Back to School

After a slight communications mix-up with the nursing home, we finally got Sheila back on her Copaxone (the very expensive MS medication) this past week. The short time she was off of it she seemed to have been doing much better. Her speech was clear and her thought processes were intact. We also noticed that she could raise her arms above her head and could completely flex her hands and fingers. But tonight, after a week back on the medication, her speech has again become very hard to understand, the use of her right side is becoming diminished and she is also back to fixating on certain things. Now we are reminded several times a day where Ashley’s middle name came from. After reading all of the side-effects of the medication we are wondering if it is the cause of her anxiety. We are looking forward to seeing the neurologist to see if we should try one of the other MS drugs since we have not seen any improvements with this one.

We were worried that Sheila would have a hard time this week with the changes in our schedules. On Monday I started back to work, Ashley started classes at Weber State, and Holly started her first day at Ogden High School. The week started out well until Wednesday when I got a call at work that Holly had thrown up in the hallway at school and that I needed to come and get her. Thank goodness she is doing so much better. With the fever gone it is back to school for her.

This week Sheila got a home-made card in the mail from her dear friend, Teresa Birch. She was so thrilled to get it. She has it prominently displayed for everyone to see and she points to it every day when we walk into her room.

This week it has become even clearer that we definitely need to get the car fixed. After the many hours waiting to go here and there, it really adds up. One day this past week I calculated that I spent over 3 hours just waiting for buses. So if anyone knows of a good, but inexpensive mechanic or auto shop that could give me an estimate of what it would cost to fix my car we would greatly appreciate it.

We appreciate everyone who has offered and given us rides (you know who you are). Sometimes this is the only way we make it to see Sheila every day. We are truly blessed with wonderful friends and family.

A Week of Blessings

This has been a rather quiet week. We have been blessed that the temperatures have cooled down making it easier to get to Sheila.

On Wednesday we met with Mt. Ogden HRC’s social worker and other key players in Sheila’s care. They wanted to meet with us since they never had the chance when Sheila first came in. We talked about Sheila’s care plan and how her Primary Care Physician (PCP) wanted her to see her neurologist in Logan. They said they would check into the logistics of it, but could not see any reason why she couldn’t go see him. We are excited that she will be able to see the doctor that she is comfortable with. Now we wait for them to make the appointment and to work out the details of transportation.

Yesterday my Mom came down for the day. She helped take the girls school shopping which they really enjoyed. They treasure their time with grandma. Afterwards we went to the nursing home where Mom was able to visit Sheila. Sheila has really grown to love and appreciate the time she shares with Mom.

Last night Holly went on a photo shoot with Shelly Spencer, a professional photographer. She was so excited you would have thought it was Christmas Eve or something. She said that she learned a lot from watching Shelly work. Holly has started her own photography blog. (Look for the link on the side bar.) Sheila is so happy that Holly has found something that she really enjoys and loves. I believe Sheila’s words were: “She’s good!” I think so too!

Tonight we watched the movie Brian’s Song with Sheila. Yes, I know it is a 35-year-old movie, but still a classic. Sheila seemed to really enjoy it, or maybe because it was only 74 minutes long.

Our Special Visitor

Today was a big, no, a HUGE day for Sheila. Her very best friend in the world, Teresa Birch, stopped in for a visit while she was in town for a wedding. We first met Kenny and Teresa Birch shortly after we were married. Up until 1995, when Kenny’s work took them to Kenosha, WI, we did everything with the Birches. We’ve shared a lot of memories – births, baptisms and birthdays – together. And most recently we’ve shared high school graduations and a mission call. Sheila always said that she was closer to Teresa than her own sisters, so much so, that we gave Ashley the same middle name as Teresa. They would often joke that one mother could not have handled them both so they were separated at birth. The girls have grown up always hearing stories about Uncle Kenny and Aunt Teresa.

Anyway, Teresa had arranged with me for her visit to be a surprise for Sheila and the girls. I had to tell the girls that there was a special visitor coming today so they wouldn’t plan anything else. Holly and I waited in the lobby while Ashley took Sheila to the dining room. When Teresa walked in she immediately walked over to where we were sitting. Holly had no idea who Teresa was since she was only a year old when they moved. I leaned over to Holly and said, “That’s Aunt Teresa.”

We then took Teresa to the dining room to see Ashley and Sheila and to join us for lunch. Teresa walked up to the side of Sheila’s chair and Sheila was literally speechless. Somehow during all of the talking we managed to eat our lunch.

After lunch we gathered in the Resident Lounge where we shared lots of stories, relived some wonderful memories, shared pictures and even got to talk to Steven (their oldest son) on his 27th birthday via phone. We took lots of pictures even while laughing hysterically. It was probably the most Sheila has laughed and smiled in the past year.

In those brief few hours it was as if time had stood still for over 14 years. We pray that we can see our dear friends a little more frequently now that our kids are grown. We would love to have them move back closer, but now they have grown children of their own to consider. Until then, we hope they know there are a lot of people here in “Zion” who still love and miss them. Thank heavens for pictures and lots and lots of memories.

Teresa, we are looking forward to October 2010!

Family Get-togethers

I got to spend most of the day alone with Sheila while Ashley and Holly went to represent the family at the Stone Family Reunion. So while the girls went with Sondra to Westin, Idaho I caught the bus to Mt. Ogden HRC. Sheila and I had lunch and then spent an enjoyable afternoon together. Sheila misses not being able to go to the reunion, but does sends her love to all her extended family.

On Thursday, our sister-in-law, Sharon Porter stopped by for a surprise visit. She was in town on business and wanted check in to see how Sheila was doing. Sheila was really happy to see Sharon and enjoyed their visit. Originally, Sheila’s brother, Kelly was also coming down to go to the reunion, but was not able to make it due to his equestrian riding skills. It seems that Kelly got thrown off his horse and broke several ribs. We all hope he heals quickly. Sheila really misses seeing and talking to Kelly. We hope they are able to come down soon as Sheila really enjoys their visits.

Sheila, Phone Home

Today Sheila had her appointment with Dr. Alder, the surgeon. She called my cell phone this morning at 6:45 AM and left a voice message to tell me that it was time to get up because she had her doctor’s appointment and that she would see me there.

Michelle was so wonderful to give us a ride to the doctor’s office. When we got to the doctor’s office Sheila was already there. She had been escorted by the transportation guy and also one of the physical therapy aides. I was so impressed with how well Sheila looked this morning. They had her in her nice clothes, showered and her hair was done with a bow in it.

Dr. Alder said that he was not too concerned about the hernia itself, and that major abdominal surgery would be required to fix it. He also said the risk of complications was too great and did not outweigh the benefits of the surgery. He said he could see all of the many complications stacking up like dominoes. So… at this time we will watch it and hope that it does not continue to get worse.

After her appointment we sent her back to the center with her escorts and told her to enjoy her lunch and to take a nap and that we would see her later in the afternoon.

While Sheila rested, the girls and I went shopping for school supplies with Chelle and then had lunch together. It was fun just watching Chelle’s kids play on the playground at McDonald’s. Sheila and I are so very blessed with such wonderful family support. I can’t imagine what this past 10 months would have been like without wonderful family and friends. So, to everyone . . . a very big thank you!

The New Chair

Today we had lunch with Sheila at the nursing home. She really likes when we have Sunday lunch with her. She has been in very good spirits this week.

This past Wednesday the center got Sheila a new chair. This one allows her to recline if needed and also has a leg rest. It basically looks like a recliner on wheels. Since going to this chair she seems to have fewer episodes of crying out. Sheila says the new chair is much more comfortable for her. We are so thankful that something has been found to work for her.

Sheila is very anxious about her upcoming appointment with the surgeon this Wednesday concerning her hernia. We will let everyone know what we find out then.