Day 32 - September 24, 2015

Today marks one month since the accident. What a month it has been! The progress Jeff has made since that day is incredible. He was dependent on people for absolutely everything. He couldn't even scratch his nose on his own. Now he's far ahead of others who have experienced similar injuries. His faith in the Lord's plan for him has been his saving grace. 

In keeping with his go-go personality he hasn't stopped working to improve since that day. He hasn't allowed bitterness, frustration, or anger to keep him from progressing. He hasn't allowed himself to dwell on what he's lost and forget what he still has. 

While we can't pretend we aren't disappointed with certain things so far, it's nothing Jeff has the ability to change. However much movement and sensation he will regain is in the Lord's hands and we have to remain faithful and count our blessings, just like Jeff does. His example inspires us as he serves our Father in heaven and shares his message of patience and long suffering each and every day. 

Annette shared her thoughts about all of you who have given so much to help our family during this difficult time. With tears of gratitude she said, "People are so wonderful! It really means a lot that they show they care and even just to know they are there for us. The cards we've gotten are full of inspiring thoughts and we love to read them. I received a gift card to Rumbi and some money in the mail... people are just so thoughtful. I just want to thank everyone!"

The amount of support our family has been given is overwhelming! Even the little things you do to let us know you are thinking about us, taking the time to visit, asking how things are going... those promptings are from the Spirit. When you do these little, yet significant things you are helping to answer our prayers. You are giving us much needed encouragement. You are reminding us that we aren't alone in this. The Lord knows what we need and sends those promptings to you to provide for those needs. 

Thank you all for everything you have done for us! Your efforts to uplift us have not gone unnoticed. We feel it every day. We thank the Lord for you every day. 

Today started off a bit rougher than others. When Annette arrived just before breakfast Jeff was still asleep. For a long time he was very out of it and would not wake up. Trying to find a way to simulate him, Annette went to find his breakfast because no one had delivered it. 

When she brought it back to the room she tried again to wake him up and he didn't respond to her efforts. It was scary for her because while he gets very drowsy at times he usually wakes up enough to respond before falling back asleep. She talked to him as she cut up his meal, reminding him that he had to complete all his morning cares before therapy. 

Finally he woke up enough to acknowledge her and she helped him eat a little breakfast. He was then able to stay awake for his morning routine. After that things seemed to go much smoother. 

During physical therapy he worked on his balance by playing a game with Annette. He would sit on the special therapy bench (with hydraulics so it goes up and down) and balance by himself while holding a weighted ball. Without using his hands to balance he would then throw Annette the ball. He was able to do it nine times before touching down on the bench! 

He told the therapist that he really enjoyed it because it was challenging and fun at the same time. 

For some reason his left side is much stronger than his right. He is able to roll and swing his body to the left, but unable to do it toward the right. He continues to practice transfers and does strengthening exercises every day and is doing really well. He is well on his way to an independent way of life despite his disabilities. 

After the hour and a half therapy session it was lunchtime. Jeff ate soup on his own for the first time, clam chowder. He really liked it and Annette said he did great with the spoon.

Janeane Shaw came and took Annette to lunch while Jeff rested. We are so grateful to her and all of Annette's friends who have spent time with her and remind her that you care! 

Other visitors today were Rosalie Ewell and Carolyn and Jack Johnson from Jeff's church ward. Thank you for taking the time to drop by, it means a lot to all of us! 

A follow up x ray of Jeff's neck was completed today to see how things are healing. We are hoping for good news so he can get rid of his brace in two weeks as discussed. 

Occupational therapy focused on different methods other paraplegics use to empty their own bladders. They hope to make a plan so Jeff will regain his independence in this area of his life also. 

Roxane came to spend the evening with Jeff. She and Annette brought salads from the cafeteria up to Jeff's room for dinner.

Jeff is supposed to start with his new CPAP machine tonight! They conducted a more thorough sleep study on him and the results are astounding. Jeff stops breathing approximately 75 times per hour! The average person only stops breathing about 5 times per hour. While he probably had a small amount of sleep apnea before the accident, they think the injury and the fact that he now has to sleep on his back are both contributing to making it worse. 

A CPAP machine in the most basic sense is a fan forcing air into the airway via nose, mouth, or both depending on the mask being used. It is a constant reminder to the subconscious to keep breathing. While that's not the scientific explanation it's the basic idea for anyone wanting to know. Babies who struggle to breathe at birth are placed on CPAP to force their lungs open and simulate the breathing reflex. 

We suspect that the sleep he does get is not very restful because of how severe his sleep apnea is. We are hopeful that the CPAP machine will greatly improve his quality of sleep and perhaps even decrease his morning drowsiness. 

Roxanne reports that she had a good time with Jeff last night. They watched a couple of the old Magnum PI tv shows and she said, "It's fun to watch it with him because he still tells the actors what to do and comments at the poor fight scenes and how fake they look." Same old Jeff!

She also reported that Jake came to visit just before bedtime and they talked guns and cars, their two favorite things. 

Of our dad she said, "I am amazed and proud of the way Jeff is dealing with this time of his life and how hard he works to overcome the challenges he has. He has inspired people he doesn't even know to better themselves and to work at changing their life for the better."

We have received a lot of great feedback about this blog and we want to say thank you! A lot of thought, prayer, and time goes into each post. 

As we share our dad's story we hope that others may be inspired by his endless faith as we have been! Our mom and dad are incredible people who have taught us a lot about life, love, and faith through their amazing example during this trial. We love them so much and want to acknowledge their hard work, strength,  and dedication to each other, our family, and our Heavenly father.