Day 204 to 222, Mar. 21- Apr. 8

Day 204 to 222,  Mar. 21- Apr. 8

It's been decided that the blog hasn't been serving the full purpose we intended. We will give brief updates from here on out about the things Jeff is accomplishing and some family updates as well. 

We will also be posting entries from Jeff with insight, in his own words, about his current situation. We feel this will not only be therapeutic for him, but also help others better understand the day to day trials he faces and how he copes with them. 

These past few weeks have flown by and a lot has happened. Day to day life is very busy for Jeff and Annette. We are all so grateful to see good things in Jeff's future. 

Jaxon had a birthday on March 23. Jeff and Annette's oldest grandchild is now 9 years old!

Talon had a birthday on March 29. This cute troublemaker is now 5. 

Annette used her creative talents to make Jeff a popsicle holder that will allow him to feed himself. It works great!

We hope you all had a great Easter! We are so thankful for the opportunity to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We know that through Him, and His atonement, we can be a family forever. We also know that even if our dad doesn't walk again in this life, his body will be perfected in the next. 

Easter is a time of renewed hope as we ponder the blessings waiting for us, if we are faithful, because of the gift our brother gave us. If you have any questions about our beliefs or want to learn more, please ask! We are happy to share. You can also visit LDS.org where frequently asked questions are answered. 

In celebration of Easter Annette chose swimming suits out for each of the grandchildren. Cute little Sierra was more than happy to pose!

This past week Jeff and Annette went to a follow up appointment about Jeff's most recent neck fractures. The x-ray clearly showed the piece that's broken off of the C3. It's floating about a quarter inch away from the spine, not causing problems, and is about the size of the end of a finger (from the first knuckle to the tip). 

The x-ray also showed a bright spot on the C4 that shows new bone is forming where it was cracked. This great news means no more neck brace and full therapy!

Jeff continues to go to the wound clinic once a week. This last visit was a little different. The doctor that worked with him is the man who runs the clinic. 

He was a little more invasive with the debridement and actually used the scalpel to cut away the tissue that formed a ridge on the outside of the wound. He also made several slices with the scalpel inside the wound to make it bleed. This actually promotes healing because forcing blood to the area brings oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues.

The doctor also changed the ointment they were applying. Jeff and Annette were paying $210 a week for the previous ointment and are grateful for the change. He actually started Jeff on a cream made from bee honey in another country. Because the clinic isn't allowed to sell the cream they are giving it to him for free. This is a huge blessing and we are so thankful! We are praying it gives him the desired results. 

Jeff says his PT at Neuroworx kicked his butt this week. He worked so hard he could hardly move because his muscles were so sore. While he was exhausted, he was also grateful for the chance to jump back into therapy. 

The biggest and most exciting news we have about Jeff's progress is to do with the hand cycle he was able to try out. A huge thank you to Max and Blake for going with Jeff to make this possible! Many have seen the video already, but for those who haven't you can view it at: 

https://youtu.be/IYHSLkGd5pI 

Of the ride Jeff said, "Well today was the first time riding a Hand-Cycle. It was FUN and boy am I out of shape. I am trying to sell my bike to raise some of the money needed to buy a Hand-Cycle set up for a Quadriplegic, it will cost $13,000.00. It’s really sad how everything medical or for the handicap is so overpriced."

In order to raise some of that money Jeff is also selling some fitness equipment that he can no longer use. If you are interested in what he has available please contact him. He also has a few items listed on the KSL website. 

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=39218259 

Or, you can donate to the gofundme page that has been set up for Jeff at: 

https://www.gofundme.com/7s2p4cpk

Jeff getting on that bike was a very special moment for us and caused several happy tears. While we aren't giving up hope for further improvement in Jeff's condition, we also need to focus on his current quality of life. That means his physical and emotional health. A bike like this could help in both areas of his life. 

It worked him out really well causing muscles in his chest and back to ache in addition to his sore arms. It's these muscles that need to be strengthened to allow Jeff to be able to move his own body and gain more independence. And it gave him something to look forward to and a window back into the world that has been such a huge part of his life for so many years. 

You can imagine how great it felt for Jeff to get on that bike. We all felt it with him and are so grateful that such a bike exists. We pray for the means to get him one of his own and thank everyone who has already donated to help us get closer to this goal. We have been so blessed by your generosity!

Several people have been to visit Jeff and Annette and we'd like to recognize them. If you are missed in this list please let us know so we can add you. It's difficult to remember back so far since this update was so delayed. 

Max and Kim came to spend time with Jeff and Annette. Jeff and Max stayed home and ate a salad while Kim took Annette out to lunch. We are grateful to them both and are happy our mom had the chance to get out for fun!

Jake and Monica, old neighbors/friends, came with their daughter Kyara to visit one evening. Jeff and Annette loved seeing them and we are so grateful for their gift. 

Also, Brent and Janet found a real sheepskin fur cover for Jeff's wheelchair to help reduce pressure and make it more comfortable and we are so thankful for their kindness and being so thoughtful. 

If nothing else over the past few months our family has learned just how loved we are. We have been blessed by the words and actions of so many of you in these hard times. The Lord has answered our prayers by surrounding us with your love, concern, and support. 

Jeff is working on finding the words he wants to share with everyone. He wants to talk about his experience from day one and through the months leading up to now. He wants to share his story. It's been difficult for him to talk about himself because it's not something he's used to doing. Please pray with us that he will be inspired and find comfort as he sorts through his thoughts and feelings and puts to words all the things he desires to share.