Monday, January 26, 2009
End of Day 5
Hunter's pressure has been under 20 all day. His temperature was a little low, but it has been a good day overall. We are praying that Kim and Duane can get some rest tonight. They are both extremely tired. Duane was able to get a room at a hotel across the parking lot from the hospital and Grandma T is staying the night with him. Kim has come down with a cold and will stay at home in Mesquite tonight. May the Lord bless both of them and their family.
Hunter and Kaden
Thanksgiving at Aunt Erica's
Kaden and Hunter playing Star Wars.
Hunter and Kaden at Grandma and Grandpa Laub's
cabin in Ko-Laub (kolob)
Hunter with Great Grandma Leavitt at Grandma's
90th Birthday party. (2 years ago)
For Hunter's and MaKayla's Birthday a couple of weeks ago we went
to St. George and went Lazer taging and mini golf. We
had so much fun. All his family and Sam was there and some of
Dori's kids Ashley and Alexandrea and their friend Allison.
It was so late when we finished playing that we were
surprised Pizza Hut was still open. We got a dinning room
all to ourselves.
To Hunter and the rest of the family
Just wanted to say thank you for letting us know what's going on. After reading all the posts I feel like I know Hunter a little bit now. I didn't read any of it till today Mon. 1/26, and will definitely be praying for him and I will put him on the prayer list at our church also.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you even though we don't know each other very well or at all. I think of you often and wonder how you're all doing.
When you wrote about trusting the Lord it reminded me of what Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 12:22-32 ..."Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat: nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn: and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lillies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you. DO NOT FEAR little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
He, God, the Creator, who is without beginning or end is in control.... Love Willow Gardea(Laub)
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you even though we don't know each other very well or at all. I think of you often and wonder how you're all doing.
When you wrote about trusting the Lord it reminded me of what Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 12:22-32 ..."Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat: nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn: and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lillies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you. DO NOT FEAR little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
He, God, the Creator, who is without beginning or end is in control.... Love Willow Gardea(Laub)
Grandpa & I just got home from setting with Hunter last night and today. It hurts to see your children and grandchildren hurting so much, and we feel so helpless because you can't talk to him or touch him. Grandpa finally just whispered to him sleep well hunter and I told him we loved him, hope you know that Hunter you are a special young man and we're so glad of that because you have such a long hard journey ahead of you. Therapy is hard and yo want to abuse your therapists because if they don't hurt you they're not doing you any good. I hope we can all give you some of our strength to help you through this time. Yes, Kim was all but told to leave the hospital today, seem her voice is the one Hunter even in the deep coma tries to reach to his mama for help. We're all praying it seems, with every breath we take for him to come through with as little damage as possible. They said he would probably start coming out this weekend but they really don't know either. When he does that's when Kim and Duane will need all the support and love and prayers from family and friends. It's not gong to be easy but with all of us with them we will all grow and gain the blessing and lessons that the Lord has sent this trial for us to learn from. I Know we will all gain from this bad nightmare if we all pull together. In behalf of the Erik Laub family we want to thank all of you for your faith, fasting and prayers. After all how can the Lord not listen to such a large number of his children praying and fasting for the same purpose. There will be great rewards when we all hold our faith and grow from all this. We love all of you so much and appreciate your concern and love for our Daughter and her family. Erik and Judy Laub
CT scan
Just talked to Dori and she tried to explain the reason for the scan to me. If I don't have this right - I apologize. They did the scan to determine whether putting a stunt in would be necessary (to drain fluid to release some of the pressure.) Everything was fine and they decided it was not necessary. They have decided they will start weening him off the coma medicine tomorrow which will slowly bring him out of the coma. It can take awhile for him to come out of the coma, but should be sometime after Friday. His pressure has remained under 20.
Monday afternoon
Kim is not feeling well. Alex brought Duane to Las Vegas and then took Kim home to get some rest. John, Dori and Grandma T are on their way to Vegas to sit with Hunter. Duane is trying to get an update on the CT scan. Hunter's temperature is down below normal. They are trying to warm him up but all the other vital statistics look good.
On Saturday John and I were able to sit with Hunter and give Duane and Kim a break from the hospital. While we were there Hunter stayed stable. When you are in his room you are not allowed to touch him or talk. They want the brain activity to be minimal. Next time I will bring a book, crossword or something. On Sunday my family and friends participated in the fast for Hunter. We love Hunter and pray for a speedy recovery, so we can have more get together's. Since we have moved here to St.George we have had more opportunity to hang around the cousins. We have had a lot of great memories since our move. Our families have done a lot of fun things like Lake mead, go to the cabin, and play games. We are so grateful for the good times. It reminds us of how precious life is and to count our blessings and to cherish the good times.
Picture is Hunter and Abby at Lake Mead.
We have enjoyed reading everyone's blog and we are amazed at the strength of each of you. Your family is a great example to our family. We Love Duane & Kim and family and want to help in anyway we can, call us when you need something. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
John & Dori and family
Alex: your words were inspiring and poignant. Thanks for sharing
Jessica: Compassionate oldest sibling. Takes responsibility serious.
Jared: (Jessica’s husband) A rock
MaKayla: Grandma’s favorite--Hunter’s tender sister
Sam: There is not a malicious bone in his body. He is kind, considerate, offers to help with every task, and has incredible “moves” on the dance floor. I just wanted Sam to know that he is definitely a “forever” member of the Thurston Family. We love you Sam!
Hugs! Grandma Thurston
Jessica: Compassionate oldest sibling. Takes responsibility serious.
Jared: (Jessica’s husband) A rock
MaKayla: Grandma’s favorite--Hunter’s tender sister
Sam: There is not a malicious bone in his body. He is kind, considerate, offers to help with every task, and has incredible “moves” on the dance floor. I just wanted Sam to know that he is definitely a “forever” member of the Thurston Family. We love you Sam!
Hugs! Grandma Thurston
Monday, Jan, 26, 2009
Back at Hunter's room, Mom and Dad sat with Hunter while I went to get some sleep. Slept a few hours..
Hunter seem to of had a good night. He should be really excited Uncle Brent is going to check him out to school today!! talk about snow days.. were having a blizzard.
His pressure is at 14 and temp is 98 heart rate 83. I have to try to be quite today he hears everything I say. I'm surprise they haven't kick me out yet, we all know I don't whisper, and they have his room so cold, they have to keep it cold to maintain his temp. I think I might be getting a cold.. so if that's the case and I get kicked out I may be calling some of you sooner to come sit with my baby..
They just came and took cheat x-rays to check the lungs and drew blood to check for oxygen levels and nurse also mentioned c20, (I told her we could be in trouble with c20 Hunter likes playing with that stuff, he might be hiding it somewhere.)
It is not possible at least for me to understand this stuff they try to tell me. I ask allot of question, and I'm sure most of the are dumb, I get that look once in a while, but they are very nice and try to figure out what I mean and try to answer.
I was told yesterday the the Dr.'s make round about 9:00 so maybe we'll get news on ct scan from yesterday.
Hunter seem to of had a good night. He should be really excited Uncle Brent is going to check him out to school today!! talk about snow days.. were having a blizzard.
His pressure is at 14 and temp is 98 heart rate 83. I have to try to be quite today he hears everything I say. I'm surprise they haven't kick me out yet, we all know I don't whisper, and they have his room so cold, they have to keep it cold to maintain his temp. I think I might be getting a cold.. so if that's the case and I get kicked out I may be calling some of you sooner to come sit with my baby..
They just came and took cheat x-rays to check the lungs and drew blood to check for oxygen levels and nurse also mentioned c20, (I told her we could be in trouble with c20 Hunter likes playing with that stuff, he might be hiding it somewhere.)
It is not possible at least for me to understand this stuff they try to tell me. I ask allot of question, and I'm sure most of the are dumb, I get that look once in a while, but they are very nice and try to figure out what I mean and try to answer.
I was told yesterday the the Dr.'s make round about 9:00 so maybe we'll get news on ct scan from yesterday.
Learn to Laugh and do our best
I have to tell you, Last week before this happened I was getting very upset with the family because we weren't communicating very well. As everyone knows I am very stubborn and always right, (as my family tells me). I ask question they don't answer because they just know I'm going to talk around it until I'm am right. I'm sure you get the picture.
Duane's favorite types of show are like, operation reop, cops, judge Judy, you know all those shows where everyone fights, and then there is that annoying morning Las Vegas News that trying to be like the Today or Good Morning America. I tell him if he really want to listen to fighting he can just turn off the TV and I can start. I find those shows so annoying and don't like the spirit they bring into the house, or it's I'm just jealous all the girls are gone and it's just me and the boys and I can't watch HG TV anymore.
Anyway,back to the story, with all this going on I told them I thought our family was falling apart and that we don't communicate and we needed to start pulling our family closer together.
Duane asked our family if we would speak in church on Sunday and by Monday with all this going on I told him to find somebody else. There was no way we could talk on "Being an example in Righteousness" we could do "Being an example of what not to do" we are realy good at that, when the kids learn to drive we take them in the car and say "this is what you don't do" my kids and their friends know so many "this is what you don't do" Look, Hunter, Alex and Sam just taught us all one. any way So Duane thought of other people to ask, but it came down to us again, and Thursday was when that discussion happened just before the boys went to play basketball. Hunter didn't want to do it, I was not in the right spirit to do it. but, Duane said that's why we should do it.
I don't know who ended up speaking in church, but I'm sorry. We won't complain next time, because that would have been over by now. but if you know our family (or me) can't do things the simple way, everything got to be done big. So hear we are learning another one of those life lessons in a BIG way.
To my point (like I said I have to talk tell I'm right, or make you think so) My reading material I brought with me was an Ensign and Scriptures. I have truly enjoyed these talks again. The talk that I swear I love the best is Elder Joseph B Wirthlin's "Come What May, and Love It."
he says.... every life has peaks and and shadows and time when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are the happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times become stronger, wiser, and happier as a result." he says the.."the Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness."
.."the Lord has opened the window of heaven and showered blessing upon my family beyond my ability to express. yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear....." he says ".. How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't-at least not in the moment...." "...If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward time of greatest happiness.
He mentions a few thing he has learned over the years of times of testing and trial.
#1 " Learn to Laugh , the first thing we can do is learn to laugh,....It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."
#2 "Seek for the Eternal: you may feel singled out when adversity enters you life, You shake you head and wonder, "Why Me?"
My niece came in yesterday and ask grandpa to put a note on Hunter's bed. I hope she won't be upset because I read it or that I'm sharing it with you. but this comes from the tender heart of a young girl, they grow up so fast but I think she's 11 now. She wrote:
why? inspire by: Hunter 4 u buddy get well soon!<3
Have you ever done something and it turned out wrong. Have a broken heart have a sad song, and you think.....
What did I do to deserve this. I never did anything wrong. I've always been a good person! So tell me what did I do to deserve this?
Stuck here no turning back. I can't get out of this trap! And i got to say what did I do to deserve this. Everything has a reason. Why did you do this... To me right now why.......
Tell me why do I deserve this. i never did something wrong. Why to me. Come on just tell me Why?
Written by: Monica mari Laub-Domiguez
inspired by: Hunter 4 you buddy get well soon!=)<3
She is so sweet, this is her 2nd letter to Hunter so far. Thank you.
Brother Wirthlin goes on to say: " the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt..." " Learning to endure time of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others"
"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering, He understands our grief, We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others...
He says "The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do you best, then leave the rest to Him." I really like that. So that is my motto for this experience. Put your trust in the Lord, Do your best, then leave the rest to Him.
In Conclusion we says: " I know why there must be opposition in all things, Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our aHeavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say as did my mother,"Come what may, and love it."
The talk goes on. You can read it for yourselves at lds.org if you want.
There is so much we can learn just from this one talk. This is what is helping me. I'm putting my trust in the Lord, Do what ever I can, then leaving it up to him. It's all we can do.. It's all Hunter can do with each breath he takes, and it's all I've ever asked of my children ( "Do YOUR Best!!) I don't care if they get straight A's or a star on sport team at school, as long as they can look themselves in the mirror and say "I did my best, I couldn't of had done anything else to make it better"
there is nothing in the world any parent wants more for their kids than the best... It's the same with our Heavenly Father, He wants the best for all of us, so what ever we learn from this experience, I hope we can do our best and learn so we won't have to do it again. Like mom always said, "Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it again." and Learn to Laugh along the way.
Well, our family is communicating better, and we have become closer, So lessons we learn the harder way... Guess I'll have to read Elder L Tom Perry's talk again "Let Him Do It with Simplicity" We could have saved a lot of time if we would of had learned that lesson first, but who can do thing in order,....Not us!!
Duane's favorite types of show are like, operation reop, cops, judge Judy, you know all those shows where everyone fights, and then there is that annoying morning Las Vegas News that trying to be like the Today or Good Morning America. I tell him if he really want to listen to fighting he can just turn off the TV and I can start. I find those shows so annoying and don't like the spirit they bring into the house, or it's I'm just jealous all the girls are gone and it's just me and the boys and I can't watch HG TV anymore.
Anyway,back to the story, with all this going on I told them I thought our family was falling apart and that we don't communicate and we needed to start pulling our family closer together.
Duane asked our family if we would speak in church on Sunday and by Monday with all this going on I told him to find somebody else. There was no way we could talk on "Being an example in Righteousness" we could do "Being an example of what not to do" we are realy good at that, when the kids learn to drive we take them in the car and say "this is what you don't do" my kids and their friends know so many "this is what you don't do" Look, Hunter, Alex and Sam just taught us all one. any way So Duane thought of other people to ask, but it came down to us again, and Thursday was when that discussion happened just before the boys went to play basketball. Hunter didn't want to do it, I was not in the right spirit to do it. but, Duane said that's why we should do it.
I don't know who ended up speaking in church, but I'm sorry. We won't complain next time, because that would have been over by now. but if you know our family (or me) can't do things the simple way, everything got to be done big. So hear we are learning another one of those life lessons in a BIG way.
To my point (like I said I have to talk tell I'm right, or make you think so) My reading material I brought with me was an Ensign and Scriptures. I have truly enjoyed these talks again. The talk that I swear I love the best is Elder Joseph B Wirthlin's "Come What May, and Love It."
he says.... every life has peaks and and shadows and time when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are the happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times become stronger, wiser, and happier as a result." he says the.."the Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness."
.."the Lord has opened the window of heaven and showered blessing upon my family beyond my ability to express. yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear....." he says ".. How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't-at least not in the moment...." "...If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward time of greatest happiness.
He mentions a few thing he has learned over the years of times of testing and trial.
#1 " Learn to Laugh , the first thing we can do is learn to laugh,....It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."
#2 "Seek for the Eternal: you may feel singled out when adversity enters you life, You shake you head and wonder, "Why Me?"
My niece came in yesterday and ask grandpa to put a note on Hunter's bed. I hope she won't be upset because I read it or that I'm sharing it with you. but this comes from the tender heart of a young girl, they grow up so fast but I think she's 11 now. She wrote:
why? inspire by: Hunter 4 u buddy get well soon!<3
Have you ever done something and it turned out wrong. Have a broken heart have a sad song, and you think.....
What did I do to deserve this. I never did anything wrong. I've always been a good person! So tell me what did I do to deserve this?
Stuck here no turning back. I can't get out of this trap! And i got to say what did I do to deserve this. Everything has a reason. Why did you do this... To me right now why.......
Tell me why do I deserve this. i never did something wrong. Why to me. Come on just tell me Why?
Written by: Monica mari Laub-Domiguez
inspired by: Hunter 4 you buddy get well soon!=)<3
She is so sweet, this is her 2nd letter to Hunter so far. Thank you.
Brother Wirthlin goes on to say: " the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt..." " Learning to endure time of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others"
"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering, He understands our grief, We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others...
He says "The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do you best, then leave the rest to Him." I really like that. So that is my motto for this experience. Put your trust in the Lord, Do your best, then leave the rest to Him.
In Conclusion we says: " I know why there must be opposition in all things, Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our aHeavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say as did my mother,"Come what may, and love it."
The talk goes on. You can read it for yourselves at lds.org if you want.
There is so much we can learn just from this one talk. This is what is helping me. I'm putting my trust in the Lord, Do what ever I can, then leaving it up to him. It's all we can do.. It's all Hunter can do with each breath he takes, and it's all I've ever asked of my children ( "Do YOUR Best!!) I don't care if they get straight A's or a star on sport team at school, as long as they can look themselves in the mirror and say "I did my best, I couldn't of had done anything else to make it better"
there is nothing in the world any parent wants more for their kids than the best... It's the same with our Heavenly Father, He wants the best for all of us, so what ever we learn from this experience, I hope we can do our best and learn so we won't have to do it again. Like mom always said, "Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it again." and Learn to Laugh along the way.
Well, our family is communicating better, and we have become closer, So lessons we learn the harder way... Guess I'll have to read Elder L Tom Perry's talk again "Let Him Do It with Simplicity" We could have saved a lot of time if we would of had learned that lesson first, but who can do thing in order,....Not us!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
It all seems like a dream....
I'm glad I was able to go down today and see Hunter and visit Kim at the hospital. It really made me wake up and realize what is happening to see him lying there asleep like that and so helpless with so many machines on him. When this all happened it's almost like it didn't sink in. I knew it was happening, but you know how sometimes it seems like you are in a dream and the whole world is still just going around you. I knew things were happening but it's so hard to react or even know what to do in a situation like this. You never think this will happen to family so close to you! Even when it does it almost seems like it's not real. Today, seeing him like that....... it made it more real than ever!! I know Kim & Duane are trying to be strong, but they have their breakdowns...as anybody would in this situation. And that's okay! I know a lot of us has all had our moments of just can't stop crying! But, I am optimistic. I know all the prayers and fasting are working for Hunter and his family! It's so amazing what Prayer can truly do!! I know we are all in this together as a family to help no matter how long it takes for him to get completely better! We love you Hunter! We love you Kim, Duane, Jessica, Makayla, Alex (and of course Sam too). We are here for you!
Update on Hunter
Hunter, seems to be doing well today. His pressure is at 17 and temp. 98, that is really good for how much they have been moving him today.
I guess I can explain that.
Hunter doesn't like it when they move him, His reading on the machines kinda go crazy every time they do something. He has always been the kind of person who wants to be left alone and not be bugged. (wonder where he get that from) So because of that they have not been able to turn him in bed, so he has been in the same position from the first time they tried to turn him.
When the take him in for ct scans the have to haul everything with him, that's a lot of stuff. It took around 1 1/2 hrs to prep him this morning, just to take him down for it. I have no idea how they lift him and everything off to another table for the scan, all I can say I'm glad it's not me, he's a big boy.
I'm not sure where going to see the Dr. about the scan today it's 4:00 and haven't seen him yet.
Randy and Diann brought their kids by, it was nice to see him, I wish Hunter could of had gotten up and gone and played with his buddy Kaden and Javon. They play so well together, he'll have to hurry and get better so the can play star wars and Pokemon. And it was Bailee's birthday, She's 8 and will be baptized on Saturday along with Gage getting his name and blessing. Maybe with the three boys they'll be able to take on Hunter.
Angela followed Randy and Diann here also, We made her to the hard part and read every one's blogs out loud to us in the waiting room, Mom and Dad where here too. Mom started reading, handed it to me, and then we handed of to Angela. She was the only one that could get past the first line, of Alex's story. I still can't read everything or hear it, I had to get up and leave while they finished reading, Marsha and the Kids got here just as we finished up.
I don't think Alex realizes what an example he is to his little BIG brother. He has been so good to include him in his activities. I don't know what Jessica said to Alex in one of her late night talks in the bedroom to him a few years ago when she came home from college, but ever since then Alex and Hunter got along so well and did many things together. In fact Alex want Hunter to go to the church to practice basketball Thursday so they would be awesome for CBA. or at least look like it, Alex came out in his red shorts, white shirt, and new sweat head and wrest bands that matched. Hunter didn't want to go, he was enjoying laying on the couch next to his dad watching TV and me telling him and him arguing that he was not going to speak in church on Sunday. I finally told him to go play and he didn't want to. So I told him he could go play or I could find a job around the house to do. Hunter could make up his mind fast when the choice was placed before him. Of Course he chose basketball with Alex and Sam.
I thought something would happen to Hunter, just didn't picture it this way, It was suppose to be more like, Hunter blew up something in the back yard playing with match and deodorant, or Experiment went wrong. or Hunter was demolishing his mom's new ...... and he gets hurt. or Hunter found new fireworks or made his own, or C20 canisters and Paper rockets and pine wood derby cars just don't go together.
Hunter loves to take things apart, he never puts them back together but always takes them apart. I could clean his room and find all kinds of things that used to be mine. Of course you had to find more than one piece to figure that out.
He is a great kid, and if you ask him, He is my favorite, I love him dearly and hope I am up to do whatever it takes to help him. May the Lord bless me with patience to go along with my stubburn head that he will do everything he did before (plus like to read.) we keep telling him in his ear when the nurses aren't looking that he loves to read and he's good at it to. (I hope it works).
I don't know if this makes any sense, I'm here in his room all by myself, everyone has gone and I've been up with him since last night. Mom and Dad went over to Uncle Kenny's for Marsha's birthday dinner and then they are going to come sit with Hunter while I go get some good sleep. You'll have to forgive my spelling and grammer, I am tired by it would be bad anyway, Hunter did get his wonderful skills from someone.
Thanks for all the prayers, and concerns we will pull through this, because Hunter knows Mom Always Wins!!! so don't even try to beat me.
We are at our 72 hour mark, things should start going down from here.
I guess I can explain that.
Hunter doesn't like it when they move him, His reading on the machines kinda go crazy every time they do something. He has always been the kind of person who wants to be left alone and not be bugged. (wonder where he get that from) So because of that they have not been able to turn him in bed, so he has been in the same position from the first time they tried to turn him.
When the take him in for ct scans the have to haul everything with him, that's a lot of stuff. It took around 1 1/2 hrs to prep him this morning, just to take him down for it. I have no idea how they lift him and everything off to another table for the scan, all I can say I'm glad it's not me, he's a big boy.
I'm not sure where going to see the Dr. about the scan today it's 4:00 and haven't seen him yet.
Randy and Diann brought their kids by, it was nice to see him, I wish Hunter could of had gotten up and gone and played with his buddy Kaden and Javon. They play so well together, he'll have to hurry and get better so the can play star wars and Pokemon. And it was Bailee's birthday, She's 8 and will be baptized on Saturday along with Gage getting his name and blessing. Maybe with the three boys they'll be able to take on Hunter.
Angela followed Randy and Diann here also, We made her to the hard part and read every one's blogs out loud to us in the waiting room, Mom and Dad where here too. Mom started reading, handed it to me, and then we handed of to Angela. She was the only one that could get past the first line, of Alex's story. I still can't read everything or hear it, I had to get up and leave while they finished reading, Marsha and the Kids got here just as we finished up.
I don't think Alex realizes what an example he is to his little BIG brother. He has been so good to include him in his activities. I don't know what Jessica said to Alex in one of her late night talks in the bedroom to him a few years ago when she came home from college, but ever since then Alex and Hunter got along so well and did many things together. In fact Alex want Hunter to go to the church to practice basketball Thursday so they would be awesome for CBA. or at least look like it, Alex came out in his red shorts, white shirt, and new sweat head and wrest bands that matched. Hunter didn't want to go, he was enjoying laying on the couch next to his dad watching TV and me telling him and him arguing that he was not going to speak in church on Sunday. I finally told him to go play and he didn't want to. So I told him he could go play or I could find a job around the house to do. Hunter could make up his mind fast when the choice was placed before him. Of Course he chose basketball with Alex and Sam.
I thought something would happen to Hunter, just didn't picture it this way, It was suppose to be more like, Hunter blew up something in the back yard playing with match and deodorant, or Experiment went wrong. or Hunter was demolishing his mom's new ...... and he gets hurt. or Hunter found new fireworks or made his own, or C20 canisters and Paper rockets and pine wood derby cars just don't go together.
Hunter loves to take things apart, he never puts them back together but always takes them apart. I could clean his room and find all kinds of things that used to be mine. Of course you had to find more than one piece to figure that out.
He is a great kid, and if you ask him, He is my favorite, I love him dearly and hope I am up to do whatever it takes to help him. May the Lord bless me with patience to go along with my stubburn head that he will do everything he did before (plus like to read.) we keep telling him in his ear when the nurses aren't looking that he loves to read and he's good at it to. (I hope it works).
I don't know if this makes any sense, I'm here in his room all by myself, everyone has gone and I've been up with him since last night. Mom and Dad went over to Uncle Kenny's for Marsha's birthday dinner and then they are going to come sit with Hunter while I go get some good sleep. You'll have to forgive my spelling and grammer, I am tired by it would be bad anyway, Hunter did get his wonderful skills from someone.
Thanks for all the prayers, and concerns we will pull through this, because Hunter knows Mom Always Wins!!! so don't even try to beat me.
We are at our 72 hour mark, things should start going down from here.
from daniel
Dear Hunter,The last time i saw you was at grandma's.
(I think Daniel wasn't exactly sure what else to say....he wanted to say something...but could not find the words (Angela))
From Daniel (age 10)
Jessica
So its been a long weekend. It feels like he has been in the hospital for a week already and it has only been a couple of days. Like it's been mentioned before it is an emotional roller coaster ride but we are making it through. Our family has found more faith and testimony through this trial and that has been a blessing. We love our Savior Jesus Christ and we understand our Heavenly Fathers plan so much more. Not that we didn't know these thigns before but for some reaosn by going through all of this it really shows a real perspective of it. It puts us in a place that is not describable. For myself it has put the word "life" into a whole new perspective. I guess I never really realized how precious life is. In just a moments time life can be changed from being actively playing basketball to laying in a hospital bed with 10 different machines hooked up to your body just so you can live. In a weird way I love just sitting in Hunters room and looking at that little BIG brother of mine. Seeing him so helpless just really shows that it doesn't matter how big or strong you are, anything can happen. This has also given me an outlook on how it is so important that we make good choices in life. I have been riding on the front seat of the roller coaster ride along with my parents and there are times when you cant help but let your mind wonder. Many times the thought of him not making it through this has crossed our path but there is peace and joy in my heart because I know if that was ever the case that Hunter would be in our Heavenly Fathers presence. He has been living his life the way he should. There is no doubt in my mind of where he would be. Hunter didn't know that he was going to fall off a car and get badly injured to the point he would need life support. There was no way for him to do a quick repentance process to make sure things were clear so if he was to die he would be saved. This right here along with this trial and given me an evaluation of my own life I find myself asking myself am I where im supposed to be? I keep thinking of the verses in Alma 5...If we were to die are we prepared to meet God at the judgement bar? Lets face it. All of us are going to die someday, it's something we can't stop from happening. I am just so proud of my little brother. He is such a great young man and a joy to have in life. I can't imagine life without him so I try not to. Remember the good times is what helps me get through this. Especially when I'm in the room with him. I can be strong for everyone else in the waiting room and else where but when Im in the room with Hunter that is when its the hardest. However I found if I think of things that we have done in the past I find myself laughing inside and once in awhile I'll laugh out loud. Hunter is such a funny kid! Oh boy can he make me laugh. I have SOOOOO many stories I could tell. For example I will never forget this story.... When I was in high school I was getting ready to go out running. Since Hunter has always been a bigger kid I would always invite him to go with me. I remember when I asked him if he wanted to go get a good work out in with me he turned and looked up at me. He was sitting at the nintendo, he put down his control and showed me his thumbs. Then bending them (as if they were flexing) he said "look how strong these are!" He turned back to the game and started laughing. I fell right to the ground laughing. I have been really close to Hunter the past couple of years. I love being around him. I still do... even in this conditions Im glad he is still with us and fighting the battle. We have to remember that Hunter knew in the preexistence that he would have to go through this but I see that boy saying "I will do it, give me a body!" He is strong and a fighter, he will get through this and so will all of us. Keep your faith and hope high. I know your prayers have helped him and I know its a trial for all of you as well. I just hope all of you are doing well. If there is anything I can do for any of you please let me know. Really don't be afraid to ask me for anything. I would love to help anyone with anything they need. We are all in this together. Thank your for your love and support.
To Hunter
Hunter - today is Sunday and your mom says your are resting peacefully. The doctor says the CT scan looks the same as yesterday. They are waiting for a specialist to look at the scan to get more information. There is a lot of pressure on your lungs and they might have to elevate you differently to take some of the pressure off. I just want you to know that we love you and care very much about you. If you ever have had a doubt as to whether everyone really cares - you will never have to wonder anymore. So many people are fasting and praying for you today. You are so loved!!!
Sunday Morning
Alex you are a great brother. Hunter is lucky to have you.
Just talked to Kim about the evening she spent with you. Here is an update:
1:00 a.m. his pressure was at 28 and temperature at 99.9.
1:30 a.m. his pressure at 20 and temp 98.9.
2:00 a.m. pressure 18-20 temp 98.8.
2:30 a.m. pressure 17 temp same.
3:30 a.m. pressure 18 temp same - Nurse Shannon is starting to prepare everything to take Hunter down for scan. Scan is at 5:00 am - there is a lot of preparation to do because of all the equipment required. They did an x-ray of the lungs.
4:00 a.m. Hunters temperature dropped to 96.
5:00 Took him in for his CT scan.
8:00 a.m. He is back in his room. They are cleaning him up and rehooking everything.
They had to give him oxygen because his oxygen level was low after moving him for the scan.
Pressure is at 19 and his temperature is at 98.9.
Kim and Duane seem to be doing okay this morning - they have a new nurse that they don't know very well yet - they went from MaryJo to Joe. They have had great nurses.
Duane, Jared & Jessica headed home. Duane needs to do some jobs. Will be back tomorrow.
Just talked to Kim about the evening she spent with you. Here is an update:
1:00 a.m. his pressure was at 28 and temperature at 99.9.
1:30 a.m. his pressure at 20 and temp 98.9.
2:00 a.m. pressure 18-20 temp 98.8.
2:30 a.m. pressure 17 temp same.
3:30 a.m. pressure 18 temp same - Nurse Shannon is starting to prepare everything to take Hunter down for scan. Scan is at 5:00 am - there is a lot of preparation to do because of all the equipment required. They did an x-ray of the lungs.
4:00 a.m. Hunters temperature dropped to 96.
5:00 Took him in for his CT scan.
8:00 a.m. He is back in his room. They are cleaning him up and rehooking everything.
They had to give him oxygen because his oxygen level was low after moving him for the scan.
Pressure is at 19 and his temperature is at 98.9.
Kim and Duane seem to be doing okay this morning - they have a new nurse that they don't know very well yet - they went from MaryJo to Joe. They have had great nurses.
Duane, Jared & Jessica headed home. Duane needs to do some jobs. Will be back tomorrow.
Hunter, the Humane soul.
Hi, Alex here again. I want to let everyone know what a great young man Hunter is. Here are two pictures of Hunter back around 2003. The top one is him helping me with my eagle scout project. if you click on it you can see me in the background with my broken arm. Hunter has always been the great brother. He always helped me when i need it and i remember all the things he did for me when my arm was broken.
The bottom picture is 3 and a half hours later. He worked very hard to help me that day, you can see he's true self in that picture. it shows how innocent he is. it shows how pure his heart is. he has been a spiritual guide to me, he has stepped up to lead the way for me when i should have been the older brother and done the right thing. i know that god is looking out for one of his best sons right now. I'm so glad that i am able to be his brother. i want to take back all of the fights we had, most of them were our way to show our love for each other but some have been pretty serious. I want to take back all of the mean things i said, thought, and wanted to think.
Hunter when you read this i want you to remember that time when you came out and helped me pull weeds. I was teasing you pretty bad and i deserved more then just pulling the weeds, but you came out and helped me because you wanted to play with me.It was a bonding moment i will never forget. Hunter you are a kind giant, you forgive so fast that sometimes i wonder if you really do get mad. You always make me laugh and pull me though the tough times. i don't know what i would do without you. I will always love you and i will always be here for you when you need it
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Alex's Story
Well hi everyone, I'm Alex, Hunter's brother. You all know that Hunter was badly hurt and is in the hospital. Well this is how it happened...
Hunter, I, and some of our friends were at the Whipple chapel playing some basketball Thursday night. We were done around 4:30 and we were hanging out by the cars just goofing around, one by one we started to leave. Hunter, Sam, and I were the last to leave. I got into the passenger seat and Sam in the drivers, Hunter was already sitting on the trunk of Sam's car when we got in. Sam waited a minute for Hunter to get off and get inside the car, seeing that he was staying there we knew that he wanted to ride there to our house. I almost opened my door to tell him to get in but I didn't since I didn't want to fight with him and it was just down the street to our house. Sam’s backed out of the parking spot and moved forward. I watch him as he bounced on the car over the speed bumps. I also watch him as we turned left on to the small road that links the church parking lot, 1st North and 2nd North together. After that point I looked down at my cell phone at a text message. We took a right turn onto my home street (2nd North). We got as far as 20 feet from the turn when I felt Hunter moved off the car. Sam kept moving for another 20 feet till he slammed on his brakes. I looked at Sam as he jumped out the door and ran towards Hunter; I climbed out of the car to see Hunter on the road lying on his side facing away from us. Sam ran up to Hunter and yelled "He's Bleeding". I was still confused at what was going on as I watched Sam running to my house to get my parents. I ran to Hunter and asked if he was OK, he was unresponsive. He was breathing pretty hard so I knew he was still alive. I saw that he had a gash on the right side of he's head right behind he's ear, blood was coming out at an alarming rate. I tried to get him to lay on he's back so he stop sucking in his own blood but he is a big kid and I didn't want the blood to come out faster. The only thing I remember from scouts is to keep him calm so I talked to him till my parents came back with Sam. At this point there are two things I regret, being an eagle scout I should have known to 1. Call 911 since I was first one able to; and 2. I should have somehow tried to slow the bleeding. I know that it is not a big deal since the medics got there so fast but I'm ashamed of not thinking to control the bleeding. When my parents got there I kind of backed up to let them in. My mother told me to get her shoes so I ran home and got them and came right back. Very few minutes later the medics came and took over. After this I just stood around being helpless. Hunter now looked responsive and pretty bloody up. He was trying to sit up and it took around 4 people to keep him down. They took him to the hospital in Mesquite and my parents went home to change and leave to the hospital. Sam and I stayed behind to fill out police reports. When we got done with them about 30 minutes later we went to the hospital to join my family. After this it was all about waiting game…
I don't know much of the conditions of Hunter, but the timeline we are looking at is that he will be in heavy sleep for around a week. Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months he will be able to come home. I was told he will have short term memory problems for about a year.
There is irony in a situation like this. I am very lonely, my family has been in Vegas since Friday, but many people have come to see me, and frankly I’m sick of it. I am sick of people asking if I’m okay, I’m just fine. I wasn’t the one hurt. But it hurts every time someone asks me if I’m okay. I want you to know that I am grateful for you caring and it has helped me to know that but at this moment I rather talk about something else.
As of how I’ve been dealing with all this is that I have been blocking it all out. I must be doing a good job of it because sometimes I forget what even happened, I forget that the rest of my family is staying in Vegas with him and not up there for the day, I forget that Hunter was lying on the road and I was crying, watching, being totally helpless. I moved the memory of that night so deep in my head that it cuts my heart when I remember it. I’ve never cried this much in my life. When I saw him today, in his hospital bed, my bones and joints were stabbed with pain. It is like someone cutting thin slices off your bones. The pain was very clear and sharp. I wanted to leave but my muscles were weak, I had no strength. All I could do was look at him and asked why him and not me. I feel like a terrible brother for not staying in Vegas, but I’m sure he understands my choice to stay away from him right now. I don’t want the memory of him in the hospital bed. He was a very active and happy young man and that is the memory I will keep of him till he is better.
I want everyone to know that I am grateful for everything. People have brought me dinner, bishop has given me a ride to see Hunter, and Caleb and Sam have been keeping great company. Thanks to my other friends and family for checking up on me. Thanks for all the prayers and fasting for Hunter
Hunter, I, and some of our friends were at the Whipple chapel playing some basketball Thursday night. We were done around 4:30 and we were hanging out by the cars just goofing around, one by one we started to leave. Hunter, Sam, and I were the last to leave. I got into the passenger seat and Sam in the drivers, Hunter was already sitting on the trunk of Sam's car when we got in. Sam waited a minute for Hunter to get off and get inside the car, seeing that he was staying there we knew that he wanted to ride there to our house. I almost opened my door to tell him to get in but I didn't since I didn't want to fight with him and it was just down the street to our house. Sam’s backed out of the parking spot and moved forward. I watch him as he bounced on the car over the speed bumps. I also watch him as we turned left on to the small road that links the church parking lot, 1st North and 2nd North together. After that point I looked down at my cell phone at a text message. We took a right turn onto my home street (2nd North). We got as far as 20 feet from the turn when I felt Hunter moved off the car. Sam kept moving for another 20 feet till he slammed on his brakes. I looked at Sam as he jumped out the door and ran towards Hunter; I climbed out of the car to see Hunter on the road lying on his side facing away from us. Sam ran up to Hunter and yelled "He's Bleeding". I was still confused at what was going on as I watched Sam running to my house to get my parents. I ran to Hunter and asked if he was OK, he was unresponsive. He was breathing pretty hard so I knew he was still alive. I saw that he had a gash on the right side of he's head right behind he's ear, blood was coming out at an alarming rate. I tried to get him to lay on he's back so he stop sucking in his own blood but he is a big kid and I didn't want the blood to come out faster. The only thing I remember from scouts is to keep him calm so I talked to him till my parents came back with Sam. At this point there are two things I regret, being an eagle scout I should have known to 1. Call 911 since I was first one able to; and 2. I should have somehow tried to slow the bleeding. I know that it is not a big deal since the medics got there so fast but I'm ashamed of not thinking to control the bleeding. When my parents got there I kind of backed up to let them in. My mother told me to get her shoes so I ran home and got them and came right back. Very few minutes later the medics came and took over. After this I just stood around being helpless. Hunter now looked responsive and pretty bloody up. He was trying to sit up and it took around 4 people to keep him down. They took him to the hospital in Mesquite and my parents went home to change and leave to the hospital. Sam and I stayed behind to fill out police reports. When we got done with them about 30 minutes later we went to the hospital to join my family. After this it was all about waiting game…
I don't know much of the conditions of Hunter, but the timeline we are looking at is that he will be in heavy sleep for around a week. Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months he will be able to come home. I was told he will have short term memory problems for about a year.
There is irony in a situation like this. I am very lonely, my family has been in Vegas since Friday, but many people have come to see me, and frankly I’m sick of it. I am sick of people asking if I’m okay, I’m just fine. I wasn’t the one hurt. But it hurts every time someone asks me if I’m okay. I want you to know that I am grateful for you caring and it has helped me to know that but at this moment I rather talk about something else.
As of how I’ve been dealing with all this is that I have been blocking it all out. I must be doing a good job of it because sometimes I forget what even happened, I forget that the rest of my family is staying in Vegas with him and not up there for the day, I forget that Hunter was lying on the road and I was crying, watching, being totally helpless. I moved the memory of that night so deep in my head that it cuts my heart when I remember it. I’ve never cried this much in my life. When I saw him today, in his hospital bed, my bones and joints were stabbed with pain. It is like someone cutting thin slices off your bones. The pain was very clear and sharp. I wanted to leave but my muscles were weak, I had no strength. All I could do was look at him and asked why him and not me. I feel like a terrible brother for not staying in Vegas, but I’m sure he understands my choice to stay away from him right now. I don’t want the memory of him in the hospital bed. He was a very active and happy young man and that is the memory I will keep of him till he is better.
I want everyone to know that I am grateful for everything. People have brought me dinner, bishop has given me a ride to see Hunter, and Caleb and Sam have been keeping great company. Thanks to my other friends and family for checking up on me. Thanks for all the prayers and fasting for Hunter
FAST FOR HUNTER
Fast for Hunter is tomorrow. If you know anyone that would like to join in on the fast please forward the information.
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