March 30, 2006

March 30, 2006

Dear Friends and Family,

Over the past few days Ryan has continued to grow stronger and become more independent.  We feel like his mind and body have been working to recognize and maximize the abilities he has.  We are so proud of Ryan and his determination to move forward despite his limitations.  We know that Heavenly Father has always blessed him with a positive outlook which we are so grateful for.

            Our family is going through another transition.  Because Ryan is feeling better physically, he wants to start staying by himself at night at Craig.  He has an amazing network of nurses, techs, therapists and fellow patients.  He is outgoing and we think it is another step toward him feeling as independent as possible.  Now that we are able to take him out for "field trips" he will be with us on the weekends but will always sleep at Craig.

On Monday, Ryan and Casey, an OT, worked on balancing.  Ryan sat on the mat with his feet over the side and tried to balance himself while drinking a cup of water.  It may sound easy, until you remember that Ryan doesn't have any feeling or movement below his armpits.  He can't use his stomach muscles to help balance himself so he has to use his arms and neck to balance.

On Tuesday, Ryan had OT with Amanda in the morning. Ryan worked on dressing himself which is time consuming but gratifying at the same time.  Heather and Ryan did mat work.  At 11:00 we transferred Ryan into our van and headed to the Denver Zoo.  It was almost 70 degrees and spring break so the Zoo was packed with mothers and little people!  We met Whitney, Kaitlyn, Hayley and the little Henwoods and had a great day!  It felt so good to be out in the sunshine for three hours!  Ryan is doing well in his manual chair and building up his stamina.

On Wednesday, Ryan and Heather made a cake for John's birthday and we also worked on how to go up and down curbs.  Heather taught Ryan and me how to do it together but eventually Ryan will be able to go up and down curbs on his own.  We still have lots for his therapists to teach us . . . they have great insight into making our lives easier!  This afternoon Ryan and Barry went to a van clinic to see what kind of van will fit Ryan best with his wheelchairs.  Ryan also went to exercise class later in the afternoon.

            This morning was especially exciting.  We have had the same ophthalmologist for the past eight years and have a lot of trust in her.  When I explained Ryan's situation to Dr. Brenner, she offered to contact a company that does complimentary lasik surgery for a few patients at Craig each year.  Ryan has beautiful eyes but he is very near sighted and has worn contacts and glasses since he was about eight.  After Dr. Brenner ran the necessary screening tests today, we found out that he is a good candidate for the surgery.  He will need to wear his glasses for the next two weeks and then do another follow-up exam.  If all goes well, he will have the surgery about three weeks from now.  Ryan is unable to put his own contacts in or out so this will be a great blessing to him!   

We are all enjoying having Hayley home with us from college.  Ryan Hatch's grandfather passed away in Washington so he is spending time with his family there.  It's also been great to have Kaitlyn home from school for spring break.  

The scripture we would like to share today is from the Moeller family and is found in Proverbs 3:5-7. Thank you!

5   Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding. 

6         In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7         Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

We want you all to know that we love you and are grateful to have you in our lives.

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kate

 

 

Ryan, with his lizard, Johanna, on his shirt. 

Ryan with some of our great neighbors. 

Ryan, with five of the little neighborhood girls. 

March 26, 2006

March 26, 2006

 Dear Family and Friends,

            What a weekend this has been.  We've had spring like temperatures and decided to take full advantage of our new freedom by taking a couple of outings away from Craig.  On Saturday, we met the rest of the family at a new Mexican restaurant called Costa Vida for lunch.  We then ventured home where all the neighborhood children and parents came out to welcome Ryan home.  As we were transferring Ryan out of the car, we turned to see five darling little girls all dressed in pink hardly able to contain their excitement at having Ryan home.  The girls ran to find their parents and we all had fun visiting.  Later that night Justin and Whitney made one of Ryan favorite meals, chicken with Frank's Red Hot Sauce.  Hayley was also home with us.  We returned to Craig about nine last night.

            This morning we decided to go to the Stonegate Ward because they have sacrament meeting a couple of hours before the Auburn Hills Ward meets.  One of Ryan's techs met us at church.  Bishop Downs asked Ryan to bear his testimony and he did a great job expressing his feelings.  The speakers gave their thoughts on the Light of Christ.  It was great to be back among the Stonegate Ward members.  After church, we came home and had spaghetti . . . just like a normal Sunday!

            We are back at Craig now so Ryan can rest up for a full week of therapy. We still have a lot to learn but are so grateful for Ryan's progress so far!

            Out thought for today comes from a poster which we especially like in the therapy gym by Maryanne Radmacher.

COURAGE

 

Courage doesn't roar.

Sometimes courage is

The quiet voice at

The end of the day

Saying,

"I will try again tomorrow."

With our love,
Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and family

 

Justin, in the Hawaiian shirt, dancing and lip-syncing at the talent show . . . such hidden talent! 

Isabelle and Callum checking out the new children's area that is under construction at The Wildlife Experience. 

Callum, Isabelle, Ryan and Amanda playing dress-up at The Wildlife Experience.

Ryan and Heather working on slide board transfers from his manual chair to the mat. 

March 24, 2006

March 24, 2006

            On a scale of one to ten, today has definitely been a TEN!  Last night I spent the night at home while Ryan was at the hospital.  I'm going to start staying at home a few nights each week.  Ryan is feeling much better and is good at directly his own care.  Ryan's nurses and techs helped him get his contacts in and out.  That alone is a huge accomplishment!

            Every other Friday there is an outing planned through the therapeutic recreation department.  Today we went to The Wildlife Experience about three miles from our home in Parker.  Whitney, along with her kiddos, met us at the museum.  We were able to see the IMAX film "Dolphins" and also see an exhibit on predators.  Callum and Izzy especially liked the huge teepee and the children's area where they could dress up in all kinds of animal costumes.  Ryan was able to maneuver around is his manual chair.  He is doing so well at staying focused and adapting to the world around him.  We couldn't be more proud of him!

            After we returned to Craig from the museum, Heather taught us how to transfer from his manual chair into my Honda Odyssey.  A car would have been an easier transfer but I think we did very well.  The transfer board for vehicles is quite long because the distance between the car seat and the manual chair is greater.  Now Ryan will be able to go in the car with us.  Such freedom!

            Tonight was our first "car" outing.  We went to a talent show at church.  We just couldn't miss Justin lip-syncing in 70's attire and a wig with three other guys in the ward.  When I pointed Justin out to Callum, he said, "That's not my Dad.  He doesn't have hair like that!"  We stopped at our house long enough to pick up Dad and Kate.  It's the first time Ryan has seen his Jeep and the outside of our house since his accident.  We need to learn how to navigate stairs before we can go inside our house . . . something to look forward to in therapy for next week!

            Hayley flew to Denver tonight from Rexburg and her husband, Ryan, will be coming next week for spring break.  We are so excited to have them home!  We have been so supported and loved by our family.  Rebecca sent a quote a couple of weeks ago by President Monson.  It reads, "At the end, what really matters is who you loved and who loved you."

Aunt Patrice framed and sent Ryan the following:

"The same Everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday.  Either He will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it.  Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings."

Thank you, Patrice!

We love you all,

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

March 22, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

          We are happy to report a very successful beginning of the week.  My appetite has been increasing and both physical and occupational therapy are going very well. I have been doing exceptionally well in transfers from my wheelchair to the mat and back. 

          Ryan is pretty exhausted tonight and keeps dosing off, so I'll start writing where he finished.  He has had an amazing week so far and the doctor just came in to let him know that his protein count is high enough for him to come off his IV feeding tomorrow night.  There is an outing on Friday to The Wild Life Experience that Ryan will be able to go on since he won't have an IV.  Ryan has been on two other outings, one to Church and one to Chili's Restaurant. 

          Yesterday, Heather and Amanda worked on adjusting Ryan's manual chair with a new back and some other minor adjustments.  He seems to have worked through some of his blood pressure issues and is able to be sitting up in his chair for longer periods of time.  He was in his manual chair for about seven hours today.  It takes a lot of work, coordination and endurance to push a manual chair and I think that's why he is so tired tonight.

          Ryan has been having lunch with his friend, John, and Amanda and Heather the last couple of days.  They all have fun together!  Thank you Amanda and Heather for going above and beyond the call of duty! 

(Ryan telling the following story) Candace and I also have an ongoing fun relationship.  I woke up one morning to find women's sparkly gold slippers which were about six sizes too small.  It might be because I put one of my black dress shoes on Candace which was about the same length as it was from her knee to her ankle.  She looked kind of like a clown with one tiny fuzzy slipper and one enormous black shoe.  I looked just about as goofy with a corresponding shoe and slipper.  Candace continued the fun and games on Wednesday by asking Amanda, our occupational therapist, to place a "fart machine" under my wheelchair and a remote control for the "fart machine" on Candace's chair.  As soon as I got into the chair I suddenly had explosive gas!  After a minute or two of hysterical laughter, I realized no one in the world could have that much gas.  I then started making jokes about the Taco Bell I had last night that perhaps didn't sit well with me.  Amanda showed me the machine which I disassembled using the screwdriver and removed the battery.  I told Candace it was a funny joke and we laughed about it the whole day. 

Now on a more serious note, Tyler sent our quote for today. 

Tyler writes:  This is probably my favorite quote. I think I've shared it with you but if not here it is.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt, April 23, 1910

 

Love, Ryan, Bridgette, Barry and Kate

March 20, 2006

March 20, 2006

Happy Monday!  We've been bracing ourselves for our annual spring snow storm but so far we only have slick roads.  Sometimes Denver will get two to three feet of snow this time of year.  Granny, Grampa and Aunt Julie left for Idaho this morning and we are hoping the road conditions through Wyoming and Idaho will be good for them.  We are so happy they were able to come and spend time with us!

Ryan is at exercise class and has had an especially good day today in occupational and physical therapy.  During PT and OT, Ryan was able to be off of his IV feeding and he thoroughly enjoyed the freedom not having an IV pole gives him.  Without the IV pole Ryan was able to do a lot of rolling and positioning on the mat.  He also transferred without a slide board from the mat to his chair without assistance and from the chair to the mat with minimal assistance.  During OT, Ryan went to the chapel and worked on finger strengthening at the piano with Amanda. 

Ryan's spirits have been so good . . . we continue to be grateful for his positive outlook and desire to learn new ways of navigating around his world from his wheelchair.

On Saturday, Ryan was allowed to be in his chair for two hours, two times a day.  Because of his skin sore, Ryan has to be up at a 90 degree angle when he is in his chair.  In the past it was very difficult to be straight up because of his blood pressure and dizziness.  I'm happy to report that his dizziness is also improving. We worked on the mats doing range of motion in the morning.  Aunt Julie spent time with Ryan and Barry at the hospital in the afternoon.  In the evening, Ryan went to Candace's room to watch a movie. 

On Sunday, Radeen Thomas and Spencer came to the hospital with Michael Waite and gave a lesson on "Loving Like Christ."  Ryan was able to help bless the Sacrament.  Ron Searle gave an excellent talk in Sacrament meeting asking the question, "Was the Atonement really necessary or was there another way?" I asked Brother Searle for a copy to share with Ryan.  In the afternoon, Granny, Grampa and Aunt Julie came up to visit with Ryan and Barry.  We had a big Sunday dinner with Kalle's family, Whitney's family, Granny and Grampa, Aunt Julie and our family.  We also celebrated Uncle Paul and Nathan's birthdays.  We love having everyone come to "Ryan's House" and recognize the sacrifice it is to pack everyone and everything up and drive to Craig.  Thank you!

Grampa ordered a book that was given to him for us to read.  The title is The Impossible Just Takes a Little Longer by Art Berg.  On December 26, 1983, Art Berg was traveling to see his fiancée when his car went off the road.  A broken neck left him a quadriplegic.  Doctors told Berg he would never walk, hold a job, or have children.  But they could not have been more wrong.  The book recounts his harrowing and inspirational story while imparting larger lessons about life, fear and passion.  Never giving up, Art resolved to embrace life even more fully, and established a thriving career as a motivational speaker, giving more than 150 speeches each year.  I would recommend this book to anyone!  I think it is out of print but is available on Amazon.  Thank you, Grampa!

Following are more quotes from Tyler's wife, Rebecca.  Thank you Rebecca!

 

"History turns on small hinges, and so do people's
lives. Our lives will depend upon the decisions we
make, for decisions determine destiny." -Thomas S.
Monson

"If you will be faithful, you have nothing to fear
from the journey." -William Clayton

"At the end, what really matters is who you loved and
who loved you." -Monson

"Time is a gift, a treasure not to be put aside for
the future but to be used wisely in the present."
-Monson

"Whosoever is happy will make others happy too." -Anne
Frank

"We cannot profit from our efforts until we understand
the true value of what is already within our grasp."
-Dallin H. Oaks

 

With our love and gratitude for your continued prayers and support,

 

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

"Tractor Grampa" and baby Tate. 

Granny enjoying one of her favorite activities . . . holding new born babies! 

Parker, Justin and Ryan and our "Sunday Family Dinner." 

March 17, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

            We've had a very busy last few days!  Our family has really enjoyed having Granny and Grampa with us since Tuesday.  On Thursday, Ryan was able to be up in his chair for a few hours and enjoyed going to therapy.  In exercise class, the group played basketball with a beach ball.  Ryan also had a cooking class where they made cookies and pistachio fluff.  Ryan's main jobs were cutting up the pineapple and decorating the cookies.

            Also on Thursday, Kurt Hunter brought by an acquaintance of his to meet Ryan named Robert Feldman.  Robert is a doctor from California who had a body surfing accident when he was 31.  He suffered a C-5 injury which left him paralyzed.  Slowly, over time, he regained use of his arms and legs and is now able to walk and resume his medical practice.  It was very encouraging to all of us to hear his thoughts regarding his rehabilitation and priorities in life since his accident.  Robert said we need to measure spinal cord improvements in months and years, not over days and weeks.  He also feels that if you can move a body part you can continue to strengthen it through rehabilitation.  Robert is another example of the many people who have been helpful to us over the past three months.

            Granny and Grampa were able to go with us to Kaitlyn's choir performance on Thursday night where Kate had a small solo.  It was great to have them share the evening with us.

            Aunt Julie flew over from Idaho today and will drive home with Granny and Grampa on Monday.  She is always fun to be with.  Ryan had probably his best physical and occupational therapy classes today since before he got sick about nine weeks ago.  In physical therapy, Ryan and Heather worked on the mat balancing and positioning.  In occupational therapy, Ryan and Amanda played upper body strengthening and balancing games.

            Over the last few days, the dietician has been keeping track of Ryan's calories.  The doctor stopped Ryan's lipids (fats) and will hopefully decrease the rate of his IV nutrition in the next few days.  Ryan has made a real effort to eat more.  I've tried to convince him that you can eat even if you aren't hungry!

         Tonight, Nathan, Elson and Nicole from the Singles Ward came to watch a movie with Ryan.  It was a great day at Craig with lots of visitors and activities going on.

            I would like to close with a portion of the email Linde Howell, from our Auburn Hills Ward, sent to us earlier today.  It has to do with the name Tyler gave to Ryan's blogspot, "Ryan's Transcendence," when he set it up shortly after Ryan's accident.  Thank you Linde!

 Dear Ryan,

             Our little family follows your progression and it's been a real source
of unity and prayer for us. As odd as it sounds, we are thankful for
you and this opportunity.

I was intrigued by the word transcendence in your blog and wanted to
share some thoughts I found on the word from the president of the
Czech Republic as he took an old nation and made it into a new one.
One of the points he made is below. It struck me as a new world
opening up that requires faith to enter. It's not what was planned,
but it offers opportunities that we don't even understand at the
moment, but we have the faith that the experiences are linked to joy
and are experienced with joy.

>>>>>Transcendence as a deeply and joyously experienced need to be in
harmony even with what we ourselves are not, what we do not
understand, what seems distant from us in time and space, but with
which we are nevertheless mysteriously linked because, together with
us, all this constitutes a single world and a single unifying
experience.

 

Love, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kate

 

         

Ryan, giving Heather a St. Patrick's Day kiss on the cheek, following a great physical therapy session. 

Shelly Waite, Aunt Julie with Baby Tate and Dana Andus. (Please note the valentine background that cousin Madeline made for Ryan - thank you Maddy!) 

Ginny,Ben (Ryan's next door neighbor), Shelbi and Heather. Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

Bridgette, Granny, Grampa and Ryan. 

Ryan decorating St. Patrick's Day cookies. 

Barry, Granny and Grampa in the therapy gym. 

Ryan showing Amanda how to play "Heart and Soul." 

Amanda and Ryan. 

Lisa, social worker for , Candace and baby Tate. 

Ryan, with one of his evening techs, Raymond. 

March 14, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Since I last wrote, I've been able to spend a lot of time with my Granny and Grampa.  I've also been spending time with my brother-in-law's parents, Tom and Diane Henwood.  Granny and Grampa drove all the way from Idaho and Henwoods flew from Soldotna, Alaska.

On Tuesday, I was able to be up in my wheel chair for the first time in about twelve days.  My skin sore is looking much better but the doctor still wants to be careful.  I had to be straight up and could only be in my chair for an hour.  I used my hour up to go to occupational therapy.  We posted a picture yesterday of Candace, Amanda and I playing Sequence.  I also had fun taking off Candace's shoe and throwing it to my friend, John.  Amanda put Candace's shoe back on and I tied her shoe lace.

Whitney made halibut au gratin and mashed potatoes for dinner and it tasted very good to me.  We are now keeping a log of what I am eating to see if I am taking in enough calories to cut back on my intravenous feedings.  I've also had a fever and the chills on and off during the last couple of days.

Last night we stayed up late with my nurse, Lilia, and tech, Raymond, while Lilia told us about the tribe she grew up in when she was in the Philippines.  She makes us laugh.  Lilia is a very loving, caring nurse and we have a lot of fun together. 

My home teachers, Matt Ream and Steve Morrison came to see me this morning.

Today I was able to be in my chair for two and one-half hours. Amanda and I went down to the chapel to see what I could do on the keyboard.  My right fingers have more movement than my left.  I taught Amanda how to play "Heart and Soul."  Playing the keyboard will be good therapy for my hands.  The touch on the keyboard is much softer than a piano.

Granny and Grampa spent the day with Mom, Baby Tate and me.  I really like to visit with them.  They have always put family relationships first and as a result all of our family is very supportive of each other.  I'm so lucky to have them for grandparents and role models.

We had a pizza party tonight with Whitney's family and Diane, Kalle and Madeline, my parents and Granny and Grampa. Aunt Kalle had Callum and Izzy for the day.  Kalle usually comes to see us once a week.  We are lucky the Davis family lives so close to us.

We found out on Tuesday that Tyler and Rebecca will be living in Denver this summer.  Tyler has an internship with a real estate law firm whose office is in Highlands Ranch.  Rebecca's baby is due the middle of June and Tyler's internship will start July 6^th and go through late August.  It will be great to have them here.

Our thought today comes from my Aunt Nan:

I saw a poster recently that made me think of you.  It said:   "our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.  A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.  It is a catalyst...a spark that creates extraordinary results."  Your spirit is amazing and your positive approach will give you great results.  Love, Aunt Nan

I love you all,

Ryan 

 

John with Heather during physical therapy. 

Ryan tying Candace's tennis shoes while Amanda looks on. 

Candace, Amanda (Occupational Therapist for Candace and Ryan) playing Sequence. 

Rachel Penry was home from college for spring break and came to see Ryan. 

March 13, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

          It's Monday evening and we excitedly await the arrival of Granny and Grampa who are driving over from Idaho.  This is the first time I've seen them since my accident but they call and send me presents often.  I'm really looking forward to spending time with them, especially talking with them in person.  In July, we will be having the Walters' Family Reunion in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  We have the reunion every two years and it is usually in Sun Valley, Idaho.  If I hadn't been hurt I would have missed the reunion this year and the birth of baby Tate because I would have been in Brazil.  There is a silver lining to every story!

          Over the weekend, we had a family dinner on Sunday with our family, Justin's parents, Tom and Diane, and Dennis and Michael Potts.  For my high school graduation gift, Whitney and Justin took me to Alaska with their family.  I had a great time with Justin's parents and grandparents and caught a 47 pound king salmon and some halibut. 

          I thought I would be able to be up in my wheel chair for a little while today but my skin sore is still not healed.  They say it is looking really good so I'm hoping I'll be up tomorrow when Granny and Grampa come.  I had physical and occupational therapy and my exercise class today.  Mom and I shared a steak quesadilla from Chipotle for dinner and I had a baked potato with cheese and bacon melted on top for lunch.  They started me on aromatherapy therapy to stimulate my appetite and I'm getting less IV nutrition.  I am so anxious to get back to therapy without my IV.  My therapists say they have a lot to teach me.

          On Sunday, Russell Gardner and Eric and Zach Ingersoll brought the sacrament to my Dad and I and one of my favorite techs, Shannon.  There is a BYU student on the 2^nd floor who had a stroke in his spinal cord when he was studying for finals.  He is now a quad with no feeling below his neck.  Mom and Dad went down to meet him and see if he wanted to take the sacrament with us.  There is a Littleton ward close by that brings the sacrament to him each week and a single adult ward that visits him.  That is one of the great things about the Gospel, wherever you go there are people to support you.

          The thought for today comes from my ward scripture quilt.  Dan, Ashley, Josh, Jake and Ben wrote, "You inspire us.  God Bless you.  We are praying for you."

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct three for good.  Alma 37:37

Love, Ryan

           

         

         

 

Ryan and Tate snoozing on the skybridge.