Days 106 to 112, Dec 7-13

Days 106 to 112, Dec 7-13

This week was difficult and challenging in so many ways. Discouragement is too easy to find at times. It's difficult not to question how much more a person can take. When you feel like you've hit rock bottom and soon discover that several feet of the concrete beneath you has crumbled away and proves otherwise... It makes you wonder. 

Inspirational quotes can be offered by well meaning individuals, yet still cause a little bitterness. It can be difficult to appreciate their thoughts when you are still suffering at the end of the day. A quote that has been floating around comes to mind:

The promise of blessings to come can feel empty when every day is such a struggle. But when you stop and really think about the offered words, there's truth. And truth brings the clarity that allows you to step away from the battle of each day and remember what we've come here to do. 

This week Jeff said, "Sometimes I think it would have been better if I had just died in the crash. But then I wouldn't be here to learn what I'm supposed to learn." 

He teaches us so much just by those words alone! 

Our trials are to help us learn and grow. Why some people seem to have bigger trials than others is a question that could drive you crazy. It's immaterial if you really think about it. Only the Lord knows what we need to learn in this life to be exalted in the next. And that's where faith is required to help carry you through. 

It can be easy to lose sight of our purpose here. In those moments of truth and clarity hold on tight to the faith that got you this far. 

Monday was Jeff's first real session of occupational therapy at TOSH. Other than a hiccup with Annette, Julee, and the wheelchair rack, the morning went well. After arriving at TOSH Jeff got a neck/headache for the first time in almost a month. He didn't feel well at all. 

Despite that, they were able to accomplish a lot with Jeff's new therapist, Kasey. With a really cool type of plastic they were able to create a stylus holder that slides onto Jeff's finger. It has a tab that Jeff can use to pull it on and off with his teeth. OT is all about finding independence. 

That night their good friends Brent and Janet came. They brought Chinese food for dinner and ate with them. Janet helped Annette put some Christmas gifts together. It was great for Jeff and Annette to spend time with them! 

Tuesday started with the blues and Jeff wasn't really himself. It's difficult to always stay positive as he struggles to come to terms with everything that's happened. His limitations make him feel like a burden and his slow progress does nothing to bolster his self confidence. 

After a stop to his shop to fix the wheelchair rack from yesterday's mishap he had his first real physical therapy session at Neuroworx. Annette and Julee were there to cheer him on. 

The therapist pushed him to his limit and then some. He was shaking and in pain by the end of the session. This might sound like a bad thing, but it did a lot to lift his spirits as he was able to accomplish each task they gave him. He seemed more himself on the way home. 

On Wednesday Jeff, Annette, and Roxanne went to a funeral in Alpine. It was bitter sweet to see that side of the family again under those circumstances. Our love and prayers go out for Uncle Leroy and his family as they cope with their loss! 

On Thursday Jeff and Annette had an appointment at the dermatologist before therapy and Brandi went with them. Everything looked good and they were off. After a quick lunch on the go they made it to Neuroworx for more PT. 

Annette and Brandi dropped him off and then made a run to Kohl's where they found him new church pants, church sweaters, and workout pants. Nothing he used to wear fits how he needs now. 

On Friday Jeff's occupational therapist from TOSH actually went to his house for therapy. This allows them to work in Jeff's home environment and work on real life scenarios and concerns. Annette went to work and Cherie stayed with Jeff during the day. 

Jeff didn't feel well all day and has been struggling the past two weeks with his bowels. It's difficult finding the exact recipe needed to keep things moving properly when you are no longer able to use the routine you followed for the past 50+ years. 

Unfortunately the problem led to an ER visit. We are so grateful to Roxanne for being there to help! The good news is an x-ray confirmed that there was no bowel obstruction. The not so good news involved a day of GoLYTELY. Anyone who has prepped for a colonoscopy knows how awful this process is! 

Saturday was spent doing the wonderful colon cleanse that we hope will be the start to a more regular system from now on. Poor Jeff learned that his insides have significantly slowed down based on the differences between this time and the last time when he really did go in for a colonoscopy. 

The medicine wasn't giving the expected results at all. He would drink it until he was too full and then had to wait as more room was slowly made. It was frustrating and greatly prolonged the process. 

Jeff and Annette missed their ward Christmas party because of all the excitement. We are so grateful to their ward for thinking of them and bringing dinner! 

And we are grateful to Annette's friends for inviting her out for an afternoon of fun. It was a much needed distraction and she really enjoyed it! 

On Sunday Jeff and Annette went to church for the first time since being home. Jeff only complained of how sleepy he was and that he almost fell asleep in every meeting. Other than that they really enjoyed their time at church. We are so grateful for such a loving and supportive ward family! 

It was a rush to get home and start spaghetti before the rest of the family arrived. We are hoping as things become more habit and less of a struggle that it won't be so time consuming to get in and out of the truck. 

Right now every day is a battle. It's difficult for us, as Jeff's family, to see him struggling so much. It's hard to see how worn down Annette gets with being his main caregiver. All in all they are both exceeding expectations, even if they can't see it. 

We are grateful for their faith and strength to get up each morning resolved to accomplish the goals they have set. Before leaving IMC one of the therapists told Jeff that no matter how he might be feeling he had to get out of bed every day.   

With Annette's help he not only gets out of bed each day, but also showers on the designated days, goes to all of his appointments, and continues to do the book work for his shop. 

It's not easy. Nothing is easy anymore. But that doesn't stop them from doing it. 

We are grateful for all of the love and support everyone has given to Jeff and Annette as they continue on this journey. It makes all the difference in the world! We ask for your continued prayers for their health and strength that they may press forward in this trial and also see the progress they are making each day.