Q & A

It's been a while since our last update. Really it's a testament to how difficult it's been for our dad to open up about what he's experiencing and feeling. We will compile the info of the last few weeks for you all soon, but in the meantime we'd like to open a dialog for our dad. 

Either down in the comments, in person, through a text message, or via email, ask Jeff your questions. We feel a Q & A might be a good start for him to open up. He has expressed his desire several times to post something of his own, but when it comes down to it he just can't seem to find a good place to start. 

Don't be shy, we know there are many questions left unspoken at this time. What would you like to know? 

At the discretion of Jeff and Annette answers might be posted here or sent privately. Either way we know it will be therapeutic for Jeff to express his feelings and share his thoughts. 

Thank you all for your patience and continued support. We love you!

Q: Do doctors recommend mental health therapy in addition to occupational therapy and physical therapy in order to better cope with a trauma like what you've experienced? If so, has it taught you anything you'd be willing to share with us? If not, what coping strategies have you had to put in place to adjust to this different structural life?

A:They do normally recommend mental health therapy, but I was interviewed by three different psychologists in the hospital after I was injured and they said I was okay. I agree. I was blessed enough to have a positive attitude from the time I came to the hospital to the time I left so I didn't need psychiatric help. 

Coping strategies? Geeze... You just have to stay positive and cope every day. I've been blessed to have family and friends who are here to support me. I'm just grateful that when I "signed up" for this Annette did too. If she wasn't in this with me I don't know how I could do it. 

Q: What is the hardest part of your daily routine?

A: Annette has to do so much and I can’t do anything. The hardest part really is the fact that I can’t do anything for myself and how much everyone else has to work because of it. 

 

Q: Is there any task you’ve tried that was much easier than you expected?

A: Nothing comes to mind. I can’t think of anything I thought would be hard and was easier than I expected… Getting fat was easier! Staying thin was much harder than I expected! 

 

Q: What is the most frustrating part about being paralyzed?

A: Again, just that everyone has to do everything for me and I can’t do anything on my own. My hands and legs are useless. All I have is my mind and I can move my arms. It’s very frustrating. 

 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a person who was just seriously injured and unsure of the future, what would it be?

A: Keep on trying. Eventually everything will work out. You’ll get to the point that life will be enjoyable, like when you’re around other people. The best part of this life is family and friends. Life will be different and it’s not easy, but it can still be enjoyable. It’s worth the effort.

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. 

Day 197 to 203, Mar. 14-20

Day 197 to 203, Mar. 14-20

This was a busy week getting ready and going to St. George. It's a lot more work than it used to be, but still a lot of fun!

On Monday Jeff went to Neuroworx. He is mostly working on strengthening his arms right now. It's hard to do much else with the restrictions he has while his neck heals. They then went to the Page monthly birthday gathering where they ate potato bar and chili and then had a spiritual lesson from Peggy. It's always great to spend time with family and to learn and grow together.  

On Tuesday Annette worked on laundry and packing for the upcoming trip. There's a lot to remember in order to care for all of Jeff's needs now. 

On Wednesday they went to the wound clinic. Great news, one of the three sores that were open has closed and no longer needs to be covered every day! The other two are also looking better. This new ointment they are using has been worth every pretty penny. 

After the wound clinic Kasey from TOSH came to the house. He made Annette a stand to hold the manual wheelchair off the ground so she can more easily exchange the wheels from the power assist to the regular ones. We are grateful for all of his ideas that have helped make things easier for our mom and dad. 

Then Jeff and Annette went to look at handicap accessible vans. It would be so much easier on Annette and save time if she didn't have to load and unload Jeff to go places. They liked the Explorer, but Jeff can't push himself because the door opening isn't wide enough for the chair and his hands on each side. The vans also cost a fortune and while their efforts gave them something to think about, there won't be any serious interest for a while. 

On Thursday Brent and Janet brought Jeff and Annette lunch and spent time with them while they waited for Ryan's family. They finally arrived and were on the road by about 2:30. Ryan drove Jeff in the truck and Julee followed with Annette and the kids. 

This is the sheepskin cover Blake installed for Jeff. It made the ride much more comfortable. 

It was a long ride, especially for Talon. Little Tylee is teething, has had a fever, and slept most of the way like a champ. They were all so happy to see St. George!

When they got to the house they unloaded and then ate Papa Murphy's for dinner. This shows the headboard Peggy got for Jeff and Annette's bed. It looks great!

Back home Zach celebrated his birthday with his family. Happy birthday Zach! We love you and are so grateful to have you as a part of our family! When Sierra helped to blow out his candles she was a bit too close and her hair caught on fire! Thankfully she's okay with no lasting damage and Brandi didn't go into labor from the scare!

Friday started out with cold cereal and Josh Lloyd! He's here to demo different bikes and see how he likes them. Josh and Ryan went on a bike ride together and had a great time. 

Jeff and Annette stayed home with Julee and the kids. Jaxon made friends with a lizard he named Krissy. It was the most docile little thing they've ever seen!

This is the stand Kasey from TOSH made for Annette to make it easier to put the wheels on the manual wheelchair. The chair comes apart for easier storage or to put the power assist wheels on. 

Ryan was transferring Jeff into the truck and noticed the neck brace dug into his arm. Now Annette knows what caused the bruises on her arm!

After lunch they hit the trails. Jeff pushed himself most of the time and Jaxon rode his bike. 

It was very warm by the time they were done so they took the kids to the splash pad to cool off. 

Behind the splash pad was a carousel. It was Tylee's first time riding on one and she wasn't too sure what she thought about it. 

Ryan helped switch the lift in the bedroom to the opposite side of the room. Annette is used to Jeff being on the right side of the bed and it was much more difficult for her to get him ready with him on the left. 

After dinner they put on the Princess Bride and had a visit from Brad Frost who happened to be in town for work. It was great to catch up with him!

On Saturday morning they ate breakfast and Ryan went on a bike ride with Brad. Jeff and Julee went out front with the kids while Annette got a few things done. 

After Ryan finished his ride with Brad he took Jaxon out on the trails. One of the things Jaxon misses most is riding bikes with his grandpa. 

They had lunch and then went to the Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, a dinosaur track museum. It was pretty cool, though slightly over priced. They built the actual museum over the original dig site. 

The boys had the most fun in the outside area where they could play in the sand. 

Tylee still wasn't feeling well with teething and just wanted to be held and chew on her necklace. 

They then made their way to the Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum. They love all the cool animals and displays there. 

It was overcast and while it was warmer than Friday, it didn't feel too hot outside. They hit the trails again for Jeff's arm exercise. 

Jeff's eyes burn a lot so Ryan is trying to wipe them out.

Then they went back to the house for dinner and then Annette, Julee, and Tylee left for an hour of girl time while the guys stayed home and watched tv. 

Getting ready for bed Talon asked, "What if you all forget to go home tomorrow?" He really wasn't ready to leave!

Sunday morning was busy with packing and cleaning. They left around lunch time and stopped in Cedar City for a bite to eat. In order to avoid traffic they took the back roads home, but it ended up taking more time because of a traffic jam on the one-way street. A motorcyclist got into an accident and had to be life flighted from the scene.

The back roads have a lot of small hills and while the kids loved it, the bumps caused Jeff's nerves to freak out more than usual. He was glad to be home! And probably also glad Ryan and Julee wouldn't be transferring him anymore... Because Ryan is taller than Annette and Blake, and Jeff's neck brace keeps him from being able to bend his head lower while being put in the truck, he kept getting his head bumped on the way in!

They came home to a smiling Aliyah, so happy to see them! Michelle Aubrey and her kids were so thoughtful and brought dinner, one less thing to worry about. 

It was great to get out and enjoy the sun. We are so grateful for the generosity of Jay and Peggy who allow us to use their home! Our family has been so blessed over the years to be able to go to St. George and make so many wonderful memories!