You Never Know

You never know when your life will be turned upside down. This year mine was on Sunday, February 28th when my Dad was in a car accident. He was having trouble with one of his medication that maintained his hemoglobin at a healthy level for a dialysis patient. On the way home from a church meeting he passed out and hit a tree. We had no idea at the time how significant the injuries were and what the next few months would bring. He was quickly life-flighted to Dixie Regional Medical Center and was in critical condition in ICU. He had so many fractures in his ribs that I believe the last count was thirteen and a hematoma on his left lung. This caused Dad to breath improperly. His flail chest, pneumonia and other factors leaded to his intubation. His hip and pelvis were broken. Pneumonia and MRSA were the kickers at first. He kept fighting. Once he was strong enough they took him down for a tracheotomy.  We think it's probably a blessing he didn't remember much of ICU. We didn't hear Dad talk for over a month. Communication was very difficult and he became frustrated until they placed a speaking valve in when he didn't need the respirator as much.

Dad had about 50-60 lbs of fluid on him after the trach placement.

 My parents have this amazing love for each other. None like I've ever seen before. 

 Maddie and I went down for a weekend and she loved helping the Respiratory Tech.

He was flown up to Provo when his condition improved into a Long Term Acute Center. He spent 30 days there. The kids loved having him so close because we were able to visit more often and they allowed children. We were sad when we knew he would be heading home. We loved having my Mom live with us for that short time and having Dad just a short drive away.  

Dad sitting for the first time in two months. 

First time outside in two months too!

He was only home for about 36 before being life-flighted once again to St. George. He was worse than he had ever been.  He had fluid around his heart and a horrible infection in his lungs called psuedamona.  There was a time we watched Dad fading fast and we all knew his time was limited. We were asked to come and say our goodbyes to him because there was nothing more they could do. These are moments that have been far to difficult to talk about for the past few months. Only to witness miracles. Miracles are real and God is real. We are are so grateful to the many doctors and nurses who were inspired and miracle workers themselves. There were many things that happened during this time which are very personal and I choose not to share. I do know that we are all children of God and He is aware of all of our needs. My Dad has more lives than I can even begin to count. I don't know why some are given more time and others are taken away. I know HE knows, but I do not. There is something I definitely learned from all of this...life is short. So make life count and love more than you ever have before. 

Dad eating for the first time in over 3 months.

Dad has been through months of physical and occupational therapy to learn to eat, stand, and walk. He is getting stronger every single day and is truly our hero.