Day 8 - August 31, 2015

Day 8

 

It's been a week since the accident. Probably the longest week of our lives. As we get closer to bringing Jeff home the reality of the changes that need to be made have really hit home. Tension has run a little higher today and patience is wearing thin (Julee is nice and is sugar coating this - but we know we will have hard days and we will get through this!). We all know if we can hold out just a little longer things will settle down when he's finally here.

 

We miss the calming and gentle touch of Annette. We got together tonight for family dinner and oh boy without Grandma Net, the peace maker, things got a little rough between parents and kids.  We are so grateful that she has such a nurturing and calm spirit because it will really help in the months to come. She has been so blessed with a sensitive, yet strong nature that has been toughened over the years from putting up with Jeff! We are so blessed to have her in our lives and we know our dad couldn't be in more capable hands than hers.

 

Julee had a conversation with Peggy this morning that led to a misunderstanding where Julee thought Jeff was being transferred today. Her tears went from excited relief, to disappointment, to tears of laughter in the course of about thirty seconds. Peggy told her, "Cool your jets!" which led to a fit of the giggles.

 

We are happy to announce that after research was done, referrals made,  and phone calls completed the total cost of transport will be at the very least a third less than expected, and maybe even closer to half! We are so grateful for all the input we received today to help us with this problem. Peggy is great at making phone calls, getting information & making arrangements.  We are truly grateful for her talents!

 

The routine for Jeff today was much the same as the others with just a few differences. Biggest difference this morning was that when breakfast came Jeff said he was starving. Yahoo! Annette had him drink a chocolate Ensure which filled him up so even though breakfast looked good he only ate a few bites.

 

Then they completed another CT scan for one more check on things. Results are still unknown at this time.

 

Then it was clean up time again. New sheets, new gown, clean Jeff!

 

We forgot to tell you that yesterday he held up his arm and asked why it was green... they tried to explain that the insecticidal soap they had used when trying to clean up all the dirt and dust he was covered in from the wreck was still on there. Jeff responded, "Well why didn't they get it off? Who wants green arms?" While regular soap wouldn't take the green off, they got results when Annette used an adhesive remover used to take off sticky tape.

 

They continued with turning him from the left side to the right side and switching the boot from the right to the left foot every two hours.

 

Naptime came and the T.V. was put on the music and scenery/art channel. Claude Monet was on this time.

 

All 3 of his physical therapists gave him a pretty good workout today. They were impressed with the strength in his arms and wrists. They reminded him to be patient as they rubbed his arms and legs to get the blood flowing.

 

Then they used the sling with the power lift and got him in a wheelchair! Annette took him for a ride outside. He only wished he had his glasses to see the view. Back to his bed via the sling, which he loved. He says hanging in the sling is way comfortable and prefers that over the wheelchair.

 

 

By the time they got Jeff into the wheelchair and wheeled outside he was asleep, it just plain wore him out.

 



Don't you just love those green socks!  I think they could win an ugly sweater contest!! 

 

Then it was back to his bed & naptime as he was very tired. He was even too tired to eat lunch after all the work he did.

 

 

Annette and Peggy went to the cafeteria for lunch and chose the Cobb Salad which we are told is VERY good.

 

Later the nutritionist came in to evaluate Jeff's swallowing abilities and to change his diet to no restrictions. Peggy says, "Happy Boy! He can have what he wants, even if we bring it in with us." He can also have water without the dreaded thickener now.

 

Now the entertainment of the day as told by Peggy:

"The same nutritionist evaluated Jeff's cognitive level. It started out asking him what day it is and which month came before this one. So this went just fine. Then she asked, "Who is the president of the United States?" Jeff answered, "Asshole!" She paused and then started laughing and asked where the president lived. Jeff answered, "Unfortunately the White House." This really got entertaining. We all had a great time laughing at Jeff's dry, blunt humor. Obviously, he passed with laughing colors."

  

The balance of the evening was quiet after a busy day. Annette and Peggy made it back to the hotel and enjoyed some clam chowder for dinner. Where they are staying has a small kitchenette so they don't have to try and find a place to eat all the time.

 

While nothing is set in stone yet if Jeff's blood pressures remain stable and they can get him off of certain meds he'll be ready for transport! They are still crossing their fingers for Wednesday. Peggy says, "My Lincoln is living in the Hotel parking lot and is getting very dusty and dirty."

 

We want to give a special shout out to Peggy for being so patient with all of us. She's dealt with all of us calling her, texting her, and asking her a million questions every day since the accident and she has not once complained. She puts together a run down of every day so we can pass the news on to everyone else, and she finds something positive to report no matter how rundown she might be. We are so grateful for her strength, positive attitude, and dedication to our mom and dad and we love her so much!

 

Your continued prayers, well wishes, warm thoughts, and kindness have helped us more than you'll ever know. Thank you all for being here for us during this difficult time! 

Day 7 - August 30, 2015

Day 7

(More pictures will be uploaded later today - having difficulties getting all of them to download)

 

Today has been a day of reflection. It was only three weeks ago that Jeff sat at the head of the table in his dining room and led a conversation about the future over spaghetti dinner, our Sunday tradition. All of his children and grandchildren were there and excitement over the adventures to come filled the room.

We discussed a condo in Park City in 2016, Jackson Hole in 2017, places he and Ryan planned on biking, camping as a family at Payson Lakes, hiking together up Mount Timponogos to show the little ones the cave this September, and family pictures next month at Wheeler Farm. 

Our hearts are heavy over the changes to these plans that have to be discussed and made. Looking that far into the future seems impossible right now. Instead we are taking it day by day. The gift of the present is what matters. The most we can say about the future at this point in time is that we are just grateful it will include our dad and grandpa! 

We want to thank everyone who participated in the fast today. We have faith that our prayers are heard and our righteous desires will be lovingly answered by our Father in heaven.

We have the most amazing extended family in the world! They put together a "break the fast dinner" for us and we were able to be rejuvenated and gain strength from their loving support and testimonies. Our biggest regret was that our family members in Denver weren't able to be here.

 

Brandi and Zach made it safely back and just in time for dinner! It was great catching up with them and getting a first hand account of how Jeff, Annette, and Peggy are doing. From all accounts they are doing better than expected under the circumstances.
     

Peggy reports that they are seeing more and more of Jeff being like his usual self. His biggest complaint right now is that he wants to drink water and real milk. He's over the thickened crap and wants to move on! They say his swallowing has been improving and he'll be reevaluated tomorrow to see if it's possible to try thin liquids again.
 

While results have not returned on the blood cultures related to the fever, his temperature has been stable and good all day. They actually turned the air down to 68 degrees and uncovered him, thinking that maybe he was just overheated. Annette and Peggy now freeze during their visits, but Jeff has always liked a cooler temperature and is very comfortable. Annette said her hands and fingers literally turned purple today because she was so cold!
 

His voice gets stronger every day as his throat recovers from being intubated, where they put the tube down it during surgery for breathing.
 

His next problem is that for a guy who used to shower twice a day he can't stand only having bed baths! He keeps asking, "Can't you just take me and dip me in water?" Maybe we can take him to the baptismal font after he gets home and make his wish a reality!
 

His blood pressure problems stem from a chemical imbalance in the brain. When he sits upright he's not producing the proper amount of dopamine required to keep the levels stable, so they drop. Time is the biggest factor here. His body needs time to work it all out. They started him on a very low dose of steroids to try and help. We are praying they have the desired effects.
 

Jeff is starting to feel his stomach more. He isn't eating a whole lot, but he told Annette today when he felt like he'd had enough because it felt weird and kind of yucky. They expect him to be able to feel hunger again soon.
 

He's itching to get on his computer! Annette says he's being a lot more patient with himself than expected when trying to do these simple tasks that used to be as thoughtless as breathing and now require his full concentration. He has had some success in using the touch screen with his knuckles, but anyone who has a touch screen will know how sensitive they are and how easily they screw up when the touch isn't exact. We hope to find equipment made for these problems so he has more independence.
 

In order to prevent contractures, a problem where the muscles get stuck into one position and are unable to be fixed, the physical therapists have given Jeff exercises to do with his arms. Peggy and Annette also straighten out his fingers and massage them regularly. His feet are put into a boot that is rotated from one to the other every two hours when he gets turned.
 

He's on even less Valium now and is awake a lot more. Sometimes when he wakes up from a nap he expresses irritation that time is so slow now that he's aware of it more. Peggy thinks he liked sleeping more because the days went by faster.
 

Peggy was reading an article to him from the paper about a newer battery powered car, the Tesla, and he had a tender moment where he paused and let his mind process things. With tears in his eyes he softly said, "This reminds me that I won't be able to ride my new bike." Just recently he participated in an auction and was the highest bidder on a Harley Davidson. One of the many things he loved to do was ride motorcycles with Annette.
 

Tonight at our family gathering the men were all discussing how they want to convert his new bike for him so he will be able to ride it! They've also started discussing and looking into how to make Jeff and Annette's home wheelchair friendly. We are so grateful for how thoughtful they are, because at this point in time we haven't even reached a level of functioning to figure out what needs to be done before he can come home.
 

Tonight we were reminded of why family is so important. We lift each other up when we find ourselves face planted on the ground. Family means there is always someone there to see a need and find a way to fill it. They are there to pick up what pieces of your life fall through the cracks. They hurt with you, cry with you, laugh with you, and pray with you. Family is what this life is all about.
 

We can't wait for Jeff to come back to Utah so he can be lifted up by the many family members and friends who care about him. Annette is holding out hope that his blood pressures will stabilize enough that he can be transferred on Wednesday. They are planning on speaking with the social worker about the different options available tomorrow.
 

Insurance companies will not cover a second transport, even in circumstances such as this. It is expected to cost upwards of $20,000 just to get him home, all out of pocket, because he'll need extensive medical supervision the whole time. We are looking into different options here at home also and ask that if anyone has information that could help us out to please let us know. 

An update from Peggy:

"Today was a quiet Sunday at Denver Health Center. Nurse Jamie was with us again and we were grateful. Everything went well. It was the same routine as usual except Jeff was with us during all the action and conversations, even commenting on the T.V. shows. He is more and more like the Jeff we all know and love. He teared up with us when I told him that all except for 4 people all of our Page family members were going to be at the "The end of the Family Fast dinner". We will keep you updated on changes and progress for getting him home."
 

Again we can't thank everyone enough for all of the love, well wishes, hopeful thoughts, and prayers. While each day is still a trial, we feel our burdens being lifted. The Lord is answering our prayers by sending strength through each and every one of you. You are His hands when you follow the promptings to remind us that we are in your thoughts and prayers.

Day 6 - August 29, 2015

Day 6

Today started early for a lot of people here at home in Utah. With Josh Lloyd's help the bike group got together for a special run through Corner Canyon, the area located around the Draper, UT temple. They did a ride that Jeff put together called "Side 2 Side." It was extremely difficult for Ryan to go knowing Jeff wouldn't be there, but he knew his dad would want him to keep riding. They had thirteen people altogether this morning and we'd like to thank them for showing their support! 

From the left: David Ewell, Ron Brown, Dan DeVries, Nate Lyon, Brad Frost, Rob Smart, Cameron Smart, Ryan Page, Rod Lyon, Patrick Wolfe, Josh Lloyd, Brent Lloyd, Blake DeVries.

 

Ryan reports they all had a good ride reminiscing about the times they've spent riding with Jeff. He says it didn't feel normal at all because Jeff usually rides in front and leads the pack.

 

Josh gave Ryan the helmet Jeff was wearing when he wrecked. It's broken clear through on a spot on the top! Ryan has sent a thank you to the company who produced it, Bell, to express our gratitude for the high quality of their products because they save lives.

 

Peggy reports that today has been a good day for them. She says Jeff has been awake a lot more, talking, and smiling. Yes, they saw a smile or two... with teeth showing even! She says we are getting our Jeff back. For example, when the nurse asked him to use the breathing apparatus during each commercial he let it all out saying, “Watching commercials is like someone holding a gun to your head and saying sit here, you have to watch it.  Commercials rob your time.” Ha! Nothing's changed there!

 

It was very quiet on the unit today except for a tragedy that occurred in the next room. The usual amount of attention was not given to Jeff until about noon. When the nurse Jamie can in and apologized for the delay in helping him, she asked, “How do you feel?”

 

“Crappy,” he responded.

 

Jamie said, “Could you describe that a little more?”

 

Jeff replied, “Hands tingly, can't feel my fingers, headache.” Jamie then told them about how the patient next door had died of a massive heart attack right in front of the nurse. Jeff commented that it might have been better than living like this.

 

Jamie then proceeded to give Jeff a very calm lecture about the value of living and doing all you can possibly do to make your life worthwhile, no matter what your circumstance. We like her a lot!

 

Zach and Brandi stopped at the Target Store and bought every single brand of yogurt that was cherry of every kind. He really enjoyed that. They also bought TruMoo Chocolate Milk and when Brandi told him there was no corn syrup in the milk he smiled a big smile. The nurses even let him take his meds with chocolate milk. Peggy reports,“One happy boy.”

 

Brandi and Annette held the iPad and showed him a video of Martyn Ashton, a world champion mountain bike trail rider. He had also sustained an injury during mountain biking that left him paralyzed. The video showed him, with the help of his friends, riding his mountain bike on down hill runs. They could see that Jeff’s mind was absorbing the whole video, as he never fell asleep for the entire time!

At home, Ryan had a similar reaction while watching a segment. It was as if a light switch of hope had been turned on. 

 

Jeff asked Brandi if his toes were moving today. She answered, “No, do they feel like they’re moving?”

“No, I’m trying to move them,” he replied. So Brandi repositioned his toes so he could see them. And encouraged him to keep trying - mind over body. 

 

Jeff developed a fever of 102 today. A chest x-ray was completed to rule out pneumonia and urine and blood samples were taken to try and pinpoint the cause. When the lab tech told Jeff she had to prick both of his arms he grimaced. Afterwards she said, “I'm sorry, but boy I appreciate your great veins! I only had to prick you once.” 

 

When the nurses reposition him they have to use a sheet underneath his back to prevent friction which can lead to skin breakdown. They use the sheet when cleaning him by holding one side up to keep him rolled on his side. They also use it when repositioning and adjusting the wedges and pillows underneath him that keep him off of his back. During the process today one of the male nurses that was holding him up said, “Thanks Jeff for being thin.” 

 

Peggy says, “As you can see, everyone that gives their service to Jeff and to us are exceptional professionals who care enough to do everything they can to make Jeff comfortable.”

 

 

Today Brandi missed a phone call from a Denver number. Interested she called it back and told the person that answered that she missed a phone call.  The person on the other end asked, but no one knew a Brandi Benson.  Brandi then asked him where she called.  He responded that it was a floral shop.  Brandi then said, well my dad is in the hospital his name is Jeff Page.  They figured out that flowers were being sent to Jeff, but that they couldn't be delivered because they don't allow flowers in the ICU.  Brandi was able to meet with the floral delivery person and accept the flowers for Jeff.  The flowers are very beautiful and from those who Brandi works with at Salt Lake Community College.  We thank them for showing they care for Brandi and her dad.  Peggy and Annette will enjoy them at the hotel.

 

 

Brandi and Zach went to the 7 Eleven to get Jeff a cherry Slurpee, but had to wait for it to freeze. While they were waiting they bought a scratch lotto ticket for a dollar and won $20. Guess what bought dinner for the support team? Peggy says, “Thanks Zach!”

 

 

While they were gone Jeff's dinner arrived and Annette started to feed him. He ate pretty well, but it was the cherry Slurpee and oatmeal raisin cookie that really hit the spot.

 

 

For everyone else it was Taco Bell for dinner, and what an experience they had. After asking a questionable young man what was good on the menu they got a five minute earful about what was nasty. They were then left on their own to figure it out. All of their choices were good until Zach was tempted to try the Cap'n Crunch Poppers. “Talk about disgusting!” They wanted to tell the questionable young man to add them to his nasty list, but he wasn't available for further discussion.

 

 

Zach took everyone back to the hotel via the "back way". The houses were most likely built in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. Peggy says, “They were built so close on every street we passed that you could open your window and pass a borrowed cup of sugar without stretching your arm. If you were any wider than 18” you couldn't walk between the houses. There were about ten blocks of the houses which were mostly well taken care of. Remember, they are located in the original downtown Denver. It was quite an experience for us who love elbow room to live in.”  

 

A huge thanks to Peggy, Annette, and Brandi for keeping us informed. Even the day to day things are a comfort to hear about for those of us who are stuck wondering what's happening.

 

Back at home:

Tonight Talon asked, "Is grandpa still hurt? Grandpa Jeff? Is he still in the hospital?" When we told him yes and tried to explain again what had happened, all he asked was, "Why?"

 

That very same question goes through our minds several times a day.  However, we know that the Lord will carry him through this as well as caring us through this trying time. 

 

This is where faith becomes critical. Where we make it or break it so to speak. We can have faith in the Lord's plan for us and grow from this, or allow our faith to falter and be crushed by the pain and devastation of it.

 

Faith is a funny thing. You can still have faith and be angry about your situation. Having faith doesn't mean you have to like what's happening in your life. Having faith means you might be upset and frustrated and overwhelmed, but you choose to continue. You choose to make the best of it and you choose to trust that in the end it really will make you a better person.

 

The biggest problem when trying to have faith is that during a trial you have no hindsight. When the critical parts of a trial are over hindsight can usually tell you that the way things turned out was really what was best for you. You learned something that strengthened you or you were prepared for another trial just around the corner, etc.

 

So, faith is trying to use the hindsight from past experiences in order to accept your current situation. And that's what we're doing. We know the Lord's will is best, we've learned it time and again. Remembering it for this trial is no different, but it's one of those things we aren't exactly happy about.

 

We are so grateful for everyone who has given comfort with stories of people who have suffered similar trauma and gone on to live full lives. We are grateful for the hope of a brighter tomorrow.

 

We are especially grateful for the care and attention given to our dad and family by the medical staff taking care of him.

 

The road ahead may be long, but it's amazing how much lighter the burden feels when you are lifted up by such loving friends and family.   

 

For anyone who is interested, please remember we are fasting for Jeff tomorrow (Sunday, August 30th). We ask that you pray especially for his blood pressure to stabilize and for him to remain optimistic during this difficult time. Thank you for all you do, we couldn't make it through this without all of your support!



Day 5 - August 28, 2015

Day 5

An update from Peggy came via email to report a pretty busy day:

 

"It was a better night for all of us. Annette and I arrived at 8:15 this morning. Jeff was getting his teeth brushed after eating his breakfast. He got washed and cleaned up, new sheets, new hospital gown, and all ready for the physical therapists."

 

"His P.T. Tara is still disappointed that his blood isn’t stabilizing as quickly as she wants, as it limits her from getting him into a chair for better therapy. But she worked him pretty good with Jeff lifting his arms in many directions for the count of 10.  Every once in a while he would fall asleep before 10, wake up and lift again, and then keep counting."

 

"By then Zach and Brandi arrived at the hospital to visit Jeff and spend the day with us. Back and forth we went with the two persons at a time passes. We all went to lunch at the hospital cafeteria. We spent a good hour eating, talking, relaxing, and then back to Jeff we went. Annette and I found a very relaxed, sleeping Jeff as it was the usual hospital nap time from 2 to 3:30p.m."

 

"We finally heard the results of yesterday’s MRI. Nothing new and just as they expected. So no new things to be concerned with and on the other side no good improvement news either." 

The words said by the Neurologist were, “We are right on track. All we need to do is get his blood pressure stabilized and we will send him to rehab in Salt Lake.”

Yeah!

 

With Brandi's help Ryan's family, Cherie, and Aliyah were able to Face Time with Jeff this evening. We hope that Blake can join us tomorrow night. Brandi asked Jeff to move his arms to show the kids that he could move them. Jeff immediately started moving his arms up and down (from the elbow) for the kids to see.  While Face Timing with Jeff, Annette was trying to feed him dinner and our job was to keep him awake. Potatoes and gravy, carrots, and what they think was roast were all put together on a spoon in order to give him the most flavor possible. He seemed to like the vanilla pudding the best.

 



Never take for granted you can feed yourself!

We just know this irritates our dad that he can't do the simplest of task like feeding himself.

 

All of his liquids have to be thickened in order to prevent aspiration, which is a fancy word for "going down the wrong hole." When liquids are thin they tend to go down more quickly and for someone who is already struggling to swallow it can be dangerous. By thickening everything it gives his body time to react to the liquids and protect his airway during swallows. Jeff told Brandi that the thickened water was horrible!

 

Annette asking Jeff what flavor of thickened "nectar" he wanted.



 

Jaxon and Talon got a kick out of us telling grandpa to wake up over and over. He is still sleeping a lot from the Valium they give him which helps to prevent muscle spams and decrease pain. We kind of all feel that it might be better for him to sleep more during this phase of recovery anyway.

 

When Annette told him to open his eyeballs for the umpteenth time he sarcastically opened them as wide as he could, but they only stayed that way for about ten seconds. It made us all laugh.

 



Annette had Brandi show the kids Jeff's really big owie on his knee.

 

After talking with Cherie, Aliyah and Ryan's Family, Brandi Faced timed Kaisalyn (Sierra was sleeping).  From the look on Kaisalyn's face when she saw her grandpa you could tell she was deeply concerned.  Jeff was asleep most of the time they were face timing Kaisalyn, but he did open his eyes a couple of times for just a few seconds to look at the iPad screen.

 

The bed Jeff is in is really soft and he hasn't had any complaints. They are turning him from side to side about every two hours to decrease pressure on his tailbone and butt.  They don't want him in a sitting position because he has some redness already and they don't want it to progress into bed sores.  He would prefer to sit up rather than lay down, but he is only allowed to do this for 15 minutes 3 times a day to eat and then back to a laying down again.

 

Right now the main concern and the whole reason he can't be transfered is that his blood pressure isn't stable, like Peggy mentioned. Laying on one side it goes too high, but turned on the other side it drops too low. We aren't sure that the cause is completely understood at this point in time. We do know that once it's stabilized he'll be transferred to IMC in Murray, UT for inpatient therapy.

 

If you were planning to fast with us on Sunday, please remember in your fast to specifically ask that Jeff's blood pressure will stabilize so that he can be transported home to UT and begin rehab.

 

KSL news had a story yesterday about a facility that assists paralyzed patients achieve dreams they had been told were impossible - like walking and running. Several people sent the link to grandma and she called for more information. It is called Neuroworx Rehabilitation Center and it's located in Sandy, UT. It's an outpatient rehab center that specializes in spinal cord injuries. We hope to see Jeff there as soon as his inpatient therapy is completed!

 

Trying to get Jeff's spirits up Brandi was talking to her dad about getting him home. He then said to her, "I don't want to go home".  Brandi asked "Well, where do you want to go?" and he said "Driving".  Brandi then just went along with what her dad was saying and said, "Ok, we can drive you around, where do you want to drive to?"  Jeff didn't answer because he had fallen back asleep.  Annette feels that Jeff was talking about driving a Harley motorcycle.  We can't even begin to imagine how being paralyzed and the thought of not being able to move and do the things he loves is affecting our dad.  We are going to need all the help we can to get to help our dad begin thinking positive so that he can be motivated to heal and do those things again some day!

 

Funny moments of the day:

This one's pretty good! --- Our dad Jeff will be "dad" and his nurse will be "Jeff."

Dad's nurse today is named Jeff and he's big, tall, and strong. Jeff and another nurse came in to help turn dad over to his other side. Jeff said to the other nurse, "What did they do before we had male nurses?"
Dad was listening to their conversation and said, "They were all fat."
The nurses were a little surprised and then dad added, "Now they're all nice and thin and easy on the eyes."

Ha! So funny even if it is slightly inappropriate! Got to love the drugs!

 

Dad's nurse Jeff (right) and another nurse repositioning him.

 

Brandi was trying to get Jeff to wake up and in desperation to get her dad to talk to her or open his eyes she said, "Hey Dad, Zach has some pretty stinky farts, should I invite him in here so that he can fart and then the stench will wake you up?"  Jeff replied with a mumbled "Yeah".  LOL!!

 

Brandi loves this picture because even though her dad has his eyes closed he has on "his smile". Can you see it?  Brandi reports that she can't wait until she gets to have a real conversation with her dad and his eyes are opened for more than a few seconds.

 

We are so grateful for the strength that Annette and Peggy have found over the past 5 days. They have held up incredibly well during this crisis and we thank our Father in heaven for being with them and providing them with much needed comfort while they are away from other friends and family.

 

Look at that bib!  It helps keep Jeff's neck brace from getting messy while he eats. 

 

Please pray for Annette & Peggy's continued strength, mentally and physically. And most especially pray for Jeff's blood pressure that it might stabilize. We want him home!

 

Again many thanks for all the prayers, warm wishes, and money donations! Our gratitude is far too much to ever be able to express in words! We love you all!



Photos from the Day of the Accident

Josh said that this is exactly how he found Jeff.  Due to the suspected injuries Josh didn't move Jeff one millimeter, even though Jeff at times pleaded to be moved because he felt his neck was in an uncomfortable position Josh resisted.  We are grateful that Josh didn't move our dad and waited for the paramedics to do the hard work of moving him without preventing further injury.

I am excited to see my dad tomorrow, but just seeing this picture (above) is really starting to make this whole ordeal more real. It's so sad to see how helpless and lifeless he looks laying there waiting for help to arrive.

In these pictures the paramedics are working to stabilize

Jeff and get him ready for the helicopter ride to the hospital.

 

Below is the #1 thing that saved Jeff's life - his helmet!

Look at all those scrapes and dents!! A "regular" helmet would have never held up to what this helmet went through. A "regular" helmet doesn't even cover the back of your head - where the majority of the scrape marks are at.  I haven't ever seen my dad wear a full face helmet for mountain biking before.  We are so very grateful for whatever prompted our dad to buy this helmet before his trip and we are so grateful that he was wearing it that day.  Because of this helmet our dad still "has a brain" and his unique personality!!  Josh Lloyd said to me, "From the moment I found him, the fact that his brain and personality were obviously still intact was a great comfort to me."





Day 4 - August 27, 2015

Day 4 - Part 2

 

Today has been a long one here at home. Brandi and Zach should arrive in Denver sometime around 10pm. We are so grateful for all who helped in making their trip possible.

 

Peggy and Annette report that they finally got some much need sleep last night! They are both very appreciative of that. Jeff had a rough night with acid reflux making it nearly impossible to rest. Medication has been given to help with that and we pray for a better night for him tonight!

 

They had a very busy morning as the physical therapists switched beds.  It was an amazingly quick process with a sling placed under him and then attached to a power lift. The new bed is softer and better to keep bed sores from forming.

His Neuro surgeon, Dr. Harasaki, came in to check in on him.  He ordered an MRI today to get a very clear view of the spinal  cord and ligaments. Jeff slept through the whole thing.

 

Annette and Peggy found the cafeteria and report that it's huge and has good food.

 

They turn all the lights down through the entire unit for nap time from 2:00 to 3:30pm.

 

Jeff's nurse today is named Kyia and is all of 4' 9". Peggy says she has run her legs off today for which we are all grateful. Kyia said, "Jeff, you are fortunate to have two beautiful women to be here with you willing and able to do anything I ask of them as well as your requests. There are too many patients who are alone with no family support."

 

Funny moment of the day:

Peggy and Annette were instructed to have Jeff use the "breathing measuring thing" (Incentive Spirometer) several times throughout the day. So they get the mouth tube in place and told Jeff, "Blow." Nothing happened. It must be broken, as air comes out where it shouldn't. So they each gave it a try - same nothing.  Finally they realized you don't blow in it, you suck air from it! Jeff did great and it went as high as they wanted. Peggy and Annette say they both hope to do better with the next new assignment they are given.

 

As a nurse Julee sees the same mistake every single time she works, no joke! While it's pretty funny it happened, they did great figuring out how to actually use it on their own. Most people just wait for the nurse to come back and say it's broken.

 

Dinner time! Turkey, potatoes and gravy, green beans, grapes and his Thick & Easy drink. Visitors have to be out of the room no later than 7 p.m. for shift change report. They lingered a bit longer as Jeff wanted his computer plugged in, but were promptly told it was past time for them to leave.

 

Annette is doing awesome in taking care of Jeff. From feeding him, following the nurses and physical therapists instructions, and keeping Jeff's spirit's up, Annette is a wonder and we don't know what we'd do without her! Jay reported today to Cherie that our mom was "holding up really well" given the circumstances.

 

We forgot to post that yesterday Cherie finally got to talk to her dad on the phone.  Annette had to work really hard to keep Jeff awake just for a moment so that he could talk to Cherie.  Now remember he was on a lot of meds yesterday and this is how the conversation went:

Cherie: "Hi Dad, how are you?"

Jeff: "How do you think I am doing?...I'm shitty..."

Cherie: "I know Dad, but you will get better.  Everything is going to be okay.  I love you Dad!"

Jeff: "I love you too.  You were a hard kid to raise, you were tuff, but you turned out okay"

Not really knowing how to respond to her dad Cherie answered him with "Yeah?", but in the back of her mind she was really thinking, "Geeze Dad just tell me how you really feel..."

Obviously when our dad is drugged he is even more blunt and to the point than normal. This made us all laugh.

 

Nicollet Atwood, daughter of Mike (Annette's brother) and and the late Becky Green, and niece to Jeff, would like to share an experience she had the night before the accident:"My sisters and I know from certain experience of how you all feel of the big question WHY!!! I always question the day I got the phone call of our parent's accident and then moments later hearing the words "mom didn't make it". To all of you I know for a fact my mom was there with your dad! I want share somthing with you all. It may sound crazy, but the night of his accident I had a dream of my mom. She was laughing with your mom and dad! Your mom and my mom were talking about crafts and grandkids and your dad of course just giggling saying, "Oh you women and your crafts," with a chuckle. Then my dream kinda faded to my mom talking to your dad, just them two. My mom reached out her hand to your dad and said, "You will be okay! You will be with your wife, your kids, and your grandkids!" After she said that she stood up and waved goodbye and then I woke up in tears wanting to see my mom. I know it may sound crazy hearing somthing like that but it is true and it was so real! I am so truly sorry you guys have to go through this rocky path! It sucks! I even hate it and it's not me going through this! You all are amazing and so strong, keep your faith and spirits high! Please tell your mom and dad hi and we love you all!"

Day 4 - Misc.

My Mom, Annette, asked that we post the above saying on the blog.  I think it is most fitting for the situation that our family is dealing with.  We are definitely putting our TRUST in HIM!!

Zach and I finally made it to our hotel at 10:00pm.  After a very long and boring drive we are ready to get a good nights rest.  Below are some of our "road trip" pictures.  Early on in our journey, we stopped for fuel in Green River, Wyoming and received hugs at the gas station from my cousin Kortny (Daughter of Mike Green - Annette's Brother) and her husband Darrick Pope.  It was nice to see them even though it was only for 10 minutes.  Thanks again Kara, Doug & Jake for the Hotel, it is very nice!!

 

 

 Can you find the moon in this one? (above) - Pretty cool!

 

Words From Julee

Day 4 - Part One

The hardest part of waking up each day is the moment we realize this is still real and it's not the bad dream it seems. The next hardest part is the fact that life still has to move on. We still have to get up, brush our teeth, get dressed and try to look semi presentable, eat food, get kids to school, clean house, go to work, and every other normal part of life that now just feels unimportant and mundane.

Life doesn't stop for anything, even if it's an earth shattering tragedy that makes each day feel surreal and like we're moving in slow motion. The world doesn't slow down for things like this even if you wish it would just for a little more time to process everything. 

 And yet, if we've learned anything at all from this trial it's that life is precious. All of the little things we take for granted each and every day could be taken away from us in the blink of an eye. So while it's still overly painful to accept that this really is happening and make the effort to roll out of bed each morning, it's also a blessing to be reminded of how every little thing we do is special and a gift from God.  

Today we are trying to focus on the little things. Mostly because our brains aren't really able to comprehend much more than that, but also because it's the little things that make the biggest impact in our lives. The smiles and laughter of our children, the comfort of a daily routine, the shining sun, the family and friends who are so willing to reach out to us in love and concern... These are the things that we, as a family, are focusing on today.

It's much too easy to find discouragement and despair. It's much too easy to ask the question, "Why?" It's much more difficult to remember that the things that happen in our lives are for a purpose and that the Lord's plan for us was created with infinite wisdom. So while it's impossible for us to understand why this has happened to our dad, instead of focusing on the pain and suffering of his situation and the unimaginable grief we are all experiencing, we are choosing to focus on the little things that make life still worth living. 

The Lord has blessed us already in this trial. This could have happened when Jeff was alone. Or on a trail further away from medical help. To have Jay and Peggy so close is nothing less than a miracle in itself. To have Josh there and a way for Annette to get to the hospital... The fact that our dad's life was spared is something that is very close to our hearts. We aren't ready to move on in this life without him. 

Today is hard. Today has been full of tears. Tears of pain and of gratitude. Today is hard, but the little things make getting through it possible. We feel the love and prayers being sent our way. We feel the comfort of a loving Father in heaven who knows how difficult this is. We feel the love of our brother and Savior Jesus Christ who has felt the anguish, confusion, fear, and sadness we are all experiencing.
 

Today is hard, but at least we have hope for a tomorrow with our father and grandfather.That is a blessing that makes everything else pale in comparison. 

 Updates on Jeff's condition to follow when more is learned. Thank you for your love and support!

From Josh Lloyd - The Story As I Remember It...

Monday morning, August 24, 2015-

I picked up Jeff from his condo in Steamboat Springs, CO, at 8am. We loaded his bike along with mine on my car and headed out to ride. We rode up the Beall Trail to the top of Emerald Mountain, and Jeff waited patiently for me the whole time. The trail was beautiful, winding through dark shady sections of pines, stands of Aspen with a floor of Ferns, and finally into the Gambel Oak near the top. The conversation was mostly light and fun, we talked about Jeff's SCUBA excursions over the years, our riding options for the remainder of the trip, riding trips to Whistler again next year, Sun Valley or Jackson/Targhee the year after, and yes, the church.

Jeff quite often spoke with me about the importance and impact the church has had on his life. This day was no exception. Because he was following me up the trail, as he quite often did when riding with slow riders, he had plenty of time and more than enough breath to tell me the story of how and when he realized that it was how he wanted to live.

He told me about being raised with the church, and about how he let it slip a little to the wayside as a young man. How he and Annette would attend once or twice a month casually, sometimes only for Sacrament. Then, he told me about when Annette became pregnant, he felt he needed to decide how much of a role the church would play in his young family. He said he was bowhunting quite a bit that year, and he would go into the woods to hunt, find a quiet place to sit and watch for deer, and read The Book of Mormon. By the end of that summer, he said, he had read the whole book. It had inspired him, and reinvigorated his beliefs and faith, and he knew that the church was going to play a very integral role in raising his family. He urged me to do the same, as he believed my family and I could gain the same comfort and joy from it as he had.

We stopped at the top for me to rest, and we spoke with a "seasoned" (old) lycra clad local who arrived at the top shortly behind us. We talked trails, as Jeff always does when he has someone to listen, and got advice for future rides in the area as well as the most fun route down for our current ride. We resumed our ride down the Ridge Trail. Not far down from the top, a bee hit my arm and lingered long enough to give it a sting. We both talked about how rare stings had been for us, and Jeff mentioned how David Ewell now has to carry an Epi-Pen after being stung 7 times this year! We found our turn off to climb to the top of the Rotary Trail where we were treated to some fun swooping berms and a few small jumps for a small uphill effort. On our way down Rotary, from behind me, Jeff yelped and hollered. A bee had flown into his jersey and stung him on the chest! We joked about the coincidence and how it was sort of fitting as we were on the "Honey
 Stinger" race course...

We finished the ride, I dropped him off at the condo, ran to my hotel, changed my clothes, and swapped my Jekyll for my downhill bike. We were headed to Steamboat Bike Park!!! I met him and Annette back at their condo, where Annette had made me 2 P.B.&J. sandwiches, my favorite!!! We loaded up Jeff's Titus El Guapo, and made the short drive over to the resort. As usual, Jeff was wasting no time getting to the gondola, anxious to get our 1st run in.

Run 1 down Rustlers Ridge. Jeff was flying out in front of me, hollering back about how he "remembered that jump", or "that's the worst turn on the whole trail!". Somewhere around halfway down, he had a flat rear tire. We stopped, patched the tube, and it was back on! As soon as we got to the bottom, Jeff was right back on the Gondola, ready for run 2. I led this time as we ripped down Rustler's Ridge again. This time with no incident. Immediately back up the gondola for run 3. Jeff brought his bike in with us on the way up to increase the pressure in his rear shock as he had been bottoming it out on the previous runs. Never one to waste time, he made the adjustments on the way up. Run 3 he led again as we did a different variation of Rustler's Ridge. The bottom of this trail dumps riders right in to the start of the black diamond Buckin' Bronco trail. Jeff had been talking about this trail all year and how the series of tabletop jumps at the end were
 built to pitch you up high and down a steep landing. I followed him down it as he cleared them all perfectly. I was getting tired trying to keep up with him! We took a short break, had a Gatorade, and Jeff tried mightily (and unsuccessfully) to create a Strava segment out of the run we had just done on his phone. Run 4 we discussed repeating the variation of run 3, but Jeff didn't want to do it again until he had made it a segment. So we ran the same trail as runs 1 and 2. I led this time and was kind of loafing to conserve energy. A quarter of the way down Jeff yells "You better not crash! Or it's not going to end well for either of us!", which meant I was going too slow for him and he was right on my back tire! I picked up the pace, trying not to hold him up any more. Around the halfway point, I entered into an "S" turn section. Ripping through 1st dusty, loose berm, then the 2nd, which was more hard packed. Headed toward the rock encrusted jump ahead
 of me, I glanced over my shoulder to see Jeff sliding in a cloud of dust through the 1st berm of the "S". Crash 1. He got up, dusted himself off, fixed his dropped chain, and straightened his crooked seat. All the while yelling to me the play by play of what had happened. Not taking even a second to rest and collect himself, we were off again! We finished run 4 with no more incidents. At the bottom in the Plaza, we briefly discussed whether we were done? Or 1 more run? It was 3:40, which meant we had 20 more minutes, so, 1 more run... Bad idea...

On the gondola up for run 5, we discussed what trail to do. Rustler's Ridge again? Or put a different trail map on the Strava? I mentioned that I would like to do the Flying Diamond trail again at some point during the trip. It is a black diamond flow trail which I had done alone the day before. I had described it to Jeff, how it was a trail that had jumps you either have to "clear" (jump them at full speed in order to land smoothly), or "roll" them (slow speed roll down the jump with very little air, or go around it all together). He said he would try it, and we agreed he should roll everything, or go around them his 1st run down it. So he could see what it was like. I led down the trail and we made it to the 1st dirt road crossing more than halfway down the trail. We stopped on the road, talked about the top section, and Jeff confirmed what I had told him about the jumps and how many of them were not conducive to half jumping them as it caused very
 hard landings.

This is where the story gets difficult to tell. As this was potentially the last time I, or anyone, would see Jeff doing what he loved. Riding his bicycle.

I took off from the dirt road onto the last short section of Flying Diamond before the trail ends and merges with Rawhide. I was in the lead and feeling great! I was carrying nearly perfect speed and flying over the jumps as gracefully as a water buffalo can! I reached the end of the trail where it meets another dirt road where I stopped to wait for Jeff. What a great end to a great day this was looking to be! I could picture us telling Annette all about it over a delicious pork chimichanga soon! As seconds turned into a minute or two waiting for Jeff, I started to worry. I never am that far ahead of him. Especially on that short of a section of trail. Had he gotten another flat? Had he stopped to make a bike adjustment? Or, had he crashed?... Maybe another minute passed and I knew something had happened. I took off my helmet and goggles and began hiking back up the trail, fully expecting Jeff to come bombing down at any second... Nothing. I kept going,
 hastening my pace. The mountain was steep and the trail traversed using huge berms to change directions swooping down the mountain. Several turns up the trail, I saw Jeff's bike leaning neatly against some brush off the side of the trail. No Jeff. I ran to his bike to check for a possible flat tire, or other mechanical failure that may explain the delay. His bike appeared fine. Had he lost something and walked backup for it? I called out his name. And the reply came "I'm down". He was directly above me as the trail traversed down to the turn I was nearly to. I scrambled up through the brush to the trail above me to find my friend Jeff laying flat on his back in the middle of the trail below a "small" (relative to the other jumps we had been doing all day) step-down type jump. I asked if he was ok, and he told me he suspected he had broken his neck. He had severe pain in his neck, and the rest of his body had pins and needles so bad it felt like he was
 on fire. Oh, and the kicker, nothing below his neck hurt, and aside from being able to move his arms slightly, he could move nothing else... His wish to me as he was laying there was that I had been ordained an Elder in the church so that I could give him a blessing.

Knowing not to move him at all, I left him be, as he was in a good position to be stabilized and transported by professionals. He was slightly concussed, bleeding from his knee, elbows, and a few other small scrapes. But no serious bleeds. His concussion was causing him to repeat himself. Asking the same questions, and saying the same things over and over. Pleading with me to "just lift up my head a little bit. It's feels like it's way too far back, and it's making my neck hurt." I told him, I wouldn't as I frantically tried to find the emergency number for the resort. I knew their EMT's could respond quickly to help him. No luck. Frustrated, I quickly called 911. They were able to contact the resort and mobilize both the Resort's emergency crew as well as the ambulance, helicopter, and paramedics. It wasn't long before there were half a dozen people buzzing around him. Assessing his condition and injuries, and working to stabilize his head and neck.
 They removed his brand new BELL Super 2R full face helmet, which was completely destroyed, and got a spine collar on him.  By that time the helicopter was landed in a meadow above us on the mountain waiting to transport him, and the ambulance and paramedics had arrived. They continued to assess him, gave him some IV medications, and carefully moved him to an inflatable backboard. Once secured to that, he was moved to a wheeled "litter". He was carefully up the trail to the waiting ambulance gurney. Loaded in the ambulance, and hauled up the dirt road where I had last seen him upright to the waiting helicopter. I asked that he be transported to Salt Lake, but, was told the helicopter didn't have enough fuel to take him that far. So, off he went to Denver.

Now the really hard part... telling Annette and making the 2 hour and 45 minute drive to Denver for her to see her husband and the father of their children, Grandpa of their grandchildren, who I had been riding bikes with when he crashed and had been airlifted to the hospital... That was a very difficult moment in my life.

Luckily, Jeff's parents, Jay and Peggy, were at a condo in Winter Park, CO, with some friends. Winter Park is about a 1-1/2 hour drive to Denver. Jay and Peggy arrived at the emergency room of Denver Health mere moments before Annette and I, and we were all allowed to see and speak with Jeff before he went in for surgery. Before our arrival, at Jeff's request, the hospital had arranged for a couple of local Elder's to come give him a blessing. We were quickly briefed on his injuries, and the course of action they recommended to treat them. Then we were escorted to the waiting room for a very long night.

This blog Jeff's children have put together CannondaleRider.BlogSpot.com, picks up the story from here and details his injuries, surgery, and prognosis as accurately as I have heard it.

Many thoughts of what-ifs, and feelings of guilt have flooded my head for the last 2 days, as I wish more than anything that I would have made a different decision that may have avoided this tragic, life changing accident. But, I know Jeff is a strong man with a strong faith, and am optimistic and hopeful for his recovery.

My heart goes out to Jeff and his family, and stand ready and waiting by them to help in any way with Jeff's road to recovery.

My thanks goes out to the wonderful people of the Steamboat Resort Mountain Patrol, Steamboat Paramedics, airlift crew, and staff at Denver Health for helping to take care of my friend and great friend to my Dad, Jeff Page.