Saturday, November 30th, 2024: Scriptures prayer in the hospital, Sheri's visit, J's brkfst & cranberry celebration, Rachel - Brett Butler's daughter, J's head tube taken out, Ben & Caylie, Kennan King, Darrel, Trina, Lola, Ruby, Jersey Mike's, nurse Chris, Michael, Stacy & Paul

 

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley (his last)

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:18-34

Come Follow Me

Review

October General Conference

'The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again'

President Russell M. Nelson

"Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!"

We both listened to our scriptures and President Nelson's conference address. We took turns using my air pods. We finally finished the book of Ether. We also had family prayer.

I can't believe it's the last day of November. The month went by way too fast, in with a wedding and out with a life-saving emergency brain surgery.

Sheri came by early and brought me a diet Dr. Pepper, Polar Pop and some water. She stayed for awhile and then she and Sariah, Cayli's cousin, went to see the movie, "Wicked."

The hospital kitchen staff sent breakfast to James: oatmeal, soy milk, coffee, and scrambled eggs. No toast. I think they have him on a low-carb, heart healthy diet. He would only eat the oatmeal with a little soy milk and jam. He said the eggs were gross. Not much of a breakfast so he had to have some cranberry celebration afterwards. The nurses keep it in their refrigerator for us. Thank goodness for Darrel for bringing it.

James's night nurses' name was Rachel. When she asked where we were from and we told her Vernon, unlike most people who ask, she knew exactly where Vernon is. She said her dad and his parents were from Show Low. I asked who her dad was, and she said, Brett Butler. I couldn't believe it. I have known the Butler family since I was in grade school. Rachel's grandparents, Wade and Jackie, were good friends with my parents in high school. They lived across the street from us when I was in high school, and Jackie was one of my Young Women advisors. Rachel's aunt, Marci Westbrook, is in our ward in Vernon. Rachel said she and her husband lived in Show Low for three years. She worked at the hospital and Denise knew her. Harold, Vickie, and Dennis know her too. Also, her husband was a helicopter pilot for the hospital. It really is a small world!

One of the women from the surgical team came by today and took the tube out of James's head. Barely any blood drained out in 24 hours. Another major milestone.

Ben and Cayli came for a visit and Cayli brought me a puzzle to do. That was so thoughtful of her. While they were visiting, Gail came again. This is his 3rd visit. Today he said he was going home right after the visit. It is 19 hours back to where he lives in Oregon.

After Gail, Ben, and Cayli left, one of Kim's friends, Kennen King dropped by. She brought me a small bag of oranges and candy and said she wanted to make sure I was okay, as well as my husband. She is an older woman, probably my age, that Kim studies conference talks with. She is very sweet and kind and Kim says she loves to serve.  Brian said he thought it was weird, but I thought it was nice of her to come by.

Darrel& Trina, Ruby and Lola came for a visit. Lola had to stay in the waiting room because they do not allow anyone under 12 in the ICU. Darrel and Ruby came in first. Trina had gone back to the car to get something. They had met Sheri when coming in and she gave them the Jersey Mike sandwiches she bought for us. James had half his Jersey Mike's and cranberry celebration for dinner. We had a nice visit with Darrel, Ruby and Trina. Besides more cranberry celebration they brought James a protein chocolate almond shake from the Chop Shop. He loved it! Chris, James's male nurse, suggested a smoothie because it is considered a thick liquid.

Chris is a nice guy, although earlier in the day he got very upset with James because he tried to get out of bed without calling him and the alarm went off. Chris was very upset and really told James off. 

At one point when Darrel & Trina were in the room with James, I went out to the waiting room and visited with Lola and Ruby. Ruby said they were going to go to Scheels over by the Chandler mall and ride the ferris wheel. Lola says she doesn't like Scheels because it is always busy.

Michael came and visited for awhile and told me about the girl he met when he was in Tucson. He left and said he would bring me some Mento gum when he comes to visit tomorrow.

Stacy & Paul came for a visit. They were the last for the day. James started telling them a story about being in a box surrounded in styrofoam and how he broke out of it. Once he was out he said the head nurse said to the other nurses, "well, we were going to let him out in 30 minutes anyway." I realized he was a little confused and was actually telling them about pulling his breathing tube out. He said he couldn't breathe in the box. 

James with his Jersey Mike's sub

and chocolate shake.

Friday, November 29th, 2024: Another swallow text, I go shopping & to lunch w/ Sheri,

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:1-17

Come Follow Me

Ether 13:13-22; 14-15

Rejecting the Lord's prophets puts me in spiritual danger.

October General Conference

'Focus on Jesus Christ and His Gospel'

Elder I. Raymond Egbo

"Several accounts in the Book of Mormon describe individuals who turned their lives around by focusing on Jesus Christ and His gospel

Consider Alma the Younger. He rebelled and fought against the Church. His father, Alma, prayed and fasted. An angel appeared and called Alma the Younger to repentance. In that moment, Alma began to suffer 'the pains of a damned soul.' In his darkest hours,e remembered his father teaching that Christ would come to atone for the sins of the world. As his mind caught hold on this thought, he pled with God for mercy. Joy was the result, a joy he described as exquisite! Mercy and joy came to Alma because he and his father focused on the Savior."

The main goal for today was to give James another swallow test to see if he could pass it this time and be able to eat and drink something. Sheri, Michael, and I were here when the speech therapist came in to administer the test. He did fine with the swallow test this time and we were encouraged. The therapist said before he ate or drank anything she also wanted to go downstairs and take an x-ray. Stacy came. She and Michael stayed with James while Sheri and I left. We are going to find me another blouse or shirt because I only brought two, and then I am going to Sheri's to take a shower. We are also going to get some lunch.

Stacy and Michael kept us updated via group text about James's progress. They did a cognitive test, which he didn't pass. He got a little confused about who was president. He could only name seven words that begin with F, not including nouns, and they wanted him to know 11. He couldn't draw the time on a clock and he missed some math questions. When he went down to do the x-ray the doctor saw an obstruction in his throat and said he could have no think liquids to drink. He has to have everything thickened and the thickener makes everything taste gross. He is most unhappy about this. He tried to tell the doctor that he has had that obstruction in his throat since he was in junior high but his pleas did no good.

Stacy had to go to work, she delivers for Amazon now, so Michael had Grampa all on his own. It seems they had a good visit. Michael told Grampa some things he hasn't told anyone else. One of them is the reason he doesn't mind going to Tucson for work anymore.

Sheri and I went shopping at Kohl's, but unlike the last time I was there, they had nothing that interested me, so we left. I ordered a top from Amazon and it will be delivered to Sheri's sometime tomorrow.

I did errands with Sheri and then we picked up food. I got a sweet pork taco at Cafe Rio and chicken strips from Chik-fila. We picked up Max from his five hour stay at the gym. He would normally have walked home with a 30 lb. pack on his back, (he walked there),  but he knew we had food for him so he let us pick him up. 

Back at Sheri's we ate lunch. Ian stayed home from work. He gave the reason that his father-in-law was in the hospital and he was going to visit him. Sheri told him he better visit if that's why he stayed home. It was getting late and I wanted to get back to James. I told Sheri I would take a shower later.

Sheri, Ian, and Evan all came for a visit shortly after I returned to the hospital. James was quite talkative and complained about having to drink thick water. Ian said his favorite drink right now is cranberry Ginger Ale. James thought that sounded great and asked if Ian would bring him some. Sheri and I mentioned that it would have to be thickened and James stuck his tongue out at us. This is the mood he is in today.

Ian and Evan left, Sheri stayed a little longer. James kept asking us for a 'real' drink of water or some cranberry Ginger Ale. Sheri said she would buy him a 12-pack when he left the hospital.

Several people came to visit so Sheri asked me to take her home. I think Alex and Joe were in the room when we left. My brother Dennis called to see how James was doing. During the conversation Dennis said, yea, Vickie is making us pray. He then asked if there was anything he could do for us. I told him to just keep praying.

After dropping Sheri off at home, I came back and parked in the hospital parking garage. While I was still in my car I decided to call Vickie. She had called earlier and I had missed her call. She wanted an update on James. We spoke for a few minutes and then said our goodbyes. I noticed Adam walk by while we were talking so I knew he would be in the room when I got there. Stacy and Michael were in the waiting room with Joe and Alex. Darrel and the girls were here too. Darrel brought cranberry celebration.

When I walked in, I had two bottles of water that Sheri had given me and James said, "you brought me water." He was actually angry when I wouldn't give it to him unless I put in the thickening agent. I went out into the waiting room as did Adam after he had visited for awhile to allow someone else to come in. Darrel and one of the girls went in. James is allowed to eat. Darrel gave him some cranberry celebration and after that James was happy the rest of the evening. 

I was so concerned about James sneaking water that I asked Sheri if she would spend the night to help watch Dad. She told me she would, but I needed to check with the nurse. Kate had been his nurse during the day. She knows Trina and her husband is one of the organists at Organ Stop Pizza. I told her we go there every year before Christmas. Anyway, enough about Kate, she had already gone home, and Krista was here for the night shift. I asked her about someone else staying with me and she said only one extra person is allowed overnight. Well, that settles that. He is doing better now anyway. He seems to have had an attitude change for the better. At one point there were so many people here he made the comment: "There are so many people here to see me, it's like I'm a saint or something." Saint James.

I forgot to mention earlier that Jared didn't end up coming. While he was driving to Dallas, he got a call from Kacey that Charlie had a bad reaction to the antibiotic she had been given for her strep and had broken out in hives all over her body. Jared said a prayer and decided the best thing to do was go back and be with Charlie and Kacey. He was torn and now he feels guilty. I told him he should not feel guilty and that he made the right decision. There are plenty of people here to take care of his dad. This evening, we Face Timed and got to talk with him, Charlie and Kacey. James told him he was checking out of this hotel in the morning. They just laughed. Charlie showed us the pictures she, Scarlett and Autumn made for Grampa. Jared said they would send them to us. We can put them up on the wall with Ruby's and Lola's. 

At 8:00 both of us were ready for sleep. No more visitors tonight.

Kim and Brian drove to the cabin today. They are going to put up our Christmas tree and do some decorating and take care of Tom. The problem is they cannot find Tom anywhere. They went outside and called and called. My heart is breaking, and we are all praying he will appear. Sheri says he may not come back until he sees either me or dad. This could be true but he knows and likes both Kim and Brian.

Love!!

 I am so sad for Charlie

Thursday, November 28th, 2024: Happy Thanksgiving, Turkey Trot, Hospital drama, DeWitt's visit, no food for James, James awake and in a good mood,

 

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 14

Come Follow Me

Ether 12:23-29

Jesus Christ can turn my weakness into strength.

October General Conference

'Sons and Daughters of God'

Elder Reuben V. Alliaud

"It has now been over 200 years since the First Vision opened the doors to the Restoration. At the time, young Joseph Smith sought guidance from heaven to know what church to join. Through the revelation he received that day, and in later revelations given to him, the Prophet Joseph obtained knowledge about the nature of God and our relationship to Him as His children."

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for!

Sheri, Ben and Michael all ran in the Turkey Trot. Trina usually runs and so does Addy but Trina had to work and Addy got there too late. Sheri said it was a struggle, especially for Ben who has been sick.

We had a little drama here at the hospital. Somewhere between 7-8 this morning James pulled his breathing tube out with a jerk. I could see it happening but couldn't get there in time to do anything about it.

I was so panicked, I was afraid he may have seriously hurt himself or that there would be long term effects from making such a drastic move. About five nurses came in to help and assess the situation. It was obvious that James was fine and breathing on his own. One of the nurses said, "well, we were going to take it out in about 30 minutes anyway." He may have a sore throat and abdomen because one of the tubes went clear down to his stomach. Also, there was a bulb at the top of the tube to help keep it in place. Ha! Anyway, the crisis and excitement is over and there were no serious complications.

Danielle, James's nurse again today, has the type of personality where she can banter back and forth with him without being offensive. I really like her. 

Most of the family came today for a visit and so did our friends from Vernon, Collin and Wendy DeWitt. Stacy was here but left when Collin and Wendy came in to visit. They brought me a box of chocolates. Collin and James are good friends and work together in Elder's Quorum. Wendy and I are the two teachers in Relief Society. Before they left, Wendy, Collin and I had a group hug and I told them how grateful I was for good friends like them. Collin said if I needed anything done in Vernon to please let him know. They were going to have Thanksgiving dinner at their daughter's and then would be going home.

After the DeWitt's left Dallin came by and also Darrel, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola. Kim, Brian and Joe were here and brought me a Polar Pop diet Dr. Pepper. Michael came by and so did Jared Ammon. Most everyone was here at the same time and took turns coming back to the room, two at a time. Rowan was the first to come back because he had not yet seen his grampa. Later tonight he texted me and asked if there was anything he could come up and help with next weekend.

James made this comment: "There are so many people here visiting me it feels like I am a Saint or something." He was in rare form today. He felt good and was in a good mood. He made several phone calls, including one to Chuck Crane and one to Armando who was on his way to Wyoming to see his kids. James also called his mom and spoke with her.

Dr. Wilson, the neurosurgeon, came by this afternoon. While he was here I asked him if James could have anything to eat today. He was so happy with the progress that James is making, he said yes. Everyone was so excited that grampa/dad could eat Thanksgiving dinner. When I told Danielle, the nurse, she had a look of concern on her face. She said to me, "don't feed him anything until I come in and give him a swallow test." She came in and did a swallow test by giving James a sip of water. The first thing he did was begin coughing. The test is to determine whether he can drink and eat without food or drink going down the wrong way, into his air passage instead of his esophagus. If he aspirates, it can cause pneumonia. He did not pass the test. This whole experience taught me something, it is really the nurses who have to make the hard decisions in regards to caring for patience.

This afternoon Sheri brought me some specific things I asked for from their Thanksgiving dinner; sweet potato casserole, glazed carrots, a roll, and chocolate pie. Stacy brought mashed potatoes with gravy, turkey, ham, stuffing, corn, and a couple of rolls and some apple pie. I was well taken care of as far as food was concerned. I felt guilty eating in front of James, so I tried to be discreet about it.

Jared is supposed to fly out in the morning and we are looking forward to seeing him. Kacey and Charlie will not be coming with him. 

My cousin Rita texted me a Happy Thanksgiving and we talked about James. She said she would pray for us and put our name on the Gilbert temple prayer roll.

Happy Thanksgiving, Sweetie

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024: Leave Vernon for Chandler Regional Hospital, James is unconscious w/ breathing tube, So many visitors, family & friends, I sleep in James room w/ him. He is never alone.

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:18-31

Come Follow Me

Ether 12:1-9, 25-32

Jesus Christ gives us "a more excellent hope."

"A Perfect Brightness of Hope" by Jeffrey R. Holland

October General Conference

'Sacred Scriptures - the Foundations of Faith' 

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The scriptures, combined with spiritual inspiration from the Holy Spirit, continue to be the primary source that facilitates the conversion of those who have broken hearts and contrite spirits and desire to follow Jesus Christ. The scriptures help build a foundation that can withstand the adversary's constant efforts to undermine faith."

I have this written in my daily notebook under 'Notes & Quotes':

Faith allows the unlikely to accomplish the impossible.

I forgot to mention something that happened to Brian on the way up to Vernon last night. I guess in his haste to get here he was going 20 miles over the speed limit through Heber. He got pulled over by an officer. The officer asked how everyone was doing. At first Brian said, "fine." Then he said, no we aren't fine. Kim and Sheri joined in with sobs and told the officer about James and how they were going to Vernon to take me down to the hospital. The officer gave Brian a warning. Going 20 miles over the speed limit is a criminal offense.

Kim, Brian, Sheri and I left at 6:20 this morning. We are going the Globe way and want to beat the road closure for blasting near Superior which starts at 9. 

I had let Tom out earlier before we left and now there was no sign of him. I left a bag of food on the table by our bedroom door for Sammy along with his bowl full of food and his water bowl full. I left Tom's bowl and water on the front porch to get it away from Sammy, who is a little piglet. I told Chuck he might have to show Tom where his water and food was because he's not used to eating on the front porch. Chuck ended up telling me later he never saw Tom, but the food and water was always gone the next day so he figured he was around somewhere. I'm thinking that Sammy could have been eating it.

Sheri drove my car with Brian and Kim following behind in "Bruce", Brian's Bronco. Brian offered a family prayer before we left. We decided to go the Globe way because we will have to stop at least 30 minutes for road construction if we go the Payson way. We can make it the Globe way if we can get past where they are blasting near Superior before 9:00. That was our plan.

We stopped at the Circle K in Show Low on the corner of the 60 and the 260 for gas and snacks. 

At one point, somewhere between Salt River and Globe Sheri mentioned the fact that she didn't see Brian behind her. She called and Kim said because Brian got a warning last night that they are being very careful about obeying the speed limit today. 

As we were going through Globe I guess Sheri realized she was going 50 in a 35 zone just as she saw a police officer parked on the side of the road. Sure enough, he pulled out and came after her. After looking at our registration and insurance card the officer said to her, "Do you know why I stopped you"? She said yes she did and then began to tear up as she told him her dad was in the hospital and she was taking her mom to see him. She said the officer teared up too. He didn't even give her a warning, he just let her go.

We made it through the blasting area with about 12 minutes to spare. We stopped at the Circle K outside of Superior so Sheri could take a potty break. 

We arrived at the Chandler Hospital somewhere between nine or ten. We rode the Tower C elevator to floor 3 and got off outside of the ICU where we had to call to get in to see James in room C325. Dave and Terry were in the room and James was asleep with the breathing machine still in his mouth. We thanked Terry and Dave for staying and they went on their way.

In a few minutes, Brian, Kim and Sheri left the hospital. Brian took Sheri home after Sheri parked my car in the covered parking garage.

James is sedated, so I didn't really get to talk to him. He has a tube with a bulb at the end of it coming out of his head. The tube is draining blood from his brain. He has several stitches on the left front side of his head. There is some kind of a clip covering the stitches that looks like a barrette, and of course the front of his head is shaved.

So many people came to see him today that it is a bit of a blur. I am writing this on Saturday, the 30th, and the last few days since he has been here are kind of blurring together. Here is what I remember:

Sheri brought all of my things in from the car, including my computer and suitcase and large bag. Stacy, Paul, Joshua and Alayna came. Alayna didn't come in the room, she stayed out in the waiting room. Kim, Brian, and Joe came as did Dallin, Michael, and Alex. We had to take turns going in because they only allow two visitors in the room at a time. We filled up the waiting room outside of ICU. Of course doctors and nurses kept coming in and out of his room, so it was a little chaotic. At one point his nurse, Danielle, asked us to please make our comments to him brief as his brain needs to rest. He was unconscious most of the time and still had the breathing tube in. Everyone was just so grateful and relieved that he had come through the surgery safe and sound. Our prayers and Chuck's blessing were heard and answered. Thank you Lord.

Armando came by for a visit but James didn't know he was here and Armando did not want me to try to wake him up. We are grateful for Armando and all he does for us and our company.

James's brother Gail was here visiting family for Thanksgiving. He lives in Oregon. He came by to see James. James never work up while he was here but Gail and I had a nice visit. He used to work with Armando when he lived here in Chandler so I told him about Armando's family leaving him. He was very sad and concerned.

James had nothing to eat or drink today as he was "out" most of the day. He has about 7 IV's and I am sure one of them is giving him some nourishment. 

I got calls from Bishop Hunsaker, Jimmy Applegate who is one of our ministering brothers, and Richard Miller who is our other ministering brother. I talked to Vickie and my cousin Rita and Collin DeWitt. Collin says he and Wendy will probably come by tomorrow as they are down here in the valley for Thanksgiving. I also told my friend Janna Grombach about James.

This evening Kim, Brian and Joe came for a visit and brought me an 'In n Out' cheeseburger. It was delicious!

After everyone was gone I made myself a bed in the recliner next to James's bed. I woke up at 12:30 and couldn't go back to sleep, so I moved to the bench near the window. The back cushion folds out and makes a nice mattress. Much more comfortable.

I am worried about Tom. I wonder if he will stay around the house when we are not there and Sammy is.

James with the breathing tube in

Hospital waiting room

So appropriate for what happened

this week.

 

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024: James doesn't get out of bed, I keep trying to get in touch w/ Dr. Moffat, finally decide on ER, Chuck helps me, Vernon Fire Department, White Mountain Ambulance, Summit Hospital, helicopter ride to Chandler Regional

 

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:1-17

Come Follow Me

Ether 12

Faith in Jesus Christ can lead to miracles.

"Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains" 

President Russell M. Nelson

October General Conference

'Behold I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"The Savior is not absent from our mortal journeys. For the past two days we have heard Him speak through His chosen leaders that we might draw closer to Him. Time and again, with His pure love and mercy, He sustains us as we face the drama of life. Nephi describes: 'My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions....He hath filled me with his love."

A day I will never forget. A day of tender mercies and miracles. I got upas I normally do, but James did not. At first I thought he was just sleeping in. I knew he had a headache and he had tole me it felt like a migraine so I decided to call Dr. Moffat's office to see if he would call James in a prescription of Imitrix. Sheri says that is the only thing that works for Ian when he has a migraine.

I called and left two or three messages with Kerry, Dr. Moffat's medical assistant and got no response. Finally, around 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I called Dr. Moffat's cell phone. It went straight to voicemail and then said his mailbox was full and I couldn't leave a message. At this point I decided it was time to take James to the ER. 

I talked to him, telling him we were going to the hospital for his headache. He was unresponsive. He would not move to get up and get dressed. In the meantime Sheri was texting me and telling me I needed to call Chuck Crane and have him come over to help, which I did. James was still pretty much unresponsive. We talked to him and I prodded him until finally he sat at the edge of the bed. I put a shirt on him and a pair of pajama pants. I got socks on his feet and put his camo clogs on over them. Chuck helped him get over to the rocking chair to sit down. I was getting ready to drive him in the car to the ER. My kids, especially Stacy, were texting me to call 911. When Chuck advised me to do the same thing I decided it was a good idea, so I did it, I called 911.

In the meantime, Alicia Hunsaker, the bishop's wife, rang the doorbells. She had come because Sheri had called her. I guess Sheri got her number off my friends list on Facebook. She wanted to know if I wanted her to go with me to the hospital. I told her no, I had already called 911. She left, telling me to call if I needed anything. I thanked her and told her I would.

The Vernon Fire Department paramedics showed up next. They took James's vitals and asked him some questions. They could barely hear his answers. A few minutes later a White Mountain Company ambulance showed up and they asked him even more questions. One of the questions they asked was: "Do you want to go to the hospital?" He shook his head no. I asked if he had to say yes in order for them to take him. Yes, he does. I spoke with James and convinced him to say yes. They loaded him on the stretcher and took him outside into the ambulance. I went out and asked if they were taking him to the ER. Yes, the ER at Summit Hospital in Show Low.

In the middle of all of this the UPS guy came walking down our driveway to deliver a package. I took the package with me in the car. I told Chuck thank you and that he didn't need to come to the hospital and off I went, following the ambulance.

Dr. Gerber, a young guy with big glasses, was the on-call doctor at the ER. He said he was glad I brought Hames in because this was something quite serious and he guaranteed he would not be going home tonight. He ordered several tests, including a CT scan. Trina texted me and said they should have done the CT scan within 10 minutes of him arriving at the hospital. She is an ER nurse at the Gilbert hospital and has lots of experience.

I had only been at the hospital a short time when Chuck showed up and gave James a blessing. In that blessing he told James that he would recover and be made well. I remembered those lines. I thanked James for the blessing. Chuck said he was staying. I told him it wasn't necessary, but he insisted.

After the CT-scan was done the doctor came in and said, I have some news. Your husband has a brain bleed and needs to be flown to the valley to see a neurosurgeon. This is critical, if we do nothing, he probably isn't going to make it. In order for him to be transported he has to have a breathing tube installed in his mouth and throat. I was shocked with this news and had difficulty keeping back the tears. The doctor kept apologizing which did not make me feel any better. I finally told him we had a great deal of faith and would trust in the Lord, no matter what happened. In Chuck's blessing he told James that he would get well, so I am holding on to that.

It took awhile to find a hospital with a bed in ICU. I was so pleased when they said the hospital would be Chandler Regional. Stacy, Sheri, and Kim all live within ten minutes of Chandler Regional. It is a Trauma 1 hospital which means they have all kinds of doctors on call 24/7.

Kim, Brian, and Sheri are on their way to Vernon to get me. Stacy, Paul, Darrel, and Trina left for the hospital so they would be there when James arrives.

I got part way back to Vernon, following Chuck who was in his truck, when the hospital called and said James's heart rate had gone down and they wanted me to come back to the hospital. I phoned Chuck and we both turned around and started back. A few miles back down the road towards Show Low, the hospital called again and said his heart had stabilized and they were getting ready to transport him in the helicopter. On a side note, I had asked earlier while I was still at the hospital if I could go with him in the helicopter and they said no, there wasn't enough room.

I called Chuck, we turned around, and headed back to Vernon. Chuck made sure I got in the house safely before he went home. He is going to take care of the animals while I am gone.

I went in and fed Tom, got myself something to eat . . . the steak sandwich Michael left in the frig, and sat down to watch the DWTS finale. I already know who wins, Joey & Jenna, not Brandon & Chandler, so I am a little disappointed. Tom joined me on the couch. We actually spent the night there in the family room together.

It wasn't too long before Kim, Brian, and Sheri walked in. They all gave me a hug, we talked awhile and then they went to bed. I finished the show and then turned off the lights and TV. As I was dozing off, I heard a bang. I wasn't sure at the time what it was, but I found out later it was my phone hitting the floor.

Around 2:30 Kim came in and said the hospital called Brian. They tried calling me but couldn't get through. They did another CT-scan on dad and the bleed was worse. The neurosurgeon told the kids, Stacy, Paul, Trina & Darrel, that if they didn't perform surgery right away, he would die. Darrel had to sign the papers to give them permission.

The surgery was a success, the surgeon was able to stop the bleeding. Darrel & Trina went home during the surgery. Stacy & Paul stayed until he came in to his room, C325 in the ICU. They actually stayed until about 5 a.m. Dave and Terry came a little later to stay with him until I arrived at 9:30 a.m. with Sheri. I am so grateful for family and great friends like Chuck Crane.

Champions: Joey & Jenna

Monday, November 25th, 2024: Trip to Valley, Tom in the house, Salvador's work, Sam's Club for me, 2U glass for J, dent in truck dilemma, Hatch Dental, Red Lobster, Infusion, Landings, police officer call, J walks, K movie, J bad headache

 

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:21-41

Come Follow Me

Nov 25-Nov 1: "By Faith All Things are Fulfilled"

Ether 12-15 Introduction

October General Conference

'The Words of Christ and the Holy Ghost Will Lead Us to the Truth'

Elder Takashi Wada

"The prophet Nephi taught us the way: 'Wherefore,... feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.'"

We left a little after 6 this morning for the valley, thinking we had to beat the road closure in Superior, forgetting that they don't work on Monday.

Tom was outside until 4 am. He came in, ate, and plopped down on the bed and fell asleep. I didn't have the heart to wake him up and neither did James, so we left him there. 

We listened to "Follow Him" all of the way.

James drove to the Circle K outside of Superior. He got some gas, a tuna sandwich, and a Polar Pop, diet Dr. Pepper. He asked if I would drive the rest of the way and I said I would. This is highly unusual for him. He rarely asks me to drive, even when we go to Texas.

I drove to Salvador's work so James could pick up some money from him. He owes James $2,900. He only gave us $500. Salvador's work is very close to where James is going to get his windshield fixed, and to the Sam's Club in Chandler, just off the 1-10. I asked James if he would drop me off at Sam's Club so I could do some shopping while he was getting his windshield fixed. He said that he would, and he did.

I had a very successful shopping trip at Sam's. It was so much less hectic than Costco and they had several things that I wanted. 

When James came to pick me up, I went around to the passenger side and tried to open the door, but it was bent and I could barely open it wide enough so I could get in. 

I do not remember this problem before

I said to James: "I think someone ran in to us." James didn't say much, which I thought was weird.

On to Hatch Dental. James spent time walking and talking with Armando about the job while I waited in the truck. When they were finished, we headed for the Red Lobster on Alma School just south of Southern in Mesa. 

It was quiet and relaxing inside of Red Lobster. We had a $75 gift card so James ordered an appetizer that he is especially fond of, stuffed mushrooms to start us off. He tried to order the stuffed flounder but it is no longer on the menu. He got the crunch-fried flounder instead. I had what I always have, Walt's special shrimp. Yum. Of course we also had the cheddar bay biscuits, baked potatoes and broccoli.

After lunch I went to my infusion and James went over to look at some work at the Landings with Armando. 

We went the Payson way home. As we were driving home James got a call from a Chandler police officer asking him is he was at the Sam's Club in Chandler today. He could not hear James talking on the intercom phone so I began talking to him, telling him yes, we were at the Sam's Club and it looked like someone hit the right side of our truck while we were parked. He asked if we had a white Dodge pickup. I told him no, we have a silver Chevy Silverado. When I said someone ran in to us James looked at me and shook his head. The officer said it would be better for him to talk to us when we weren't in the car. He said he would call back sometime tomorrow morning.

After hanging up the phone, I asked James if he had something to tell me. Yes, he did. He had damaged his truck sometime earlier when Jared Ammon was here. When he was parking he hit someone's tire. When he went out to check it, there was no damage done and there was some white paint on the side of the car. By this time I was pretty upset and feeling rather foolish because I had told the police officer a lie. I told James that when he spoke with him tomorrow morning he needed to tell him the entire truth and apologize for me because I had no idea that we already had the damage on our truck. I was upset but James was so repentant I couldn't be too mad. He went to bed after walking when we got home with a bad headache. I watched the Hallmark "Little Women" movie before going to bed. 

Relief Society activities for December

Pre-built is the only way to go

A Tigger car at the AARA

We were a part of this and had to exit the

freeway and take a detour on the way into town.

Sunday, November 24th, 2024: Late leaving because of James, 47 lanterns, Jeff Crane family speaks in church, James's massive headache,

 

Copenhagen Denmark

118th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:1-20

Come Follow Me

Review 

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots and Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" The restored gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, 'embraces all, and every item of truth.' But that doesn't mean that all truth is of equal value. Some truths are core, essential, at the root of our faith. Others are appendages or branches - valuable, but only when they are connected to the fundamentals."

We were late leaving for church because James was running a little slow this morning. Not late for sacrament meeting, just a little late for me to set up my lesson. 

We have a temple cleaning assignment on December 3rd. I am sure James will want to go.

Eldon Crane (10 Yrs old)

Told about his baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Catalina Crane (13 yrs old)

How the Holy Ghost helps her.

Susan Crane

The Spirit led them to Vernon. They felt peaceful through the Holy Ghost. How do you use the Holy Ghost? Enlighten you mind and heart. Teaches us to do good. The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier and a cleansing agent. Celeste lost in Virginia. The woman who found her worked with autistic children and knew how to care for her. D&C 88:33. The Holy Ghost has changed the trajectory of my life many times. 

Jeff Crane

What the endowment means to me. It is a gift from God. Everything in the Church leads to the temple. The temple prep manual is on the gospel library app on your phone. Endowed from on high. Ordinances when received, help us to return to God. Baptism, confirmation, sacrament, temple - washing & anointings, endowment, sealing. Power of God in our lives. D&C 84:19. Covenants - receive ordinances by covenants. Covenants are an agreement with God that we will serve Him and keep His commandments and we will live certain laws: Obedience, sacrifice, law of the Gospel, chastity and consecration. If we keep our covenants, they will keep us safe. I was a former police officer in southern California. I feel that many times I was keep from evil because of the power of my endowment. Weekly temple attendance changed my life. Remember your covenants which will keep you spiritually safe.

I had 47 lanterns to handout. I needed 17 for YW and Primary. Four of them didn't work so I am down to 43. There were more than 30 sisters in Relief Society so I could not give lanterns to YW and Primary sisters. Next time I will do at least 55 handouts.

We had a good discussion regarding Elder Rasband's talk, "I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up." Cheryl knew the answer to the fill-in question on the board. I had several sisters thank me for the lesson after it was over. Catherine Halcomb was not here today but Kerri took a lantern home for her. Susan Crane came up and thanked me for the birthday gift I gave her. I told her I enjoyed her family's talks today in sacrament meeting. 

I kept waiting for James to come and pick me up but he never came. T-Bo opened the door for me as I was leaving. I could see James out sitting in the car with his head down against the steering wheel. He apologized and said his headache was so bad that he came straight to the car. I asked him how the lesson in Elder's Quorum was and he said he didn't get anything out of it. Brother Jensen was the teacher. He said it wasn't the teachers fault he just felt so miserable that he couldn't focus on the lesson. He should have stayed home today. 

Paul, Michael, and Joe had already left when we got home from sacrament meeting. They remembered to take a picture by the front door. 

Thank you for your help!

At home, I had some lunch of meatloaf and mashed potatoes while James went straight to bed. I was tired and took a nap. I had been yawning all morning. Tom slept by me.

Later I made James something to eat. He was still quite miserable and said he should have stayed home from church today. He went to bed at 8 o'clock this evening. I am very worried about him. We are going to the valley tomorrow for my infusion.

Handouts for my lesson

Elder Quentin L. Cook dedicated the

Casper, Wyoming temple today