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Thursday, May 15, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Part 2: Faith, Hope & Blessings
Part 1 can be found HERE
Once I said my goodbyes I went into my car and drove home to get the kids ready to pack. My dear friend Andrea that was watching my kids at the time thought of an amazing plan. Her husband was going to drive with his car and I would drive with mine. So we were packed and out the door within 15 min. Since the weather was still raining we were going to have to go over a HUGE mountain pass and it was snowing through there. I wasn’t too scared because I was on a mission to get to the hospital. I slide a few times but I knew the Lord was with me. When we got to Heber I had the kids climb in Andreas car and she was going to take them to my sisters house. I then we on my way to Primary Children’s hospital.
I arrived just shortly after 9 pm and found Kyle was still in the same condition in the PICU as I left in Vernal. There plans were to do a spinal tap and then they were going to incubate him. Until they figured out what was going on. I remember as they gave the drug to semi-sedate him for the Spinal Tap he actually cried. Which to me was GREAT he was showing emotion and I needed to hear his sad little cry. They did the procedure and went out of the room to go check on something and they were going to come back. The sedation medicine they gave to him did the exact opposite. He woke up! He was still unable to really move and he could not talk But we saw his EYES. And that was the first tender mercy that the Lord gave me. He was up for a good 15 min. before he crashed again. I was happy to see his eyes. I didn’t know when the next time would be so I was celebrating the little things. They didn’t incubate him, The DRs came in and were just astonished. They were so surprised that he was awake and slightly moving his head up and down for yes or no.
I stayed with Kyle that night. We still didn’t know the cause of his sickness. So we were waiting it out and were going to get a MRI in the morning.
Morning came and we were excited Kyle started moaning. He was whimpering so we were asking him all kinds of question as to what hurt. We finally figured out that he needed to go to the bathroom. So Aj was in the room at the time and we sat him up and He peed in the container so they could calculate how much he went. As we sat him back down he curled up in a ball and threw-up on the bedside. This is what he always did when he was feeling sick. As that moment it was me and Aj in the PICU room along with Kyle were all alone. There was a Code Blue. You could literally feel time stood still. It was absolutely scary to thinking about the child in the other room. Aj and I just stared at each other and it REALLY hit home that a child in the other room wasn’t going to make. We could feel the peace and sense of craziness all at once. And this is when we both just lost it. We still had our son laying there still sick but showing more signs of life than he ever had in the past few days.
We still didn’t know at that time what was going to happen. We didn’t fully know what Kyle had. We did know that our Father in Heaven was watching down on us. I know he sent angels to help us. The neurology team came and did an evaluation. After all the intense testing including a MRI and EEG. The neurologist came in and discussed what Kyle had after reviewing his systems. We were finally going to get some answers. He was diagnosed with Acute post infectious cerebellitis. WHAT?!?! I didn’t know what that even was. I finally understand that it is a infection on the Cerebellum part of the brain. It focuses on your motor functions and balance. So the DR explained that Kyle had a LONG road ahead of us. They told us a good 4-6 weeks in Primary Children’s Hospital and then additional 1-2 months at a intense physical therapy rehab. They couldn’t tell how server until he was more alert. They said he would be in the Sleeping state for quite sometime. When they told us I don’t know if I was ready to believe them or not. It just didn’t click with me. I just felt that somehow we were going to be able to spend General Conference at home.
This was the time we let our family know about his condition. We were hopeful that he could make a FULL recovery. Kyle still was motion sickness when he got up so he really could only sit up for a short period of time maybe 1 min. before he would start throwing up. Later in the afternoon Kyle started waking up at random times. We were so blessed that he was alert and able to shake his head yes or no. We felt confident that he would keep continuing to improve. This is when Aj’s parents and my parents had come up and support Kyle and our family. We were blessed with the love and support of ALL or family and friends. We couldn’t have done it without there many prayers and faith.
When the DR came in and saw how Kyle would wake up randomly they were quite surprised. Because he was so stable they were going to move him to a new unit. We were blessed. We had just received a knew RSV baby patient in the same room and knew Kyle would not sleep well that night. They called down to the medical floor to ask and see if they could handle Kyle and his condition at such a early point. They said yes. So up we went to the new floor. We got settled in and Kyle was more alert then ever. He still did not talk but he could shake his head yes or no. That night Kyle threw-up. They were going to put a feeding tube down his throat if he couldn’t keep food down. We cleaned him up and then we went to bed. I went home with my parents to Mapleton where the rest of the kids were.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
I woke up to breakfast in bed. My Dad made me eggs and pancakes for breakfast. I felt like a princess and realized that it was my birthday. Our plan that day was to take the kids up to see Kyle. I was debating on home to take them since I didn’t drive and there was not enough seats in my parents car. We decided on Front runner. The kids were SO excited to ride the train up to Salt Lake. We had always talked about riding the train before we moved out of Spanish Fork but never got around to it. So we rode the train and when we entered the hospital room. It was so good to see kyle looking around and watching mickey mouse. Kyle looked at us with a BIG smile and then looked at Carter. When the kids came in Carter said he needed to use the bathroom. He was talking to me but Kyle piped up and you could hear him faintly say., “There's a bathroom over their.” I just looked at Kyle in amazement. What a Night and Day difference. It was a sure treat to see him up. It took me by surprise that Kyle was able to say something.
The kids played and watched TV which they thought was really fun. Kyle was able to walk with heavy support to go to the bathroom. His moments of dizziness were starting to fade. When the DR came in for the day they were amazed at how well he was doing. We asked, With his progress doing SO well when could we expect him home. They said if he starts eating and keeping it down then it won’t be long. They said at his progress he can be home by the weekend. We were EX TACTIC! The kids went home with Papa and Nana back to Mapleton. My parents stayed with Kyle while me and AJ went to Cheesecake cake factory for my birthday dinner. It was very delicious. We came back to Kyle and he just ate some food then he started to throw up. Overall his day was good and it was fun too see.
Wednesday April 2, 2014
I slept at my grandpa’s house since it was only 10 mins away. I decided to wake up early and get back to Kyle since I left him he was a little sick from throwing up last night. Kyle wanted pancakes. We had been saying that as a bribe for quite sometime. Well today was the day he got pancakes. He got them and about 20 min. later he threw up. It was hard too see him still not 100% but still SO drastically good at the same time. We played card games then they came around for bingo for anyone that wanted to participate. He played and got to call on the phone if he got a bingo. He got a bingo and everyone was a winner. It was really fun for him. After that he was getting tired so he took a little nap. When he woke up he was hungry so we ordered him something. Aj went to the gym and I stayed with Kyle. That is when my parents showed up. Kyle said ‘ice cream cone’ I said ok we can call so you can order a ice cream cone. I had Kyle call because he really wanted too. I wish I would had videoed the call because it was the sweetest conversation.
Worker said, “Hello?”
Kyle, “Ice Cream Cone.”
Worker, “You want an Ice Cream cone?”
Kyle, “Yes”
Worker: “What flavor?”
Kyle, “Pineapple”
Worker: “We don’t have pineapple”
Kyle, “Vanilla”
Worker: “Ok, We will bring that in 15 min.”
The nurse was in doing his vitals and brought in the tray of food. He got a cone, vanilla ice cream in the container, and fresh pineapple on the side. I put the ice cream in the cone and He was happy. The nurse had been working there for over 10 years and she never knew that they had ice cream cones since it wasn’t on the menu. I believe the worker went down to the cafeteria to get a ‘Cone” I was just so happy that he was eating, talking and overall starting to feel better.
The physical therapist came and wanted to see if Kyle could walk from his room to the fish tank. You can see the video at how well he was walking. He couldn’t walk on his own but he was doing a TON better. We were telling the physical therapist that the DR are thinking he might get to come home on the weekend. She said That’s great. At this point Kyle may need to be sent him home on a walker. His balance is still quite off but he is making leaps and bounds. We had visitors from the Palmer's this afternoon.
I went home to Mapleton with my parents because I was extremely exhausted. Aj was the one who stayed with Kyle most all of the nights.
April 3, 2014
I got a text from AJ around 9 am telling me that we are going to be discharged today. I called him and said WHAT?!? How is that possible? Did he keep food down? Aj told me he was walking with no help at all. He was still a little wobbly but he did it all by himself. I was in shock. I knelt down and thanked my Heavenly Father for this miracle that happen. I knew if was because the faith of my family and friends and the many prayers that were offered to send him home this quickly. I know that is priesthood blessing was TRULY the source of medicine that helped him get better.
When I came to get the Kyle and AJ Kyle was rolling all over the bed and read to get out and played. Aj told me when Kyle woke up he was asking for Carter. He said he wanted his Carter for breakfast. It was pretty cute.
Kyle is now doing so much better. He is walking and running and acts like nothing has ever happened. We thank our Heavenly Father for giving us this tender mercy. We are So glad that our family was able to spend General Conference together as a Whole family. I remember telling my friends that I get to go home and BE TOGETHER and that was the best news EVER!
Since Kyle’s sickness I have been able to bear my testimony about the love of God and the priesthood here on this earth. It seriously has been an experience I will remember and the strength I grew from it.
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Thursday, April 10, 2014
Part 1: Faith, Hope & Blessings
This story is written from my personal journal. please contact me about questions at abrightforce (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Part 1: Faith, Hope & Blessings
March 27, 2014
Thursday- Kyle came home from school telling me that his brain was hurting. He then said he got really cold. So he went and got his coat on and fell asleep on the bean bag. he was asleep until 6:45. We woke him up and had him eat dinner. He ate got ready for bed then he came out of his bed telling me that his belly hurt. I remember rock a bye him in our chair in my room. He calmed down and I laid him in bed.
March 28, 2014
I let the kids sleeping in a little today. When Kyle woke up I heard a thump. Kyle could not walk he was too wobbly. He then threw up what he ate late night. I had planned to go to SLC as a girls night for the evening. We had planned to go to the Scrapbook Expo. I told AJ that I was going to stay home. He didn't look normal for just having the stomach bug. He told me he would be ok. He wanted to take care of him and told me to go and have a fun time. So I drove to Spanish Fork were I went to Costco for the afternoon and then dropped it off at my sisters house. We had a great time going shopping at Kohl and IKEA and just hanging out.It was a fun break. Aj called me and told me that Kyle was going to have a priesthood blessing to get better. I asked AJ if I needed to come home? He said no sleep and we will see how he is feeling.
March 29, 2014
I woke up around 8:00 am I was debating to go to the hotel gym but decided I just wanted to get ready. I text AJ to ask how Kyle was doing they didn’t wake up until 9 am. He said he seemed to be doing better. So we finished getting ready and went to the Scrapbook Expo USA. as we were pulling out of the hotel parking lot. I had a feeling to say a prayer. So I said one and we went on our way. We arrived and I could not believe how CRAZY the ladies at the expo could be. They are die-hard scrapbooks and I don’t think we will ever go back to scrapbook just to look around at the Venues.
We found our place and walked around. Then an hour into it Aj told me he was taking Kyle to the doctors. He later told me that he text-ed and Kyle was going to be admitted into the hospital for dehydration and he hadn’t gone to the bathroom since Friday morning. The next text AJ sent was, ‘when are you coming home?’ I text him back immediately and said ‘right now’ We finished packing our things and walked to our car. I turned to Melinda and asked her if she would say a prayer. I didn’t know the danger but I was feeling uneasy and wanted to feel better and comforted through a prayer. I did feel more at easy when we started driving home. We had to drive back to my sisters since I went to Costco Friday afternoon and left my fridge foods at her house. I made my way back home.
Aj was still waited to be admitted into the hospital I had a dear friend pick up the kids until I was able to get back home.
I arrived back home with Melinda by my side. I am truly grateful that she put her time to drive out with me and help me out. We originally thought that Kyle was only going to have to stay in the hospital for 1 night and we would get to come home. We kept waiting for Kyle to get up out of bed and want to play. He just laid there and slept.
I stayed with him for the evening then I came home and put the kids to bed. They fell asleep the moment I put them to bed. Then I sat with Melinda and chatted while we waited for her husband to drive her home.
March 30, 2014
I was waiting for Aj to call so I could go to the hospital in the morning and he could come home and get ready. At this time Melinda had left to go home since they needed to get back to church. I got a call around 10 am saying the DR had come around and they were going to wait and see if Kyle was going to get better. I came in and Kyle was still not 100% he looked actually worse then when I left him. Right now he didn’t talk or really open his eyes he just laid there. He was a floppy fish and had no control of his body. Finally, the nurse came in right when AJ had shown up with the kids. The nurse asked us if Kyle was normally sleepy? I said, NO. She told us she was going to go call the DR and see what he wants to do. At this time I had that feeling that I needed to take the kids home. So I took them home. As we were walking out of the hospital there was a HUGE gust of wind and lightning then it started to rain and pour. We didn’t get too wet but it was still crazy. This was right after the special fast for all religions to fast for the rain to come to Vernal. Their prayers were answered.
I was a little antsy but wanted to remain calm for the kids. I got the call from AJ saying I needed to come to the hospital ASAP. I needed to pack a bag for whom ever was going to fly in the life flight wing plane. My heart dropped not knowing what was going to happen. My friend here in Vernal she happened to not have any of her kids in Vernal since her husband just had a minor surgery on his knee. I called her and she was here within 2 min. She was such a blessing.
I went to the hospital with Aj’s clothes because I don’t think I would have done that well in the airplane. While I was gone, Kyle had a CT Scan and was not really responding to them when they were poking him for an IV. It was so scary to see your child laying there and you don’t know what was going on with him. Normally, when I have had hard time or trails I have always known the outcome or at least had the spirit guide my thoughts. This time I didn’t know. My faith was put to the test. I really didn’t know if I was ever going to see my sweet little Kyle again. That is when I met AJ and he came and gave me a BIG hug and told me We can do hard things. We have done it before, we can do it again. It helped but it didn’t give me the peace that I was searching for. When we came back to the room, Kyle had not moved. He just laid there with his eyes closed. I just wanted to see those eyes before he had to take off on the airplane. Aj called our home teachers to come down and give us a blessing. First they gave Kyle blessing which calmed me down a little. Then they went into a different room and gave AJ a blessing then, I was next. I wasn’t going to say no to the blessing but, I felt I wasn’t the one who needed it. The moment the blessing started, I had the peace I was looking for. I knew instantly that what ever happen would happen. That the Lord was mindful of us. AFter the blessing, The primary song that came to my mind:
My life is a gift; my life has a plan.
My life has a purpose; in heav’n it began.
My choice was to come to this lovely home on earth
And seek for God’s light to direct me from birth.
I had that feeling that everything was going to work out the way it was going to work out. I was blessed that we have the priesthood on this earth.(
A blessing given by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, by the laying on of hands and by inspiration, to one who is sick or otherwise in need of special counsel, comfort, or healing. If the blessing is for the sick, consecrated oil is used (James 5:14-15).
I went back to Kyle side since he was going to be leaving for life-flight soon. When the flight crew came and took Kyle I wanted to see those eyes before they left but he was still not waking up. We wheeled him down to the ambulance and I got to climb in and say goodbye to Kyle I told him, “I’ll see ya when I see ya, Love you. Be Good” And I watched them drive away to the airport.
To finish the story READ HERE
Monday, April 7, 2014
Monday Motivator: Activity
Monday Motivator: Activity
Here are some suggestions for burning extra calories during your day:
Here are some suggestions for burning extra calories during your day:
- Walk to a water fountain (H2O is essential for losing and maintaining a healthy weight)
- Walk to a colleague's office instead of calling or emailing.
- Store things you need out of reach so you have to get up and walk to get them.
- Walk to a park and eat lunch instead of ordering in.
- Try to take standing breaks at home, too - whether you're talking on the phone or watching TV.
- Take a walking break instead of a coffee break.
- Do wall push-ups while you wait for copies.
- Program your computer to alert you to get up for a short walk every hour or so.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park a couple of blocks from work, increase your walking distance.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday Motivator: Healthy Mind
Monday Motivator: Healthy Mind
Long work hours... stress... some of us have turned to food! When we experience stressful events or negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, emptiness and sadness food can bring us temporary comfort. They don't call it “comfort food” for nothing do they?!When we expect something to bring us pleasure and/or relief from distress, that expectation actually amplifies the rewarding value of food. This is what we call a “vicious cycle.” We can change this cycle!
- First, change our emotional appraisal, or expectation of food to bring comfort (happiness, etc.)
and “retraining your brain” to think in a different way. Draw towards
what you want and push away from what is no longer desirable. Develop a
statement that draws you towards healthy eating habits like this, “I
feel great when I choose a healthy way to cope with my emotions!” Next,
develop a statement that pushes away from using food as a coping
mechanism. Something like “Eating to comfort myself actually makes me
feel more miserable.”
- Find behaviors to replace food.
Develop a “Menu” that lists any pleasurable activities that you can
think of and any comforting activities that you can think of. This way
you will have a list of options that you can use to obtain pleasure
and/or relief from emotional distress. Some examples of “Comfort Menu”
items include: Deep Breathing, Meditation, Positive Imagery, Squeezing a
Stress Ball, Giving Yourself a Hand Massage, Make a Stress Free Zone to
Relax Within, Spend Time Outdoors in the Sun, Stretch, Take a Quick
Walk, Listen to Your Favorite Song, Write Your Emotions Down, Light
Scented Candles, Smell Citrus or Coffee, Talk to a Friend or Cuddle with
a Pet.
- Trigger & Strategy . You can use the items on your “Comfort Menu” to fill in as the new routine.
- This should look like this: “When [identify the cue], I will [identify the new routine] because it provides me with [identify the reward].”
- Here’s an example: “When I feel stressed, I will take a walk because it provides me with a sense of calm and peace of mind.”
- Whereas the old automatic response would be to eat when feeling stressed, the new routine would be to take a walk. This planned response is a guideline for you to follow. Write it down. Read it. Practice it. We are going for progress, not perfection. Change is a process, not an event.
Seven daily essential mental activities to optimize brain matter and create well-being
Focus Time When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, we take on challenges that make deep connections in the brain. Play Time When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain. Connecting Time When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and when we take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain's relational circuitry. Physical Time When we move our bodies, aerobically if medically possible, we strengthen the brain in many ways. Time In When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, we help to better integrate the brain. Down Time When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge. Sleep Time When we give the brain the rest it needs, we consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day.
The Healthy Mind Platter was created by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute and Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine in collaboration with Dr. David Rock, Executive Director of the NeuroLeadership Institute. Images and articles were found here
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