e enjte, 30 gusht 2007

Thursday, August 30, 2007

We have come to the hospital again for speech therapy with Paul. It is a little weird coming back, almost like coming home (home away from home). Jill is doing quite well. Things at home get a little overwhwelming at times, but she is dealing with it better each day. She struggles with memory and scheduling still. She continues to tell me she is tired of being "baby sat". Eventually, the time will come when she will be able to be totally independent...It isn't here yet, but hopefully soonish.

e premte, 24 gusht 2007

Friday, August 24, 2007

Wow! I can't believe the past week and 1/2 are gone. I have totally intended on updating the blog a couple of times each week, but time is just rushing by! Jill is doing better each day. She gets a little frustrated with memory and with having someone there 24/7, but it is necessary right now. We are so appreciative of friends, family and ward members for all that is being done for Jill and our family.

We went to the orthopedic (Dr. Wallentine) and he was amazed at Jill's mobility and progress with her shoulder and arm. He was expecting much less than Jill had. He was very optimistic with both her pain and movement. The scapula is healing nicely and he attributes most of the pain in her arm to inflammation. Shortly after the cortizone shot, Jill had more mobility and less pain.

It is so great to have her home and have all of the kids together. We are looking forward to continued progress and the future as Jill becomes more and more the Jill we know. It will be a long road, but one we are willing to travel.

e enjte, 16 gusht 2007

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Jill is doing so great at home! She is more herself each day. She is sick of the "piles" that have been created and we had to take care of the majority of them yesterday. I have had to come back to work the past two days and Jill's parents have come over to be with her and the kids. They have been great through the entire process!

Jill's family gave her a welcome home gift yesterday. Her brother Scott had the idea of giving her something to help her exercise and do therapy immediately, so they chipped in and gave her an exercise bike. It was so thoughtful and kind! Jill used it within 30 minutes of set up.

She still gets quite tired very quickly, and I guess that will be the case for a while. She has her first outpatient therapy back at the hospital today. She will go to Speech there and have OT come to the house. She would normally have PT also, but because of the lack of insurance for outpatient services, we will address Physical Therapy at home.

e mërkurë, 15 gusht 2007

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Jill came home yesterday. We left the hospital around 12:45 and came home to a large group of friends, neighbors, ward members and family. In all, there were around 50 people. It was incredible, once again, to feel and see the love and support of so many. I know that was a fraction of everyone who has offered prayers, fasts, etc. in Jill's (our) behalf.

It was a little emotional to leave the hospital. There are so many loving, caring nurses, PCTs, and doctors. We have appreciated the quality of care Jill received while she was there. I hope to match it, at least to some degree, here at home. I just hope Jill will not try and do too much too soon here at home. That might be the biggest struggle; making Jill rest and not get too busy with the many things that have been neglected while she was in the hospital.

I cannot express adequately enough our gratitude for family, friends, and even many we don't know (yet), who have offered prayers, fasts, etc. for Jill and her recovery. The miracles we have witnessed will never be forgotten. They began immediately following the accident and are now continuing at home as Jill continues to recover. It is wonderful to be all together again as a family.

e hënë, 13 gusht 2007

Monday, August 13, 2007

Jill had a great visit home this weekend. We were able to leave a little early on Saturday, around 11:00. We went straight home and the first thing Jill wanted to do was take a nap. The kids weren't there yet, but before long, Jill's parents brought them home. Jill was most excited to see them. It was nice to be at home together as a family again. Jill's mom and dad fixed dinner for us and spent the afternoon/evening with us. We played games together and went for a walk when the temperature went down.

Sunday we went to church together. It was a little bit of a fight with Oliver, but that is a normal occurance. It was nice to see so many people we know and that have offered so much support. Again, after church, Jill wanted to rest. I can't imagine what she is going through physically, mentally, emotionally. We let her sleep for a couple of hours and then enjoyed dinner.

Overall, the visit home was great. I think it was a little overwhelming for Jill. Mothers do so much in the home and she sees what needs to be done, but can't do it all. She wants to, but there are limitations. The kids and I will have to step in and make up for it. She will be back, but it is going to take time.

e enjte, 9 gusht 2007

Thursday, August 9, 2007

What a turn of events! Today, EvelynI met Jill and her Occupational Therapist at the University Mall. She went on an outing to see how she could handle that situation. We went shopping for some school clothes for Evy. Jill was herself in that she found some great deals at the Children's Place. We looked in a few other shops and then had lunch together in the food court.

After the outing, Jill came back and continued her therapies. Yesterday, she had another MRI on her shoulder. They are concerned about possible damage to the rotator cuff. sure enough, there is a tear in it. I haven't had a chance to talk to Dr. Hilmo about it yet, he is a little elusive sometimes.

On the brighter side, we did find out two bits of good news. First, Jill will be able to spend Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening with us at home. She will have a night pass and be back to the hospital Sunday around 8 pm. She (as well as we) is really excited to be home with the family. It will be the first time in over 1.5 months that we will all be together in our home.

Second, they have moved her discharge date up. She will be released from the hospital next Tuesday and be home with us for good. I guess some of it depends on what happens this weekend. I can't believe the past several weeks. It all seems like it has both passed so quickly and so slowly all at the same time. Jill has done so well. She has worked so hard and been so blessed from above. I look forward to the continued progress she will have over the next weeks, months and years.

Again (I hope I am not overdoing it), thank you for all of the prayers, fasts, thoughts, offers of help and love, etc. We could not have come as far as we have without all of you and your prayers. If I may petition, please keep them coming. It is still a long road ahead, and Jill (and the family) will need them for some time to come.

e mërkurë, 8 gusht 2007

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Yesterday was outstanding. We found out Monday morning that Jill would be given a pass to go to lunch with her mom and sisters. Jill was so excited to be able to do that. They went to Olive Garden and had a nice hour and 1/2 lunch together. She had to be back to afternoon therapies but then she and I left again at about 3:30. We went to our house and let her soak it in for as long as she wanted. We were there about an hour and 1/2. We saw Phoebe and the Skaggs (neighbor friends) while we were there. It was great. After, we drove to Springville to see the other kids and Jill's family. We sat in the shade in the backyard and ate some watermelon and watched the kids play as we talked. It was a nice visit. After that, we went to dinner. It was an incredible day. In some ways, I think Jill is ready to come home. In others, I think she still needs the therapy sessions they offer here. Insurance is getting antsy to get her out of here. I think one more week would be ideal.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! All of your prayers, fasts, thoughts, calls, etc. have been the difference. We have seen so many miracles as Jill has progressed through this setback and I know that they are attributed to the faith and prayers of friends, family, and many others we don't even know. We truly have been blessed by our Father in Heaven and carried through much of this on the back of our Savior. Our children have been watched over so very well. Both by friends and family and by angels from above. For me, there is no doubting that! Please continue the prayers.

e hënë, 6 gusht 2007

Monday, August 6, 2007

Jill has put together several really good days. She has scored in the 70s & 80s on the GOAT test (memory). Thursday was 81, Friday 84, Saturday 84, and today 88! This means that they will allow her to go on more day passes. Tomorrow, she is going with her mom and sisters to lunch. Hopefully, they will allow her to come and spend a day or night at home soon. She is really excited to go tomorrow. She still has to be to all of her therapy sessions during the morning and afternoon, but between and after she will be able to leave to see how she will function in the crazy public.

Diane (sister) and Jill have just finished their first painting together. It has turned out really nice. I think it will go to auction on E-bay toward the end of the week. Just kidding. It really did turn out nice.

e diel, 5 gusht 2007

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Jill and I went to church this morning. We didn't have the kids and Jill's parents went to their own ward. We got to together and enjoy testimony meeting. We saw Oliver this morning with Scott and Kirsten. He is so fun. Jill misses the kids all day long and can't wait to be home with them. We are so blessed to have family members willing and able to help us with the kids.

Yesterday, Jill and I went out to lunch together again. They wanted us to go to the same restaurant and see if it could be even better than last week. It was nice. Melisa came just as we were getting on the elevator and they allowed her to come with us. Jill seemed to enjoy being with us and being out of the hospital for a minute.

She gets really tired during the day. They want us to keep her awake until at least 8:30, preferably until 9. Sometimes that is a real struggle. Jill is pretty much sleeping through the night too. They have cut her medications again. I hope they are completely done before Jill comes home.

We are now talking about arrangements for school when Jill comes home. Thank you to each for the offers to help. I'm sure we will ask for help the closer that time comes, and we appreciate all of the wonderful family,friends, neighbors and ward members we have. You all have made this much easier to bear. Thank you!

e enjte, 2 gusht 2007

August 2 (cont.)

Dinner went really well. As we began cooking, we realized the chicken was gone. I drove back to the store, and sure enough, there it was. We had left it at the register. No problem. They gave me some new packs and back to the hospital I went.

Jill wasn't sure of the shake-n-bake chicken, but we tried it anyway. Mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, bread, apple juice and brownies with ice cream for dessert. It turned out great. Jill's parents, Diane her sister, and our children all came for dinner. It was really nice. We cleaned it all up and the kids are off back to Springville. Jill is really tired, but she has to stay awake until 9 pm.

OK, I feel really silly about this. Kevin came to see us today and had us sign for the account he opened at Washington Mutual. He said that all anyone needs to do at any Washington Mutual is that they want to donate to the Jill Brimhall account. Thank you for that blessing too!