Jeff's Journey will be a place where family and friends can come to get updates on our dad's condition and progress. We have a long road ahead of us and we hope that this blog can serve not only as a place for updates but also as a journal of strength and remembrance. We have faith in our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ and we know that through our faith and perseverance our dad will be healed. Though we have been told that the chances are slim (1 in 200,000) that our dad will walk again, we will be by his side to help him beat those odds. Our dad will make it through this challenging trial and we will be there to help him every step of the way! We love you DAD & GRANDPA!!

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Day 41 - October 3, 2015

For the last 4 days Jeff's nerves have been going crazy with weird sensations all over because he had requested a decrease in his nerve medication. He was hoping to decrease the adverse side effects, like drowsiness, by decreasing the dose.

This morning Jeff woke up feeling like he was wearing a Storm Trooper suit that was two sizes too small. It was so uncomfortable that he decided to go back to the original dose of nerve medication (Neurontin/gabapentin).

He took it easy during therapy. Again wanting to map his progress on Strava, he headed outside in the manual wheelchair. The route they chose was more difficult today with too many slopes and Annette had to keep helping him.

Brandi and her girls, Kaisy (6) and Sierra (3), were with them. Sierra started out on Jeff's lap, but was nervous and ended up being pushed in an extra wheelchair by her big sister instead.


On the way to the hospital to visit their Grandpa the girls talked a lot to Brandi about Grandpa Jeff and if he would be able to walk again.  At the end of the conversation Sierra said, "When Grandpa Jeff gets better he will swim by himself."  We don't know why Sierra said it, but it's worth hoping for!

Here are some pictures from their walk:



 




Jeff said he really enjoyed the first two sessions of conference and looks forward to tomorrow. He hopes he can avoid his morning crash session in order to listen to the three newly appointed apostles.

After a rainstorm today there was a double rainbow outside Jeff's window. His nurse turned his bed sideways and pushed it as far toward the window as possible so he was able to see it himself! Such an act of kindness toward our dad touches all of our lives.




A man whom Jeff has worked with for many years over the phone to buy parts from Gus Paulos Chevrolet dropped in for a surprise visit today. What made this so special is that for all the years they've worked together, this is the very first time they've met face to face. Jeff said it was a great visit and neat to actually meet him after all this time.

Randy, Terren, and Jay worked at Jeff's house all day to install the 6 doors that had been ordered for the remodel. Jeff said, "It's great they worked so hard to get the doors replaced. We appreciate them and all they've done so much!"

While Randy finished with the doors Terren, his wife Stephanie, and their daughter Isabel went to the hospital to spend the evening with Jeff so Annette could go home. Her only complaint after all the work done today is all the dust that couldn't have been prevented.

Stephanie said that during their visit, "Jeff was giving Isabel advice on boys, dating, and school. He told her not to date until she is in her 20's but not wait too long to get married. He told her stories of his experiences and his friends in dating. It was so nice to see Annette and visit with her. Terren and Jeff talked about the remodel of his house and of course his Harley. I was proud of myself when I brushed Jeff's teeth and I did not make him bleed. Last time I did and felt bad. He talked of his up coming trips and invited us to go. His attitude is amazing!"

We are so grateful for the blessing of such an amazing family and group of friends who care so much about our dad and his needs. The countless hours spent at his bedside, working to remodel his house, and spent in fervent prayer are a testament to us of the love and devotion you all have for our dad. We are truly blessed in this life with so much support and help.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Jeff, this looks like such a great day with your darling grandchildren. Your determination and positive attitude are so inspiring to me. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Annette, you are also an inspiration with the great care you give Jeff on a daily basis. Please let me know if you need anything.

Dan & Sue Woodhead Clan said...

Rainbows during trials, words from the mouth of a child. Hope given for a better tomorrow. When God shuts one door there's another opened. Keep the faith