Candice, Laramie and Ryan. All three of them leave Craig on May 25th. 

May 18, 2006 - GOOD NEWS!

May 18, 2006

 

Dear Family and Friends,

 (Bridgette writing)  Our big news for the day . . . Ryan was accepted to BYU in Utah!  He can begin taking classes on June 26^th, the second summer term.  Brother Allred called about two this afternoon after meeting with a committee of ten people who discussed Ryan's application.   After telling me that Ryan was accepted, Brother Allred said, "I want you to know that it was a unanimous decision and we feel strongly that BYU is the right place for Ryan.   We all felt a powerful confirmation after reading Ryan's application and the letters of recommendation that accompanied Ryan's application." 

            We all feel the power of your prayers as many positive events have transpired.   Ryan is feeling stronger every day and continues to learn from his therapists and nurses.  The insurance company will be providing a rental van until Ryan's specialized van is ready in about ten weeks.   They are also providing a minimum of three months for a rehabilitation program in Utah.  We continue to make the necessary plans for Ryan's addition to our home and we all look forward to being together under the same roof when Ryan is able to be with us at home.

            Ryan, Barry and I will be going to Utah the first part of June.   Ryan will begin the evaluation period at Sit Tall Stand Tall in Provo on June 6^th and we will also evaluate the rehab program at Neuroworx in South Jordan.  Until we leave for Provo, we will be staying in a hotel close to our home after Ryan leaves Craig on May 25^th.  Our tentative plans are for Ryan and me to live in Provo this summer until he feels confident to live on his own in on campus student housing with other BYU students.

            (Ryan writing) Ernesto Fonseca invited me over to the apartments tonight to play a card game with his family who are all from Costa Rica.  Ernesto was the third fastest motocross (dirt bike) rider in the world.  He was hurt on his bike in March of 2006 and has the same injury as I do.   His mother, Catalina, only speaks Spanish and I have a fun time trying to keep up with her.  His wife, Carolina, and Ernesto have been married for six months but have known each other for seven years.   It is always fun to see Ernesto smiling in the therapy gym.

            I've had fun getting to know two other patients who will be leaving the same day I do.   Candice will be going home to Missouri after being at Craig since September.  She hasn't been able to eat since coming to Craig but has started having solid food the last few days.   Laramie is from Oklahoma and enjoyed baseball and hunting prior to his accident.  (I'll post pictures of them tomorrow when I get to Craig . . . Candice is using her power chair to pull Ryan and Laramie in their manual chairs!)  But when Candice is in her manual chair, I help push her through the halls.

            I am feeling both excited and nervous about leaving Craig.   Especially now that I'm feeling fantastic and having so much more time to get to know the other patients.  I'm excited to keep in contact with them over the years and have appreciated the camaraderie I have felt with them.   I'm also really going to miss my therapists and nurses . . . luckily I'll be able to come and see them when I'm in Denver.

            I love you all, Ry Guy

           

May 17, 2006

May 17, 2006

 

Dear Family and Friends,

            I want you to know that I'm still alive.  I leave Craig Hospital one week from today and we are trying to get all sorts of things squared away before I go. 

            On Saturday, I'm going to City Park with my friends, Candice, Laramie and Rick to ride hand cycles with staff from Craig.  It is the most fun exercise I have done at Craig. I love being outside and riding.  On Sunday, I'm part of a five person relay marathon.  The other four participants will be running and I'll race my wheelchair.  I'm looking forward to both outings.

            My parents have been in Virginia with Tyler and Rebecca for a few days.  Thye said it's beautiful there.  Whitney and Justin took good care of me.  I really like all of the friends I have made at Craig and we play a lot of practical jokes on each other.

            (Bridgette) Ryan is off to physical therapy with Heather.  I apologize for not keeping up on the blog better the last couple of weeks.  Even though Ryan has been here for the five months, there is still so much to do and learn and decisions to be made. 

            Yesterday Ryan had a procedure done to crush "many" bladder stones.  His bladder is pretty inflamed and he is on two different antibiotics.  He also has some skin issues again that they are keeping a close eye on.

            We are planning to spend a couple of days at a hotel in Parker when Ryan is released from Craig and then go to Utah to evaluate two outpatient rehab programs.  We will find out on Friday if Ryan is accepted to BYU-Utah for the second summer term.  Please keep him in your prayers!

            I sorry this is so short but I need to get going.  We appreciate all of you.

            Love, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kate

           

             

20/20 Vision!

May 5, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

            Just a quick update on Ryan's Lasik surgery --- I woke up this morning hearing Ryan say, "Oh, my gosh, Oh, my gosh . . . I can see the second hand on the clock!"  We went to see Ryan's eye surgeon this morning and he already has 20/20 vision.  Needless to say, we are all really happy with the results of his surgery!

            Have a great weekend and we'll post again in the next few days!

Love, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

Ryan giving Candace a taste of banana nut batter. 

Ryan's last day with glasses making banana nut cupcakes in his functional skills class. 

Ryan lifting two hundred pounds with one finger! 

Ryan imitating his former next-door-neighbor, Ben, with his bushy eyebrows and sleeveless t-shirt. 

May 4, 2006

May 4, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

            Today was a big day!  Ryan had his Lasik surgery at 4:10 at the Spivack Vision Center.  We are all thrilled he has the opportunity to have the surgery done.  As I mentioned before, Spivack donates eye surgery to about four patients each year at Craig. . . we feel extremely fortunate that Ryan was a candidate after all these years of wearing contacts and glasses.  Barry and I were able to be in the operating room with Ryan and watch the whole procedure on a television.  Dr. Spencer explained everything to Ryan as he was performing the procedure.  It only took about fifteen minutes and was fascinating to watch.  He is wearing eye shields and sunglasses and has lubricating eye drops every thirty minutes and antibiotic drops every hour at least until we go back for a post-op visit tomorrow morning. The wonders of modern technology!!!

            Since we last wrote on Sunday, Ryan has had two ninety minute driving sessions and is confident driving.  It will be so great for him to have the independence of driving himself and transferring independently from his chair into the driver's seat.  We will order an accessible Toyota Sienna van tomorrow that should be here in about ten weeks.  We are hoping to rent a wheel chair accessible van until his van arrives.

            Ryan had his family conference today . . . only three weeks until he is released from Craig.  The time has gone so quickly in some ways but seems like an eternity in others.  I'm a little anxious to leave our "Craig Cocoon."  I'm sure Ryan has had the best team of doctors and therapists in rehabilitative medicine.  Again, we feel very blessed!

           Amanda, Ryan's occupational therapist, reports that Ryan's driving is "marvelous", he is able to dress himself while in bed, and he is able to pad and turn himself in bed.  They are using "dragon" software for the computer which is voice activated.  The computer learns to recognize your voice and types what you are saying.    Amanda has also had splints made for Ryan's hands which will help to strengthen his fingers.  She feels like his fingers and thumb on his left hand are "waking up."  Yippee!

            Heather, Ryan's physical therapist, said she has also seen a huge improvement.  They are working on uneven transfers, floor transfers, and bed mobility.  Ryan is also in a wheel chair skills class.  Heather will also be working with Ryan on airline transfers and going up and down multiple stairs. Ryan and Brenda, from therapeutic rec, were able to find an hour after his water therapy class and before Ryan's surgery today to take the hand cycles for a spin.  Ryan LOVES riding the hand cycle!

           We are also trying to finalize plans for Ryan's addition to our home and look forward to Ryan having his own bedroom and bathroom when he is home.  In addition, we are going through the admissions process for Ryan to be admitted to BYU-Provo.  Barry, Ryan and I plan to go to Utah following Ryan's release to evaluate the two rehab programs in Provo and South Jordan.  Hopefully, Ryan will be able to take a couple of college classes as well as attending a rehab program.

            In closing, I would like to post a couple of thoughts from our Gratitude journal.

PEOPLE MAY FORGET WHAT YOU SAID, AND PEOPLE MAY FORGET WHAT YOU DID, BUT THEY WILL NEVER FORGET HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.  Unknown

THE HAPPINESS OF LIFE IS MADE UP OF LITTLE THINGS – A SMILE, A HELPING HAND, A CARING HEART, A WORD OF PRAISE, AND A MOMENT OF SHARED LAUGHTER.  WE ARE MOST ALIVE IN THOSE MOMENTS WHEN OUR HEARTS ARE CONSCIOUS OF OUR TREASURES.  Thornton Wilder

            Good Night and God Bless,

                        Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

                              
 

April 30, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

          I posted Ryan's schedule a few minutes ago and it's amazing how busy he is!  It's a far cry from even six weeks ago when he was still so sick.  Over the past week, we've had a chance to look at the journal we kept for Ryan during the beginning of his time at Craig.  The doctors and therapists kept telling us how well he would do once he felt stable enough to begin his rehabilitation.  I can still remember the first few times the physical therapist tried to sit Ryan up in bed at Littleton Hospital . . . it was so painful to watch.  Now he is wheeling around in his manual chair, learning to drive, doing "para" style transfers without a slide board, feeding himself, dressing himself with a little help, showering, etc.  We are so grateful for the progress he is making and his independent spirit.  He is such a remarkable young man!  (I think its okay for Moms to say that!)

          Today was Stake Conference with our first televised session from Salt Lake.  Elder Oaks, L. Tom Perry and President Monson were the speakers and the broadcast was for all of the stakes in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming.  Their messages were inspiring.  Ryan spoke in the 9:00am Youth Session and really enjoyed preparing for his topic, "What I Am Grateful For."  He narrowed it down to 'Being Grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ' and more specifically his feelings about the gifts of Agency, the Atonement and Resurrection.

          Following are a couple of the quotes Ryan used for during his talk.

 

 Sacrifice is never convenient.

In fact, the truer measure of sacrifice

isn't so much what one gives to

sacrifice as what one sacrifices to give.

 Faith isn't tested so much when the

 cupboard is full as when it is bare.

 In these defining moments,

the crisis doesn't create one's

character it reveals it.

The crisis is the test.

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy

May 2005, Ensign

Ella Wheeler Wilcox 1916

But to every mind there openeth,
A way, and way, and away,
A high soul climbs the highway,
And the low soul gropes the low,
And in between on the misty flats,
The rest drift to and fro.

But to every man there openeth,
A high way and a low,
And every mind decideth,
The way his soul shall go.

One ship sails East,
And another West,
By the self-same winds that blow,
'Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales,
That tells the way we go.

Like the winds of the sea
Are the waves of time,
As we journey along through life,
'Tis the set of the soul,
That determines the goal,
And not the calm or the strife.

 
We hope you all have a great week.

 
Love, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

Ryan's Schedule - Week of May 1st

Ryan schedule for the week of May 1, 2006

Probably the best time to visit is after 4:00 in the afternoon unless you drop by during lunch.

Monday

9 to 10 – Occupational Therapy

10 to 11 – FES Bkie

11 to 12 – Physical Therapy

1:40 to 2:30 – Eye exam with Spivak

Hand cycle sometime during the day!

 

Tuesday

9:30 to 10 – Standing Frame

10 to 11 – Occupational Therapy

11 to 12 – Functional Skills

1 to 2:30 – Adaptive Transportation

2:30 to 3 – Wheelers

3 to 4 – Physical Therapy

 

Wednesday

8 to 9 – Occupational Therapy

9 to 10 – Physical Therapy

10 to 11 – FES Bike

11 to 12 – Functional Skills

1:00 to 2:30 – Adaptive Transportation

3 to 4 – Fit Class

 

Thursday

9 to 9:45 – Therapy Pool

11 to 12:00 – Functional Skills

1:15 to 2:00 – Family Conference

2:00 to 3:00 Hand Cycle

3:00 to 5:00 – Occupational and Physical Therapy

 

Friday

9 to 10 – Occupational Therapy

10 to 11 – FES Bike

11 to 12 – Functional Skills

1 to 1:30 – Standing Frame

2 to 3 – Physical Therapy

3 to 4 – Fit Class

April 27, 2006

Thursday, April 27, 2006

 

Dear Family and Friends,

            It's been an exciting week at Craig.  Ryan is participating in lots of activities and continuing to learn from his therapists and trial and error. An example of "trial and error" follows:  A few minutes ago Ryan was transferring himself from his chair to his bed without a slide board when he started to slide down the side of the bed.  I tried to hold him and lift him back up on the bed but I wasn't strong enough.  We both started to laugh and he ended up with a very soft landing on the floor.  I'm not as strong as I would like to be!  There were five or six techs and nurses who came in to give their opinion and offer help.  He is safely back in bed now and having a little rest.  I'm so happy we can laugh about these things!

            Ryan drove the Craig "drivers training" van twice this week.  Whitney, Aunt Deb and cousin Mercy were here to see him drive off on Wednesday.  He continues to use the FES bike a couple of times a week and go to "fit class."  Today he rode the hand cycle for about an hour, went to aqua therapy for 45 minutes, and to fit class for an hour.  No wonder he needs a little rest tonight!

            We also went to Ryan's eye doctor today to check his prescription.  The good news is that his eyes haven't changed in the last two weeks.  We have an appointment on Monday for an evaluation with the surgeon who will perform Ryan's Lasik surgery.  If all goes well, he could have surgery a week from now.  It's very exciting to think he could see without glasses or contacts!

            Barry and I had another productive meeting today with the attorney for the insurance company.  We are making progress on where we will go after we leave Craig, hopefully to another rehabilitation program in Utah where Ryan can also take classes at BYU.  We've also narrowed down the selection of a van for Ryan and are working with an architect on plans for Ryan's addition to our home. 

We feel blessed that Ryan is feeling so much better and continuing to grow stronger every day.

Aunt Julie and Uncle Jim sent a book soon after Ryan's accident called "Wisdom of the Prophets - Prayer."  Following are a couple of selections we wanted to share with you.

"Answers to prayer come most often by a still voice and are discerned by our deepest, innermost feelings.  I tell you that you can know the will of God concerning yourselves if you will take the time to pray and to listen."  --Ezra Raft Benson

"We might ask 'amiss' in terms of removing a challenge before us, when what we need is help in order to cope with that challenge.  There are ever so many ways in which we must come to be guided even in the content of our prayers.  It is not enough to kneel, important as that is, or to have faith, as essential as that is.  We must come to bend our will to the will of God, so that in our prayers we really commune with him and ask for those things which are right."  --Neal A. Maxwell

"Access to our Creator through our Savior is surely one of the great privileges and blessings of our lives. . . .  there is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day.  There is no quota of how many needs we wish to pray for in each prayer.  He is reachable at any time and any place."  --James E. Faust

Thank you for the blessing you are in our lives.

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

 

           

              

The gardens outside Craig Hospital. 

Ryan and Heather at "fit class." 

Ryan at pool therapy. 

Ryan ready to ride! 

Claire and Ryan off to ride their hand cycles. 

April 19 - 22

April 19, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

          We woke up this morning to an email from Jared (Ryan's cousin) and Dani with pictures of their twins, Jacob Scott and Claire Alexa.  They were born on Grampa Warren's birthday and are absolutely beautiful!  At our family reunion in July we will have six babies less than seven months! 

          I spent the night at Craig last night for the first time in a couple of weeks.  There is always a steady influx of new patients and their families.  We miss seeing Sara and Penny and others who have become our friends.  Ryan's good friend, John, left on Tuesday.  We are planning a "field trip" to see John in Fort Collins soon.  Ryan's next-door neighbor, Ben, leaves on Friday.

          Yesterday afternoon, there was a guest speaker named Ron Heagy who spoke at Craig.  Ron has been a quad since he was 19 and is 44 now.  He delivered an inspirational message and showed beautiful pictures he has painted with a brush held in his teeth.  He is married with a darling, little 15 month old daughter.  An interesting side note is that Ryan heard Ron speak when he was in middle school. 

          Ryan has been exercising on the FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) bike this week.  Ryan drives his manual chair up to the bike that looks like the fly wheel on a stationary bike and then his legs are hooked up to electrical stimulation that make his muscles contract and move the fly wheel.

          Ryan has enjoyed his driving classes and has actually driven using hand controls for the brakes and gas.  Except for the brake and gas controls, the other instrumentation on the van is the same.  The floor of the van is dropped about 11 inches to allow for better clearance getting his wheelchair in and out of the van.  Today we are continuing to evaluate vans and are hopeful Ryan can use a mini-van versus a full-size van.

          Ryan just returned from a forty minute hand-cycle bike ride with the therapeutic rec department.  A hand cycle has a large wheel in front and two large wheels in the back.  I haven't seen him that energized since his accident.  He said it was a blast!

          Today Ryan went swimming, biking, and rode the FES bike!  Quite an accomplishment for one day!

 

Saturday, April 22, 2006

          We are trying to tie up a lot of loose ends.  Ryan leaves Craig in less than five weeks.  We have met with architects and builders on our home addition which will probably take four to six months.  We've also looked at different van options for Ryan.  We are exploring options for rehabilitation programs in South Jordan and Provo, Utah.  We are meeting again next week with the attorney for the insurance company to see where they stand on these next steps.  Wish us luck!

          It's suppose to be 80 degrees today and Ryan is outside in the gardens at Craig working on his talk for next Sunday.  On Monday, the forecast is for snow and in the 40's.  No wonder we all love this time of year!

Love to all,

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kate      

 

April 15, 2006

April 15, 2006

Happy Saturday Afternoon,

Happy Easter! It's looking a lot like spring in Denver.  Yesterday, after my classes, Mom, Whitney and family picked me up at Craig and we headed to the Denver Zoo.  It was 85 degrees and beautiful . . . so glad I got my buzz haircut last week!  I was able to push my chair the entire time I was there, up and down hills and rough terrain.  It felt awesome!  Izzy and Cal took turns climbing up on my lap for rides.  Whitney didn't bring their stroller so I was their transportation.

I'm also working in fit class on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a group of guys that are a lot of fun.  They are all para's but me.  Two of my best friends here leave next week.  John leaves on Tuesday and Ben leaves on Friday.  John will be living with his dad in Fort Collins and Ben is moving back to Austin, Texas.  I'm really going to miss them . . .  after awhile other patients become like family here.

Last Thursday, I had a follow up appointment with Dr. Brennar, my eye doctor.  Both of my eyes had improved a little while I wasn't wearing my contacts during the last couple of weeks so I need to wait another two weeks to have two consistent check-ups before I can be move forward with my Lasik surgery.  I was disappointed but I want to make sure my eyes are stable before surgery.

For the past couple of days, I've been out of my tubby-grips that I wear on my calves and thighs to help with blood pressure.  I have felt more light-headed again and my blood pressure gets pretty low.  I think in time everything will even out.

On Tuesday night, the Young Men from the Dove Valley Ward came to visit.  Thanks Brother O'Niones and Brother Hicks for coordinating the visit!  Last Sunday, Aunt Kalle's family came to see me and brought a great candy bar poster.  They are always lots of fun.  My cousin, Mercy, and her two children came for lunch last week with Whitney's family.  I sure love all the "little" people who come to see me.

I've been making phone calls to all of the members of my Elder's Quorum over the past few weeks.  The Elders and Priests, together with the full-time missionaries, are handing out invitations for Easter Sunday services and the Finding Faith in Christ DVD.  They will be giving out over 22 DVDs and invitations.

            In a couple of weeks, I'm speaking during the Youth Session of Stake Conference on "Agency."  I've enjoyed preparing and reading for my talk.

I'm excited to start driving.  I have two, two-hour driving classes next week which I am very excited for.  I'm also going to be training on the new FES bike.  It looks kind of like a stationary bike and I'll have electrodes hooked up to my legs to stimulate my muscles.  I'm really looking forward to trying out the bike.  I also have one pool therapy class next week.  This week in the pool I worked on my backstroke.  It's great to be in the water!

I want to wish you all a Happy Easter.  It's so great to be able to go to Church and partake of the Sacrament and listen to the lessons in Sunday School and Elder's Quorum.  I'm so fortunate to live close to Craig and be able to go to Church and be with my family on the weekends and have so many visitors.

On the door of my next-door-neighbor, Cody, was the following story, I would like to share:

Last April on a Sunday we took one of our "nowhere" drives, my husband was quietly driving a back road.  I was occupied in the front passenger seat watching the scenery.

I noticed out of the corner of my eye that my husband was straining to look out my window.  This startled me, since his eyes should be on the road in front of him.  I asked him what he was looking at out the windows, and he quietly replied, "Nothing."  His eyes went back to the road in front of him.

After a few minutes, I looked over at my husband and noticed a tear running down his cheek.  I asked him what was wrong.  This time he told me, "I was just thinking about Pop and a story he had once told me."  Of course, because it had to do with his Pop I wanted to know the story, so I asked him to share it with me.

He said, "When I was about 8 years old, Pop and I were out fishing and that's when he told me that the Pine trees know when it is Easter."

I had no idea what he meant by that, so I pressed him for more information.

He continued on . . . "The Pine trees start their new growth in the weeks before Easter – if you look at the tops of the Pine trees two weeks before, you will see the yellow shoots.  As the days get closer to Easter Sunday, the tallest shoot will branch off and form a cross.  By the time Easter Sunday comes around, you will see that most of the Pine trees will have small yellow crosses on all of the tallest shoots."

I turned to look out the window and I couldn't believe my eyes.  It was a week before Easter, and you could see all of the trees with the tall yellow shoots stretching to Heaven.

The tallest ones shone in the sunlight like rows of tiny golden crosses.

 I love you all,

 Ryan

 

April 11, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

I wanted to take a few minutes tonight and catch up on the blog. The days go by so quickly here that I don't write as often as I would like to.

Since writing last week, I've been practicing what I've learned at Craig in the outside world. On Friday, Craig had a field trip to Colorado Mills Mall. I spent the day with Heather, my PT, and my buddy and next door neighbor, Ben. We had a great day terrorizing Heather with our wheel chair antics. I also had one of my favorites, Panda Express, and bought some new shorts.

On Saturday, Mom picked me up and we went to the Parker Rec Center to watch our eight year old next door neighbor, Cole, play baseball and to watch Callum play soccer. It was a beautiful day, over 70 degrees. We then met for lunch at Costa Vida and I got a buzzed haircut. It's pretty short! Kaitlyn and I went to Park Meadows Mall with Mom. I like the mall because it's easy to navigate. I also spent time at Whitney and Justin's house while they worked in the yard putting in a drainage system. I love to be with their little and very busy family!

On Sunday, I was able to stay all three hours at church. I've been making phone calls to the families in our ward to let them know we have "Finding Faith in Christ" DVD's and invitations for them to invite their friends and neighbors to church on Easter Sunday.

Amanda ordered my power chair today, a Quickie S646SE. I have tried out four or five different chairs but have decided on my first chair, the Quickie. We are continuing to evaluate manual chairs and seat cushions.

Today I also went to "fit" class where we do a lot of strengthening exercises. Craig is starting a new fit class for quads whose injuries are from C4 to C8 that I'm excited to participate in.

Sue, one of driver's training instructors, worked with me today to check my range of motion for my arms and strength in my arms and hands. She feels like I have enough strength to operate the hand devices for the brakes and gas. I sat in the driver's seat of a Dodge Caravan to get the feel for driving with the hand controls. I'll continue to take driver's training classes until I leave Craig.

Over the past couple of weeks, a missionary from our stake has been spending time with me. His name is Chad King and he had only been on his mission to California for a few weeks when he re-injured his shoulder and arm giving a woman who fell off a wall CPR. He will be in Denver until he is rehabilitated and can return to his mission. I've enjoyed having him come to Craig.

In the last blog, Mom talked about an exercise induced therapy program we are looking at in Salt Lake City. You can look at it on the web at www.neuroworx.org There is also another blogsite written by a patient who has been to Sit Tall, Stand Tall and Neuroworx. You can access it at www.kevinjmullin.com. Kevin's site is very informative and Dad had a good phone call with Kevin earlier today.

Last week, I went to see the surgeon who did my surgery immediately following my accident. He looked at the x-rays and felt like the stabilization surgery fusing C5, C6 and C7 was successful. There is some concern because there is more movement above C5 that could eventually cause me arm pain and require additional surgery. I'm scheduled to see Dr. Markey for a follow-up visit the day before I'm supposed to leave Craig.

Susan Zmolek emailed the following a couple of weeks ago. Thank you Susie!

Marty couldn't stop talking about Ryan's excellent talk in Church today. I missed it, and I could kick myself! Have a great week!

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

-- "Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature and the existence of free-wills involve, and you find that you have excluded life itself."

both from -The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis

My love to all of you, Ryan

April 6, 2006

April 6, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

          We had Ryan's family conference on Wednesday with Dr. Balazy, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, and family counselor and wanted to give you an update.  Everyone is really pleased with Ryan's progress and the fact that he hasn't been sick for the last couple of weeks.  Ryan is able to decrease some of his medications.  In therapy, he still has lots to learn about using his wheelchairs outside of Craig as well as continuing to make choices concerning his manual and power chairs.  Ryan will also continue to try to develop the muscles in his fingers through various therapies.  His therapists also have a lot to teach him as far as caring for himself.  Since removing his PICC line on Tuesday, Ryan will also be eligible for water therapy.

          Ryan's discharge date from Craig has been extended to May 25^th.  We don't have definite plans for what comes next but are exploring a couple of options in Utah for out-patient exercise induced therapy.  Barry found a new facility called Neuroworkx in South Jordan, Utah, which was started by an OBGYN about four years ago following a spinal cord injury he incurred while jumping on a trampoline.  It looks like a great option for Ryan.  We will probably visit Sit Tall, Stand Tall in Provo and Neuroworkx when Ryan is released from Craig to see if he wants to continue rehab there. There is a possibility that Ryan could also take a class or two from BYU.

          Unfortunately, we haven't started the addition on our home so we can't bring Ryan to our house until he has a bedroom and bathroom on the main level which could be four to six months from now.  We are trying to work with the insurance company but it has been a slow process.  Uncle Keith has put Barry in contact with people from his company who have given us some direction concerning worker's compensation which has been helpful.  For now, we will need to be in a hotel that has a roll-in shower or an apartment that can accommodate quads.  We all look forward to all be under the same roof again.

          Today, we meet with Dr. Markey, Ryan's surgeon, to determine if he has healed properly and can stop wearing his neck collar.  We look forward to his appointment and feel like it will go well.

          Our thought today comes from Matthew 11:28-30 and was written on Ryan's scripture quilt by Leslie Orr.  Thank you, Leslie!

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

        29 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.

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

We hope all is well in you world.  We love and appreciate you.

                             Sincerely, Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

           

                 

April 4, 2006

April 4, 2006

 Greetings from Craig Hospital!  We apologize for not writing more frequently.  Now that Ryan is able to be out and about without his IV pole, he is not in his room all that often.  His days are full of physical and occupational therapy, fit and exercise classes as well as education classes.  I'm also spending the nights at home so we miss our evening blogging time.

On Saturday and Sunday, we brought Ryan home to watch General Conference with us.  It was great to have our family all together (of course we missed Tyler and Rebecca and baby-girl-to-be Walters).  Baby Tate likes to sleep along side Ryan on the couch.  The girls made lots of snacks and worked on scrapbooking while we watched conference.  It is one of our favorite weekends together as a family.

On Monday night, Jeff and Jamie Downs brought their family to Craig for family night.  Ryan thoroughly enjoyed their visit!  Bishop Downs has been a great mentor to Ryan over the years and we love and appreciate their family!

Ryan has been working with Heather on car transfers and can almost do it by himself in a Honda Civic with a slide board.  My van is a little more tricky to get in and out of.  Ryan and Heather also worked on self-turning in a double bed.  Today is Ryan's first "fit class" where they work on his upper body muscles using weight machines, free weights and bands.

For the next couple of weeks we will be going to re-entry classes.  Today's topic was Spinal Cord Injury Research with Dr. Lammertes.  He talked about different research areas being explored for SCI injuries including stem cell research, different drugs, olfactory cells, and others.  It was very interesting and informative.  We had a couple of lengthy discussions with Dr. Lammertes when Ryan was a possible candidate for the proneuron study shortly after his accident.

Ryan is having his PICC line removed later this afternoon.  YEAH!  He will be totally free to go to water therapy classes now.

We have our family conference tomorrow.  It looks like Ryan's discharge date will be some time in May.  The insurance company has yet to make a decision on our home addition which is extremely frustrating because we want to bring Ryan home as soon as possible.  In the interim we aren't sure where we will be living.

The Porter family wrote their favorite hymn on Ryan's scripture quilt.  It is Hymn #124.  Thank you!

            Be still my soul:

                   The Lord in on thy side;

          With patience bear

                   Thy cross of grief or pain.

          Leave to thy God to order and provide;

          In every change he faithful will remain.

 
                     Be still my soul:

                   Thy best, thy heavenly Friend

          Thru thorny ways

                   Leads to a joyful end.

Love,

Bridgette, Barry, Ryan and Kaitlyn

 

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