Wednesday, October 8, 2008

10-8-2008




Phew....what a week. Finally settling down for some dinner. Got the girls down. We are going to the tricities tomorrow in a rv...thanks Jay and Beth for providing that. Should be an interesting trip. Carol always took care of getting Chloe all packed for trips. Lot's of stuff to remember I never had to think about. But I think we are all set....

Carol has had another busy week of rehab, although I haven't gotten all the details. I haven't seen her since Sunday night. I have had the girls every night this week, and work has been crazy busy. Both good things, but it will be good to get the family together for a few days. They are letting Carol stay out until Sunday, which puts her a little behind, but the trip to the tricities is unfortunately a necessary one. I am counting on an emotional couple days. I hope it doesn't snow in the pass. I hate driving in the snow...another thing Carol used to take care of.

Again, thanks to all making food for us, it's unbelievable to not have to worry about that big detail.
Not sure if I mentioned it last week, but the prosthetist took cast impressions of her residual limbs (stumps) at the end of last week. The plan was to get her on her first new feet by weekend this week. This will be postponed until next week. They will be heavy and uncomfortable they are telling us. Most amputees we have talked to, say this is common, and that they will intitially be uncomfortable until her stumps really get set into their final shape. This may take up to 18 months. But in the end they should be light and feel very comfortable. Kind of reminds me making a denture.

Her right hand continues to get better, and Carol is learning to do things with it, with the help of different gripping tools. I think it will never have full function again, but I am hopeful. She actually uses her left arm more than her right for getting herself up, and stabilization. I think besides her vision her right arm is the most frustrating to her. The comment from her is "if I could only get my @#$% right hand to work". Mostly in a humerous way, but there is alot of truth to the way she says it also. She continues to have seperate hand therapy on a different floor at Harborview. Her vision remains the same, no changes. Another neuro-opthomology appointment is coming next week I think. They will continue those regularly througout her life. They/we want to make sure her actualy eyes stay in good condition. She can't really tell if she get's her eye scratched or any other trauma occurs. The thinking there is that when the technology arrives to fix her optic nerves, her eyes won't be a problem, because of some other unrelated event she doesn't even realize is or has happened.

What else has happened this week. I got her wedding ring and other rings fixed and put on a necklace. Thanks to Tom Poe for doing all that....it looks excellent. Not sure if I ever mentioned this. I thought she had been at the hospital for awhile, but after reading her chart is was on the third day at Swedish. Her body had swelled so much from fluids...to over 200 lbs, and we had finally stablized her BP sort of and temp, we finally had a moment to think of other things. We realized her rings were stuck on her fingers. The fingers were so swollen we couldn't get them off. Circulation was an obvious concern. They had to be cut off. I think this is why she lost her right ring finger. Sort of neglectful on the hospital maybe, but being there the whole time......that was the last thing anyone was thinking of those first couple days. Anyway they look great...Carol will be excited to have them back.

Chloe and Carol's relationship is seeming to really be getting back on track. Those first couple weeks having Carol home, I think Chloe was a little confused and upset. She is right back to wanting to be with mom all the time. She even talked to her on the phone for awhile before putting her to bed tonight. I really have it pretty easy at home with the two of them. Chloe has slept from 8-8 since she was 3 months old. Safiya sleeps from 8:30 to 4 or 5am usually...and has for quite some time.

Over the last couple weeks, we have had several offers from different companies and people to pay/provide for Carol's prosthetics. Thank so much. I have just started getting back to some of you, and will get back to the rest of you by the end of the week. It has been really busy during the day at work, and hard for me to make the calls then. Words can't describe the gratitude. I have no idea how I am ever going to repay all this good karma people have been sending us. People continue to donate money, food, time, and prayers and thoughts.....Carol really wanted me to make sure and thank all of you.

night
scott

26 comments:

Ali said...

Thanks for that post. I was praying for you guys last night, so it was good to see that beautiful photo. I am just another stranger that reads your blog. Don't worry about repaying people for their kindness, etc. People get their joy out of helping or praying or whatever they can do. I'm glad to hear that things are getting better, and I will continue to pray for you guys.
-Ali
http://dealsandbargains.blogspot.com

Erica said...

Thank you for the update, Scott! I know how trying this past week has been. Words can not express my sadness in it all.

It brought a smile to my face to read your comment re: 'carol taking care of the driving in the snow' I'll take a good deal of credit for that skill. You'll have to ask her about all of her "snow driving" in my car around the church parking lot. Yes, she was skilled :)
We will see you tomorrow. Have a safe trip and please pass on my love!

Gigi said...

I'm just a stranger who came across your blog after reading about Nie. Just want to let you know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers every day. Just wish I lived closer so I could help you out in some way.

Stephanie said...

Thanks for the post. I was thinking of Carol's wedding ring a lot. I know how much she LOVES that ring and it will mean so much to her to wear it again!!! We'll be thinking of you and sending prayers for you all over the next few days. Good luck driving...I think it is safe to say this will be your first time driving a RV. Good luck!!

Stephanie and family

Unknown said...

Even as just a 'blog follower', Carol's story of courage and triumph is always on my mind. I thank you for the detailed blog post and the wonderful picture of all your girls :>) I am hopeing that there is a way I can help you. I am a (addicted) scrapbooker. You can see my gallery here--->http://www.scrapbook.com/galleries/80158/view/1676041/-1/0/1.html. I am happy to scrap your family photos of the pix you take after Carol's vision left her. That way, your memories will be preserved for the girls (and you). Please feel free to shoot me an email at LauraSolomon817@gmail.com and I will print the photos, make the pages and mail them to you as a gift. It would be my pleasure.
Laura

Just me! said...

She looks great!!! What an amazing sacrifice she made to bring another spirit to your home. You are amazing Carol!

Cordie said...

I often look at your blog but I don't think I have ever left a comment. I just think your little family is amazing! You have all handled this trial in such a good light. I admire your family and hope and pray for the best for your beautiful family.

Candie said...

What wonderful picture of Carol and her beautiful girls!!! :-)

I am so thrilled that Carol gets to take a road trip.
I too will be attending the funeral and can't wait to see Carol, however, I do wish it was under better circumstances.

Love and Prayers,
Candie

Jaina said...

This post is very heartening. Thank you so much for taking the time to keep us informed. I hope Carol continues on the road to recovery. And I hope and pray she regains the use of her right hand and of her vision.

Anonymous said...

Hi Scott and the girls...

You NEVER CAN pay it back!!! But, you WILL be able to pay it forward someday!!! So worry not, accept with grace and just BE.....

The Decker Family IS the "Pay it Forward" for so many others.... Make some popcorrn, gather your girls and watch THE LION KING....... Ahhh....The Circle of Life...it has lots of little circles within it...

Tracy
I'm sending lots of positive thoughts and vibes of strength to all those touched by Carol's Brother in his life.

KariAnne and Benny said...

I LOVE that picture. Such a great thing to see that smile on Carol's face and for her to be with those beautiful girls of yours.

So great to be able to read a more lighthearted post.

And believe that you deserve all of that good Karma. What you give away always comes back ten fold. That's the bonus for being amazing people from the beginning.

I wish you the safest of travels coming on over here to the good ol' TC.

Luvs, Kari :)

Ale, Chuck, Sebastian & Helena said...

We should thank you Scott. What a beautiful post, full of positive words. Our prayers to Carol, her good spirits will take her a long way. Thank you for showing us your courage and your strength Carol. Our best to your beautiful family

Kristin said...

What a beautiful picture. May God bless all of you and keep watch over Carol during her recovery. You and your family are amazing. Many many thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Melody B. said...

I found your blog through a friend of mine and have been following your story. May I just say that you and your wife are AMAZING! I am often in tears reading about what is happening in your lives. I am astonished by both of your attitudes...always so positive! I cannot imagine the intense frustration that Carol must have while trying to accept what has happened and while trying to learn to do things over again. Even with a cuss word here or there (just a few? WOW) I am blown away by her determination and ability to accept this trial in her life. I am also so happy that she has a husband who is extrememly supportive. It sounds like you guys have a great support system, what a blessing! Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us. If you guys can face THIS...we can face our much smaller hardships...with a smile on our faces!:)

Suzy said...

Thanks for all the updates Scott! And the pictures are wonderful! Your family is such an inspiration to so many people.

About re-paying the kindnesses shown...I remember when I once felt so overwhelmed with kindnesses shown to me that I didn't know what to do. I prayed and asked Heavenly Father how I could make it up to these people...and the answer I received ever so clearly was... Be kind, and do the same for others - pass it on so to speak. And ever since then, that is what I have tried to do. It is so amazing and humbling to hear about all the wonderful people there are in this world who have helped your family.

May you feel the love and peace that only the Savior has to offer this coming weekend. Your family is continually in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Suzy (Davis) Taylor and family

Robin Dini Photography said...

Your story is so inspiring. I just stumbled acrossed it from another blog and I can't imagine having to go through what you've been through with such grace. Carol is an amazing warrior of perserverance and has completely inspired me. best wishes to you all.

Kat said...

Scott and Carol... I am one of many who stumbled upon your blog, and story, and am now checking on you every day... I have a mirror in my bedroom that I write people's names on in dry erase pen,,, People I then think about several times a day... You two and your family are among the top of the list... I am touched by your concern on how you will repay the kindness that has been extended... Let me tell you, you are already acheiving that... Scott, as a divorced woman, who comes from a marriage that wasn't good to say the least and has left me very wary even 5 years later, you have renewed my faith. My faith in men/husbands, my faith in God, that he really does provide what's needed one on one and in community, and my faith in humanity. You have been so gracious, and encouraging in an overwhelmng way. Carol...I thought I had it hard ! :)... Your perserverance, strength and determination are an example we should all live by... Your commitment to each other, that has stayed strong through some of the toughest times I have heard of, speaks to your own faith and love... You are witnessing to others, through what is probably the most unexpected way... Please know, with every word you type, and every photo you share, you are repaying us all 10-fold... You will all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, Kat

Greg Kelley said...

Julia & I are wishing you the best. You two rock!

The RV will be fine, its going to be cold but you should be all good with the lack of snow.

Always in out thoughts
Greg & Julia

megan said...

Great post, Scott. I loved the picture and the updates. Still thinking always of you guys.

Jamie said...

I as well stumbled onto your blog via a friend. I am so amazed by your strength as a family and your true love for each other, you guys are amazing! I admire all of your courage and determination to be strong and fight through things. A few months ago I had my baby 6 weeks early and then had some complications there after. I thought that was hard, I cant even begin to imagine your roller coaster of emotions. You are truly inspiring. You will be in our prayers and our hearts, stay strong and close to each other. Much Love!
Jamie

Shane and Michelle said...

Carol, you look so cute. Chloe is adorable! Thanks for being so strong and and courageous. It does my heart good to see you smiling still. You are a wonderful mother and a light to the world. I have so much respect and admiration for you.

marie said...

Scott, Carol and girls!

It was great to see you today. I know I didn't get a chance to talk with you both, it was great to see you in person and see a big smile on Carol's face! I'm truly sorry that this all has happened. As always, a big hug and lots of love!
Marie

marie said...

Scott, Carol and girls!

It was great to see you today. I know I didn't get a chance to talk with you both, it was great to see you in person and see a big smile on Carol's face! I'm truly sorry that this all has happened. As always, a big hug and lots of love!
Marie

Jesi said...

I always read your blog, this is my first comment, I'm Jesica from Argentina. Carol is so strong, all of you are, and she's beautiful too!!
I truly hope someday she can see again her beautiful children.

AnneMarie said...

Another stranger, I was so happy to see Carol looking so well in this picture! My prayers continue for your darling little family.

gardening said...

I too am a stranger that has kept up on your story. I cant, for one single minute, imagine what you are going through. I admire your strength and courage. They say this life is just a minute, a very important minute, but that there was so much before and there is so much after. I am sure one day, as we look back on our lives, we will smile and realize it was just a minute. Such a short time on earth. You are amamzing and I wish you success and happiness. It will be a challenge, but I think the two of you can do it!! Carol, you look really, really beautiful in the picture!
Kellie