email from maryann larkin..

hope she doesnt mind..but i thought i'd put this email up for others to get a perspective on jon from someone other then me..
Dear Christina:
I just wanted to let you know what an enjoyable day I had with Jon
yesterday. What a good experience it was for me. Jon works so hard for
every move he makes. His courage and inner strength are a good example
for us all. He had a hard time with his therapies, yesterday. He was
cold and shaky all day. But he ate a really good dinner. He even said
that was the best he had eaten since he got there. He ate his entire
dinner (except a half a roll). We talked when he had strength. I read
three chapters out of the Book of Mormon to him while he rested. We
both
enjoyed that. I specifically would ask him if he wanted to talk or
rest. I tried to let him take the lead, although there were times I
was
probably a little too chatty. He did share some of his thoughts and
feelings with me. He complimented you by telling me how blessed he was
to have married you. He loves you and your children very much. When
you
walked in the room yesterday, he recognized your footsteps. His eyes
lit
up when he talked about his business and told me a lot about it. I was
amazed at how his day is full of his now "work". I told him this was
his job right now. To work on getting stronger and building his skills.
I will tell others to keep praying for him and to concentrate on asking
the Lord for his muscles to strengthen and to get his triceps stronger
and to help all his inner regulators (heat, blood pressure, appetite,
etc) to stabilize. I am a firm believer in specific prayers. He is very
aware of all the prayers and very grateful for them.

PT was kind of rough!

Jon had a decent nights sleep monday night. Maryann Larkin spent the day with him. I went in for my usual 11-2 time period. He said PT had already pushed and burnt him out! poor guy!! We noticed his hands were sort of purple and blotchy..he really felt like he was sitting on an artery or something because his hands felt numb..we did a lotof presure releases to see if it would change..it didnt really..
he said his shoulder were really burning because of all the working out he was doing..
all in all it was a good day - just a tad too rough..but still good..when i left him he was in a group therapy thing..he said its a bit like AA for disabled people...its for others to talk their issues out with other people in their same situation..jon says he's SOOO grateful he has his family and friends and church to buoy him up..but more importantly he's grateful he has an eternal perspective on things..how differently would our lives be if we were just living day to day..vs striving for what we want in the end..
i called last night around 10pm before he headed off to sleep..he has a neat phone they gave him that is voice activated..so it just rings and jon just yells out into the air "HELLO!" and it picks up- its really neat! he said he was doing good, but that his mouth is SUPER dry all the time now because of one of the medications..he said he also seems to be eating better now too..he REALLY dreads taking, man i dont even know i've lost count on the number of pills he takes..but let me give it a try..in the morning its a nasty fibergy rich drink, and then 8-10 pills..yes thats JUST in the morning and then at night its the same again...and both of those include a shot in his tummy for blood thinner..if anyone knows jon they KNOW he NEVER EVER EVER EVER takes pills for ANYTHING!!! not a headache, a cold, NOTHING! so for him to be taking THIS many -- its just not his thing...
today i'll be going in for a bit with him..they have their usual conference with his team in the morning, then we find out tomorrow how he's doing..im sure they'll keep his release date the same..may 3rd...im hoping they let him out for a bit on saturday so he can attend a bit of the fundraiser on the 29th of this month..i think it would be SO NEAT for him to see everyone in action on his behalf- he really has no idea about all the "behind the scenes" things..nor do i!! so we'll see if they'll let him escape for a bit..
please continue your prayers for him - they really are working! he is now able to put on his OWN shirt!!! can you believe that!!!??! its amazing!! yesterday he also brushed his own teeth and washed his own face too!!! im amazed!! i know you all would be too if you could see him in action..please continue to pray for his upper trunk strength and for his triceps..also that he'll be able to do his own transfers..
well again so many thank you's to so many people..especially for the prayers on our behalf..we truly can feel the love from around this nation from everyone..how blessed we are to be the receipents of such tender love and care..thank you.

a good day for jon...

today jon had a good day..his pain level stayed at around 5-6..the doctor is going to up his nueroten medication..he did great in therapy - his mom got to watch the dragon PT girl work jon like crazy..he said it was rough!
i just talked to him and he's on his way to sleep for the night..hopefully another good night's rest..
continue to pray for his strength to come back..especially his triceps..that will REALLY help to transfer himself to and from beds and wheelchairs..also that he gains more upper trunk control..right now he has to have a strap around his chest to keep him from falling over..he says its the wierdest thing..its really just like his head on top of a water balloon - its really more scary then anything!!
sister larkin from the orange 2nd ward will be with jon tomorrow..i have kristen thompson coming over during the day for a couple of hours while i go visit jon for a bit..they girls i can tell LOVE having mom home now to help with homework and to be here with them..i can especially tell a difference in rachel...its hard to try to be in both places at once..having jon home in our house will make this SO much easier im hoping!!!

dispelling the rumor...

im not sure where the rumor started but people keep coming in talking to jon about how it is so sad that this was his first time on a dirtbike/bike...
jons been riding bikes for over 10 years..he has 2 of them in our garage

just wanted to get that cleared up

Easter Sunday..

Jon slept okay saturday night..he was in some pain around an 8 today..he thinks its due to his bowels and the functioning they are trying to do..
sheldon and celesta made me and jon an easter basket and then brought over and easter picnic for us..they bay's stopped by and russell brought the sacrament..it was neat..
brian and his wife jessica stopped by as well..all in all jon had a good day despite the pain and the LACK of nursing on the weekend! they were understaffed and we could tell - it was very frustrating..he ended up getting his pain medication 1.5 hours late..but what could we do..
around 830pm robert and sandra brought the girls..so they got to visit with jon..i then took them home and everyone was in bed by 9pm..
i talked to him this am and he said he actually slept well last night and his bowels had functioned properly last night as well too..so he's a happy camper! he's ready to get back to business again..

best nights sleep!!!

I got to Jon yesterday, Saturday, about 12noon. He had informed me it was the best nights rest he's gotten since he's been in the hospital. He woke up each hour but not due to any pain and quickly went right back to sleep. He said when we finally woke up at 6am he felt GREAT! he was so happy!!!
I spent the day with him..we went to a PT session which was WAY harder for me then it ws jon! thats because they were training me on transfers..meaning transferring him from the chair to the bed..then i had to do the bed back to the chair- it'll take practice but i'll get it!!
then we spent the rest of the time in his room..he managed to stay in his wheelchair till 530pm..at 5pm thats when another person came in to have him put together an easter basket for the girls. i had to take the plastic eggs and scoop up jelly beans and then he had to take them off the table and put them into the basket..he had to use both his hands to make that happen..it took a lot of work! he started tearing up that it was taking THIS much effort to do that...he then had to pick candy out of a plastic bag to put into the basket..he said he felt like one of those machines that your kids spend 50 cents on for the "crane" to pick up a prize...it was quite funny because that IS really what it looked like!! one time he picked something up but then he couldnt drop it..so it was stuck..he said "see i am that machine -quick somebody hit me so it will fall out!!" it was hilarious!!
i then was able to write more for his article that he is trying to put together for his business..got more of that done with him..
then i helped to prepare him for the night..i left around 10pm..totally exhausted!
im grateful i got to spend time with him yesterday..today, sunday, i will head back up..i imagine he'll get a lot of visitors and family to see him..that will be neat..
thank you everyone always for your prayers..we are asking that you please pray that he will gain tricep and upper trunk control..that he wlll gain strength so that he will be able to do his transfers and be more independant..this his bowels will function properly..and that he'll be able to keep his pain stabalized so that he can function..
we were talking yesterday about how for me, that if i have an end date..i can work thru things..like when jon was working clear in LA and i was by myself with 4 little girls for the week and he was only home on the weekends..we knew that he was only going to be doing it for a year..so i was good that whole year because i knew where the end was! but with this trial..i have NO IDEA where the end goal will be..this is a MAJOR change for me..i PRAY that i will be patient..the not knowing is the worst part..i just have to continually think of all the positives and have enough courage to rely on other people. we also talked about me having a break once in a while..he told me he loved my long hair and that i should go get a haircut/trim for myself..i told him there's not way i'd spend money on my HAIR of all things right now!!! i told him that friday night i had gone to dinner with some of the friends that were working on the house that night and i had called the hospital to let him know ..and he said that nurse came right in with the message..he was so relieved that i was finally taking some sort of break from all this..i told him i was TERRIBLY guilty the ENTIRE time!!! he reminded me that its okay to take a break, get a haircut, go to dinner, anything..and that i should in no way feel guilty..i told him okay but i'll still probably feel pretty guilty!!! he reminded me the saying "if mommma aint happy, aint NOBODY happy!" i guess thats pretty true..if im happy then the rest of the famly is happy..he said to always remember that and that i deserve to take a break from this whole situation...even if its incredibly hard to do so..
i swung past the house last night to see the flooring..they got so much done! and I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!! i really really do --i cant WAIT for jon to see it!!! thank you all of you SO much!!! jake- your awesome!!! i was told so many youth boys came and that pres. albrechtsen was actually there the entire time! thank you guys for taking your saturday to spend working on our house..how can we ever say enough thanks..we will forever be grateful for your service!!

update on jon...

jon had a good day robert said...his pain level got only to a 6 for the highest..which is MUCH better then an 8 or an 9!! he did a lot in the wheel chair and worked hard in his therapy...
paul and kelly dobbert were with him from 630pm-830pm..they said he pretty much slept the whole time...deep sleep..which was good..they said he felt bad that he wasnt visiting with them..but they assured him just being in his presence was all they needed..so he went back to sleep..
at 830pm..they were getting him ready for bed..i decided to stay home and actually went to dinner with some of the crew that had been at our house..i called to tell him i was with them..and since he was going to bed and so tired..i'd stay here and then head out tomorrow morning..which im now on my way to do..
my older 2 girls are with todd and celene hales in rancho santa margarita enjoying easter weekend with them while my younger 2 girls are with grandpa and grandma hales and scott and kellie hales enjoying easter weekend too..the wilson family from HB..kellie hales parents have a BIG easter egg hunt in Irvine park that they always invite our family too..so thats where the hales will be today..thanks wilson family!!
it will be a wierd easter that its just me and jon in the hospital together..no kids..no eggs...no easter baskets..it hardly feels like easter! but thats probably a good thing..it will help us to remember and think about what easter really is all about...
jons parents are speaking in their ward at 1pm..good luck to you guys! i REALLY wish i could be there!! i hope someone might be able to bring a tape recorder so jon could hear!! if anyone in the orange 2nd ward has a recorder PLEASE record it for jon and i to hear later!!! we'd so appreciate it!!

stunned!

I put the word out on the blog of help needed in tearing out the carpet and pad in our downstairs floor...i could believe by 7pm HOW many people showed up to help! TONS of young men - THANKS GUYS! YOUR AWESOME!! jason and maxine prestwich - came for their date nite!!! you guys worked the hardest!!! thanks!! todd and kristen thompson for their date night too - you guys rock!! by 730 the ENTIRE first floor was ripped out and taken outside!! i couldnt believe it! i was stunned!!! thank you to everyone so much!! chad thompson used the chissle (sp?) to get the entry way tile ripped out..bridget gonzales worked hard on that as well..you go bridg!!
im SO thankful i live in such a great area in a GREAT ward- i just have to ask and so many people come to help! it was remarkable - and everyone had such a fun time being able to help!!!
now the floors are completely ready for jake and the young men to lay the floors down on..it will be so nice for jon!! he'll be SO thankful!!!

medication working...

it seems like the medication is working...he's down to a 4 now which is fantastic!! thank you EVERYONE for your deep heartfelt prayers!!! it worked!!! i will always be grateful for your prayers!!!!
he's up in his wheelchair getting busy back to work..we hope he's on the road again to recovery...
celesta, amy and matt just came and dropped off all the wood to be layed tomorrow here at the house...were hoping we can get some young men here tonite around 7pm to help rip out carpet..if anyone is available please contact bro. snow, or celesta mcgee..if we get the carpet out tonite we have more time to get the wood floors down tomorrow freeing up everyones easter weekend...
thank you again for all that everyone is doing - we are so thankful!

MRI done...not so good night for me...

Jon left for the MRI at 730pm...he didnt arrive back until 930pm...he did SO much waiting around..then they had put him inside to do the MRI..and had to pull him out because a baby needed to go in..then they did the baby but had to do the baby again..so jon waited 45 minutes before it was even his turn again...
he arrived back and was trembling terribly..he was in a severe amount of pain..it was at an 8/10...he took some new medication that is stronger then vicadin..and the new medication to hopefully treat this nueropathic pain..called nueroten (SP?)..he was just shaking everywhere..he didnt even want to move anything..he took those pills at 10pm..at 1030pm his pain level was up to 9..it was really severe..his face was all red..he felt so hot to me..it was just too painful to watch..
he said the "burning it just everywhere - its too much!"...he said he feels the burn in his triceps, forearms..he says his stomach is just on fire..his thighs, his shins...he said the fire like every little tiny nerve on fire..then he feels like his sitting in an oven while the burning inside his body is going on..and then he feels like at the same time he's taking a very cold shower..all of that happening at once..
were so frustrated! it seems each night the pain level gets worse..the pain doses get higher and stronger..but the next night its worse again and the pain doses get higher and stronger since they aren't doing anything...
we had companion pray and i specifically asked and im BEGGING ALL OF YOU to pray that if there is something on that MRI - that the doctors will see it..that it will be shown unto them the problem..if the MRI is clear..that they will be able to stabalize this pain he is in and get it under control..he cannot heal his body if he continues to be in such pain like this..
at 11pm..he said his pain was down to a 6...his sleeping pills were slowly kicking in as well..i hope he gets some sleep tonite..robert will be there in the morning for the day..he will also give him a priesthood blessing...we are told to "weary the Lord with our prayers" we are certainly doing so - i ask that all of you do the same..i cant handle watching him go thru this...watching him reminded me of Jesus suffering..he not ONLY suffered for our sins..but he suffered every physical and emotional pain..he suffered JUST AS jon is now..he truly does know how jon feels right now..he's the only one..nobody else...
i got in my car and called jons dad..i updated jons condition for him..then about half way home i just completely lost it..i completely broke down..it was too much pressure...seeing him suffering each night get worse and worse..its too much to bare...i ask myself "what lesson am i to learn by watching jon suffer so much?" this is something i will struggle to find an answer too..but will in time FIND an answer too..i also ask "why is jon who lived such a righteous life and never did anything wrong going thru this?" ..in time i WILL be able to answer that question...
i managed to make it to amy's house and celesta got in my car and talked with me..she reminded me of what an honor it is that Jon is going thru this..that Heavenly Father knew his capabilites..and that we are changing people's lives..only we are the ones suffering right now..me and jon...and thats hard for me to watch jon suffer..but if i keep an eternal perspective..who else suffered so that we can draw closer to Heavenly Father..Jesus did...what an honor for jon to be in such a position to make other people's testimonies stronger..or others to think about Heavenly Father and to rethink things..and to find out for themselves about this thing we call life..
jons cousin kim loveridge is married to john bytheway..he wrote a book about trials..and in his book he talks about how Heavenly Father knows our capabilities but we have trials to prove to OURSELVES our capabilities...that really struck a cord with me..it reminded me of jons comments or thoughts he had the day of his accident..he said "that we all say that we have "character" and that it isnt until we have a trial and put that "character" into motion that we can THEN decide and truly say "we have character"...
i managed to make it home after some time with celesta..im sorry to carissa snow who was here till well after midnight! im really so sorry carissa!! but thank you!!!
im thankful i went and talked to somebody and then im able to write all this out..i will sleep SO much better now...
this whole thing hadn't been that bad..i broke down when things first started settling in my mind and i had called my mom..way in the beginning..then after that call i broke down in the hospital bathroom..since then..ive been okay..but watching him get worse each night and visibly see him suffering..i had reached the limit..
i find comfort in my patriartichal blessing that states "He rejoices with you in your happiness. He sorrows with you in times of sorrow and sadness." this brings so much comfort to me to know he's aware of even little me..
everyone again im begging you that we find something in the MRI or that we are able to stabalize and find the source of his pain..i just dont understand how he could go from not having ANY pain medication to having so much and his body getting worse pain wise..so please..help us to help the doctors find the reasons..i know he will get better..its going to take our united faith to make it happen..it will happen!

headed to the MRI

Its 720pm and Jon is enroute for the MRI..he'll get back about 830pm..ill be there to prepare him for bed..
sheldon said he ate a ton! a bowl of gumbo brought in by his nurse, pear slices, and a del taco green bean burito with a thing of apple juice, then cranberry, then 2 glasses of water- he was hungry! im glad he's eating again!!

thursday

today i spent the day with jon and getting a LOT of paper work done...meeting with different people at the hospital to get things started..they said that i am VERY on top of things!!! that was nice to hear!!!
all the PT guys are planning on coming to the golf tournament that will be in May that some of the guys here are putting together- they are super excited about that! i love visiting the hospital because now i feel like were all family!
Jon is doing okay today..his pain level is at a 5/61/2...he got measured out for a wheelchair..
he will be getting his MRI not until 8pm tonite..they will transfer him over by ambulance back and forth..i came home for a couple of hours then will head back to the hospital to prepare him for the night..

relationships...

jon had a better day then the past two days which were horrible..he said he had taken 2 vicadin at 4am..then again not until 3pm and then again not until 10pm..while there the laurels came to visit and sang..mostly half cried half sang- but it was so special! he loved it! thanks ladies!!! his parents were there too..they drove ALL the way there about an hour but more because of traffic and only got to spend about 15 minutes with him..he needed to get ready for bed and the night..so they soon left..
i helped to bathe him and get him ready for the night..we had our companion prayer and then i left..he should be able to sleep good again..
thank you everyone for reading this blog and for taking time out of your busy busy days to think and pray for our family and especially jon...we both can feel your love..and your deep concern..
i cant believe how upside down my life is right now..i decided to make a "list" of things i needed to get done..its nice to have it on paper and scratch things off one thing at a time..and even though my life is upside down..the important things remain the same..my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, with Jon, with my children, our scripture reading, family prayers, companion prayers...all those things remain the same and intact...for that im SO very grateful! where would i be right now without my relationships...especially with our families and our friends...jon would always say.."it doesnt matter how much money it costs us to go see so and so's baby blessing..when all is said and done..its the relationships we foster that matter and mean something"...that is SO true! take away all of the things we own, do for fun, all that stuff...whats left when we leave is our knowledge that we attained here on Earth and our relationships...im so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that has principles of the Gospel one of which is relationships and the importance of family...we have a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother...we are their children..im so grateful i was able to be married in the Temple and sealed to Jon for eternity and to have my children with me in eternity..these simple but profound truths make life worth living ...ESPECIALLY during these trying times!

MRI is tomorrow..

well looks like the MRI will happen tomorrow.. ill be there with him then.. i have tanya mills coming from 10-3pm and then hopefully carissa snow from 3-when i can get back..i believe sheldon mcgee will be able to be with jon around 4pm on...
tonite im going to get there about 730pm just before the laurels from our ward are going to visit with him..they are going to sing a couple of hymns to him..one being his favorite and his dad's favorite- "dear to the heart of the shepherd"..i love that song too..
then i believe the bishop is going to stop by for a few minutes..
well louann just dropped off dinner..time to wash hands and get things going!

Were going with the MRI...

After the discussion with the doctor and other therapists..they have concluded to go ahead with the MRI which will hopefully be done today.
Jon says for some strange reason when he's in the wheelchair, its not so bad..but as SOON as he lays back down in bed..its back to serious pain again..thus the reason for the MRI to be done...

doing so much better!!

he's doing so much better! im so happy!!! he said he slept solid from 11pm-3am which was GREAT! he ate a good breakfast and is doing so much better...
right now he's in the wheelchair sitting up and he said he hasn't had any pain medication for the past 6 hours- he's SO relieved about that!! were hoping that he was so miserable because of the bowel situation..
were still waiting to find out when the MRI is going to be done..well i just called colleen..and talked to jons nurse thru her..they are having their conference with the doctor to discuss jon and how he's doing..which is done every wednesday..then they will decided whether or not the MRI is needed..they seem to think that the pain was from the bowel situation..so they'll just keep an eye on him and go from there..
he ate a good breakfast and ate again already..so thats good!
hopefully were back on track again!! what a ROAD BLOCK this has been for us!!!! just when you think things are good..you get a bump in the road! just like life - isnt it!
thank you to everyone who's helping with us- especially the specific prayers- the power of the priesthood is real and were all a witness to it - how blessed we are to experience this together and watch the Lords hand a work..even in this day in age of 2006!!!

he seems to have slept well..

i just called the hospital and they said in the computer that he had a good night..he was up eating breakfast right now at 8am...i will wait a few more minutes then call the nurse incharge of jon to get a status of jon...
i asked if they had scheduled the MRI..but they said the MRI people will call the hospital and tell them when jon can come..so hopefully that gets done today..i'll be super frustrated if its not!

ugh- thats all i can say write now...

its now 1130pm..i JUST got back from the hospital..i arrived at 8pm and talked to the doctor about jons condition...seems like the bowels are working and thats being relieved..he scheduled jon to have an MRI taken tomorrow to rule anything out - so far the xray's have been good- so we'll see what if anything the MRI shows...
at 8pm they had given jon 2 vicadin, 2 colace, 1 antibiotic for the UTI, and 1 pepcid...he HATES having to take pills like that!!!
then i helped to bathe him and dress him for the night..by 10pm he said his pain was STILL at an 8 out of 10..we just cant figure this thing out!! so we called the charge nurse in and she then called the doctor who had him take 2 MORE vicadin along with his 2 Resterol (sleeping pills)..so at 1030pm he took 4 MORE pills - seriously he's not happy about taking so many pills - especially those big horse pills!!
i said companion prayer quietly with him ..and he then fell asleep by 11pm...
he told me "ya know when i first got here i had NO pain and took NOTHING..then i had a little pain so i took a couple tylenol..then i had MORE pain so i took a couple vicadin..now im having MORE pain still and there having me take HOW MUCH vicadin!?!?!" were really concerned about this pain his in..which we believe after some research is called "nueropathic pain"..he has burning like a 1st degree burn INSIDE his body at the triceps, the upper chest down thru his abdomen, under both thighs and on top both shins..he said its NOT the skin..its in the body..and it comes in waves...when he dozes off..it subsides a bit..but when he comes to its full throddle serious pain..you just watch him whince when it happens..
im going to go online and do some more research..he's having that MRI tomorrow morning..they will have to get an ambulance over to transfer him across and down the street to get that done..
we so desperatly need serious prayers right now..he said its just about taking him over mentally..could you imagine burning like that and not being able to MOVE at all!??! when i talked to the charge nurse a few days ago - she said.."you know that is THEE worst pain ever..its worse then ANYTHING else..that burning pain he's having..and nobody can know what that is like unless you've had it.." i feel so bad for jon..because i dont even know what the pain feels like..i cant even begin to imagine..
please pray that this bowel issue is complete..and that this burning pain will subside..and that if it is indeed part of the healing process..that it happens quickly..i cant watch him suffer like this anymore..its killing me to my very core..
i have to keep "remembering" the blessings that were given..the way i felt after i FIRST prayed after i heard of his accident.. i have to keep remembering to go thru this time with a "celestial" frame of mind..thats the only thing that's helping to bring peace to me..
im SO grateful i have this knowledge..and that i can use these things to help me right now...that im not crawling into my bed and not wanting to get out and face the day..that im not having to be on any medication to help me cope..that im leaning on my Heavenly Father right now..i turn towards my patriartichal blessing that states simply.."You are his." i find DEEP comfort in this..
please everyone help my sweet jon...its time as he always says "bless your heart"..its time to "bless his heart"....

a little more at ease..

well its now 230pm...talked to tracy..he did have bowel movements again..the vicadin has kicked in...he's feeling better..still miserable..but a little better..he hasn't even gotten out of his bed today..they did all his PT in his bed...
Todd the rehab guy that we talked to at the first hospital and another nurse that were doing rounds today ..came into jons room..and then left saying to eachother quietly..but tracy heard.."now that guy will totally snap back!! if anyone here at this rehab is going to do it- it will be that jon hales he's like the poster child for this entire place!"
that was awesome to hear!!
thank you for all of your prayers concerning this matter..ive realized how important it is to have SPECIFIC prayers-- im so grateful to all of you who are helping us right now..there are so many of you..and so many of you i dont even know..thank you thank you thank you...i will never ever be able to give thanks in return ..all i can do is continue to live righteously and be a strength to jon and my girls..

previously

jon has been taking stuff since day ONE to keep his bowels functioning..we do know that the vicadin does make things worse which is why they have hooked him back up to an IV and he is taking aggressive medication to keep things going..
i imagine this is just all so hard on his already fraile body...he's already lost 20lbs as is..but his spirit is so much stronger then his body - its so frustrating for him im sure

the edge off..

i just talked to tracy..its been an hour since he took the last 2 vicadin..he said the edge is off but he's still pretty miserable and doesnt even want to move right now..
he has his lunch but doesnt even want to eat that either..he did have some more bowel function happen in the last hour so that is good..
i believe jeff beauliue, mike cannell and wes banagas are on their way to give jon a priesthood blessing...
im trying to keep my spirits up..all i can do is wait and pray..

still in pain..

sadly jon is STILL in so much pain..his arms, upper chest, going down to his stomach..his legs..they are all just on FIRE...the nurse told me its the worst pain anyone can go thru..nobody knows what its like unless your the one going thru it..jon tells me his pain level is a 7-8 out of 10..which for the rest of us means 15!! he feels like he still has more to do bowel wise..and its just a LOT of waiting around for things to work..he was suppose to take his next 2 vicadin at 1pm..but they called the doctor and he released permission for him to not have to wait and get it at 12 so it would be working by 1pm..
this is just so unbelievably hard for me right now...only because i know jon is suffering so much..and he says his pain is at 8 which i KNOW means WAY MORE...
tracy who is with him right now said he was shaking so bad that he couldnt even talk to me..his body is on fire and then his chin shakes uncontrollably..were hoping that all this pain is being caused by his bowels..otherwise i dont know what is going on..we have taken xrays..and they all show all is okay..and that he had a LOT of congestion in the upper digestive tract..so hopefully thats what is causing all this pain for him..last night it was moving down and he was able to function more..but its just STILL more waiting...

functioning

he was able to get his bowels to function last night..he did mostly thru the night so he didnt sleep at all all night long..he's SO tired today --- he's very nauseated still and cant eat anything..he's TRYING to eat a piece of toast..
please keep praying for him - its really rough and hard for him right now..

special prayer

we are asking everyone to have a special prayer for jon..he needs his bowels to function..this is causing serious pain and serious issue..today he had to be hooked back up to an IV..he's very nauseated and his pain level stays high due to this issue...please please please everyone with all the faith they can muster up - please pray for this..

Day Helpers

I am in need of day helpers to be with jon..if anyone is available for tuesday of this week..please call me and let me know..
its typically from 9-10am to 8pm...
thank you!!

prayers

we wanted to say thank you to everyone that is prayering for jon and our family..we truly feel it...there have been so many miracles on our behalf its amazing..we are so deeply humbled that everyone is so concerned about us..that everyone is desperatly seeking for something..anything..that they can do to lighten our load and our burden...
yesterday jon was telling us that we as a couple and individually had never really had a "real trial" and that he didnt even consider what he's going through right now a "real trial"...i told him.."its because it really isnt a trial its a TRIBULATION!!!!"
this truly is a tribulation as my dear friend Celesta pointed out..
we are asking that you pray that his nueropathic pain will subside..that it will not get gradually worse..that his bowels will function..that he will be able to stabalize his pain so that he can continue to function better...that he will be reminded of the blessings he's been giving thus far to buoy up his faith..these few things are SO important right now..
when tracy was there she mentioned how remarkable it is that he's changed so much! i guess when me and jon are seeing it everyday its hard to take note of the progress..so i'll take a minute and share them with you..
he is able to freely move his arms..with much less effort then before..he's able to bring both arms up to pat his head..or scratch his face! i had noticed last night that the veins were coming back in his arms again..he had prominent veins that i LOVED because it made his arms look strong and healthy..i was thrilled to see those starting to come back!!! as a whole his upper body is coming back to the "old jon i loved"..he was happy to hear that..
he continues to get more and more feeling as each day goes by..were so grateful!
on saturday when we were alone..he was reaching out to try to hold my hand...he was so bummed that he couldnt feel my hand..i interlocked my fingers into his..and then turned my head towards the outside..i didnt want him to see me cry..how terribly sad that he cant feel my hand in his..it was too much for me..i just let the tears stream down...i finally took some tissue and wiped my face..he told me to "keep crying..it makes him feel like he is taking care of me"..that's SO true-- for the most part ..im taking care of him or someone else is..but for those few minutes..he was taking care of me..it was so very special..
thank you everyone for all of your help!! thank you for sharing this tribulation with us! i truly feel that all of our prayers are working and EVEN those on the other side of the veil! i know for sure they are pleading with the Lord just as we are...we are connected to both sides..how blessed we are to have a knowledge of the Gospel..that it was restored to its truest sense..that this is the same Gospel that was here before..its wonderful that even in this day in age when so much bad and evil is around us..that we are all engulfed in this experience to bring us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to make us stronger for the days ahead..to be able to delight in goodness

what a spiritual day!

Sorry i had to wait so long to write this out...the past few nights i havent been getting to sleep till well after midnight..after yesterday i just didnt have the strength..please forgive me...
Yesterday started out with me meeting Robert and Bob Buckley at the hospital with jon..then we headed back to my house to see what would need to be done...we looked at option one which would be the downstairs project and then we looked at option 2 which is really want me and jon want is for him to be upstairs in our room..were going to be looking at a traction system that would bring jon up the stairs..turn around it and have him end at the 2nd floor...then he could push himself into our double door master bedroom and his bed would be in there...then he'd have a special simple chair that he would use to do all of his morning showering stuff in..our bathroom is quite big so the would be able to manuver all around...we will raise the bathroom flooring just a bit so and then tile it all and then all the water would drain into the shower stall area...we wouldnt even have to tear that much up in the bathroom upstairs..the 2nd option would be the least invasive and most comfortable for jon..it would make him feel like he still has his own space and isnt in the bedroom downstairs on display all the time! my father was there too giving his insight as well...how lucky i am to work with such honorable men as my father and robert hales...anyone who knows these two individuals would certainly agree!
we then left and headed back to the hospital...once there the santos' were visiting and then the williams family came...colleen williams is THRILLED to be able to be with jon all day wednesday to help out..then they all left and bro. walker arrived as did todd hales...we talked to jon about his needs and desires..bro. walker..what can i SAY about that man!!! he has been the hales' family home teacher for the past 15 years or so...he's a deep thinker too..he doesnt teach the gospel on the surface..he digs deep and makes you think! we love that!!
first todd gave a blessing, then robert, then bro. walker...i quietly listened there along with sandra with tears streaming down my face...what a priviledge to be in that room at that moment..it literally felt like we were all in heaven gathered around listening to Christ speak directly to us..which..it was...Christ was speaking thru those men to jon...i stood there listening SO intently..my heart was WIDE open to all that was being said...again it was so moving its something i'll never ever forget..how blessed we all were to get a glimpse of what heaven would be like...
bro. walker talked to jon about the concept of continually pleading with the Lord and asking for further priesthood blessings..there is no wrong in that..
soon there after, jons seminary class came with Pres. Albertchson..that was SO neat for him!!! he talked to them about the Atonement and how he suffered and how he knows each one of us personally and whatever sufferings we have..both great and small..it was perfect..you could tell he was being moved by the spirit and speaking with and thru the spirit..they took a picture with him and each gave him a hug..it was so touching!!
Pres. Albrechtson was able to give me my stake president interview for my temple reccommend outside on the patio...with tears again streaming down my face i answered each question...in times like this..these questions mean SO much more!! he then asked if there was anything he could do...i asked if he would give me a priesthood blessing..he did so...again we were so moved by that blessing as well..
soon there after jons family left and me and jon spent some time alone..i left him after companion prayer around 11pm..his mother sandra will be with him today..

jon had a wonderful day..how blessed we were to experience that together..

suffering....

i dont know what is worse...suffering yourself...or watching someone you love suffer...
my day started out good..i got the girls up to celene and then raced back home to get some business work done..i got A LOT DONE! jon was SO happy and so proud!! im so thankful im somewhat computer literate and can do so much to help him!!
Jake Thompson came over to take some measurements and get things going...i left around noon and got to the hospital to see and spend the day with jon..his missionary companion Shane Taylor had flown in to visit with him..he was just leaving as i was just arriving..
i spent some time with jon telling him ALL about the olympics and what athletes we have in the family..then i went with him to his one and only PT for the day..he did great of course..then we got back to the room..then we decided to take the wheelchair out in the halls and workout some more..he went probably 400 ft total! we then got back to the room and into his bed..he napped for a bit while i cleaned up his room..it was getting overloaded with so much stuff..
he then woke up and was telling me how much pain he was in..he actually has (after i did some online research)nueropathic pain...the charge nurse had actually come in that morning and could see just by looking at him how much pain he was in..and had him take atleast 1/2 vicadin...i told him i'd was going to talk to the nurse about a certain kind of medication that he could take and let him rest some more..
i talked to the charge nurse..and she explained to me the condition jon was in ..and that with some pain medication they could manage his pain which would increase endorphins into him which would help his healing process...right now he has really HIGH pain and then low..its not stabalizing..its going up and down all the time..i told the charge nurse that jon is fearful of getting addicted to anything...and doesnt like to feel like he's not in control..or feel groggy...i told her that he NEVER takes ANYTHING at home because usually it does nothing..he just bares thru it all...so i talked to jon and explained what she had told me..he said his pain was so bad..he had tears in his eyes..it was so bad...his entire body was sheet white...his lips were pale...he literally looked like he was dying...my grandfather passed away right infront of me..i will always remember that and how he looked...jon looked like that..his skin tone, color, everything...i asked if he would take something..he said yes..he needed to take something..it was too much for him..i asked what his pain level was at ...he said about an 8 out of 10...keep in mind jons been having this pain for 2.5 weeks! its just been gradually getting worse and worse..we talked to the charge nurse again and we got jon some vacadin..he was nervous about it..he only took one vs the two...it was SOOO incredibly hard to watch him suffer like he was...it was all i could do to hold myself together...it hurt to even touch him..to comfort him...all i could do was look at him...i asked if he would like to have a blessing...after a few minutes..he quietly said yes...i went out to my truck and called robert..i told him had been happening..they left corona del mar and drove clear out to the hospital...it took jon 1.5 hours for the first vacadin to take ANY affect on him..then he took a 2nd pill...robert and sandra came 5 minutes after that..
we quickly gathered around jon- robert layed his hands on jons head..robert gave a blessing...i stood there with complete faith in what was taking place...knowing...not hoping..but knowing that this was real...it was an incredibly deeply moving experience...one that will remain with me forever...even after this life...i cannot deny the spirit that was in that room at that very still moment...i felt the spirit...i felt his moving power...after that moment..i knew all would be okay...i knew because i had a knowledge of the Gospel and that worthy men here on earth have the priesthood..Heavenly Fathers power...
jon was much better...the pain had decreased immediatley..he was so grateful...
he was able to finish dinner..we visited with him..then he prepared for bed..which included a shower..we waited while they helped to shower him..once back in bed he needed to wait till 1130pm before he could have the next dose of medication..the pain was coming back again..in big waves...his dad helped to ease his mind for a bit doing scripture mastery..he knew them all..both the complete verse and where it was at...he's just like his dad..so knowledgable in the Gospel! the time came..he took his medication..and we waited 30 minutes with him..jon and i had companion prayer..then i headed home..his dad stayed till he fell asleep shortly there after..
i dont know how i made it home..i just did it on autopilot i think...but i got home and i am safe and warm...
i walked into my home..the front room carpet is ripped out and the french doors are in...jake - if your reading this - I LOVE IT!!! i thought i'd be SO sad..but after today with jon and his suffering..it was comforting to see my house..the doors...which will lead into where jon will be...in our home again...thank you..
its now 1am..i really need some sleep...tomorrow will be a big day for jon..sounds like he'll have a lot of visitors...his dad, todd, scott, and bro. walker will give him a blessing at 330pm..later his seminary kids will all stop by..it should be a great day for him...
tonite jons dad said to him.."jon you have no idea how many thousands of lives you are changing..how many people are drawing closer to God.." jon quickly said..."i am not the one changing people's lives..the spirit is...im just the catipult!" that is so true...

had a good day...

jon didnt sleep too well last night..although i did clear out his nose and he was SO thankful because it lasted ALL night long! but he didnt take any sleeping pills and was up till 12..and asked for something...
he'd had good therapy..his mom helped him more with his article...he got his "new phone" its an $800 system...pretty sweet...its all voice activated and stuff...great just one more thing this hales family needs..MORE techy stuff!!!
i was able to take the girls down to the YC olympics thing...SO FUN for me and them!! they are some serious athletes my girls!!! they got 1st place in EVERY event they did!!!!! it was awesome!! after rachel received her 3rd medal...we were walking towards the truck...and she TOTALLY broke down...broke down hard too...she cried for a good 10 minutes...i felt so helpless...she said "im sad because dad wasnt here to see us do all of this...i just wished he was here..." MAN that is SO HARD!!!!!!!!!!!! i lost it myself...i kept telling her..i took so many pictures..i called him each time on the cell phone every time you guys finished your race..he's SO proud of you!!! but still...its different when they aren't there physically...that was probably the hardest thing ive done so far...watching my oldest daughter break down sobbing like that...nobody should have to feel that pain...jon would have been awesome too..he's SO into whatever his girls are doing...he gets so pumped about it!! we made it to the truck and it took her a few minutes more to calm down enough to talk..i called and they handed jon the phone and i handed her my cell phone...i heard her say "im sorry i was crying...but now i can talk better.." SO SAD!! but after talking to him for a few minutes..she felt better..
we raced home and they ran across the street to their friends house for a slumber party..we have a family rule of no sleeping over at someone else's house..so they knew i'd be coming back for them...(they told me later they were SO scared to go to sleep first because one of the girls said whoever it was -was going to get whipped cream on their face!)they were SO tired from all that running! it took everything to stay awake!!!
then i waited for jons mom to come from the hospital to pick up my younger two girls and then i left at 9pm to go see jon real quick...he was in GREAT spirits..it was wonderful to see him...i miss having him here with me SO MUCH...its like i have my family 90% here...he'll be home soon though..i was able to talk to him a lot about our business and get more information on how to do a couple more things for it..and then i told him all about the girls...and then i cleared out his nose, scratched his head, brushed his teeth and then helped to rotate him..then the nurse gave him his 2 tylenol and 2 sleeping pills...so he SHOULD sleep SO good tonite...the sleeping ones start to take effect about 40 minutes later...he said that his body is burning a lot..and that it use to be about a 2 or 3 out of 10 pain wise..but lately its been like 5 or 6...but after that sleeping pill kicks in..his pain drops clear down to 1!!!! so that was nice!!
i will be waking up early to get my older 2 girls to uncle todds house..then back up to the hospital to be with jon for most of the day..i will take a small break and then go back again...
im so grateful for your prayers..big and small...your service..big and small..everything has just been so great...you know a few months earlier before this..for a LONG time i had been thinking...wow we've never really had a "REAL TRIAL" before in our marriage or in my personal life really...i had a crazy beginning of my childhood..but after i was adopted into the US..my life was pretty great! i never had to worry about anything..same with getting married...never had to worry about anything..jon had lost his job a couple of times..but we got back on the bandwagon and just made things happen...we've already moved 9 times in our 10 year marriage...and he's already worked for 3 different companies BEFORE he started his own! but STILL never a "real trial"..we've NEVER been to a doctor our whole marriage for anything other then me having a baby..and even that was a walk in the park...so for a while before this i kept thinking..man i've NEVER really had a serious trial that tested me on so many levels...that tested my faith, my testimony, my beliefs..ive been blessed for SO long..its bound to happen one day right! i felt like i had had small trials but not a big trial..i would have NEVER EVER in a million years thought THIS would be THAT trial for me!! i just really felt like SOMETHING major was coming..i just didnt know what...so i just kept doing the right things...so that when that major thing came up..i was prepared...and ready...i had my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in place, with my husband jon, with each of my children, my family, extended and friends...spiritually i was ready and had prepared myself for this trial..its my hope and prayer that i can continue on in this trial doing all those same things...and seeking to find those lessons i am to learn from this...that im going thru the trial with a "celestial" frame of mind..

forgot what to pray for!!

i forgot to say that his spirits were SO MUCH better today - so thank you for thinking of that specific thing in your prayers...
pray that the burning in his body will subside, that he will continue to get more and more feeling (which he is NOW starting to get feeling in his left leg!!!), also that his fingers will start to move, that he will be able to eat more and that the ensures or boost drinks will help to continue to give him more energy, and that he will not be overwhelmed thinking about everything else..that he'll just focus on his recovery and that the rest of his life will fall into place and come together..he's worked SOOOO hard at trying to be a righteous child of God, a honorable husband, a loving father (to four girls which is sometimes hard when your out numbered!), a generous friend, a dedicated provider...he still can and will be all of these things...
pray for my girls...that they will not be overwhelmed with all this change that happened SO rapidly!! its amazing to think that at age 15 months i lost my natural mother in an instant, was adopted out to another country a year later..how drastically my life changed...but for the better! here i am AGAIN with another drastic change...and i know for sure it will be for the better yet once again..

he should sleep well...

well i finally got the kids ready for bed and in their beds..then i called amy novak to come sit while they slept and i took off to the hospital to make sure jons nose was clear and he was breathing..apparently only i have the touch! so we visited...we went over house stuff, business stuff, insurance stuff, etc..he's been SO out of the loop about it all he LOVED hearing about everything that was going on...he felt like he was involved in what was happening around him....so that was good for us to talk...
i told him about a few families that had mentioned that THEIR lives were changing because of jons trial..he said "i dont know how my suffering would make anyone want to change what they are doing?"... i told him "it makes people stop, think and reaccess what they are doing in their own lives...some people are working on being more patient, kind, gentle to their spouse or children, some people are now truly seeking to know who Jesus and Heavenly Father are, some people for the first time are honestly trying to fast and pray with a sincere heart..you have giving people something to believe in, to hope for, to pray for...people are taking the time to really think about how they feel about those around them..in just 3 seconds our life completely changed right before our eyes...they still have an opportunity to make wrong things right before something of this magnitude happens in their lives..."
we thought man were so lucky that we were doing so many right things, fhe, prayer, scriptures, our relationship with eachother, with out children, with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our home life, our business life, we didnt get ourselves into a lot of debt..we only have our house payment and my truck..we saved for a rainy day..who knew that our rainy day would be so TORENTUAL!!!!!!! but nonetheless, weve been told all our lives thru the Gospel to have things in order...and "if ye are prepared..ye shall not fear" boy is that SO TRUE for us!!!!!! we did our best to prepare for every needful thing...and we are seeing the blessing of following that principle...
thank you to everyone helping...its sure making a difference in our lives right now...the dinners have been wonderful - OH PS NO MORE DESSERTS!! i cant keep up with all the desserts that come in with the dinners...we have a family rule that dessert is only after fhe, and friday, saturday and maybe sundays..i was just thinking today..the dinners have been SO NICE!!! i cant imagine trying to think of "what to make, shop for it, cook it, then clean it" on top of everything else im trying to do myself...so thank you so very very much!!!!!
just so everyone knows...the girls will be gone this weekend..so no need for dinners this weekend..i can just grab carls jr or something easy...
also kevin and bonnie are not here..im trying to stay home here with my girls and our little family to try to keep things back to normal..i sense that rachel was kinda done having so much going on all the time..different people here..never knowing who was going to be here after school...they love that its getting back to normal..as do i...like coming home from a vacation...back into the groove of things...so my new plan is to be home monday-friday and trying to find someone each night from 730pm-930/10pm...i will have them fed..and ready for bed..so someone can just come read a quick bedtime story and into bed they go..i have really good kids that go to bed REALLY WELL!! that way i can be with jon each night before he goes to bed so we can tell eachother about our day..he's rested up a bit after ALL his PT during the day..and like he said "he can have sweet dreams because i was the last one he saw"...we can both go to sleep knowing the other is happy and content..
again if anyone is available during those times let me know...THANKS!

visit with jon

my mom is with jon..i took over all my printed blog to her..it was seriously a HUGE NOVEL!!!! she said she'll read thru them so she can get all her crying out first then she'll read them to jon...it will be good for jon to hear how im ACTUALLY doing! he's very worried that im a mess when i get home - but because of all of your prayers..im making it day by day...

my mom said he slept good last nite..he seems to have a little cold now...he woke at 2am and couldnt go back till 3am..then slept til 6ish..he said he had more energy and felt more rested this am then ever before..so FOR SURE those ensure and boost drinks are REALLY helping!!! she said he pushed HIMSELF ALL the way down the hall to therapy - she was amazed!!! she was SO PROUD of him!!!! all the pt's said he worked so hard today...

when i got there he had just finished and was put back in bed- he slept the whole 2 hours i was there... he asked me to come back so i could clean and clear out his nose so he could sleep good...

SOOOO i think THATS my new plan now.. i'll stay home during the day and if i could schedule someone to come to my home every night from 8pm-930/10pm..i can spend that time with jon and get his nose ready sleep...please call me and let me know if anyone is available to do that...

i have really enjoyed being home with my girls..its also made doing our business stuff and everything else that is going on much easier...doing it from home instead of in a hospital on a cell phone!!! more just keeps getting added to my plate!!!!

tonite i have back to school night with the girls..they are SO excited to show their class off to me...although im REALLY worried that i'll just cry the whole time!!!! i hope people aren't constantly asking me how jon is doing..maybe i should just wear a tshirt that says "Got the Update? www.halescorner.blogspot.com!" (like after that Got Milk theme)

well becca is crying here next to me because she just filled her diaper with something oh so lovely!!! i JUST realized i've had nothing to eat all day!! OOPS!!! so i better go take care of that before i head out..

more detailed info

Here are three ways in which people can make donations. All checks should be payable to "The Firm Foundation"



1. Hand deliver checks to either Celesta McGee, Kevin Anderson, or Brad Smith.

2. Mail checks directly to:

The Firm Foundation
12 Strawberry Farms Rd.
P.O. Box 51450
Irvine, CA 92619-1450

3. Checks can also be mailed directly to the bank:

Martha Pineda
Vice President - Priority Banking
Union Bank of California
13300 Newport Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780

the journal has begun!

Dont you just love computers!!! i was able to just highlight, copy and paste into a word doc EVERYTHING that i have written on this blog...now i have a physical copy of this..i will then burn it onto a CD and have it forever...how LUCKY and BLESSED we are to live in a time where this is even remotely possible...im so thankful...
now im going to print it off for my mother to read...she's never read the blog! poor thing! she's going to read it with jon while she's sitting with him...

Where to send money...

Please see the top of the blog page for information as to where to send money-thank you

good website about jon

this is a good website that explains in normal words what jon is going thru now
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1445.html

prayer for jon

jon is feeling a little down because he feels HE hasnt seen any progress...he's starting to realize just HOW LONG this truly is going to take..he's very bummed that his fingers aren't moving...
he had great therapy today then gets SO beat out tired...scott came to work with him no his article...but jon was so tired he didnt do much of anything for two hours..
i took the older 2 girls to see him..they were super excited...i asked rachel if she'd still be happy even if daddy was in a wheelchair- she said OF COURSE! he's still my dad - i love him no matter what!! that was comforting to know...i told jon when we got there..i think she was just happy to be with mom and with dad...i let the girls ride around in daddy's wheelchair..they thought that was super cool...
we then left...jon didnt want to leave...seeing the girls just reminds him of what life "use to be like"...now its all different...he told me..i just WISH i could reach out and touch you..i cant even do that...he's having a hard time it seems...

PLEASE pray for his spirit...that he will be strong..i understand its a day by day and some days are good and some days aren't...also please pray that the burning all over his body will subside..he says in a lot of pain now with all that burning going on..its getting too much to handle...

i just hate seeing him struggle like this...to watch what he's going through..i imagine its much like how Heavenly Father felt watching Christ suffer for all of our sins...he knew and could see the outcome..as did Jesus i believe..but Jesus STILL had to suffer and go through that..much like jon...jon can see and knows the end outcome..but like Christ he still has to go thru the suffering part....
immediatley after jons injury..he was lying on the ground and his thought was even Christ suffered and went thru this..I with His help..can too...

sorry if this post seems a little sad...because..well..it is...i dont ever wish this on anyone...these are SUCH LONG days for me...it can get discouraging...however..
i believe its what we do with that discouragment that will make or break us...i know what needs to be done in these times of discouragment..its very simple..its prayer...isnt it wonderful how we feel after a good prayer! its what helps me keep myself together and not fall apart..and also all of YOUR prayers...your prayers help me just as much as jon..just in a different matter...and i thank you...

where to send money?

i understand many of you from around the nation are wanting to send money..we do have a fund/foundation type thing set up..im hestitant to post all the info on the blog of course being that its so public..so please contact brad smith, my parents, jons parents, celesta mcgee for that information..for those that do not know any of those people..jeff watts from his mission has the information as well..i hope that helps you out as where to start with that...
i cant BELIEVE all the behind the scenes things that are being done...were just amazed that so many people actually care about jon and our family...we hope one day we can "pay it forward" or some how "return this great kindess" to you all...
thank you, thank you, thank you so much...your all helping to make our life what feels like some sort of crazy bubble and dream..into a wonderful reality..

Jon sleeps thru the night but no one else does!!

So jon made it thru the night without having anyone there...but i think that NOBODY else slept!! i didnt sleep good, jons parents and alot of our friends didnt either!!
we talked to the head rehab guy and they moved his discharge date from april 19th - may 3rd - we were SO excited about that!!!!!
he got results from his xray and all looks great there..so there is no concern of anything...jon is hestitant about getting another MRI with all the radiation and he'd prefer to have his dad and bro. walker give him a blessing before that is done..so thats what we'll do...
today i got to be with him a bit this early afternoon..he did SO GREAT!!!!!!!!!! im SO PROUD of my man!!!! they taught him how to remove his own shirt off while sitting in the wheelchair! i was TOTALLY shocked at what he could do!!!! the PT girl was pretty surprised too!!! you could tell that with more time and stronger muscles he'll have NO problems whatsoever..i just kept saying how awesome he did!!! he loved that of course..
then we went with big bill for PT..he tried his heart out getting himself out of the wheelchair and onto the workout bed thingy..then he had to lay on it and lift his arms up ..like your palms facing up towards the ceiling and lock his elbows in and then swing them side to side and then toss them over to the left and roll over..he did SO good for his first time!!!! with time that will come too..
as you can tell i left him in such HIGH SPIRITS!!!!!!!! im so proud ofhim!!!!!!! he works so hard..and its such a struggle..but he does it!!!!
i ran back home so i could help the girls with their homework and now im off to go back to the hospital to let the older 2 girls hang with jon..rachel FINALLY asked on her own to go see him..so thats what were doing!!!
thanks everyone for your constant prayers- they are TOTALLY working!!!!!! i cant believe he was only in ICU for 3 days, and ALREADY in rehab one week after his accident! i cant believe he NEVER had to be on a ventilator or use a trache!! i cant believe he didnt get pnemonia or have any lung issues!!! i cant believe the first time in a wheelchair he went 20 ft!!! these are SO unheard of and not normal and SOOOOOOOOOOO encouraging!!!!! and its ALLLLL every LAST BIT of it is because of you guys...in the VERY literal sense...you guys - how FOREVER grateful we will be to all of you...because of you...im getting my jon back...thank you...

alone for the night...

jon didnt sleep at all much last night...his mom got there and said he was doing okay..but he really missed me and seemed really down..she called me later in the day suggesting i come over and be with him for a bit..he's REALLY NERVOUS about his business and it not doing anything..but i assured him were doing what we can..and i helped him with his article that he's more nervous about getting it done and out and the magazine put together..hopefully that all is able to come together..
i was able to help clear his nose up so he could breath- he was SOOOO happy!! he said that although he didnt sleep at all last night...it was the best therapy day for him! we think its because he's now drinking ensure..that seems to REALLY help him!
sadly he got a roommate..an older gentlemen who cant hear...so we'll see how tonite goes...he decided to not have anyone sleep over with him..and to "test" to see if the nurses would actually help him during the night..he said if they dont..then he's going to tell them that "he tried not having anyone here and having the nurses help him..but he's not happy with the service"..and he'll request his own room and having someone stay the night with him...so we'll see how tonite goes...
tomorrow he has a short PT schedule..by 230pm he should be done..in time for his brother scott to get there and help more with his article and get more business stuff done...
today was sort of nice for me..i got to be home..did some of my usual chores..cleaned the garage out a bit so i could park my denali back in there..cleared another section for all the magazines coming back to us..i think like 80 boxes!! yikes! then i got oil changes on my truck and jons car..ran thru the grocery store for milk and eggs and then picked my 2 younger girls up from teresa's house...i put becca down and then thats when i got the call from sandra that jon wasn't very happy and was down..luckily sarah cannell had planned to come be here with the girls for 2 hours..so she just came and i left..
it was TOTALLY raining as i drove home..i went pretty slow on the freeway...im sure everyone else was bugged..but i thought oh well..my husband is paralyzed so i CANNOT get in ANY kind of car wreck right now!!!!!!!!! it would really mess things up!!!
i plan on being with jon tomorrow from about 10-2pm..then ill come back home to be with the girls and get homework done and stuff...
trying to find this balance is SO hard! seems someone suffers if im not there..whether its jon or the girls or the business or the house..there is really SOOOOOOOOOO much that i have to do...i have to file for state disability, social security, work with the insurance company, stay on top of rehab information, work with a case manager, social worker, rehab head guy, think about what im doing for the house modifications, thinking about a lift for my truck or another car for jon to drive with a lift, thinking about how im going to get him to his outpatient therapies after he gets home here, thinking about how to get a nurse to help me in the mornings and at night with jon...its seriously ENDLESS!!! but thankfully...im one organized chick!!! i feel like im pretty on top of things...and thats JUST things about jon..then i have the business stuff...worrying about the well being of my kids...its just crazy...
this friday i'll be spending time with the 2 older ones, rachel and sarah, friday night...thats when im really going to talk to them about their feelings and whats going on...they are excited for that they say...its so neat to have real bonding time with them...
this weekend and next weekend the girls will be going to uncle todd's house and to uncle scott's house...that way the house is open for jake thompson and whoever else to come tear the house apart...they'll be doing wood floors so jon can move in his wheelchair and putting a french door on the bedroom wall that will lead right into our family room/kitchen area...so jon will feel like he's part of the family vs stuck in a dungeon somewhere!!
on sunday i will meet with bob buckley from the orange 2nd ward he's going to be our "private case manager"..he will be a lot of help to us...he'll be able to tell us what kind of shower/tub we'll need, and what kind of wheelchair and bed and all that goes with all of this...
tomorrow they do their conference about jon..ill be anxious to find out what they say about him...he also had his xray but jon forgot to ask the doctor the findings of it..so im anxious to hear about that too..he was suppose to have an MRI done as well..so he's going to ask the doctor about that as well..
thanks to everyone thats helping me right now...i just cant believe were going thru this...it still doesnt seem real yet..im sure once my house gets torn apart..it will set in...no worries jake!! im ready to go..it will just be eye opening for me i guess...but hey - if thats what it takes to get jon home- so be it! im all for that!!! i miss him SOOOOOO much...i miss his companionship...everything..ill be so excited to have him home and just be able to lay right next to him and not have to worry about anything else...just to peacefully fall asleep...how wonderful..how simple..how perfect...
he asked about the girls..i said they are doing great..he asked me if they were mad that he's here and cant walk because now he cant give them horse rides up to their rooms each night...he totally lost it...the emotional rollcoaster is too much sometimes...
all in all i feel better now...so does he..and thats all that matters right now..is that the two of us are happy...we know the priesthood blessings that were given and we hold on to them...i know the peace i felt after i first prayed...all would be well..and we're on our way to being well...

ugh- will someone please tell jon to take a sudafed!

Will someone please tell jon to TRY and take a sudafed or something so that his nose isnt stuffy all the time-- it makes it hard to breathe..but he wont take anything for it...he didnt sleep too good last night because he was stuffed up...paul dobbert spent the night with him..he got up at his usual 4am and stretched out his arms..its now 8am and he's had breakfast and is getting ready for the day..he has a FULL busy PT schedule to atleast 4pm tomorrow..
sandra is staying with him today- maybe she can help him just try something for his nose...
we'll see how the rest of the day goes...i talked to kevin and bonnie last night..we came up with a plan to try out...i will be with jon tomorrow for the day..then when i get back bonnie will take her kids and drive to orange county to meet with kevin back to where they were living with kevin's mom...i will be home all day thursday and friday..then i will meet them friday at the olympics then where they will follow me back home to stay because i will be with jon all day saturday...
i think it will be good for my girls that im here for those days and back onto our schedule somewhat..we're going to test that out and see how it goes..
i thought i could either do that...or just be home all days during the week and find a sitter to sit with my girls for an hour or two while i go see jon every evening..that might work even better too..
its hard to try and do this balancing act and not get burnt out in each area..its a matter of trial and error i guess! soon i'll find something that works for me and my girls and all will be well..
Thank you to everyone who's bringing in meals for my family each night, those of you who send cards, packages in the mail, celesta's sister Terra and Phil who just sent me money for groceries and a gift card for target...im so grateful..and so humbeled by these gestures...even thought we've never met...i feel like were family! i feel that way about everyone - i feel like were all family and you are all helping out your little sister right now..i guess in a sense..we really are family..we are all brothers and sisters...thank you...now i dont even know what to say...

calling all seminary students!

Hey --putting the call out that jon REALLY wants to see his seminary students..i know you are all bombarded this week with it being spring break and youth conference..but if you can find time to see hime after his therapies (by 4pm he's done anytime between 6-8 are really good for him) or sometime next week..that'd be awesome - he misses you guys like CRAZY!!!! he was SO honored to be involved with such classy young men and women...i loved when he'd grade your guys' test and say "right on, so and so, they're doing awesome!" it really lit a fire under him to see you guys actually trying and taking seminary seriously..
if bro. lisonbee is reading this..know that the march roll call thing is hanging on my fridge..feel free to pick it up anytime..

christina's in much better spirits!

sorry my previous posts have been SO WHINY!! it was SO nice to be at home, getting so much done, doing the dinner dishes...i LOVED that i got to be normal for a few hours!!!! it will be wierd not seeing jon so much...he's my husband..i should be seeing him everyday...he worked from home so we'd see eachother ALL the time day and night...so this is a BIG change for me...
as of now i will be with jon on wednesday and saturday...i will be talking to kevin and bonnie to figure out the best solution about having them stay with us here..they have just been so amazing..im so grateful..they'll never know how grateful i am for them...
ive had lots of time to ponder away from jon..and as someone told me.."im his wife first then his caretaker"...im very worried about doing everything..literally EVERYTHING for him and for the kids and for our business and for our home...but i will work on having a caretaker..even if someone is here for 1.5 hours in the morning to help dress him and then 1 hour or so at night time..what a HUGE help that will be to me!!! im very much aware of needing to be his wife..and all that that entails..that that STILL needs to be my primary focus with him...everything else will work out if that is still my main concern...
i got the girls signed up for the olympics thing on friday late afternoon! that will be fun - i plan on going with them..i just hope i dont get bombarded with questions and "hows jon, how are you etc" with all this crying im going to age so fast!!! so if you see me..just give me a hug and say its great to see you here!! i miss my old normal life!!
i feel incredibly GUILTY to do anything else but be with jon...anything that i do for myself i think (your wanting to do that while jon is suffering so much!!)..this is SO hard to explain but the BLATANT truth...but i have to remind myself..if your not taking care of yourself your not helping anyone..especially jon!! im so thankful to those of you that have called or emailed and are signing up to help jon during the day and night..i need to work on letting the guilt go..but its SUCH a hard thing!
i heard that bro. buckley is in utah till saturday..but will work with us beginning of next week to make some plans and then we'll get things rolling...
i have my calendar on my fridge i use..and it has april 19th marked "dads home maybe" and rachel noticed it..and she asked..is he still going to be in a wheelchair? i said yes..she said..i dont want him in a wheelchair...i want my old dad back...talk about CRUSHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sarah quickly replied..rachel..you should be happy daddy is coming home - who cares if he's in a wheelchair!! SO TRUE!! SO TRUE!! i hope that having jon here in the home..will make them feel he's still their dad...
i talked to my mom when she got home..she said he was actually done with therapy today at 2pm..he worked SOOOO hard she said..whenever it was time..he gave it his ALL..and even when he's in bed..he's doing SOMETHING ANYTHING to keep things going..after all his therapy..he just crashed..he ate a good breakfast, hardly any lunch and then some dinner but had one of those ensures..i need to stick them in the fridge..we felt like that would REALLY help him...he's SO exhausted from working out and sitting in a chair and getting back and forth into bed..he's just simply TOO TIRED to eat!! the ensures have tons of calories and TONS of protein in it- so that will help...she said he slept pretty good from 2ish - 530pm...she said she just mainly stayed quiet and read..he enjoyed that..not having to talk..because it takes SO much out of him to just even talk most times...
paul dobbert is there with jon tonight..i hope all goes well with them..i noticed that my poor cot is not as great as it was in the beginning! i'll have to think about something else or just start using the extra bed in the room! no one else is using it!! but were trying to be extra nice and not use it...
after dinner, i had all the kids pick up and then we did fhe..i enjoyed that too..i just read a story out of the friend magazine..one lesson i have learned is to JUST DO fhe (family home evening)..it doesnt have to be an hour long or some drawn out lesson..but just doing it every monday REALLY MATTERS!! it REALLY DOES!!! sometimes they are only 10 minutes and sometimes they are 30 minutes..but atleast were doing it..and what a DIFFERENCE that makes in our family life and relationships here at home...then they had cupcakes that were brought with a dinner for their treat..
im so grateful that im part of church that believes in the importance of scripture reading as a family every morning, prayer as a family every morning and night, and family home evenings on monday nights...those three things have literally changed our lives...im so grateful i took the initiative and just DID IT..i only started a couple of years ago ..REALLY doing those things...thats the other lesson i learned..its NEVER EVER too late to just start something..ESPECIALLY when its something that will bring me closer to Heavenly Father..our family has been IMMENSLEY blessed because we do those three simple things...
well its nearly 11pm..i should go to bed..thanks again for everyones thoughts and prayers..miracles are happening..how lucky we are to witness them...im so grateful i have this blog to write my thoughts and feelings down..thanks amie for introducing me to the new era of blogging!! crazy that i had ONLY started the end of january!! where would i be without this blog...i dont even know..probably more miserable then i already am!!! anyone who knows me knows that im not the most "feely touchy" kinda gal..but when i write- its no holds bar!!! my old running joke with jon is that i tease him by saying "i told you i loved you when i married you...if that changes..ill let you know!"....we always laugh at that...im not the best at showing my emotions physically or verbally..but even that is now changing..i find myself more and more telling jon verbally how much i love him...he loves to hear me say it...he always gets tears in his eyes..and then they burn...so i have to put in medicated drops to take the burn away...he use to not have ANY tears..and they'd just burn..but now i tell him..hey you've got your own tears!!! then he says...ya get the drops it still burns!!!

looking for help

Well now is the time to start having other people besides me and our immediate family to help jon, he is in a better situation where he is more comfortable with others willing and able to help...
this is what i need:

Women or Men: (Day Shift) monday-friday 9am-9pm
Men: (Night Shift) monday-friday 9pm-9am

We just need one person per day and one man per night. If you are able to help..let me know via email...
DAY SHIFT: typically you are just feeding him, helping him go get the nurse if he needs something, sitting there quietly or reading to him..he'll tell what he needs done..its nothing real major!
NIGHT SHIFT: typically you are making sure he's ready for bed (the nurses do pretty much everything), around 3am he just would like you to stretch out his arms because his shoulders are SO SORE! then he's back to sleep till around 6 or 7am, feed him his breakfast and then he's ready for the day ..i do have a cot there you can sleep on as well..

this week is all scheduled out..so im starting to work on next week's schedule..

thanks!

i talked to my mom ..and he is doing well..it seems he has most of his PT from 930am-4pm...then he's just WIPED OUT and ready to be back in his bed..he typically eats a big breakfast, hardly any lunch and somewhat of a dinner..we bought him ensure's to help keep him fed..he says he's just NEVER hungry and he's just force feeding himself, just eating is SO exhausting for him he says!!!
anyone interested in visiting him, the best time is probably after 6ish..after he's had time to rest and maybe eat a little something...or during the weekend when he only has one PT session...
if you do go PLEASE do not ask him..."are you able to move your legs?" or things of that nature..its so hard to tell people that "no he cant"..its just a reminder of how far we truly have to go... he's happy to show you what he CAN do vs telling you what he CANT do...
just try to be yourself, encourage him, tell him what he's meant to you in your life, what you love about him, that your encouraged by his strength and about the changes your making in your life..those kinds of things REALLY spur on his determination to get better...also tell him that your always praying for him and his family, and that you will be right there with him as miracles continue to take place in this trial...
i know often times people come in and arent even sure what to do with him...i thought maybe from observation i could help you out.. when you come in..be sure and take his right hand and shake it the best you can..that REALLY helps him to feel like hes normal and that your not afraid of him or his condition..
for me..im most comforted when people say.."i dont even know what to say" for some reason..that comforts me..because i dont even know what other people would have to say TO comfort me!! so not knowing - comforts me..if that made any sense!! it makes me sometimes appreciate that the truth is we dont all have the right answers to everything or know what to do...were ALL going thru this trial together and were ALL learning things from this trial..

realization....

this morning i had a big realization..i really cant do it all...i stayed with jon during the day yesterday..his dad was there doing a lot...then he left around 5 and i took over..by 930 i was SO tired i nearly passed out saying prayer with jon! i told him i just need to lay flat for 10 minutes...i crashed hard for 20 minutes..sadly that pumped more energy in me so i had a hard time getting to sleep again...jon took till after 11 to get to sleep..then the nurses came in and i for soem reason woke up for everything...he woke around 240ish and i worked his shoulders..they were SO SORE!!! then he went back to sleep as did i...here and there...by 7am i was sooooooooooo tired...i was able to get myself up and help him with breakfast, clear his nose again, turn him so he was ready for the day...my mother got there at 9am and relieved me...i gave her the run down of everything - she's one of the most sweet gentle women i know..with a wicked sense of humor at the same time! i love it!! she told jon a couple of days ago that she was going to be jon's professional worrier! she's had lost of experience and she's cheap labor- so he's not to worry anymore- thats her job to do now..she seriously cracks me up!! im SO very grateful she's willing and able to help me...as i was leaving they were figuring out how to get him on the gurney to do an xray..so i imagine he's already had that done now...during the night he complained more...i think the pain is really starting to settle in now..he said the burning of his body is almost too much to bear now..where he has done it for over 2 weeks..its getting too hard to handle now...and his shoulders during the nights are killing him..
i then drove home and stayed awake..i got one street near my house and realized myself struggling to stay awake..i got myself together and made it home..it wasnt very far..then i walked in..bonnie has all the kids somewhere..so the house was very still and quiet..i went straight to my room and fell onto my bed...so scared...so sad...so frustrated that i cant be better at this...i always think if this were me, jon would be there 24/7!!! but im not able to..i literally have to do this one day at a time...i do have people set up for the nights and the days..that will be SO helpful for me!!! im grateful i got that all set up before the week started...sometimes im just ready for this to all be over...im tired of living in a dream or a bubble, i have no idea whats going on in the rest of our lives it feels sometimes...but im SO GRATEFUL that its being taken care of and i atleast dont have to worry about it...some people aren't so lucky in these kinds of situations...
tracy had made a comment that there are things im not even aware of that are happening for us...and to those people i want to say THANK YOU for your quiet service and for what you are doing for our family...we feel everyones love..from everywhere...
i would like to ask bro. buckley to get in contact with us..the sooner the better on our house the better...we dont have very long at all...
well i slept from 10ish-12 and then again till 2ish...i need to get some business stuff done, feed myself, and take it from there...its been a LONG couple days for me it seems!!

xray and mri

well its now 1100pm...im waiting for jon do doze off...they'll be here in an hour to turn him and cath him...we told them to do it quietly and to not wake jon up so he can sleep thru it all..so they said they would..if we tell them ahead of time..then they are good about it..have to say the week nurses are MUCH better then the weekend nurses!!!
the doctor had come in..we talked to him about jon having his whole body burn thru the night...the doctor said he's going to be having him take another xray and mri..so that was exciting news to see what we can see from those...he's also putting an order in for a bladder sample..hopefully he doesnt have a bladder infection and can just keep progressing...
please include change in your prayers..that he will have changes in his healing..so that we might be able to stay here in rehab a little longer then 20 days..we found that to be pretty small amount of time!!!
thanks again to everyone - im really ready to sleep now..i cant believe HOW MUCH this takes out of me...you think its not that bad..but it does take a lot...me or someone has to do every tiny little thing for him...its mind boggling to think that he isnt able to do anything for himself...go to the bathroom, pick his nose, brush his teeth, hold onto anything, the list goes on forever..but were SO thankful that in the end...jon is still jon...he's the same jon we all love and enjoyed before this happened...and for THAT i am truly grateful!

were off to sleep! hopefully!!

tonite im staying with jon...its 830pm..were getting ready for the night..hopefully we get things settled in so he can sleep...tomorrow my mom is going to be here about 9am...
we had jons friend aaron and his wife here, then russell and tracy santos, then the goodmans from the orange stake.....its fun to have visitors!!
jon has been in GOOD spirits all day today -- its been great!! im AMAZED at how MANY people he's ACTUALLY made an impact on!!! if anyone knows jon..they know that he has a way of making them feel like they are THEE most important person...like when he's talking to you - dont you feel like he doesnt care about anything right then...only listening and talking to you and discussing whatever it is thats on your mind...that is one quality im still aspiring to achieve!! jon has a way of making EVERYONE seem like his friend- the only thing is..they truly are his friend and want to stay his friend...he truly does care about everyone...he's SO grateful for all of the outpouring of prayers and thoughts and concern,from all faiths, all over this great nation...how did we get to be so lucky...it just shows us all how we are ALL connected to eachother and that we are all truly children of our Heavenly Father...were all seeking for the same thing..simple happiness...were so grateful to live in a day in age where we can find that happiness...thru our faith..what we believe in..what we hope for...its all very very clearly real..and its all the same..love from our Father in Heaven...thats what encourages us all to be good people and live good lives...
we still ask that you continue to pray for the samethings..lately he's been having muscle spasms...pray that it doesnt bother him..that he continues to heal his body..that his spirit will stay strong...that those that are here with him...they will know what to do in his times of need...pray that he gets more strength in his right hand, and wrist..
pray for my sweet babies..that i MISS SO MUCH!!!! that they're lives will continue to go as normal as it can for the moment..change is hard for everyone..especially little children..pray for kevin and bonnie as well..the ones that have taken them under their wings..who really have the most important job right now!
thank you -

jons doing good

jons having a good day still today...im the only one apparently that can pick jons nose the best- so i get that duty - it makes me gag most times - but i do it nonetheless!! i JUST finished picking his nose-- and was SO happy!!! im so grateful im able to do that for him - even if it makes me gag!!!
Aaron betts is here now..one of jons REALLY good friends!!!! he's super excited to have him here!!
thanks for all the guys that are lined up to be here with jon during the night- it will be SUCH a big help for us!!!! i hope you treasure this tender time that you get to spend time with jon...please remember to be calm and quiet and try not to talk too much...
thanks to my mothers who will be able to be with jon during the days this week..we will be rotating taking turns --

better sleep last night

talked to jon this morning..he had better sleep last night..he took the 2 sleeping pills again..he slept pretty solid for 5 hours..im so grateful!!
i put our home phone on speaker next to the tv so he could atleast hear the Prophet speak this morning..we laughed when pres. hinckely said "ive been in a hospital and i dont recommend it to anyone!" poor jon!!!
i just cant WAIT till jon gets home... i hope ALLLL of you that are able will be at our doorstep the day he arrives...so that he can have a FULL effect and see just how many people's lives he has impacted! you realize how important it is to be kind, gentle, loving, patient, all those things in your life..because one day you MIGHT just need someone to return the favor and be all of those things to you..
in the same breath that im excited to get him home..im TERRIFIED at all the changes, and what i will have to go thru...i feel like THAT'S when the REAL trial will begin -atleast for me maybe!! im so scared that i wont do everything right, that i wont be able to balance everything out, that our relationship might suffer, so many things im afraid of...but i guess its just important to take it one day at a time and realize the COUNTLESS number of people willing to help us through this..this is something i NEVER EVER EVER thought would have happened to us! EVER!
earlier this am...i walked into our bedroom walk in closet..and i noticed 2 white towels at the top...one towel is the one rachel used after she was baptized last year at age 8...and the other white towel is the one i have ONLY for jon to use for each time he baptized his 4 daughters..i realized that sarah would be next..she's 6 now...i PRAY that jon will be able to baptize her!!! i had a good cry...
well its 1230...im one my way to be with jon for the day...im happy its finally sunny outside...i dislike rain!! but it makes everything so nice after...hopefully like our trial...

jon passes out

jon was getting into his wheelchair about 8pm..and he had been getting dizzy all day getting in and out of his chair..so he warned them..so he gets up..and says, "i feel dizzy and my ears are ringing.." so they keep him just sitted up at the side of the bed...then he just starts STARING out..im thinking maybe he's concentrating on breathing in thru his nose and out thru his mouth..and i notice that he's NOT even blinking OR breathing! so i say "i think he's going!" the big guy that had him sitting up..yells "he's gone, get him down!" so they get him down on his bed feet up..and jons STILL looking straight up his eyes still never blinking..and im totally scared saying.. "jon, jon, jon, honey..honey..jon..jon.." then he finally comes to and says .."oh wow..hi everyone..i guess you put me back in bed"...i was SO SCARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i asked him what he remembered..he said "only that i was at the edge of the bed..then i came to and i was in my bed"..he said that he "totally left the building!" SO SCARY!!!!!!!!!!
so he stayed in bed...got his medicine..and went to bed at 10pm..so a lovely scary evening before bedtime! YIKES!!!
thanks to everyone who is taking time to read this blog..even when its FOREVER long!! but i figure its my journal and im happy to let people read it if they are interested..im AMAZED at just HOW many people care!!! truly, honestly CARE about jon and our family right now!!
tonite was a very comforting night...to have only my parents and jons parents there..it was really a special moment for us all...we talked to jon about small plans for the house..and hes very worried about having to sell the house..but my dad and his dad reassured him that things would be okay..that they wouldnt watch him suffer like this AND sit there and watch his house be taken away from him..jon was just so emotional as was everyone in the room...i cant EVEN IMAGINE what it would be like to be the father of your household and not even know what is going to happen in the future..you as the provider..to not even be able to provide...
he told me tonite..it just feels like a dream...a BAD dream..and he's just waiting to wake up from it all..but each morning..its not a dream...it still doesnt seem real AT ALL to either of us...i think maybe because were so involved with it..day in and day out...maybe because this is now our life..like we dont go to our old life anymore..i told my dad..i dont even remember what our old life was like! it seems like it was SOOO long ago!!! it was wonderful that they comforted me in my time of need...they told me how proud they were of me and how im handling this...there's NOTHING more wonderful then to have your parents say "im proud of you"..children LIVE for those words i believe!!! jon and i have ALWAYS tried to live our lives so that our parents could say "they are proud of us"...my mom said that im handling it very well and that she'd be a mess! i feel like all of us could handle it the same way..i feel like when your put in this situation we ALL can handle it! there are extra blessings on my behalf and thats how im handling it i believe!
i just remembered a funny story about today..sarah had come to see jon for a couple of hours..and jon has to wear these "special tights" ..they are to keep the blood circulating in his legs-- youve all seen them! the robin hood white tights in the pictures!! heeheh...so sarah says "dad your wearing a dress AND tights!?!??!" (she previously asked why the hospital gown?!?!) i said.."theyre not tights they are stockings"..she said "STOCKINGS! like what i wear for church!?!??!"...we laughed so hard...then todd tried to help and said .."well no they are special stockings..see these have a big whole in the bottom by his toes!"...sarah laughed..she still thinks they are just tights..so poor dad wears a dress and tights and has a pink bathroom - i hope this doesnt get out at school!!?!?!?!?
well its now 1am..and actually since its daylight savings its ALREADY 2am!!! this is the WORST day of the year for me!! spring forward!!!!
thanks again everyone...please continue your prayers and thoughts..they truly are working..he's had so many miracles already...continue to pray that his brain connects with his body, that he wont develope pnemonia or a bladder infection, that his dizziness with the wheelchair will subside and that he'll keep getting acclimated with his wheelchair, today he had terrible muscle spasms in his biceps..its part of the healing process...also he said that when he wakes up in the middle of the night, his entire body is on fire..literally feels like its burning! i cant even imagine!! and then to have to just sit there and let it happen...he said he likes it..because then he atleast feels SOMETHING!! he's still on NO MEDICATION for pain which is REMARKABLE! he's such a strong guy!!! he says he'd rather have pain..because its something he can feel and its good pain..amazing..
enjoy your sunday..tomorrow i will be with jon again..my mom has offered to help during the days this week with me..so me, my mom and jons mom will help as well..
thank again to everyone - your all doing so much for us and we REALLY REALLY appreciate it - everyone and everything..

brad smith...

brad the hales are here and told us about what you would like to see happen along with brother buckleys help --please contact us ..we have contracters at our house that are ready to get to work...it would be helpful to have your guidance and direction!!! thank you!!!
brad- the orange 5th ward is very interested in helping out as well..please get in contact with bishop hales...

jon had a good day - he had a couple of PT...i was here for the 2nd one ..in which he did GREAT AT! he didnt even need any help which suprised the PT guy!!
the rest of the day he rested..which he needed! he only took one sleeping pill..so he didnt sleep quite as good as he had before...so he'll go back to taking his 2 sleeping pills and 2 tylenol again..

right now his dad is helping him write out his article he needs to finish for his outsourcereport business..then we will need to send it to the printing company in canada and have it printed and shipped out... LOTS to do!

thank you everyone for your help - its been wonderful!!