I can't believe the date on the last post...it couldn't have been that long ago. As always time goes by too fast.
I would be remiss, if I did not thank all of you for the support you showed to Scott and our family at the blood drive. We kept the American Red Cross busy from start to finish. There were so many walk ins and people who had signed up that we actually had to turn people away at the end. In total 84 units of blood were donated. The Red Cross organizer spoke to me personally and said that "they had never seen a blood drive like this-with so many people"
I must admit that as I was organizing the blood drive, I allowed fear to sneak in. Thoughts of "no one coming" etc, filled my mind. I don't know why I even worried, it was a huge success due to selfless people like YOU! Thank you.
Now for an update on Scott...
Over labor day weekend, Scott's amputated leg started looking red and we were all concerned infection was setting in again. Mind you, they had just stopped the "round the clock" antibiotics two weeks prior and pulled out his PICC line (long term IV). He was seen at the BRVH and IV antiobiotics were administered. A few days later Scott was seen at IMC and gratefully, they felt like everything was okay and that he just needed some oral antibiotics. This roller coaster ride is a doozy.
Most recently Scott has been back to work and I know this has really lifted his spirits. He loves to be out and about and around people. I hope I am not being too bold by sharing my gratitude to Scott's employer Greenline. They have gone above and beyond in helping Scott and his family. They have made accommodations and welcomed him back. They fill a void, that we (his family) can not. We are all so grateful.
A story:
A few weeks ago, I went to Tremonton to celebrate my Nephew's birthday. A few minutes after pulling in, Scott's girls' Shaunie and Shelby pulled in. They immediately set to work getting Scott's wheelchair out of the truck, setting it up, getting pillows etc ready for Scott to get out of the truck. I looked at those girls, my sweet nieces, whom I used to babysit, with deep admiration. They who were once so tiny are now grown and their roles a bit reversed and my heart burst with pride, and honestly some sadness.
For those of you who know Scott and his family personally, you know how wonderful his children are. They are kind, responsible, hard working, and all things good. For that, I am so proud. My sadness came because throughout all of this, I fear some things have been taken from them. Already at such a young age, they have taken on the role of caretaker.
In this "new" life, getting wheelchairs out have replaced jumping out of the car and running into the party, IV antibiotics replaced the places in the fridge, where milk used to go, having Dad help them at the fair has changed to them helping Dad get to the fair. They've gone through the emotions and thoughts of possibly losing their Dad. That changes you. It's not bad but sometimes it doesn't seem fair.
More change:
Back in 2009, before Scott was diagnosed with liver failure, before any thoughts of what the last few months would hold, before our Grandma (my Mom's mom) started showing signs of dementia and requiring around the clock care (provided by her children).
My Mom and I booked a "once in a lifetime" trip to Israel, Greece, Turkey and Egypt (unfortunately Egypt has since been removed from our tour). We leave next week. Over the months, I have had to talk my Mom, back into going more times than I can count. Now instead of worrying about what to pack, My Mom is worried about her mother, her son. Now, going to a place without cell service seems unwise. We will go and I pray that when we return all will be well.
Most Importantly:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9
