbelievable' comes up, we will be posting it here. Honestly, right now my mind going back to 1 year ago today. I will probably think back to what was going on each day last year for the next 6 weeks or so. Those were life changing events and I can't not reflect on it.
One of 2 flat tires we had on our trip. Little kids were camping out while Megan and I fixed her up.
Gage and Range with their bow and arrows at the reunion. They had a good time with those things.
As part of the reunion, we went to Benjamin and did a 5K along the same roads Dad grew up. He told us some good stories. Uncle Keith, who also grew up there, had a great story about a hole and a sheep. It was very funny.
All the grandkids on Stacy's side. They did a very nice fund raiser for Lindsey. Hunter is NOT feeling good.
Stacy's siblings, Ryan, Tiffany, Holly, Kelly, and Cory, with mother ReNae on the side. Missing Brady who was with his wife in Vegas.
To catch up on what is going on, Lindsey had her biopsy and Sierra had her IVIG last week. They both did great (of course). Lindsey did her biopsy awake so she could recover and hang out with Sierra in the Short Stay Unit (that was her call). Once again we are doing the zero dance. We never tire of doing the zero dance. While Sierra was in on our IVIG, the Zanger's picked up Lindsey so she could play with her Calif friends. I have to admit, we are happy to be home, but we do miss our Calif network of friends.
Meanwhile, Megan went to basketball camp in Halfway and loved it. I picked her up and met Stacy and the girls in Nampa. We then drove to Nephi Utah for a very enjoyable Bingham family reunion. Also spent some time in Logan with Stacy's family and in Idaho with our good friends, the Yecks. Hunter got sick while were down there, so it was pretty exciting taking care of him and keeping him away from little miss Lindsey Lou Lou. They did a nice little fund raiser for Lindsey. For now, everything is good. Had a really nice rain today. Our crops and pastures really need it. Jake had a rough day yesterday. We all did. His good horse, Sham, passed away. He was a horse that had been in the family for over 22 years. Sham was a good horse for gathering cattle, roping, and packing deer. Sham was giving to Jake when he was a colt. It's tough to see good horses, and good cow dogs pass on.
We still receive letters from people from all over the country regarding the Dateline special. I am in awe on how many good people are out there. Not sure how to adequately thank so many people for the kind words and support. We are still truly blessed.
Our next trip to Calif is July 9, 10, 11 with the same schedule of Lindsey biopsy and Sierra IVIG. In August we will be taking 3 kids down for tests and biopsy.
Last bit of news, received an e-mail from Sierra's donor grandmother. It was a short message, which I responded to. It was a good opportunity to tell her how grateful we are to them and how good Sierra is doing with her heart.
Tonight we have a fire going in the fireplace. It's a very cool night after all the good rain we received.
Looking forward, I am going to continue to share my thoughts and feeling. We may not update as often as we used to (thank goodness), but if anything important or 'unbelievable' comes up, we will be posting it here. Honestly, right now my mind going back to 1 year ago today. I will probably think back to what was going on each day last year for the next 6 weeks or so. Those were life changing events and I can't not reflect on it.
Grandpa Theon with his Merrill grandkids.
Breakfast at the Yecks. 11 kids between the 2 families.
Now they want one.
Thank Shelly, I am wrapped up in one right now.
Lindsey and Jarom
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tuesday, June 11
We have all been getting back into the groove around here. Megan is in Halfway for the Pine Eagle Basketball camp. She was pretty excited about that.
Stacy, Lindsey and Sierra flew down to Calif on an Angel Flight. Sierra has IVIG and Lindsey has biopsy. They are very excited to be staying with Zangers and see other good Calif friends. They will fly back Thursday. I plan to pick them up in Boise on our way to Utah for a reunion. Lindsey has been doing great. Still loving those puffy cheeks.
Stacy and I have received some very nice letters from people around the country. Each one is very sincere as they share their love, concern, prayers, and story with us. We are still humbled by the love and support we have received from friends, family and people we will never meet.
Also getting back into the groove on the ranch. It is going to be a dry year so right now while the water is here, we are all working pretty hard to get the pastures and wheat as wet as possible. It can be hard work at times, but it does pay off down the road. Had the kids out irrigating and changing pipe with this morning. It can be good hard work for kids. I think it teaches them good stuff to get up earlier, put on boots, and help their Dad move pipe through tall grass.
Still impressed with Sandy's work on the Dateline show. She did a great job.
Tomorrow is Stacy and I's 16th wedding anniversary. Love you dear, hope you enjoy it in the Short Stay Unit, with a big fat ZERO.
Thank you to the Classic Car Owners for the fund raiser they did in our behalf. Very sorry for the horrible miscommunication with regards to the timing of the event. Thank you for your support.
Stacy, Lindsey and Sierra flew down to Calif on an Angel Flight. Sierra has IVIG and Lindsey has biopsy. They are very excited to be staying with Zangers and see other good Calif friends. They will fly back Thursday. I plan to pick them up in Boise on our way to Utah for a reunion. Lindsey has been doing great. Still loving those puffy cheeks.
Stacy and I have received some very nice letters from people around the country. Each one is very sincere as they share their love, concern, prayers, and story with us. We are still humbled by the love and support we have received from friends, family and people we will never meet.
Also getting back into the groove on the ranch. It is going to be a dry year so right now while the water is here, we are all working pretty hard to get the pastures and wheat as wet as possible. It can be hard work at times, but it does pay off down the road. Had the kids out irrigating and changing pipe with this morning. It can be good hard work for kids. I think it teaches them good stuff to get up earlier, put on boots, and help their Dad move pipe through tall grass.
Still impressed with Sandy's work on the Dateline show. She did a great job.
Tomorrow is Stacy and I's 16th wedding anniversary. Love you dear, hope you enjoy it in the Short Stay Unit, with a big fat ZERO.
Thank you to the Classic Car Owners for the fund raiser they did in our behalf. Very sorry for the horrible miscommunication with regards to the timing of the event. Thank you for your support.
61 Chevy Impala, with a cherry red interior. It was favorite.
Out changing pipe in the 3 corner piece. Is it just me or does Sierra resemble her mother.
Up at the head box
Gage wants to be like Range, so got all dressed up, including spurs and my Aussie hat.
Angel Flight pilot before leaving for Klamath. It takes about 4-5 hours to get to Palo Alto with one stop in Klamath Falls. They are very kind pilots to help us.
While in Palo Alto, Sierra baby sat the Hart's kids. They absolutely LOVED here.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Dateline
Quite a day yesterday watching the Dateline special. In the morning I did a 'Google Hangout' with Sandy Cumming and Keith Morrison. It was a chance to share feeling and visit with the producer and Keith. None of it was rehearsed or edited. Keith walked in minute before it began and we just chatted. Within minutes of the 'Hangout' ending, it was posted on the website. It went well, but afterwards I was pretty exhausted. Thanks to Josh, my brother, who was watching it live, saw I needed a drink of water, called Glenda and had her get me a drink. I was to nervous to watch it until after the Dateline. I guess it is on Youtube and the Dateline website.
I have to say, Sandy Cumming did a pretty good job on the show. I want to thank her and NBC for telling an accurate story. She and her crew were always good to work with. I purposely tried to exclude the Dateline thing as we were going through the transplant and other treatments. I didn't want it to be a distraction from what we were dealing with. But now that it is out, I want say they were good to work with and always gave us our space when we needed it. Thanks Sandy.
After the show last night, Lindsey called 3 West and talked to Riza, a night nurse, it was a highlight of her day. Riza is the night nurse that was on when Lindsey was taken to Transplant at Midnight. She still misses the 3 West nurses and therapists. Yesterday, Stacy and the kids rode bikes home from school. A neat tradition she has kept up.
Why did we agree to the Dateline thing? We were approached about it way back in July when Lindsey was still in the CVICU. At first we didn't want to do it. But we thought this would be a good way to reach out, share our story, and help others become more aware of the need for organ donation.
We have enjoyed the comments. Seems like all types are chiming in. We appreciate the love and concern from so many people.
I have to say, Sandy Cumming did a pretty good job on the show. I want to thank her and NBC for telling an accurate story. She and her crew were always good to work with. I purposely tried to exclude the Dateline thing as we were going through the transplant and other treatments. I didn't want it to be a distraction from what we were dealing with. But now that it is out, I want say they were good to work with and always gave us our space when we needed it. Thanks Sandy.
After the show last night, Lindsey called 3 West and talked to Riza, a night nurse, it was a highlight of her day. Riza is the night nurse that was on when Lindsey was taken to Transplant at Midnight. She still misses the 3 West nurses and therapists. Yesterday, Stacy and the kids rode bikes home from school. A neat tradition she has kept up.
Why did we agree to the Dateline thing? We were approached about it way back in July when Lindsey was still in the CVICU. At first we didn't want to do it. But we thought this would be a good way to reach out, share our story, and help others become more aware of the need for organ donation.
We have enjoyed the comments. Seems like all types are chiming in. We appreciate the love and concern from so many people.
But this is what it is all about. Today Stacy had the cousins over for a play day. Roper, Dalley Jo, Range, Keanna, Ayla, Abigail, Chloe, and Jackson. They had a good time.
Keeping the main thing the main thing.
Still just glad to be home.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tuesday Night, June 4
Been good getting back into the groove here in Eastern Oregon. Kids have had fun going to school and activities. Sierra and Megan went with their classes to Boise to Roaring Springs. They had fun, but it has been a little difficult to fit in with some of their friends. It's tough to be gone that long, then jump back into the groups of friends.
Lindsey and Hunter went with their classes to go bowling in Baker and have lunch at the park. The 1-3 grades go on the bowling trip. Lindsey has missed this for two years. In first grade, she had pneumonia and missed the last week of school and last year she was in the hospital. To say that she wasn't excited about this is an understatement. I walked over from the office and ate lunch with them. We are working on catching up on things that we would normally have done. Planting a garden, flowers in all the flower beds and putting all the "stuff" from RMH somewhere in our house. With a long list of "To Do's" that is GREAT to have.
Stacy's mom, ReNae and Randy stopped by on their way back from Alaska. It was very nice of them.
Tomorrow the Dateline show airs at 8:00 pm. It's a full one hour show on our Calif experience. We are all excited, nervous and very anxious. There has been several adds on Dateline's Facebook page, along with the Huffington Post and the LPCH web site. Each time we see one, Stacy and I hold our breath and check it out. It's quite nerve racking to see yourself on national TV. We are just normal people who had a life changing experience.
Tomorrow between 8:30 and 9:00 a portion of our story will be on the Today Show. Mostly promoting the Dateline. Then at 10:30 am, I will join Keith Morrison for an online chat 'hangout'. I don't even know what that means, but it is on Google+. So if anyone wants to join, and can figure it out, come along for the fun.
Lindsey and Hunter went with their classes to go bowling in Baker and have lunch at the park. The 1-3 grades go on the bowling trip. Lindsey has missed this for two years. In first grade, she had pneumonia and missed the last week of school and last year she was in the hospital. To say that she wasn't excited about this is an understatement. I walked over from the office and ate lunch with them. We are working on catching up on things that we would normally have done. Planting a garden, flowers in all the flower beds and putting all the "stuff" from RMH somewhere in our house. With a long list of "To Do's" that is GREAT to have.
Stacy's mom, ReNae and Randy stopped by on their way back from Alaska. It was very nice of them.
Tomorrow the Dateline show airs at 8:00 pm. It's a full one hour show on our Calif experience. We are all excited, nervous and very anxious. There has been several adds on Dateline's Facebook page, along with the Huffington Post and the LPCH web site. Each time we see one, Stacy and I hold our breath and check it out. It's quite nerve racking to see yourself on national TV. We are just normal people who had a life changing experience.
Tomorrow between 8:30 and 9:00 a portion of our story will be on the Today Show. Mostly promoting the Dateline. Then at 10:30 am, I will join Keith Morrison for an online chat 'hangout'. I don't even know what that means, but it is on Google+. So if anyone wants to join, and can figure it out, come along for the fun.
Range showing his cousin his shetlan pony. Boys were having fun.
First Sunday dinner.
That's my boy. Gotta love the posture.
In line to go bowling
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Home in Eastern Oregon
Well we are home. It has been a pretty exciting time.
We stopped in Reno and Circus Circus and had a great time. We hit the road at 8 am and stopped at Kade and Stephanie Thomas in Wilder Id. They are our good friends we met back in June 2012. There little girl Tristin has the heart issues and is hanging in there. We had a great visit, but wished we could have stayed longer.
Made it to North Powder at 6:15 to a very excited community. I had been coordinating a surprise welcome home party for the family at the school. There were a couple 100 of our closest 'Oregon' friends. Lindsey just screamed and gave hugs as fast as she could. It was neat to see our 5 kids go in 5 different directs to met and play with their old friends. Stacy and I didn't see our kids for about a hour. thanks Jeanette, that was perfect.
Then we drove 7.5 miles out of town to our home. We drove slow and took it all in. the pastures and fields are green. Irrigation water is going everywhere. Snow capped Blue Mountains looking down on us.
When we got home, the kids did the same thing. 5 kids in five different directions. Gage to the trampoline, Hunter to the swings, Lindsey to her room, and Megan and Sierra somewhere. Their cousins were close behind and they all played some more. Bikes were rolling, trampoline was full of kids. Some were to the ditch or otherwise called 'The Island'. Others were off to the trees or 'The Jungle'. They used to play along another ditch they called 'The Oregon Trail', but since last year, it has been cleaned out so now we call it 'the Oregon Expressway' named after the road in Palo Alto. It was so nice to see life back into this house.
Saturday we unpacked, went shopping, had a BBQ, played a little baseball, and had a great visit.
Getting excited and VERY nervous about the Dateline special on Wednesday 8:00. This morning I saw a 4 minute prom on the Huffington post website. This is crazy! What have we got ourselves into. The producer just e-mailed me as asked if we would video Lindsey saying' Watch my heart transplant on Dateline, Wednesday night at 8:00'. So Stacy is doing her hair, what the heck!
We stopped in Reno and Circus Circus and had a great time. We hit the road at 8 am and stopped at Kade and Stephanie Thomas in Wilder Id. They are our good friends we met back in June 2012. There little girl Tristin has the heart issues and is hanging in there. We had a great visit, but wished we could have stayed longer.
Made it to North Powder at 6:15 to a very excited community. I had been coordinating a surprise welcome home party for the family at the school. There were a couple 100 of our closest 'Oregon' friends. Lindsey just screamed and gave hugs as fast as she could. It was neat to see our 5 kids go in 5 different directs to met and play with their old friends. Stacy and I didn't see our kids for about a hour. thanks Jeanette, that was perfect.
Then we drove 7.5 miles out of town to our home. We drove slow and took it all in. the pastures and fields are green. Irrigation water is going everywhere. Snow capped Blue Mountains looking down on us.
When we got home, the kids did the same thing. 5 kids in five different directions. Gage to the trampoline, Hunter to the swings, Lindsey to her room, and Megan and Sierra somewhere. Their cousins were close behind and they all played some more. Bikes were rolling, trampoline was full of kids. Some were to the ditch or otherwise called 'The Island'. Others were off to the trees or 'The Jungle'. They used to play along another ditch they called 'The Oregon Trail', but since last year, it has been cleaned out so now we call it 'the Oregon Expressway' named after the road in Palo Alto. It was so nice to see life back into this house.
Saturday we unpacked, went shopping, had a BBQ, played a little baseball, and had a great visit.
Getting excited and VERY nervous about the Dateline special on Wednesday 8:00. This morning I saw a 4 minute prom on the Huffington post website. This is crazy! What have we got ourselves into. The producer just e-mailed me as asked if we would video Lindsey saying' Watch my heart transplant on Dateline, Wednesday night at 8:00'. So Stacy is doing her hair, what the heck!
Circus Circus
Leela, Hannah, Megan, PK, Nori, Maria, Sierra, & Mia. The awesome Calif friends
More Circus Circus
Big Red on the road
Linds, Tristin, and Sierra. (Tristin was born in Calif with 1/2 a heart)
Crossing the boarder into Oregon.
Little baseball in the yard.
Gage, Range, Lyndee, and Brand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
