Looking back on the last year, although it was THE hardest year of our lives, we can't help but also think of it as the year that we've had the most blessings in our lives. All the many things we learned, the people that we have grown closer to, our marriage being strengthened more than we ever thought possible, the miracles we saw in our lives, and most importantly- our testimonies and faith in our Savior and the atonement being grown 10 fold. Although this trial was not desired or loved, and we would not want to go through it again- we still feel grateful for it. Grateful that it wasn't worse, grateful that Jed is still here, grateful for all the amazing support from family and friends that have meant more to us than anyone will ever know, and more than anything grateful to become closer to the Man acquanted with grief. We feel humbled that we have been able to be in His loving arms as He has carried us through this adversity. We know we couldn't have done it without Him. And we wouldn't have been able to better understand the atonement and what he's gone through for us if this hadn't of happened.
Although we have come so far, we still have a long ways to go, and there are times when it seems like we can't get completely through this. I can't believe it's only been 4 months this Thursday that Jed had surgery- it seems like that was years ago! Jed is walking just fine, but when it comes to jumping, skipping, or anything that requires the legs to go anywhere but forward- those muscles are still extremely weak. His arm is also moving, but can only go one direction. The shoulder muscle that is used to rotate the arm, like throwing, swimming, cheering, driving, etc is still not working either. His fingers are moving but very slow and he's going to have to work hard for a long time to get that dexterity back. He's kind of hit a plateau and it's starting to really get discouraging for him. We started P90X this week because Jed is hoping it will speed up his recovery but it has been really difficult for him to do a lot of the things. I'm sure there are so many things that are so hard for him right now that he doesn't even tell me because he never complains. But I can see when the frustration and emotional pain is almost more than he can bare and I can't describe how hard it is to watch this happen to someone you love so much and feel so helpless. I admire him so much and am so proud of him. We also have an appt this month to get an MRI to see if the tumor is still gone and I'm really nervous. So if you don't mind keeping Jed in your prayers to continue to heal and be made whole we would appreciate it so much, and know that they are being answered. Jed is living proof.
As we thought about last year, we also have to say that the highlight was Jed starting his dream career with the Bureau. We feel so blessed and truly feel that the timing was divine. We know the Lord's hand was in that and it has helped us remember to always trust in Him and know that we are on the path that he wants for us at this time. I have never been more impressed and really, I'm without words to descibe the kind of people that Jed works with. We love them and will always be grateful for the amazing support that they have shown to us.
We have really high hopes for this year and are excited have a fresh start again. Some of our goals are to get Jed back to driving and work full time, paintballing, and eventually a complete recovery by the end of the year. He also has a goal to run the St. George marathon. So I guess I'll be coming out of retirement from marathons just for this year! Some of my goals are to do more service, be more organized and on time, find my brain that I lost last year, for us to get out of debt and have all the medical bills paid for, and to find something I'm good at and enjoy and pursue it. Ammon's goals are to be potty-trained, to retire the binky, and to stay out of the dog food. I also hope that we all can have a goal to love more, be more kind towards others, and never take a day for granted. We now have a better understanding of how precious life is.
Thanks again for all your prayers and support, we just can't tell you how much it means to us. We know that 2010 wasn't a hard year for just us, and have seen many people go through some unbelievable trials, including close friends and loved ones. You are in our prayers. We hope that this year will bring you so much peace, joy, happiness, love, healing, and health.
-Missy and Jed
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Is it almost Christmas already??
So last time we posted it was the week of Thanksgiving and here we are in the week of Christmas already! Where does the time go? Well lots of good things since our last post. Jed's therapy has been going really well. He still goes twice a week for 3 hours each. He's improving in every category. I would say he's home now mentally :) Its so good to have my sweetheart back and his self- Still gets mad at bad drivers and red lights, still is so kind, and best of all is still so silly and fun to be around. But I'd say he's even a better person now then he was before. I am one blessed wife.
So the really great news is Jed started his first day back yesterday! They still continue to amaze us with their kindness and understanding. I dropped him off and he worked for 4 hours and said he felt great. He was in training still at the Bureau when he had his surgery so he might have to re learn some of the things he was still just learning. He is going to work Mon, Wed, and Friday for 4 hours and therapy on Tues and Thursday. He's also going to be able to take public transportion like before so I don't have to go all the way down town twice a day :) But they are hoping to get his driving back next month so we're excited about that! His therapy is going really well. He is working on his ankle muscles right now and doing the grape vine and jumping. For his hand he is working on dexterity. He can move his fingers, just really slow. His rear deltoyd is still really weak and he is working on that as well and his hamstrings. The therapists tell him that he is improved everytime they see him. What a miracle that is to us!
We have so much to be grateful this holiday season and feel so blessed. We have had so much fun going to the Christmas parties and holiday performances. We loved the Forgotten Carols, as usual. We also recognize those who are going through difficult times and are going through their own trials and pray for them especially during this Christmas season. This Christmas will definately have more meaning to us as we focus more on the birth of the Savior and his life, and what He has done for us. I love my little family so much and couldn't ask for more than to just have them with me. May you all have a very Merry Christmas!
-Missy
So the really great news is Jed started his first day back yesterday! They still continue to amaze us with their kindness and understanding. I dropped him off and he worked for 4 hours and said he felt great. He was in training still at the Bureau when he had his surgery so he might have to re learn some of the things he was still just learning. He is going to work Mon, Wed, and Friday for 4 hours and therapy on Tues and Thursday. He's also going to be able to take public transportion like before so I don't have to go all the way down town twice a day :) But they are hoping to get his driving back next month so we're excited about that! His therapy is going really well. He is working on his ankle muscles right now and doing the grape vine and jumping. For his hand he is working on dexterity. He can move his fingers, just really slow. His rear deltoyd is still really weak and he is working on that as well and his hamstrings. The therapists tell him that he is improved everytime they see him. What a miracle that is to us!
We have so much to be grateful this holiday season and feel so blessed. We have had so much fun going to the Christmas parties and holiday performances. We loved the Forgotten Carols, as usual. We also recognize those who are going through difficult times and are going through their own trials and pray for them especially during this Christmas season. This Christmas will definately have more meaning to us as we focus more on the birth of the Savior and his life, and what He has done for us. I love my little family so much and couldn't ask for more than to just have them with me. May you all have a very Merry Christmas!
-Missy
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A Thankful Thanksgiving
Its been a little while since we've written but nothing too new in our lives the past week or so. Jed was discharged from home care therapy two weeks ago and will start outpatient rehab at Health South next Tuesday. We wish he could've started sooner without having such a big break, but Jed has made the most of it and goes to the gym everyday and does his own workouts. Good thing he's so self-motivated! He's still seeing a little progress with his arm all the time, but still has a ways to go. As far as mentally goes- he's pretty close. We live in Sandy and I think he's in Draper :) ha ha.
This Thanksgiving is definitely going to be the most different one we've ever had. When you see how precious your family is and all the blessings you have by learning the hard way, you become truly grateful for even the little things. Every thing, every day, every breathe is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Jed and I are forever changed and will never forget what the Lord has done for us, especially during this time. We have seen so many miracles, tender mercies, and blessings that we know are from Him and are not a coincidence. We have seen His hands in all things and can't even describe the love we have felt. Our Savior lives. He is aware of all of our pains and sorrows and will never, never leave you. If someone would've told me my husband was going to have a brain tumor and have to have surgery, I would have told you that there's no way I could survive that. But that's not putting the Savior in the picture, that you can't really know, until you're going through it. He can ease your pain, and make your burden light. Sometimes I still can't believe that this has all really happened because of the peace we have felt, not to say it hasn't been the hardest thing we have ever been through. We are grateful to our Heavenly Father for giving us this opportunity to grow closer to Him and for being changed for good. I know that our trials are not over, we still have our road to recovery ahead of us but we know that we can get through it because of our Redeemer, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who bled from every pore and suffered so much that He, even God, trembled because of pain so that He could know what we are going through and be there for us, carry us, if needs be through our pains and afflictions.
I'm sorry this post is so long, but we also are so thankful for family and friends. We cannot express how sincerely touched we are from all the prayers that have been petitioned in our behalf and they truly are being answered- we feel them. Thank you for the words of encouragement, comfort, and kindness. We feel forever indebted to all those that have shown so much support to us during this time. We read every message and every card and will never forget those that have extended their love to us. We are also so grateful to Jed's amazing coworkers at the Bureau. They have been so supportive. Jed has been given enough PTO to get through his recovery and we can't believe how blessed we are. We will pay it forward one day when we are able to we promise!
And last but not least, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the person(s), who remain anonymous that donated the significant amount of money to us. It will help us out so much and be able to cover Jed's rehab bills that we weren't planning on before the surgery. I hope you are reading this and know that you are a true example of charity. I wish I could let you know how much it means to us, not just the amount, but the amazing kindness that was shown. "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." I know you will be so blessed. We love you and pray for you.
God bless you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving, we have so much to be grateful for!
-Missy
This Thanksgiving is definitely going to be the most different one we've ever had. When you see how precious your family is and all the blessings you have by learning the hard way, you become truly grateful for even the little things. Every thing, every day, every breathe is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Jed and I are forever changed and will never forget what the Lord has done for us, especially during this time. We have seen so many miracles, tender mercies, and blessings that we know are from Him and are not a coincidence. We have seen His hands in all things and can't even describe the love we have felt. Our Savior lives. He is aware of all of our pains and sorrows and will never, never leave you. If someone would've told me my husband was going to have a brain tumor and have to have surgery, I would have told you that there's no way I could survive that. But that's not putting the Savior in the picture, that you can't really know, until you're going through it. He can ease your pain, and make your burden light. Sometimes I still can't believe that this has all really happened because of the peace we have felt, not to say it hasn't been the hardest thing we have ever been through. We are grateful to our Heavenly Father for giving us this opportunity to grow closer to Him and for being changed for good. I know that our trials are not over, we still have our road to recovery ahead of us but we know that we can get through it because of our Redeemer, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who bled from every pore and suffered so much that He, even God, trembled because of pain so that He could know what we are going through and be there for us, carry us, if needs be through our pains and afflictions.
I'm sorry this post is so long, but we also are so thankful for family and friends. We cannot express how sincerely touched we are from all the prayers that have been petitioned in our behalf and they truly are being answered- we feel them. Thank you for the words of encouragement, comfort, and kindness. We feel forever indebted to all those that have shown so much support to us during this time. We read every message and every card and will never forget those that have extended their love to us. We are also so grateful to Jed's amazing coworkers at the Bureau. They have been so supportive. Jed has been given enough PTO to get through his recovery and we can't believe how blessed we are. We will pay it forward one day when we are able to we promise!
And last but not least, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the person(s), who remain anonymous that donated the significant amount of money to us. It will help us out so much and be able to cover Jed's rehab bills that we weren't planning on before the surgery. I hope you are reading this and know that you are a true example of charity. I wish I could let you know how much it means to us, not just the amount, but the amazing kindness that was shown. "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." I know you will be so blessed. We love you and pray for you.
God bless you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving, we have so much to be grateful for!
-Missy
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Grade 2 Tumor
Gleoma, Astrocytoma Grade 2 Tumor-
So we had an appt with the neuro-oncologist last week and talked about the type of tumor Jed has with the Dr.. He was really nice and very personable which we appreciated so much. He told Jed that the type of tumor Jed has is the most common type of tumor. The surgeon got the whole tumor out, however; because it was a grade 2 there are still invisible tiny cells that are still there. When they grow back then they will probably be cancerous and Jed will have to do radiation and/or chemotherapy. The dr said he could do radiation right now to kill the cells if he wanted to but that it would have permament side effects on his brain such as memory loss. He told Jed if it was his son he wouldn't do it. We really appreciated his advice and decided that we're just going to watch it, and if it comes back we'll catch it before it gets too big and get treatment. Jed will have MRI's 4 times a year, 3 times a year, 2 times a year, then just once a year for the rest of his life. He told us that the tumor will come back, its just the WHEN that's the question. That was really hard for us to hear. But he told us there are always miracles in medicine. Which is exactly what we're hoping for. So right now we're just going to pray for a miracle, watch it, and seek natural alternatives to prevent this tumor from coming back. (If anyone knows anyone or information about that we're open to anything.) So that's kind of the scoop- amazingly, Jed and I both walked out feeling so much peace. We still have faith that we are in the Lord's hands and that with Him, anything is possible. We will need all the prayers we can get on this trial that we will be facing for the rest of our lives, but we hope to find the continued assurance that we need to not let this ruin our lives. Who knows- maybe it won't come back till 20 years and by then they'll just have advanced so far with this type of thing in medicine. We are going to stay hopefull and cling to the Lord. Thank you all so much for all your prayers, they really are answered.
God Bless You,
Missy and Jed
So we had an appt with the neuro-oncologist last week and talked about the type of tumor Jed has with the Dr.. He was really nice and very personable which we appreciated so much. He told Jed that the type of tumor Jed has is the most common type of tumor. The surgeon got the whole tumor out, however; because it was a grade 2 there are still invisible tiny cells that are still there. When they grow back then they will probably be cancerous and Jed will have to do radiation and/or chemotherapy. The dr said he could do radiation right now to kill the cells if he wanted to but that it would have permament side effects on his brain such as memory loss. He told Jed if it was his son he wouldn't do it. We really appreciated his advice and decided that we're just going to watch it, and if it comes back we'll catch it before it gets too big and get treatment. Jed will have MRI's 4 times a year, 3 times a year, 2 times a year, then just once a year for the rest of his life. He told us that the tumor will come back, its just the WHEN that's the question. That was really hard for us to hear. But he told us there are always miracles in medicine. Which is exactly what we're hoping for. So right now we're just going to pray for a miracle, watch it, and seek natural alternatives to prevent this tumor from coming back. (If anyone knows anyone or information about that we're open to anything.) So that's kind of the scoop- amazingly, Jed and I both walked out feeling so much peace. We still have faith that we are in the Lord's hands and that with Him, anything is possible. We will need all the prayers we can get on this trial that we will be facing for the rest of our lives, but we hope to find the continued assurance that we need to not let this ruin our lives. Who knows- maybe it won't come back till 20 years and by then they'll just have advanced so far with this type of thing in medicine. We are going to stay hopefull and cling to the Lord. Thank you all so much for all your prayers, they really are answered.
God Bless You,
Missy and Jed
Monday, November 8, 2010
right hand typing
hey folks!
its me Jed! I figure i should drop in a few lines and very few it will be, because i am using my right hand only to type. I just want to express my love to all those who have sent so much love and support. This has been very hard on me and Missy. We have felt so much comfort from our Father in Heaven and the Savior Jesus Christ. Its amazing what trials we face in this life. I never expected one like this,yet Missy and I have never felt so close to the savior.in fact, one of my good friends visited us in the hospital and called Missy later and said he hadn't stopped crying since he had left the hospital, because he could feel God's presence with us in our room. The savior was and still is with us. (Missy is going to write for me now) There would be times when I would feel so down and lonely and all I would have to do is look at the picture on my wall of the Savior holding a lamb in his arms so carefully and caring and I felt as if he was holding me. This experience has also helped me realize how much I love Missy. This has been really rough on her, and especially rough on me to see her have to see me like this. One thing I've been focusing on is something that Elder Richard G. Scott once said- that instead of asking why me? or what did I do wrong or do to deserve this? Ask- What is it that I need to learn from this? Or who's life will be touched because of this? This concept from Elder Scott has helped me immensely. I still don't know what it is that I'm supposed to learn but I have grown a deep appreciation and understanding of the atonement of Jesus Christ, that I would not have if this trial hadn't of happened to me. I've also noticed that it seems like I can see people through the Saviors eyes. And I know that God loves his children no matter what and that the Savior knows each and everyone of us. He knows exactly what our pain is, what we are thinking, and what we are going through. I don't know how exactly, but I do know He loves his children. I hope everyone knows how much their love, support and prayers have meant to me and to Missy. Missy had done an incredible job with this blog and i hope to do my part as well. I sincerely thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and concerns, and please know that God hears you, I promise.
Love, Jed
its me Jed! I figure i should drop in a few lines and very few it will be, because i am using my right hand only to type. I just want to express my love to all those who have sent so much love and support. This has been very hard on me and Missy. We have felt so much comfort from our Father in Heaven and the Savior Jesus Christ. Its amazing what trials we face in this life. I never expected one like this,yet Missy and I have never felt so close to the savior.in fact, one of my good friends visited us in the hospital and called Missy later and said he hadn't stopped crying since he had left the hospital, because he could feel God's presence with us in our room. The savior was and still is with us. (Missy is going to write for me now) There would be times when I would feel so down and lonely and all I would have to do is look at the picture on my wall of the Savior holding a lamb in his arms so carefully and caring and I felt as if he was holding me. This experience has also helped me realize how much I love Missy. This has been really rough on her, and especially rough on me to see her have to see me like this. One thing I've been focusing on is something that Elder Richard G. Scott once said- that instead of asking why me? or what did I do wrong or do to deserve this? Ask- What is it that I need to learn from this? Or who's life will be touched because of this? This concept from Elder Scott has helped me immensely. I still don't know what it is that I'm supposed to learn but I have grown a deep appreciation and understanding of the atonement of Jesus Christ, that I would not have if this trial hadn't of happened to me. I've also noticed that it seems like I can see people through the Saviors eyes. And I know that God loves his children no matter what and that the Savior knows each and everyone of us. He knows exactly what our pain is, what we are thinking, and what we are going through. I don't know how exactly, but I do know He loves his children. I hope everyone knows how much their love, support and prayers have meant to me and to Missy. Missy had done an incredible job with this blog and i hope to do my part as well. I sincerely thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and concerns, and please know that God hears you, I promise.
Love, Jed
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Home, Sweet Home...
Sorry everyone that we haven't posted for over a week. We came home last Tuesday, Oct 26th and the internet has been down at our apt and we haven't really been out much so we apologize that its been a while! Coming home was so great. We have loved it- there is just no place like home. At first we didn't know what to do because it was so weird not being at the hospital! The Relief Society has been so great and has brought us dinner every night, which really helps so much. It has been really busy for us since we've been home. Jed has been doing therapy every day with Homecare called Rehab Without Walls. They have been great- but Jed is the one who has really been amazing. He works so hard and has come so far since we've come home from the hospital. He has been able to shower, get dressed, and do pretty much everything on his own. He really isn't supposed to yet according to the doctor, but Jed won't hear it. He wants to be as independant as possible and as soon as possible. He's almost sounding normal, his voice is just a little tiny bit off still. I can't believe how far he has come. He's almost back- maybe he's in Provo now :)
The 2 biggest obtstacles for him right now is getting the left arm to move and sleeping at night. His arm is coming along but really slow. Because he can't move it, he can't get comfortable in bed. But last night we came to stay at his parents house for a couple of days while I attend some training at work and he finally slept good! This last Monday Jed made a fist in physical therapy with a little resistance! Then later that night his friends Cody and Aaron came over. Aaron brought him a protein shake and he drank it all up. Then Cody brought in his AR-15 for Jed to hold. Its amazing what a gun can do for a guy- Jed was holding it with his right hand in his lap and held up his left arm to support it! He just wanted to hold it so bad he willed it! We were so excited with the progress he made that day with his arm.
His walking is incredible- you wouldn't even know he couldn't walk a couple of weeks ago. He was so excited to go with me to take our little guy trick or treating. Jed dressed up as an injured soldier. He dressed up in an army uniform and had gauze around his head where his surgery was and had his sling on with his cane. Ammon was a little devil and was so cute. I can't figure out how to post pictures from our video camera so I will try to get everything up soon.
We still can't believe the support Jed has gotten from his work- they have been so incredible and continue to send cards, gifts, and messages. I also have been blessed to have such a supportive boss and have been able to take all this time off thanks to the help of others for filling in. We just feel so blessed.
We are so grateful for the progress Jed is making and know that it is an answer to all the prayers that are said in his behalf. We have never felt alone. Thank you all so much for the love, support, and prayers. We will continue to keep you posted!
The 2 biggest obtstacles for him right now is getting the left arm to move and sleeping at night. His arm is coming along but really slow. Because he can't move it, he can't get comfortable in bed. But last night we came to stay at his parents house for a couple of days while I attend some training at work and he finally slept good! This last Monday Jed made a fist in physical therapy with a little resistance! Then later that night his friends Cody and Aaron came over. Aaron brought him a protein shake and he drank it all up. Then Cody brought in his AR-15 for Jed to hold. Its amazing what a gun can do for a guy- Jed was holding it with his right hand in his lap and held up his left arm to support it! He just wanted to hold it so bad he willed it! We were so excited with the progress he made that day with his arm.
His walking is incredible- you wouldn't even know he couldn't walk a couple of weeks ago. He was so excited to go with me to take our little guy trick or treating. Jed dressed up as an injured soldier. He dressed up in an army uniform and had gauze around his head where his surgery was and had his sling on with his cane. Ammon was a little devil and was so cute. I can't figure out how to post pictures from our video camera so I will try to get everything up soon.
We still can't believe the support Jed has gotten from his work- they have been so incredible and continue to send cards, gifts, and messages. I also have been blessed to have such a supportive boss and have been able to take all this time off thanks to the help of others for filling in. We just feel so blessed.
We are so grateful for the progress Jed is making and know that it is an answer to all the prayers that are said in his behalf. We have never felt alone. Thank you all so much for the love, support, and prayers. We will continue to keep you posted!
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