May 20, 2011

Scott woke in the morning and again was feeling pretty well. The physicians came in the morning and told Scott what the outcome of the surgery had been. I think he took the news well. Many of Scott's children and his wife have since told me that they think Scott somehow knew, that this might happen. Unlike the rest of us who were completely shocked, Scott easily accepted this news. He was the rock when the rest of us wanted to crumble. Small things have happened months prior to this, that seemed like nothing, now look like small hints and acceptance that only Scott knew.

For instance a few months ago, Scott and Mick were at a wrestling meet. One of the wrestlers from the opposing team was wresting with only one leg. Scott made it a point to show his small son this wrestler. He talked to Mick about all the things this young man could and was still doing, never commenting on the things he couldn't do or how difficult it must be for him. This young man was wrestling-doing something he loved with only one leg. Scott said to Mick "See, if that ever happens to me, I will still be able to do the things, I want to do."

Nephi 3:7 And it came to pass that I Nephi (Scott :)), said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

Later Friday morning, when Janiece came into the room Scott said:

"Did you know they cut of my leg?"
Janiece: "Yes, I know"
Scott: "Them damn bastards!" With a smile and a small laugh.

Scott took the news better than any of us could have hoped for.

The morning was spent between small bouts of being awake but mostly lots of sleeping. He was able to drink some water, apple juice, sprite, and have some jello. He had an unquenchable thirst. Something that continues to give him (and us!) a lot of wanting and grief.

I have to document this, so please don't take offense. Scott had a male nurse, that first post surgical day. He was wearing baby pastel pink scrub pants, a navy blue shirt, and obvious blue boxers underneath. When Scott saw his nurse in his pink pants he immediately took note. For the rest of the day, the nurse was occasionally referred to as "pink pants." This nurse has been excellent with Scott and they have a relationship. This same nurse was Scott's nurse today (Saturday) and again wore his famous pink pants....I think he liked the attention and Scott was sure to give some.

Friday morning, Scott's nurse "B" from the day before came to see him. She was Scott's nurse Thursday morning. Her shift ended before he went to surgery. She was not his nurse on Friday but had heard the outcome of his surgery in group report. She came with tear filled eyes to see Scott and express her sorrow that things had turned out this way. We are so grateful for the wonderful care and loving concern Scott has received.

Later Friday afternoon, Scott had some lab work done. The results showed that his sodium was low. Because of this, he could no longer have anything to drink. This was pure torture for him and very hard for all of us to not grant his wish. All he wanted was a small drink of water, but it could not be given.

The visiting room overflowed with those who love and care for Scott. The ICU has a very strict visiting policy. Only two people are allowed in at a time and sometimes no one is allowed in at all. A handful of people went to see him and to the heartache of all of us, it became Scott's mission to try to persuade them to give him a drink.

Melissa has long been Scott's "water girl". A little over a year ago, Melissa was laid off from ATK. It seemed, at the time, horrible. Melissa being off work has been one of the greatest blessings for our family. I could go on and on how much she has helped me, but most importantly she has been there for Scott. She has taken him to numerous doctor appointments, driven him around when he couldn't, and always carried an extra bottle of water for him.

As each of us entered his room, he told us all, to go find Melissa-she has water. As I was naming off the people who had come to visit him that night, I told him that Bishop Nicholas and Lori had been there. Scott immediately said "Go tell Melissa, to give the Bishop a bottle of water, before he comes in here." When Melissa saw him he looked at her pockets, bulging with tissue and said "What do you have in there? Some water for me?"

A simple request, easy to fulfill, but not allowed. Absolutely heartbreaking for us to deny him this. How awful to want so badly for water?

The lab work also indicated that Scott would need another blood transfusion and platlet infusion. I don't know how many exactly, but from what I have seen Scott has had 6-7 units of blood and at least 6 more infusions of either platelets and/or plasma. We will be eternally grateful to the strangers who have donated blood and our family is committed to returning the favor by donating blood.

That night Scott, Janiece, Shaunie, Shelby, and Shaylie gathered around Scott's bed. Scott wanted to say a prayer with his family before he went to sleep. The first thing he told them was "take off my hat" Janiece offered a prayer of healing for Scott.

Scott was schedule for his second surgery at 8:00 am Saturday.

Today was our Mom's 60th Birthday.