Day 98, Sunday Nov. 29

Day 98, Sunday Nov. 29

The biggest thing about the past few days is trying to find a routine that works. As soon as they get that figured out then they can think of ways to make the whole process less time consuming. 

This week will be a challenge as Jeff and Annette begin the next phase of Jeff's recovery: outpatient therapy. They will be visiting TOSH for occupational therapy and Neuroworx for physical therapy. Plus there are follow up appointments to keep. 

It seems as if they will be just as busy now as they were at the hospital! 

Today was spent doing more organizing and relaxing. Their ward brought the sacrament for them to take as they aren't quite ready to brave church.

The family came for spaghetti dinner and then celebrated Kaisy's 7th birthday since Jeff and Annette won't be able to go to her party tomorrow. 

The guys worked to fix a problem with the tv and then it was time for everyone to go home. As hectic as it gets with everyone over to visit, we have grown to really appreciate the time we get to spend together. 

There have been some concerns about whether or not we will continue with the blog. We want to let you all know that we appreciate all of your support and will continue to post updates at least once a week. It has been such an incredible journey for our family and this blog gives us a way to share it with each of you. 

As Jeff starts his new therapy and continues to learn new things we promise to give you updates. We cannot tell you thank you enough times to fully express our gratitude for all you have done for our family. We pray that as you go through your own struggles in this life you will be blessed. 

MOTHER'S WISDOM #4

MOTHER'S WISDOM #4

By Peggy Page

November 29, 2015

My firstborn son came home exactly 3 months to the day of his life-changing accident. Jeff has applied his never ending determination to be able to take the next step of adjusting to being home without a call button for assistance. Now Jeff will be relying on his wife, Annette, who should be given credentials as a certified CNA, as she has learned it all. Now the time has come for Cherie and Blake to be available to assist Jeff and Annette; so grateful for them both. They have their 5 month old baby girl, Aliyah, who brings sunshine to her grandparents with her never ending smile.

Our entire family was so looking forward to having Jeff back "first in line" for the food. What better opportunity for it to take place - Thanksgiving Dinner. We totaled 41 out of our 49 immediate family gathered in our home to celebrate Thanksgiving with the added joy of having Jeff with us. We continue to add new members to our family, 1 new great-granddaughter due any day, and the announcement of two more great-grandchildren arriving in May. Oh the blessings just keep flowing.

We are all very aware of the many blessings received from our Savior this past 3 months. I have run out of fingers to count the specific blessings through Jeff's Journey, not just to him, but to many of our family members.  When the spirit radiates within a family, who are in constant touch with the Savior through prayers, whether pleading on bended knee, or expressed in daily prayer, blessings on meals, and even quiet thoughts during daily living, blessings flow to us all. This also applies to extended family members and close friends who constantly follow the divine attributes of Jesus Christ, in particular being compassionate and showing great kindness. We have been recipients of love, kindness and charity  through word and deed in so many ways from, preparing Jeff's home for his needs, making adjustments on his truck, donated time and equipment, all to assist him in giving him more independence.

Jeff made the decision during his second night in Denver Health's ICU to follow Jesus Christ's attribute to be kind to all those tending to his needs knowing that he would be treated with the same kindness he evoked at all times. He continued to do so throughout his hospitalization and will do so on this next step of recovery and adjustment. All who come in contact with Jeff are lifted up in spirit as he continues to always express gratitude, be it humbly, quick witted or humorous. (We won't  mention his inherited sarcasm on occasion.)

In the Book of Mormon, Alma 13:28-29 it states: 

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.

Find yourself behind my son, the "first in line" Jeff, and follow his lead, he will not lead you astray, instead to the Light of Christ, just as we have all experienced these past 98 days.

Day 97, Saturday Nov. 28

Day 97, Saturday Nov. 28

Today consisted of running errands and sort of relaxing. A lot of work was put into making more room in the living room so Jeff can move around more freely in his wheelchair. Thankfully Annette is on the mend. 

There is so much to get done around the house that it's been a bit overwhelming for Annette. Little by little she's getting things cleaned up and put away where she wants them. 

A huge thank you for Paul at Big O Tire (78th S. 32nd W.) for doing the alignment on the truck for free today. We are so grateful! 

Jeff got some work done on his computer and then ran errands with Blake while Cherie went with Annette to find Kaisy's birthday present. Ryan's family came and spent the evening hanging out. 

Joyce (Grandma Green) made some awesome homemade clam chowder and breadsticks that they had for dinner. And of course they had pie for dessert. 

It was a late night organizing things, but a lot was accomplished. 

Taking things one day at a time has been our saving grace. It takes a lot patience and faith to adjust to such a huge change and we are so grateful our mom and dad are holding up so well. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and well wishes! We need all the help we can get. 

Day 96, Friday Nov. 27

Day 96, Friday Nov. 27

Jeff was crunched for time this morning and Annette barely had time to wash his hair in the sink, get him dressed, and feed him before he was whisked out the door. 

While the rest of the world was out shopping, Jeff was directing the lowering of his truck at the shop. Included in this party was Ryan, Zach, Ron, Terren, Randy, and Josh Lloyd. Jay dropped in twice to see how progress was going. 

In addition to lowering the truck so it's easier for Jeff to get in and out of, they reinforced the wheelchair rack so it wasn't so bouncy and Ryan fixed the seal on the back window and the lock for the tonneau cover. 

Thankfully the only casualty in these endeavors was Zach's knuckle. Took a chunk right out of it! 

They spent all day working with a short pizza break for lunch. We are so grateful for all their hard work to get the project complete! 

Jeff says, "The whole day was awesome at the shop. I really appreciate everyone that helped." 

In the evening after Jeff got home he was able to relax, watch some tv, and play around on the computer. Annette was not feeling well at all, so it ended up being an early to bed kind of night. 

We are grateful for a good day, great support, and so much accomplished!