Ryan loves to rub Tate's head. 

Tyler and baby Tate. 

Whitney, Ryan and Tate. 

Ryan and Callum chilling on the bed. 

The Henwood Family on Tate's blessing day. 

March 10, 2006

I was able to have a fun Friday today, enjoying visitors and making chocolate chip cookies.  During occupational therapy, Amanda and I watched a DVD of one of her previous patients getting her pants on with limited finger function.  It is neat to see someone with less function than I have doing tasks that I will get to learn.  Amanda and I also worked on finger function.  We worked a lot on pinching with my right hand.  Amanda wheeled my bed through the hospital down to the recreation room with the promise of a surprise.  When we got to the rec room, Amanda whipped out a cookie mix and said with eyes wide, "We are going to make cookies in bed!"  I taught Amanda how to cook, by reading her the directions and ingredients and she gathered the needed butter and egg.  I cracked the egg and she melted the butter.  Then I mixed the two, and started adding the cookie mix.  It was a lot of work as my arms were getting tired from mixing.  I looked pretty funny with a mixing bowl and spatula mixing the dough while laying flat in bed.  However, once we had separated the dough and baked the cookies, people were glad to have them, even after seeing how they were made.  Amanda and I played with a beach ball, one of my favorite activities, while the cookies were baking.

My friend, Danny Mize, came to visit today.  He is home for spring break from the University of Southern Virginia.  He is living with six return missionaries while majoring in art and is working on submitting his mission papers.  He is loving school and plans to work at home this summer and leave for his mission sometime in August.

I received an exciting email from my friend, Casey Nielson.  He always said he wanted to serve an English speaking mission, somewhere warm in the United States.  He recently received a mission call to the Phoenix Arizona English speaking mission and will be leaving in June.  He definitely got his wish!

I am very excited for both of these close friends and their decision to serve the Lord.

On Wednesday, the family joined together for Tate Jordan Henwood's baby blessing.  I held Tate in my arms and those invited, including our kind Bishop Larsen, witnessed a beautiful baby blessing by Justin Henwood.  This sweet experience was the first time I had exercised my Melchizedek Priesthood.  I can't think of a better way to have used this sacred and holy power of God than calling down blessings to one of His valiant spirits and most recent arrivals.  My mom and I were able to have Tate all to ourselves for several hours on Thursday while the rest of his family went to see Disney Princesses on Ice.  He truly has been a huge blessing at this point in my life, as have the Henwood family and all of our family both near and far. 

A favorite quote from Rebecca follows: 

...may each of us know where he is going, be willing to make the continuous effort required to get there, avoid any detour, and be willing to pay the often very high price of faith and determination to win life's race." – Thomas S. Monson

Aunt Patrice also sent the following quote from President Hinckley: 

"When you face trials with optimism they will always work out!"

 We truly do appreciate all that you do for us, our dear family and friends.  Thank you so much.

 Love, Ryan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 9, 2006

If you didn't see the earlier post, Ryan is feeling considerably better and would love to have more visitors! Probably the best time is between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends.

My wife, Rebecca and I (Tyler) have been fortunate to spend most of spring break here with Ryan. It has been good to see him and talk with him. After not eating for some time, he is finally eating some significant amounts of food. This is challenging for him because it makes him feel nauseated and he already feels full from the nutrients he is receiving through his IV. On his IV he has a mixture that gives him 2500 calories each day and 100 grams of protein. There is also a separate bag that provides lipids- another way of saying "straight fat." Lately he has had funny cravings that change about every meal. Over the last few days he has had fried fish and chips, white potatoes, lasagna, steak and cheese quesadillas, an éclair, and a chicken and pineapple sandwich-minus the bun. Seems like the lipid supplement isn't supplementing enough.

Ryan's bedsore is steadily improving and we are hoping that by the weekend he will be able to get up in his chair again. Monday or Tuesday is a more conservative guess. It is hard for him to be in bed all day but he likes to roll out to exercise class or the skybridge.

In exercise class he is known as "Gumby" because he has uncharacteristic flexibility and range of motion in his arms. Ryan is very excited to resume the rapid progress that he experienced for a few weeks immediately following his injury and before the onslaught of complications that have kept him from progressing as quickly as he would like.

We read to Ryan a concept popularized by Stephen Covey. It describes two circles, one of concern, one of influence. The circle of influence rests within the circle of concern and consists of those things which we can control or influence. The outer circle has things that we can worry about but can't really influence. In focusing on the circle of influence, our abilities expand and we are able to have influence over more things. If we focus only on the things that concern us but over which we have little control, our circle of influence actually shrinks. Ryan has been very good at focusing on those things he can influence. He has chosen to exercise, eat despite the nausea and make sure he does nothing to aggravate his skin. Doing so will hopefully expand his influence to his chairs, transfers, driving and the many opportunities they will allow him to have.

It is exciting to think about the many opportunities Ryan will have as time goes on. Polio was a seemingly unstoppable ailment that occurred before Ryan's day, but not before his grandparents'. We hope the research that will bring a cure continues onward. Christopher and Dana Reeve have made a great start. If you have interest in learning more about their efforts you can visit the links in the left column of the page.

Today's thought is from Elder Melvin Ballard:

I ask you, what father and mother could stand by and listen to the cry of their children in distress… and not render assistance? I have heard of mothers throwing themselves into raging streams when they could not swim a stroke to save their drowning children, [I have heard of fathers] rushing into burning buildings [at the peril of their own lives] to rescue those whom they loved.

We cannot stand by and listen to those cries without it touching our hearts…He had the power to save. He loved His Son, and He could have saved Him. He might have rescued  Him from the insult of the crowds. He might have rescued Him when the crown of thorns was placed upon His head. He might have rescued Him when the Son, hanging between two thieves, was mocked with, 'Save thyself, and come down from the cross. He saved others; himself He cannot save.' He listened to all this. He saw that Son condemned; He saw Him drag the cross through the streets of Jerusalem and faint under its load. He saw the Son finally upon Calvary; He saw His body stretched out upon the wooden cross; he saw the cruel nails driven through hands and feet, and the blows that broke the skin, tore the flesh, and let out the [precious] blood of His [Only Begotten] Son.

He looked upon [all] that with great grief and agony over his beloved [Child], until there seems to have come a moment when our Saviour cried out in despair: 'My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me."

In that hour I think I can see our dear Father behind the veil looking upon these dying struggles until even he could not endure it any longer; and, like a mother who bids farewell to her dying child and has to be taken out of the room…so he bowed His head and hid in some [distant] part of His universe, His great heart almost breaking for the love that He had for his Son. Oh, in that moment when he might have saved [one son], I thank Him and praise Him that he did not fail us…I rejoice that he did not interfere, and that His love for us made it possible for him to endure to look upon the sufferings of His [Only Begotten] and give him finally to us, our Saviour and our Redeemer. Without Him, without His sacrifice, we would have remained, and would never have come glorified into his presence.

This is what it cost, in part, for our Father in Heaven to give the gift of His Son unto men. I think I know now why God is a jealous God-jealous lest we should [ever] ignore or slight or forget his greatest gift unto us—the life of his [Firstborn] Son." ("The Sacramental Covenant," pp. 136-37)

March 8, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Since we last wrote, I have been able to spend a lot of time with my Dad and my brother, Tyler.  On the weekends, Dad and I usually read talks from General Conference or other talks that Tyler has sent to me.  Mom goes home on Saturday afternoon and Sunday to get caught up on things there and spend time with Kaitlyn.

Tyler flew from Charlottesville on Saturday night and he and Rebecca will be here until Thursday for Ty's spring break.  Over the weekend, I was able to get up for one hour on Saturday but my skin sore looked worse so now I am in bed until it looks better.  I haven't missed any therapy for over a week now.  On Friday, I worked on buttoning and unbuttoning buttons and tying shoe laces.  It was kind of slow but satisfying.  While Heather does range of motion and stretching exercises with me, we usually play a game like Trivial Pursuit or Battle of the Sexes.  It's fun to play with Heather and Tyler.  Tyler and I also played Battleship. 

I'm also eating a little better but I still feel nauseated.  I look forward to getting off my IV nutrition and fluids.  I'm also looking forward to not taking so many pills.  Last night I had part of a steak and cheese quesadilla from Chipotle that tasted very good.

I'm getting a new air mattress for my bed today that is suppose to help with the healing of my skin sore.  Heather is giving me an anodyne treatment, which is an infrared therapy to promote wound healing.  Today is my second treatment and they say it is looking better.

On Sunday after church, our whole family was here for Sunday dinner.  I love it when everyone is here . . . it feels like a party.

In the last few days, I've had other visitors.  Some friends of my parents, Kent and Betty, came to see me and brought a Favorites of Marvin Goldstein CD that I really like.  Jill Fairchild also brought her new baby, Gabriel, and Ben into see us.  The Andus family came on Saturday . . . they are always good to email me and I like it when they visit. Bishop Larsen and Robbi also came to see me and brought treats from Hawaii.  Thank you all!

Ryan Hatch, my brother-in-law, sent the following scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 58 versus 2-6.

 2         For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

3         Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

4         For after much tribulation come the blessings, Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory the hour is not yet , but is nigh at hand.

5         Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow.

6         Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you –that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come;

Love, Ryan

 

VISITING HOURS AND RYAN'S SCHEDULE - 3/6 TO 3/10

VISITING HOURS – RYAN IS FEELING MUCH BETTER AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE VISITORS AGAIN.  THE BEST TIME FOR VISITORS IS BETWEEN 4:00 AND 7:00 ON WEEKDAYS AND ANYTIME ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.  THANK YOU!

Ryan's Schedule for March 6 through March 10

Monday 3/6

10 to 11 – Physical Therapy

1 to 2 – Occupational Therapy

2 to 3 – Exercise Class

Tuesday 3/7

10 to 11 – Physical Therapy

11 to 12 – Occupational Therapy

Wednesday 3/8

10 to 11 – Occupational Therapy

11 to 12 – Physical Therapy

2 to 3 – Exercise Class

3:30 to 4 – Transportation Clinic

Thursday 3/9

11 to 12 – Horticulture Group

1:15 to 2:00 – Family Conference

2:00 to 3:00 – Exercise Class

Friday 3/10

10 to 11 – Physical Therapy

11 to 12 – Occupational Therapy

Ryan's Story - Chaparral Crier

Dear Family and Friends,

Several weeks ago a group of Ryan's friends from church came to visit and have ice cream sundaes.  Samantha Waite writes for the high school newspaper, called the Chaparral Crier.  Following is a story she wrote about Ryan from the February 29, 2006 edition.  Thank you, Samantha.

RYAN'S STORY

        In the face of the mountains that come up in life, there are two options.  One is to see the mountain and give up, stop all advancing progress and become victim to its dispiriting power.  The other is to stand up and face it, and climb and overcome the mountain.  Ryan Walters, who graduated from Chaparral High School in 2005 and was called to serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Belo Horizonte Brazil, is a perfect example of the latter.  When faced with a challenge that would cause most to quit, he has come out all the stronger and is an amazing example to us all.

        On Wednesday, December 21^st while Ryan Walters was at work for a professional moving company, lumber fell on top of him breaking his neck and resulting in spinal chord damage.  Ryan has damage to his fifth, sixth and seventh vertebrae, causing paralysis and no feeling below the top of his chest.  A few hours after his accident, Ryan was taken into surgery, where a six hour procedure was carried out in which a permanent plate and rods were attached to vertebrae five, six and seven, resulting in a solid structure to protect and stabilize the damaged vertebrae.  Ryan has movement but limited feeling in his arms and hands, which he is continually working on strengthening.

       Ryan was transferred to Craig Hospital, one of the best in the nation in treating spinal cord injuries, on December 28^th.  He has recently moved to Craig East, which has more of an apartment like feel and rehabilitation focus, from the more medically directed side of Craig where he spent about two weeks.  Craig Hospital is greatly concentrated on self independence and learning to live as normal a life as possible with paralysis related injuries.  Throughout the course of his day, Ryan participates in physical and occupational therapy.  "Physical therapy works with my upper body, doing things like transfers from my wheel chair to a mat and back, rolling from my back to my stomach, and crawling my way to a sitting position.  Occupational therapy works on strengthening my hand functions and building up strength in my upper body," said Ryan.

        Craig Hospital is also bursting with a friendly, helpful staff, of whom Ryan remarked have been "very supportive throughout my stay", interesting and enjoyable patients with whom Ryan has become good friends, and several sports and activities for paraplegics and quadriplegics.  Among the numerous activities offered, there is rugby, which Ryan is anxious to play, swimming, hand cycling, mountain biking, basketball and parasailing.

        Ryan has not let this experience which could easily turn anyone to gloom and bitterness dampen his amazing spirit in the slightest.  He is always faithful and optimistic and an amazing example to us all.  Ryan says that his friends and family have offered continual support and encouragement.  "We have had LOTS of visitors, over 800.  I come from a family of five kids, three of which are married, and one has three kids.  I have had a lot of family support and I'm very glad that we are so close to Craig so that so many family and friends to visit.  We have had hundreds of visitors from my church congregation also.  My greatest support has been my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost, especially at this time in my life while preparing for a mission.  The gospel means more to me now than it ever has before," said Ryan.

        Ryan continues to make rapid progress and never ceases to meet his goals in learning how to become as self-independent as possible.  His goals for the future are to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, find a sport or exercise that he enjoys and can do frequently, attend BYU Idaho, a four year university, and get married and have a family.  With his willingness and aptitude to meet every challenge placed in front of him, Ryan is well on his way.

Isabelle, after her shower in Ryan's special shower, and Ryan. 

Ryan and Tate. 

Justin, Tate, Isabelle and Spiderman. 

Spiderman, aka Callum, and Isabelle. 

Linda Ingersoll enjoying baby Tate. 

Ryan with his friend, John Morriss. 

Rachel Potter, Alex Nuttall, Ryan, Joel Ishmael, Alex Potter and Ally. 

March 2, 2006

Happy Thursday from Craig,

(Bridgette - Thursday morning) When it came time to blog last night Ryan was too tired even though he had spent the day in bed. He has a small skin sore that the skin doctor wants to watch. Heather came to do physical therapy while they played a card game called "Battle of the Sexes." It was fun to listen to the two of them laugh… they definitely have a good time together!

Amanda and Ryan played Chess during occupational therapy.

Heather took Ryan in his bed over to the gym to exercise class at 2:00. John Morris, a young man about Ryan's age who was injured in a snowboarding accident in early December, came to Ryan's room to watch "Spiderman" and also had dinner with Ryan.

Chris Chappell, a Craig graduate of five years, also came by to visit with John and Ryan. Chris is the same level as Ryan and has been helpful in inspiring Ryan as well as the rest of us. Ryan is anxious to be able to use his manual chair so we can go to Chris's house to see the modifications he has made. Chris has been very active with the Christopher Reeves Foundation and fund raising for central nervous system injuries. You can check out his web site at www.unite2fightparalysis.org.

Mercy, Gregg, Taryn and James brought dinner and visited for awhile. Gregg and I checked out the therapy gym and quad rugby. Gregg worked as a physical therapist for a screen writer when he was in college at Pepperdine so it was interesting for him to see the equipment at Craig.

(Ryan – Thursday night) Today turned out to be a positive day even though I was only able to spend an hour and one-half in my wheel chair. The bed sore prohibited me from going to all of my classes but I choose to go to occupational therapy because physical therapy could come to me. I was able to go to exercise class in my bed again . . . an uplifting, yet tiring, sixty minutes.

Dad has worked hard interviewing different architects for an addition to our house for my bedroom and bathroom. He submitted the proposals to our insurance company today to see if they are in agreement.

I have really missed having visitors so it was great to see some friendly faces today. Bishop Larsen and I had a good talk. Alex and Rachel Potter, Rachel's friend, Ali, and Joel Ishmael and Alex Nuttall stopped by and brought the school paper which had an article about me. I'll have my mom transcribe it in another blog. Linda Ingersoll, Nancy V., and Brother and Sister Comstock also stopped in to see us. The Henwoods brought dinner and Dad and Kate also came to see us. It was a busy afternoon/night but I love talking with everyone.

I had a baked potato and chicken for dinner . . . maybe it's the beginning of getting my appetite back. Thursday is "weight day" at Craig and I'm up from my low of 133 a few weeks ago to 147.

Thank you to Tyler's wife, Rebecca, who sent the following quotes by Thomas S. Monson.

"Behind the greatest victories you will always find a
'trail of skeptics and a host of doubters' but also
hundreds amazed at the power of God, the miracle of
faith, and the reward of determination."
-Thomas S. Monson

"...may each of us know where he is going, be willing
to make the continuous effort required to get there,
avoid any detour, and be willing to pay the often very
high price of faith and determination to win life's
race." -Thomas S. Monson

Thanks for helping to make today a great day.

Love, Ryan

February 28, 2006

It's Tuesday afternoon and while Ryan is taking a nap I thought I would start the blog. It's an especially beautiful day in Denver, almost 73 degrees and sunny. Aunt Mae, aka Aunt Nan, spent a couple of hours with Ryan while Whitney and I and her three little ones went to the zoo (along with every other mother and child in Denver!). Ryan had physical therapy and occupational therapy early today and Nan was able to be with him for occupational therapy where he worked on the computer and also tried out different wheel chairs.

From 2:30 to 4:30 today there is a Mardi Gras celebration in the therapeutic rec center at Craig. As soon as Ryan wakes up, we will go check out the festivities.

Ryan's infectious disease doctor has decided to stop one of Ryan's antibiotics for C-Diff colitis to see if the drug could be what's upsetting Ryan's stomach. We are learning there is a lot of "trial and error" when it comes to treating Ryan's conditions. I'm thankful he isn't vomiting and is able to go to therapy and rest.

Being the last day of the month, I wanted to send the sisters I visit teach the message for this month. The title of the message is "Building Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." I especially liked the quote from Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and wanted to share it with you.

"Remember the pattern: (1) hear the word of God, spoken and written by His servants; (2) let that word sink deep into your heart; (3) hunger in your soul for righteousness; (4) obediently follow gospel laws, ordinances, and covenants; and (5) raise your voice in mighty prayer and supplication, asking in faith to know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. …When the challenges of mortality come, and they come for all of us, it may seem hard to have faith and hard to believe. At these times only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope and understanding. Only faith that He suffered for our sakes will give us the strength to endure to the end" ("Finding Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" Liahona and Ensign, November 2004).

Joining the church when I was 23 has afforded me many blessings. Without the knowledge that I have that if we live worthily we can be with our families forever, Ryan's accident would have a totally different impact on me. I know, but more importantly, Ryan knows that one day his mind and his body will be perfectly joined as they once were . . ., if not in this life, it will happen in the next life. Ryan has had some of the best leaders, friends and extended family who have helped him gain a testimony and molded his character. There are many things far worse that could have happened to Ryan. Everyday, I am thankful for Ryan's life and the choices he has made. Like Elder Hales' talk says, "When the challenges of mortality come, and they come for all of us . . ., I am reminded of the peace and hope the Atonement has brought me in my life. I am grateful for the challenges I have faced and the growth that has come as a result of these challenges. I know that we are learning and growing now because of the health setbacks Ryan has faced. We will be stronger as we learn what Heavenly Father wants us to understand as a result of these setbacks.

Thank you for your continued positive thoughts and prayers on Ryan's behalf. We feel and appreciate the love you have for Ryan and our family.

Love,

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

February 27. 2006

Hello Family and Friends,

Dad stayed with me on Saturday and Sunday nights and Mom was at home with Kaitlyn. On Saturday, Dad read a lot of Elder Holland's talks that Tyler had sent. It really helps to have inspirational and spiritual messages. Thanks a ton, Tyler. Dennis Potts also came to see me. Dennis and I used to play basketball together on Saturday mornings and I really like to talk with him.

On Sunday, the Priests brought the sacrament to Dad and me. I appreciate having them come faithfully each Sunday. Whitney's family came for dinner on Sunday night. We stayed out in the common area outside of my room and visited with other patients and their families. My Aunt Nan flew to Denver from Cincinnati on Sunday night. Callum calls Aunt Nan "Aunt Mae" which is a huge compliment since Spiderman's (Peter Parker) aunt is "Aunt Mae." Aunt Nan is helping Whitney and Justin out with baby Tate, Izzy and Callum and also spending time at Craig.

On Monday, Whitney's family and Aunt Nan came to see me. They came as I was finishing up exercise class. I also went to physical therapy and occupational therapy where I worked on stretching and arm exercises. It felt good to be up in my chair and have company. We also went to therapeutic recreation where they were cooking for the Mardi Gras party tomorrow afternoon.

Speaking of food, I still don't have an appetite but have had some apple juice today. My primary care doctor, Dr. Balazy, said I can have anything I want to eat but just to take it slowly. I felt nauseated over the weekend so I'm hesitant to eat. I'm taking my doctor's advice and taking it slowly. I feel like the IV nutrition is helping me to feel stronger and I look forward to when I can eat like normal again.

I'm glad to have Aunt Nan visiting and the recent addition of baby Tate. Most of all I'm thankful for my whole supportive family. Aunt Nan brought some special M & M's in gold and green that say "Go Ryan" and "Ryan Power." Thank you!

Tyler and Rebecca will be here this weekend. I love having visitors and hope that I will feel well when they are here.

Our scripture thought is from Steve and Margo Catts, and their children, Cheryl, Jill and Danny. Sister Catts was my seminary teacher my sophomore and senior year and she has been a great friend and teacher of the Gospel and life lessons over the years that I have known her.

What Would Jesus Do?

"For I came down from heaven,

Not to do my own will,

But the will of him that sent me."

John 6:38

We hope you have a great day.

Love, Ryan

February 24, 2006

Hello,

I'm finally feeling good enough to write the blog. Thanks to my Mom for keeping up while I haven't felt good enough to do so.

This morning I had physical therapy and then went over to Swedish Hospital for a procedure to check out my stomach and intestine. My GI doctor didn't find anything unusual. It's great to have my NG tube out and I'm enjoying a diet of broth, Jell-O and juice. Tomorrow, I can add soup, pudding and ice cream. I think it will be awhile before I try pizza again!

Dad and Kate came over to watch the Olympics and be with Mom and me tonight. Dad has been working on getting the approval for the addition to our house so I can have a main floor bedroom and bathroom. Thanks, Dad.

One of my fellow patients, Candace, had surgery to repair her esophagus the day before yesterday. She has been at Craig since September. Tonight her parents brought us flowers, a candle for my Mom and a get-well teddy bear for me. It was very sweet of her especially considering she's the one who just had surgery.

Last night I received an email from my Uncle Jeff. He wrote about the story of Abraham and waiting for his son, Isaac. It reminded me that I need to have patience through this trial. Thanks to Uncle Jeff and everyone else who help keep my spirits up with their positive attitude and insight. I'm trying to take this experience one day at a time and focus on the positive things around me. Thanks again for all you do in helping me do so.

A thought from my sister, Hayley, and her husband, Ryan, from my scripture quilt:

When you were born, the Angels cried and the world rejoiced!
Live your life in such a way that when you die,
The world cries and the Angels rejoice.

Love, Ryan

Callum and Izzy at Ryan's exercise class with Melody (another patient's service dog). Izzy loved sweeping the floor. 

Callum and Ryan lounging on Ryan's bed. Cal had to take his shirt off so he could be like Uncle Ryan. 

Baby Tate, Nana and Izzy on the skybridge. 

Baby Tate, five days old, sunning himself on the skybridge. 

February 23, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy Birthday Aunt Nan, Uncle Jim and Callum!  Baby Tate's due date was today but we are happy he surprised us a few days early.  We have a darling picture of Tate sunning himself on Craig's sky bridge because he is jaundice.  Look for the picture in tomorrow's blog.

After a restless night of endless "chirping," Ryan woke up determined to go to physical therapy class.  Ryan is on IV nutrition, fluids and various medications.  The monitor wasn't set correctly on the IV nutrition and it chirped about every twenty minutes during the night . . . we were both happy when morning came!

Patients at Craig are weighed once a week.  It looks like Ryan has put on a couple of pounds thanks to the IV nutrition.  The GI doctors have scheduled Ryan for a procedure tomorrow where they look down his throat into his stomach with a scope.  They are looking for anything abnormal like an ulcer, infection, inflammation or blockage that could be causing the nausea Ryan has felt for the past weeks.  His urine is clear of any white blood cells showing that his urinary tract infection has cleared up.  He continues to take antibiotics for C-Diff colitis and seems to be doing better in that area also.  Each day we are grateful when he feels better and is able to be in his chair and go to his therapy classes.  We feel certain that when his health allows he will be an awesome therapy student!

Aunt Kalle spent the day with us . . . we always say how thankful we are to have cousins only an hour away!  We have loved the Davis family's frequent visits.  Cousin "Purple Madeline" made valentines for her whole class to give to Ryan.  They are hanging on our walls where Ryan can see them everyday.  Thanks, Maddy!

The Henwoods also came to visit bringing their family of three little ones!  We all enjoy their enthusiasm and Ryan especially loves having little Tate on his chest.  He is a precious gift from God!  After Tate was born, the doctor removed blood from Tate's umbilical cord which is being stored for possible future stem cell use for Ryan.

Shortly after Ryan's accident, Aunt Julie sent an album with pictures and thoughts from Ryan's grandparents and cousins and friends in Idaho along with a book called Wisdom of the Prophets – Prayer.  The first page of the book reads, SEEK ME . . .

                 "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you:

Seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive;

knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Doctrine & Covenants 88:63

Thank you for your continued love and prayers on Ryan's behalf.  We love you.

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn 

 

February 22, 2006

February 22, 2006

Today, Eileen and Troy Goulding came to visit and I'm sure Ryan and I haven't laughed so hard for weeks.  Troy is also in a chair as a result of a diving accident thirteen years ago.  It was great to hear all that he has accomplished since then, receiving his GED, graduating from college and obtaining a teaching certificate, and now working full time.  It was refreshing to talk with them and hear their perspective.  Thank you!

Matt Ream also stopped by to visit and also helped with the blog and posting pictures.  Thank you, Matt, you always brighten our day!

Ryan is making good progress today.  He got up in his wheel chair for the first time since Saturday.  We took a little tour around Craig and also spent some time on the skybridge.  His nurse, Deb, clamped off his nasal gastric tube that empties his stomach at about 2:00 this afternoon.  If he doesn't become nauseated tonight, they will start with letting him eat Jell-0, broth and other clear liquids to see how his stomach handles it before taking out his tube.  The GI doctors are also talking about looking at his stomach through a scope to see what they can find.  The doctors know Ryan has an obstruction in his intestines and are hoping that has also gone away.  Ryan will continue to be on IV nutrition and fluids until he is able to eat enough calories on his own.

An interesting and wonderful thing happened today.  While I was taking Ryan's binder off, he noticed that he could feel sensation on his back in the area where I slid the binder off.  It is a very small area, about one inch by two inches, but offers hope that more feeling and sensation will return. 

Ryan said today that he has really missed having visitors, especially after having Gouldings and Matt here.  From one minute to the next, it's hard to know how he will be feeling.  If you would like to stop by, please call Ryan's room at 303.789.8821 or Bridgette's cell at 303.332.6756.

We hope you will enjoy the pictures we posted today.  Ryan loves having little Tate lay on his stomach.  It's a sweet sight.

Our scripture comes from the Garner Family and is found in Doctrine & Covenants 6:33-36:

33.  Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34,  Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35.   Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36.   Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

Love, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kate

 

Ryan and baby Tate. Henwoods surprised Ryan with a visit on their way home from the hospital. 

Mike and Jan Salerno, friends from Chicago who moved to Denver before we did. Mike was one of Ryan's scout leaders.

Ryan and Isabelle with her red "Dorothy" shoes on Valentine's Day. 

Ryan after getting his missionary haircut from Cliff. 

Ryan with Matt Ream, a frequent visitor, who always makes us laugh! 

Whitney, Ryan and Cliff. Cliff has been cutting Ryan's hair since we moved to Colorado eight years ago. 

Kate, Bridgette, Whitney, Tate Jordan and Ryan Jordan. (Tate and Ryan holding hands) 

Ryan Jordan with his new nephew, Tate Jordan 

February 20, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

We’ve had a roller coaster weekend. Hayley flew to Denver from Rexburg early in the afternoon on Friday and it was fun to hear Ryan and Hayley laugh . . . she has that affect on people! Ryan was feeling a little better and was able to keep Jell-O down. Ryan’s medical team has decided to start IV nutrition so Ryan received a new PICC line. Ryan’s weight was down to 133 from 175 when he was first injured. His “normal” weight before he had his tonsils out in November was 185.

Uncle Shawn, Aunt Patrice, Melissa, Janelle, Bethany, Brock, Austin and Krissy drove from Idaho to spend time with Ryan. They had a good visit with Barry and Ryan on Saturday morning. We are all so fortunate to have family and friends who love us so much!

Whitney likes to have her days planned out and luckily went into labor on Saturday morning while Hayley was home and Shawn and Patrice’s family was here. Justin, Hayley and I were there for the birth of a very healthy little BOY at 3:57pm, weighing 8lbs. 3ozs, and 20 ½ inches long. Whitney is a natural when it comes to having babies! Justin thinks he looks like his Uncle Tyler. Of course, he is darling with fair skin and a little bit of light hair. Callum and Izzy are very excited to have a new baby “brudder.” They will be coming home today.

On Saturday night, we had a pizza party at Craig with Shawn and Patrice’s family and Aunt Kalle and Uncle Paul’s family from Boulder. Ryan really enjoyed visiting with everyone and felt good enough to have three pieces of pizza. Before Shawn and Patrice came to visit, Ryan said two or three times, “I just want to feel good while they are here.” We are thankful Ryan’s wish was granted and he had a little reprieve from feeling sick. It means a lot to Ryan to have his extended family with him.

Unfortunately, by Sunday morning, Ryan wasn’t feeling well. Luckily, Hayley was here to nurse him along. By 1:00pm he wanted to have his nasal gastric tube reinserted because he was having so much nausea and vomiting bile. Over the weekend, Ryan’s primary doctor asked for help from infectious disease doctors as well as GI doctors. Ryan has been diagnosed with C-Dif Colitis which is caused by too many antibiotics and the treatment is another kind of antibiotic! He has had two rounds of antibiotics for urinary tract infections. Some of his medications have also been changed so they can be administered through his IV. There is further GI testing that needs to be done but the doctors are holding off until he feels a little better. Bless his heart, he is trying to rest as much as possible and get through this rough time.

David Chandler shared the following scripture with Ryan in an email he sent last week. It is found in Alma 37: 6 & 7 and talks about Alma’s counsel to his son. He writes: “. . . by small and simple things are great things brought to pass . . . and thy Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth . . . bring about the salvation of many souls.”

Our thought from the Gratitude book follows:

Thank you for your encouragement. TOO OFTEN WE UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A TOUCH, A SMILE, A KIND WORD, A LISTENING EAR, AN HONEST COMPLIMENT, OR THE SMALLEST ACT OF CARING, ALL OF WHICH HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO TURN A LIFE AROUND. Leo Buscaglia

We are appreciative of the many gifts God gives to us on a daily basis. We recognize that you are all representative of God’s love for Ryan and our family. Thank you.

Love, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan, Kate and family

February 16, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

It’s a cold, snowy day in Denver, something we haven’t had much of this winter. Ryan suggested that I take a few minutes and write to you. There is a lot going on in our family right now. Hayley will be flying in on Friday and is staying until Wednesday. It looks like Whitney and Justin will be having their baby very, very soon. Uncle Shawn and Aunt Patrice and their family are driving from Newdale, Idaho, tomorrow to spend the weekend with us. We are excited to have our loved ones close and to welcome a new little grandchild into our family.

Ryan continues to have a weak stomach and hasn’t had much to eat except Jello in the past five days. We haven’t checked his weight this week but feel like he has lost over 35 or 40 pounds. The doctor is contemplating having Ryan be fed through an IV that would be loaded with calories, fats and vitamins. Ryan is trying his best to eat and did have some of Whitney’s homemade chicken and noodles and Idaho mashed potatoes at lunch time. The doctor has run all kinds of tests but there isn’t anything conclusive to show why he is feeling so poorly. Thank you for your continued prayers in his behalf.

A few weeks ago, Elder Richard G. Scott was in Cincinnati, Ohio, for Stake Conference. Ryan’s Uncle Keith is the State President there and he and Nan shared Ryan’s story with Elder Scott. Aunt Nan called Ryan yesterday to let him know that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve would be praying over Ryan’s situation. We feel fortunate to be loved by so many people and have the Gospel in our lives.

Tyler, Ryan’s older brother, sent the following talk by Lance B. Wickman. It is a talk that Tyler has always held close to his heart. Today, we’ve taken time to read different talks including the First Presidency message in the Ensign entitled Refined in Our Trials by President James E. Faust. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, we felt it was very powerful.

Email sent from Tyler this morning:

Ryan-

This was something that I read to all my missionaries that I always had a special attachment to, even though at the time I had no real reason to. Now I do.

Tyler

But If Not

Elder Lance B. Wickman

Of the Seventy

Lance B. Wickman, "But If Not," Ensign, Nov. 2002, 30

Some of my richest memories are associated with weekend assignments to stake conferences as I have accompanied a stake president in visits to members of his stake wrestling with life's challenges in courage and faith, especially those who have lost a child or who are struggling valiantly in nursing a sick or crippled or handicapped child. I know from poignant personal experience that there is no night quite so dark as the loss of a child. Neither is there any day quite so long and exhausting as the relentlessness of caring for a child crippled in form or faculty. All such parents can empathize exquisitely with the father of the child afflicted with a "dumb spirit," who, when admonished by the Savior to believe, responded in anguish of soul, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" (see Mark 9:17, 23–24).

And so today I wish to speak to all who are struggling in this laboratory of applied faith that is called mortality—and in particular to those bereaved, burdened, and grieving parents who beseechingly ask, "Why?"

First, please know that grief is the natural by-product of love. One cannot selflessly love another person and not grieve at his suffering or eventual death. The only way to avoid the grief would be to not experience the love; and it is love that gives life its richness and meaning. Hence, what a grieving parent can expect to receive from the Lord in response to earnest supplication may not necessarily be an elimination of grief so much as a sweet reassurance that, whatever his or her circumstances, one's child is in the tender care of a loving Heavenly Father.

Next, do not ever doubt the goodness of God, even if you do not know "why." The overarching question asked by the bereaved and the burdened is simply this: Why? Why did our daughter die, when we prayed so hard that she would live and when she received priesthood blessings? Why are we struggling with this misfortune, when others relate miraculous healing experiences for their loved ones? These are natural questions, understandable questions. But they are also questions that usually go begging in mortality. The Lord has said simply, "My ways [are] higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:9). As the Son's will was "swallowed up in the will of the Father" ( Mosiah 15:7), so must ours be.

Still, we mortals quite naturally want to know the why. Yet, in pressing too earnestly for the answer, we may forget that mortality was designed, in a manner of speaking, as the season of unanswered questions. Mortality has a different, more narrowly defined purpose: It is a proving ground, a probationary state, a time to walk by faith, a time to prepare to meet God (see, for example, Abr. 3:24–25; 2 Ne. 31:15–16, 20; Alma 12:24; Alma 42:4–13 ). It is in nurturing humility (see Alma 32:6–21) and submissiveness (see Mosiah 3:19) that we may comprehend a fullness of the intended mortal experience and put ourselves in a frame of mind and heart to receive the promptings of the Spirit. Reduced to their essence, humility and submissiveness are an expression of complete willingness to let the "why" questions go unanswered for now, or perhaps even to ask, "Why not?" It is in enduring well to the end (see 2 Ne. 31:15–16; Alma 32:15 ; D&C 121:8) that we achieve this life's purposes. I believe that mortality's supreme test is to face the "why" and then let it go, trusting humbly in the Lord's promise that "all things must come to pass in their time" (D&C 64:32).

But the Lord has not left us comfortless or without any answers. As to the healing of the sick, He has clearly said: "And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed" (D&C 42:48; emphasis added). All too often we overlook the qualifying phrase "and is not appointed unto death" ("or," we might add, "unto sickness or handicap"). Please do not despair when fervent prayers have been offered and priesthood blessings performed and your loved one makes no improvement or even passes from mortality. Take comfort in the knowledge that you did everything you could. Such faith, fasting, and blessing could not be in vain! That your child did not recover in spite of all that was done in his behalf can and should be the basis for peace and reassurance to all who love him! The Lord—who inspires the blessings and who hears every earnest prayer—called him home nonetheless. All the experiences of prayer, fasting, and faith may well have been more for our benefit than for his.

How, then, should we approach the throne of grace as we plead earnestly for a loved one and place hands upon her head to give a blessing by priesthood authority? How do we properly exercise our faith? The Prophet Joseph Smith defined that first principle of the gospel as "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" (A of F 1:4; emphasis added). It is that defining phrase—"in the Lord Jesus Christ"—that we sometimes forget. Too often we offer our prayer or perform our administration and then wait nervously to see whether our request will be granted, as though approval would provide needed evidence of His existence. That is not faith! Faith is, quite simply, a confidence in the Lord. In Mormon's words, it is "a firm mind in every form of godliness" (Moro. 7:30; emphasis added). The three Hebrew magistrates expressed trust that the Lord would deliver them from the fiery furnace, "but if not," they said to the king, "we [still] will not serve thy gods" (Dan. 3:18; emphasis added). Significantly, not three but four men were seen in the midst of the flames, and "the form of the fourth [was] like the Son of God" (Dan. 3:25).

So with us. It is common in our secular world to say that "seeing is believing." Whatever value this little maxim may have in the mundane affairs of life, it is an alien presence when we turn to the Lord in the dark hour of our extremity. The way of the Lord is best defined by a different maxim: "Believing is seeing." Faith in the Lord is the premise, not the conclusion. We know He lives; therefore, we trust Him to bless us according to His divine will and wisdom. This childlike confidence in the Lord is known in scripture simply as the "sacrifice" of "a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (D&C 59:8).

I offer this as profound conviction born in the fiery crucible of life's experience. Our second son, Adam, entered our lives when I was far away in the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam. I still have the joyful telegram announcing his birth. Adam was a blue-eyed, blond-haired little fellow with an impish personality. As he turned five years old, Adam eagerly looked forward to starting school. Then a common childhood illness blanketed our southern California community, and Adam contracted the disease. Aside from concern for his comfort, we were not worried. He even seemed to have a light case. Suddenly one morning he did not arise from his bed; he was in a deep coma. We rushed him to the hospital, where he was placed in intensive care. A constant cadre of devoted doctors and nurses attended him. His mother and I maintained a ceaseless vigil in the waiting room nearby.

I telephoned our dear stake president, a childhood friend and now a beloved colleague in the Seventy, Elder Douglas L. Callister, and asked if he would come to the hospital and join me in giving Adam a priesthood blessing. Within minutes he was there. As we entered the small, cramped space where Adam's lifeless little body lay, his bed surrounded by a bewildering maze of monitoring devices and other medical paraphernalia, the kind doctors and nurses reverently stepped back and folded their arms. As the familiar and comforting words of a priesthood blessing were spoken in faith and earnest pleading, I was overcome by a profound sense that Someone else was present. I was overwhelmed by the thought that if I should open my eyes I would see the Savior standing there! I was not the only one in that room who felt that Spirit. We learned quite by chance some months later that one of the nurses who was present that day was so touched that she sought out the missionaries and was baptized.

But notwithstanding, Adam made no improvement. He lingered between this life and the next for several more days as we pleaded with the Lord to return him to us. Finally, one morning after a fitful night, I walked alone down a deserted hospital corridor. I spoke to the Lord and told Him that we wanted our little boy to return so very much, but nevertheless what we wanted most was for His will to be done and that we—Pat and I—would accept that. Adam crossed the threshold into the eternities a short time later.

Frankly, we still grieve for our little boy, although the tender ministering of the Spirit and the passage of the years have softened our sadness. His small picture graces the mantel of our living room beside a more current family portrait of children and grandchildren. But Pat and I know that his path through mortality was intended by a kind Heavenly Father to be shorter and easier than ours and that he has now hurried on ahead to be a welcoming presence when we likewise eventually cross that same fateful threshold.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, …
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design …
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. …
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, …
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!
("How Firm a Foundation," Hymns, no. 85)

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Gospel topics: death, faith, humility, love, parenthood, trust

February 14, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy Valentine’s Day! While Ryan is finally resting this afternoon, I wanted to take a few minutes to write to you. The past few weeks have been really trying for Ryan and I’m so grateful that he has been able to fall asleep. Over the weekend, Ryan’s regular doctor was away, so Dr. Johannson was covering for him. As he worked with Ryan to try to make him more comfortable and find the source of his illnesses, he said, “That’s why it is called Craig Hospital. People are here first and foremost because they are sick and secondly, to rehabilitate.” We will be forever grateful to Ryan’s caregivers.

Ryan asked to have the NG tube removed from his stomach about 11:00 last night. The nurse clamped it off, to make sure there were no more secretions in his stomach, and then removed the tube about 1:00am. We still don’t know if there was an obstruction or what was causing all of the fluid build up in Ryan’s stomach. He was so relieved to have the tube gone that he started singing “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine . . . “ in a very hoarse voice to his nurse, Lilia. We all laughed. He still wasn’t able to fall asleep until about 4:30 this morning, but did sleep for a couple of hours. I know he is feeling exhausted after getting only five to six hours of sleep in the past 72 hours.

Being in bed as much as he has been the past few weeks, gives him a lot of time to reflect on his life. We know Ryan feels sadness because he isn’t currently at the Missionary Training Center in Brazil learning the Portuguese language and being immersed in the Gospel before serving the people of Belo Horizonte. Thankfully, we have all had opportunities to have missionary experiences while we have been at the hospital. We know God has a plan for Ryan and that it will continue to be revealed to him in His own time.

Thank you for loving our son and our family. I can’t begin to tell you the comfort we all feel from your sweet notes and email messages. We are blessed to have you in our lives.

President Hillier shared the following scripture with Ryan in a journal he gave him soon after his accident. It is found in St. Matthew 11:28-30.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

February 12, 2006

Following is another quote from the Gratitude book. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE. “The person we all love and appreciate is the one who’s coming in the door when everybody else in going out.” Mason Canon

(Sunday night) We apologize for not writing until now. Every day we think we will write the blog, but it is amazing how full our days and nights are. We’ll try to update you on the last few days.

Following are some highlights since we last wrote:

*Ryan went to his first pool therapy class on Thursday and also to Chili’s Restaurant with Mom, Dad and Kate and some other patients and their families.

*On Thursday nights, volunteers who are alumni of Craig talk with patients. We learned a lot from a former patient named Chris. He was very inspiring and helpful!

*The National Championship Quad Rugby games were held at Craig on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We went to two wild games on Saturday.

* Thursday was our second family conference with all of Ryan’s caregivers. Ryan’s discharge date has been changed to May 9^th. Due to his illnesses and blood pressure issues and dizziness, the therapists would like to have three solid months to continue to work with Ryan to maximize his time at Craig.

*Ryan has had flu like symptoms for the past five days. On Saturday night, he took a turn for the worse and began throwing up bile. He started on IV fluids during the night. On Sunday morning the nurses inserted an NG tube to begin draining the bile from his stomach. After draining close to 2000 cc in thirty minutes, he started feeling better. He also had an ultrasound to look for an obstruction. They haven’t found anything conclusive and will continue to search out reasons for his illness.

The last few weeks have been hard and we are looking forward to better days ahead. Thank you for keeping Ryan in your hearts and prayers.

Today’s favorite scripture comes from Doctrine & Covenants 31:3 and was sent by Ryan’s brother, Tyler, and his wife, Rebecca.

“Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.”

February 7, 2006

Following is our thought from the Gratitude book.

Thank you for being so thoughtful. “My heart gives thanks for empty moments given to dreams, and for thoughtful people who help those dreams come true.”

--William S. Braithwaite

It’s Tuesday evening and I’m (Bridgette) writing the blog tonight. The last couple of days Ryan has not felt very well. I think he has had the flu that has been going around the “outside” world as well as in the hospital.

He had a procedure done at the hospital during his regularly scheduled physical therapy and occupational therapy time so he wasn’t able to attend. Heather did come to his room to do some range of motion exercises with him. We decided not to let a beautiful Colorado day get away from us so we took a “field trip” to a little shopping center about four blocks from the hospital and cruised the aisles of the Safeway store. Ryan drove his power chair and it felt good to be out in the sunshine.

Sherm Gardner and the Woodbury family came for short visits today. Thank you for coming. The Teachers Quorum was already scheduled to come and play X-Box with Ryan tonight but since Ryan wasn’t feeling well we visited out in the foyer and had root beer floats. The young men asked lots of questions about Ryan’s injury and were genuinely interested in how he was feeling. Thank you, Brother Morrison, for bringing them to see Ryan.

The medical staff continues to run tests on Ryan to make sure they aren’t missing anything. We know he is anemic but he is now on an iron supplement. We continue to be thankful for the great day Ryan had on Sunday and know it is because of your faith and prayers that he was able to come to Church and feel as well as he did.

Tonight’s thought from the Gardner Family follows:

“I can be changed by what happens to me . . . but I refuse to be reduced by it.”

--Maya Angelou

THIS IS YOU, RYAN!

We love you, the Gardner Family

Visiting Ryan

Many people have asked about visiting Ryan. We are sending this update to let you know what we feel will be best for Ryan in the near future.

Ryan’s therapists feel like it would be better if Ryan did not have visitors during his therapy sessions. It takes a lot of concentration and energy to master the activities Ryan is learning. Up until about three weeks ago, evenings were best for visitors, but now he seems to chill and have fevers beginning about four in the afternoon.

If you would like to visit Ryan, please call his room at 303.789.8821 to see if he is up to having company. We were so encouraged by the great day he had on Sunday but realize that his body is still adjusting to his spinal cord injury. Thank you for your continued understanding and support. We love you! Walters’ Family

Therapy Schedule for Week of February 5

Monday
Physical Therapy – 10 to 11
Ocupational Therapy – 11 to 12
Education Class – 1 to 2
Exercise Class – 2 to 3

Tuesday
Occupational Therapy – 8 to 9
Physical Therapy – 9 to 10
Education Class – 1 to 2

Wednesday
Physical Therapy – 10 to 11
Exercise Class – 2 to 3
Occupational Therapy – 3 to 4

Thursday
Occupational Therapy – 8 to 9
Physical Therapy – 9 to 10
Education Class – 1 to 2
Family Conference – 3 to 4

Friday
Physical Therapy – 9 to 10
RTD Outing to Denver – 10 to 3
Occupational Therapy – 3 to 4

February 6, 2006

Following is a thought from the book on Gratitude. THANK YOU for your wisdom. “Each of us can look back upon someone who made a great difference in our lives, someone whose wisdom or simple acts of caring made an impression upon us. In all likelihood, it was someone who sought no recognition for their deed, other than the joy of knowing that, by their hand, another’s life had been made better. Stephen M. Wolf

Friday night a group of friends from Church came to visit and brought ice cream sundaes. It was great to have everyone here.

Sunday was an awesome day for Ryan. He woke up, had a good breakfast (left-over steak) and showered before going to Sacrament Meeting. It was Ryan’s first outing since his accident six and one-half weeks ago. Craig has a courtesy van that you can reserve in advance with a volunteer driver. Our driver was a retired federal judge whose son rehabilitated at Craig following an injury in a diving accident fifteen years ago. Don, our driver, said it is his way of giving back to Craig for all they have done for his son, Scott and their family. Ryan made the forty minute drive to the stake center (we realized Lincoln Avenue is very bumpy!) without any complications. He was able to thank our ward members and share his testimony. I think it was especially good for all of the young children to see who they have been praying for over the past weeks. He wore his new missionary suit with his white shirt and tie. He looked so handsome all of the nurses and techs wanted pictures of him! Ryan did really well staying upright in his power chair without a lot of blood pressure issues.

After we got back to Craig, Ryan went to see a fellow patient, John, who is weaning off a ventilator, and brought him some wintergreen and fruit flavored lifesavers. John isn’t able to eat so the lifesavers tasted good to him. We also visited some other patients before having dinner with Whitney’s family and Kate. Ryan stayed in his chair until about seven-thirty, the longest period of time ever! The whole hospital had lots of Super Bowl festivities going on.

Because we are with Ryan everyday, we don’t always see the great strides he is making. Last week, Ryan was able to shave his face by himself. I think I made him nervous when I tried to shave him (it is very different than shaving your legs!). Today in occupational therapy, Ryan worked on cutting paper with sizzors, opening doors using a key, and writing. Ryan can transfer himself from his bed to his chair with very little assistance. We are all grateful for his strong arms. Ryan can eat and drink by himself without any help. He works on the computer and his IPOD independently. We know there are many activities Ryan will be able to do for himself in the future. We are thankful for all of the function Ryan has and see him getting stronger each day.

Today’s quote comes from Seth and Karissa Spears. Moses 1:39 FOR BEHOLD, THIS IS MY WORK AND MY GLORY -- TO BRING TO PASS THE IMMORTATILITY AND ETERNAL LIFE OF MAN.