My Birthday Wish Come True...

This has been David's bedside crew this week...Mary, mom, grandma and Laurie. Taylor took the picture a few days ago while in SLC. Today was a wonderful day...a great birthday wish come true! He passed all but the thin liquid swallowing test, they removed the PICC line, he was able to do an assisted transfer into a wheelchair and......(drumroll please).... he's out of the hospital! Because he is out of the hospital sooner than expected, Aspen Ridge West on 53rd isn't open yet. He is at Aspen Ridge on Winchester and 10th East. It's a beautiful facility, which my Grandpa Jack was in after his car accident in 2005. There aren't many beds, so he was lucky to get in. He is still on oxygen, but otherwise his labs are good and he doesn't need IVs anymore.

Slurp and Swallow

I just got off the phone with David. He was in much better spirits than yesterday. He finally passed the swallow test...he can have thick liquids, like yogurt, pudding and pureed foods...but not thin liquids like milk and water. He celebrated with a chocolate milkshake. He said the hospital shake was pretty mediocre, but he was so happy to have a sweet taste in his mouth! Tonight he'll be having some pureed foods for dinner. Mary's going to pick him up a yummy shake at Take Five tomorrow.

They also removed the feeding tube and catheter today. His blood levels have regulated and he's okay on his labs. Good news is just what the doctor ordered!

The Reality of Injury

I talked to my dad yesterday...and today was the first time he seemed very downtrodden since the accident. He's been more cognizant of his pain and injuries, and has been having some insomnia. He was thankful that Taylor brought him a large stash of music and movies to keep him occupied and sane. He talked to me about some of the feelings he went through at the accident site, wondering if this was the end...if this was the way that Heavenly Father wanted to bring him home. He has been trying to process why this is his trial and how he's going to grow from it. It broke my heart to have this conversation with him.

Thank you to all who have been praying for him. I had a large amount of people tell me that they fasted for him yesterday. I can't believe that he's already been in the hospital for over 3 weeks. The surgery on Thursday not only did a number on his spirits, but on his body as well. Three more units of blood products were infused yesterday because his hemoglobin level had dropped dramatically. His overall recovery will be held back while his leg recovers from this recent surgical trauma. And the fact that he still aspirates on the swallowing test, and isn't able to eat or drink any of his favorite foods is terribly hard on him.

At this time, I think he'd best benefits from cards and letters of encouragement. He is enjoying short (10-15 minute) visits at the hospital from family and close friends. He is going to be at IMC for another week or so, then will be transferred to Aspen Ridge, 963 E. Winchester in Murray. Please continue to keep him in your prayers, especially for recovery on his right leg. If the nerve doesn't regenerate, he will likely have very limited mobility for his right leg (in addition to a prosthetic leg on the left.) We have faith that he will be healed and eventually be able to live a "normal" life, but it's the patience and enduring to the end that will be his test now.

Transfer from Nicole's Blog

I felt that it was more appropriate to document David's progress on a blog that is solely for his progress. He is a journaler, and will probably want to continue to document his progress himself once he is able. In the coming days, I will transfer over the blogs on his progress to this site. To read the prior entries, click HERE