Deck Dad's Halls!

Adam is very serious about ornament placement! This is very important!
Apparently Sonja is too! She's gone astray..."the tree is that a way!"

Anelise is helping to put the candy cane reindeer on!

Hallie wanted to take a picture in front of the Christmas Train..way outside behind her!

Blake is always good to enjoy time with Grandpa! I really don't think there's anything Dad likes more than seeing his Grand kids!

I'm sure we're not posing! This looks like a really candid shot to me!

The Son In Laws spreading cheer around the walls!

Ryan is such a good support to Dad. We appreciate you Bro! XO

Christmas season is here :)

Hello friends and family! Tis the season :) It's been almost a year since Dad's car accident. This has been quite the year. Huge sigh... Anyway, Dad is currently at Crossland Rehab Center in Sandy. The address of the care center is 575 E. 11000 S., Sandy, UT 84070. He'd love to see his friends and family, especially at this time of the year. So feel free to stop by :) He's slowly progressing and we're praying that he'll continue to get stronger and improve so that he can get to a more independant living situation. That's our hope and prayer. thanks for all the support that we've received this year. Merry Christmas & here's to an exceptional 2010!!

Great Way to return to the scene....

http://mail.google.com/mail/?hl=en&source=navclient#inbox/12311b4425f04976

:( complications, rushed to the ER at IMC :(

Only one week at Garden Terrace, Kirby/Dad is back at I.M.C.Hospital. After being rushed to emergency last week, and spending a few days in I.C.U., IMC has stabilized our Dad and he is hopefully back on track to recovery. His blood pressure had dropped so dramatically last week that he was not coherent. He also had a high fever. He was acting delirious!...after many tests at the hospital, all symptions pointed to an infection. Others would have known they had an infection immediately, but due to the fact that Dad is paralyzed, he did not feel anything. It's hard for people, even nurses, to comprehend how fragile Kirby/Dad's life is right now. It's very difficult to regulate his blood pressure, body temperature, oxygen levels, vitals, and the list goes on and on...it's a daily challenge.
Now it is Tuesday. Dad was transferred back to Garden Terrace last night. His Doctors and charge nurses sent more procautionary measures for the skilled nursing facility to follow. This has been a set-back for Dad, but he is a fighter and says that "this too shall pass". His spirits have been lower than usual, but with all of our help, we will rise to the occasion once again...cheering and lifting him up!! I bought him a new cell. phone yesterday, but NO phone numbers are in it. When you go visit, please enter your phone number in his cell. phone directory for him. Let's all step up to the plate and bring a ray of sunshine to Kirby/Dad this week! :) xoxoxo SONJA

Kirby's getting settled in at GARDEN TERRACE

On Monday, July 6, 2009, Dad transferred to Garden Terrace Skilled Nursing Facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is recovering from his right shoulder Rotater Cuff surgery. He will be at G.T. for several months. He is very optimistic, as always, and taking each day in strides. This new living arrangement is very beautiful and looks like it will be comfortable for Dad. It will be up to him to be vocally proactive in keeping a good vigorous schedule. We want to see Dad continue to progress and improve every week...range of motion, speech, voice, eating and breathing. We'd love to see Dad's pain in his shoulders and neck begin to become less aggitated and subside. This will all take time, but we each can reach out and help him in many ways: by stretching gently with him when we visit; helping him with pressure relief...rotating his position every 2 hours to prevent bed sores; helping him shave and brush his teeth; asking him what he needs or what we can communicate with the nurses regarding his care. Anyway, we do not want Dad to regress the way that he did at So. Davis...he was left alone, helpless, and unproductive for way too long each day, with little staff contact...therefore, regressing in his strides he'd made at IMC. So, during any of our visits in the future, I sincerely ask that each of us try a little harder to be more helpful to his progression while we're visiting Dad/Kirby. Here's to a great summer! Thank you so much for everything you all do!!! xoxoxoxo Sonja

2 months later and still movin right along! ;)

Shout out to all the Fathers...HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! Especially to my father...I love you DAD! Well, it's been a couple of months since I posted an update on this blog. Thanks for all of your calls...checking up on our dad:) He's at IMC right now and has had a few procedures done this past week. One of which was a right shoulder "manipulation". They sedated Dad and cranked the heck out of his shoulders and neck to break up calcium build-up, etc. With the hope that it would help with the lack of movement and especially pain in his shoulders and neck, but it's been a week and not much improvement in mobility or lessening of pain. So, Dad's Doctor is on vacation and in a week or so he is going to have to do major surgery on his shoulder rotator cuff. This is about a six month recovery :( Anyway, besides that, Dad has been on a couple of outings away from the hospital. First to the grocery store: he had to do everything on his own...gathering all of the ingredients to prepare his famous guacamole dip. He did awesome! Then he had to bring it all back to the hospital and prepare it. The nursing staff loved it and it was gone in a matter of minutes. Success!! Next, a couple of days ago, Dad cruised accross the street from IMC to TRAX and caught the train. He traveled up to the GATEWAY mall. He said that it was quite the adventure...the first time on trax or really "out on his own" in SIX MONTHS! Huge accomplishment! He got a shake and shopped gateway for a while. He was really excited that he was able to do this! Next week he wants to try to go out to dinner and to a movie. One baby step at a time, Dadio!! We're proud of you! Well, Dad will be at IMC for another 2 weeks and then off to another place...? Feel free to contact Dad by his cell phone. I bought him a "murse = man purse" to keep his cell phone and personal belongings in and attached to him for easy access. So, unless he's in therapy, he should be able to answer our calls:) Thanks for your friendship y'all!! xoxoxo Sonja

So. Davis Community Hospital in Bountiful

I've received a few calls wanting directions to this care center. For those I didn't reach back, here are the directions: Get off the 500 South Exit in Bountiful. Go East until 400 E. which is Orchard Drive. At that light turn left on Orchard and then make an immediate right into the hospital mini-parking lot. Dad is currently on the 2nd floor, but may move today to the 1st floor (individual instead of shared room) :) I'm waiting to hear back from the charge nurse today. I'll keep you posted on that. As for dad's condition...He has been pretty melancholy & somber since he moved out of I.M.C. It's hard when you're in such a great place with fantastic staff like IMC Rehab for 2 months; and you have a full schedule, keeping you very preoccupied and busy; and lots of friends, family, and staff rooting for you...literally cheering for you everyday. Then boom! just like that, you're moved against your will to a nursing home with a very "relaxed" minimal staff contact, a claustrophobic double room, and not very many visitors anymore... The reality of dad's injuries are setting in and unfortunately our worst days are yet ahead. He is still trying to remain positive, but his frusterations are understandable. Dad has recovered really well from the tracheotomy. He is eating soft foods and thickened juices now:) He is absolutely loving all the flavors!! He is receiving limited respiratory treatments :) And he's breathing really well on only 10% oxygen. His chest is recovering well and is all "clear" of infections. His voice is improving every day. He will be at this care center until atleast May 7 (whenever his chest and back brace is cleared for removal or deemed by the Back Doctor as unneccesary) We call it his "storm trooper jacket". lol ;). So, when that takes place, he will then be moved back to IMC Rehab for a couple weeks for intense therapy. Where he goes after that totally depends on his rehabilitation. We have yet to see how much Dad is going to improve and how "independent" he will become. Here's to hoping and praying for the best though!! Thank you to those of you who have been so supportive in your visits! We love you and appreciate you! xoxo Sonja

Kirby is now at So. Davis Hospital in Bountiful

Yesterday Little Dawson and I helped staff pack up & move out all of Dad's belongings at I.M.C. Rehab:( We are sad to be moving him from such a fantastic rehab unit. We loved all of you! And so did Dad! So, thank you for all you've done for him...physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, Dr.'s and wonderful nurses. We will forever remember you and your amazing ability you each had to motivate, comfort, and serve our father. We rate your rehab a 10! Thank you!!!! Now on to So. Davis Hospital. It's located off of the 500 South Bountiful Exit #316. Go East through 4 lights and the small community hospital is on the left side of the road, on the corner. Turn left at the light 400 E. & immediately turn rt. into the small parking lot. He's located on the 2nd floor. Ask the receptionist for info. He's sharing a room, much to our dismay, but that is all that's available here. This facility has a good respiratory therapy team and this is what Dad needs right now. He will be at So. Davis for about a month. Please continue to go and visit him. We appreciate you all and the love & support you've shown our dad:) We are excited and hopeful about his huge strides and progress. xoxo Sonja

The tracheotomy has been officially removed! & Kirby is moving out of I.M.C. Hospital on Monday or Tues (3/30)

After days of anticipation, Dad's tracheotomy in his throat & neck has finally been surgically removed. He is having some complications with secretions and "clean breathing", but hopefully those will clear up with time:) Dad is also eating one meal a day (the feeding tube compensates for the rest of the daily caloric intake). He's eating foods like soft pasta, applesauce, pudding, etc. He would sure "love a Jamba Juice, Dr. Pepper, Spamoni? Icecream", and the list goes on, but probably not until April. He's been requesting those items since the day he got his speaking valve on...it's been a fun laugh listening to his very simple requests. It makes us sure appreciate everything. Dad keeps reminding me to appreciate every breath I take & every flavor that I taste. BIG NEWS: DAD IS LEAVING I.M.C. HOSPITAL AND TRANSFERRING to another facility for recovery (most likely So. Davis Regional Hospital in Bountiful). We will find out if that is official on Monday, so check this blog for updates. We'll keep you posted.;) Call me or Dad's cell phone if you have any questions. Thanks for your support, love and prayers! xoxo Sonja

It's the Luck of the Irish Day!!!

These here are some of the yummy chocolates staff brought by to my Dad today. They were NOT gross! Not at all! Dad even wore GREEN pants today! I was so Impressed! He said he still got pinched though. I guess wearing green isn't a guarantee!
Dad enjoyed a gymnastics show brought to him by Hallie and Brinklie! The stayed as close to his doorway as possible in the hallway and would perform and repeat as long as Grandpa asked them to. They loved it and so did Dad! Definitely a good change of pace to see little girls limbs flailing about! (Hallie doing her famous fast cartwheel!)
Brinklie is flexing her mighty impressive biceps to spare here!
This was funny! So Dad FINALLY passed all of his tests and was able to EAT his FIRST meal since JANUARY 15th! Can you believe it? That was forever ago! He was so excited that he kept rolling his eyes with pure satisfaction while he chewed! Then...to him something magical happened! We gave him Coke! Now, this was in place of his long desired Dr. Pepper with lemon because that just wasn't available! Oh, and we had to thicken it so that was special too. However, you will see him drink it in this pic and then you'll see his reaction in the last picture. So funny!We were all laughing (me, his o.c.therapist, social worker, and Linda). I showed him this pic and he thought he looked like he had serious brain trauma! hahaha...I told him I'd explain that he still has his wits about him and he was just excited for the FIZZZZZ!!!!!

Where'd your voice go?

After days of singing songs from musicals and talking up a storm, Dad has officially lost his voice =( Aside of that, He is doing quite well. He is improving everyday and is remaining very positive. He has remained very optimistic throughout this whole experience. Very impressive, Dad! Thank you for your good attitude. We've appreciated & admired ALL your efforts during this difficult situation. You are alive because of your strong will-power & faith. Thank you to everyone for your prayers too! Dad feels the power of your prayers & is so appreciative!! xoxo Sonja

After Dad wheeled himself 56 Feet from his room to the end of the hall & into the therapy room, he continued to impress us with his arm strength. This is like a pedaling machine but with your arms. Josh told Dad to try & do 2 pedals...So Dad went ahead & did this for 3min. straight! It was a HUGE day for all of us! All the nurses & therapists were coming over & congratulating Dad for his accomplishments! Thank you for working so hard Dad!!! We love you so much!

This is the video I took of Dad yesterday Feb. 26th. Like Sonja Added in the post below, he worked SUPER hard, & we were all so HAPPY and PROUD of Dad! The Occupational Therapist was Josh...LOVE him! He was so great at encouraging & pushing Dad to accomplish this! Dad said that the day before he got so tired & dizzy that he passed out, and he has never done anything like this so far. To see him push himself this far was amazing! He says that having his family there to encourage & support him helps sooo much!!! WAY TO GO DAD!!!

The gigantic wheelchair milestone

Yesterday was a big day for Dad. He wheeled himself from one end of the hall to the other end. Amberlie and her 2 daughters were here to cheer Dad on and encourage him to "go,go,go!!!" HE DID IT! Today is Friday, Dad is very excited with his progress. His nurse told me how well he is doing and all that he's accomplishing. His positive attitude has been KEY to his progress! Dad says that he's working really hard and is soooo appreciative to all of his nurses and physical therapists for EVERYTHING they do to help him. He's going in to surgery again on his back today (infection reasons). So, he's anxious to get that over with and we're hoping that no more infections occur in that area. With the ultrasounds on his right arm and shoulder, we're hoping that that pain will begin to subside. The P.T. have been careful but consistent on working with Dad's arms and strenghthening them...aside of all of his pain there. Dad's days are now consisting of: 1 hour + session of speech therapy; 1 hour + of "activities of daily living"; 2 hours + of physical therapy; and an hour or more of occupational therapy EVERY DAY. BUSY, busy, busy! Please come and visit Dad! He loves to see all of his wonderful family and friends. It's best to visit after 4 p.m.:) We love you all! xoxo Sonja

Moving Forward....

Dad has been on the 12th floor for a week now. The mood up there is so much less "critical" and more positive in my perspective. I say this because there are way less screens with colored lines moving up and down and all around! Less beeping noises. It feels like he is finally moving forward and making progress you can track by simply looking at Dad. He is talking great now too. Dad has always been very articulate so I am not surprised that his speech has come back so quickly. Dad is so diligently working on his swallowing because improvement there means EATING and DRINKING!!! He still has his wish list of consumables hanging up where he can dream! He reminds us almost every visit..."Jamba Juice, Dr. Pepper with lemon, spumoni ice cream, guacamole." 

Think about how hard it would be to be unable to eat for over a month now. He still has such a desire to do so and it is like torture on his face when he talks about it. I can only imagine!

I have had some really nice talks with Dad these last few visits. He is opening up to me more than ever before and on a more meaningful level. I appreciate it so much. 

Love you all!!!  

Heidi

some pics of loved ones on Valentines Day w/ Dad =)

TO REHAB, IT IS.....hip,hip, hooray! =)

I just spoke with the Rehabilitation staff nurse. They are finally moving Dad today up to the 12th floor Rehab. (still in the Tower bldg.). Hip, hip, hooray! Dad is excited to get going with rehab.! Call Dad's cell phone if you have questions. I answer those msgs. daily. Please no visitors until they have him moved up to rehab. this afternoon. The transfer will take place from now until 3 p.m. this afternoon. From here on out, rehab. asks that only family comes to visit & help before 4:00 pm. each day (that is extensive physical, occupational,and speech therapy time). FRIENDS ARE WELCOME BETWEEN 4:00-10:00 p.m. Thank you so much for all of your love and concern. Thanks for your cards!! We read them over and over to Dad. They motivate him, and put a smile on his face everytime, so keep them coming! =) xoxox SONJA

Kirby, I wanted to write you a letter about the experience I had last night visiting you on Valentine’s Day. If this forum is too public, I apologize. I just know if I post it here someday you will read it. I want you to know how I felt last night.

Seeing you last night brought to my mind the story of Ammon and King Lamoni in the Book of Mormon. If you remember, Ammon agreed to be the servant of the King and was assigned to guard the royal flocks. Not soon after, while on duty a group of Lamanites came and scattered their animals. All of the servants, except Ammon, became overwhelming fearful and scared. Who could blame them? The last time this happened all the servants were killed. Ammon, on the other hand become excited. He saw an opportunity to show King Lamoni the power of God and thereby be able to teach him the gospel. Anyways, you know the story.

Kirby, someone has scattered your sheep. Things have been taken away from you that will not be returned to you in this life, and it was of no fault of your own. The natural reaction would be the same feelings that the servants of King Lamoni felt. They were full of fear, anger and sorrow. When we walked into your room last night, you were crying. You were recounting the accident in your mind expressing the feelings you had while you were stuck in the car. You were reliving the pain and the dim outlook of your situation. As you said, one of the emergency workers said you were a goner. To my surprise though, you were not full of anger or sorrow. You were expressing your extreme gratitude for your life and the fact you were given a second chance. You were counting the many simple and wonderful blessings that our loving Heavenly Father has blessed you with. I felt like I was looking into the face of Ammon that night. I could see God’s Spirit beaming out of your face. I could feel the Saviors love flow through you. A love you choose to accept. You were beautiful to me. It’s something I will never forget.

Now there is much work to be done. It won’t be easy, if you remember Ammon had to slay 6 men with his sling, slay one with his sword, cut off the arms of many and then gather the flocks. Just know you won’t be doing it alone. I don’t know what God’s will is for you for the remainder of your life. Perhaps it’s to bring those around you closer to each other and to the Savior. If it is, you are already working miracles.

We love you and are proud of you,

Rob, Heidi, Blake, Brinklie and Hallie.

In Good Spirits!

Dad did so well today! He was in such good spirits. He had great care today too. His nurse Jeanna was a real cutie. He's had her a few other times and she takes such good care of him! 

Dad was so reminiscent of his childhood, telling stories and sharing memories along side his Brother Gary. They laughed, they cried, they each took turns at the memories. I sat back and captured what I could in the memory book we write in each time we visit his room. I think he'll like reading it in the near future. 

I think Dad looks so good in this picture. You can see a slight smile. Gary was so ecstatic when he walked in the room and heard Dad talking through his valve (button). He got a little giddy and dove right in! Dad loved every minute of it!

Uncle Gary, Sonja and Heidi (me) spent the evening chatting with Dad, learning some physical therapy for Dad's legs, and plastering Hearts all over Dad's room! His window is especially impressive! I of course spaced taking a picture so that will come later...hopefully tomorrow.

Let's all do a "Heart Attack" to Dad's dreary hospital room =) xoxo

Hey everybody! We're doing a "heart attack" in Dad's room throughout this week...Decorate a valentine heart for Kirby and drop it off to one of us kids or take directly to Dad's room. Please participate!!! It will be wonderful for him to get nice messages from all his amazing friends and family! Any questions, call Dad's cell and leave a message...I check them everyday and relay the messages to Dad for you =) I can even put your name & a message on one of the hearts if you live out of town. The more the marrier! Thank you so much! & HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to YOU!! XOXOXO Sonja

"OH YA"

One of my favorite things Dad says and has been saying for a while is "oh ya!". He could just answer the nurses question with a yes but instead in true Kirby fashion he says "OH YA!". I like it!

Today was a tuffy for me. I quietly walked into the hospital room and Dad was painfully crying with his eyes closed. He didn't know I had come in. I went over to him and tried to comfort him. After some spelling and lip reading he let me know that his right hand and entire arm including his shoulder are in terrible pain. Last night they did a CT on it and didn't find anything so they are going to do a MRI. They suspect there could be some nerve damage. Even lifting his finger gets a huge painful response from Dad. 

If you go to visit please don't move his arms around or do any kind of "physical therapy" with him. This is a direct order from the P.T and O.T..

Thanks for your help with this.

Today Dad was so busy. He had Physical and Occupational therapy, Respiratory therapy, and Speech therapy. He did such a good job especially considering his painful right side. The therapists told me that he is one of their best patients because he doesn't question what they ask him to do..he just does it. They said many of their patients complain or say no to their suggestions. They also said that they think this shows that he can see the big picture and that's why he tries so hard. 

During Speech therapy he told us about many of the places he has danced the West Coast Swing. He also talked about the many different styles of this dance. He said he was "hot on the dance floor". He even smiled at the thought of it. Sweet.

When I left Ryan (the nurse whom we all LOVE) was shaving his goatee per his request. We tried to talk him into "handle bars" but he said to shave it all off! Sorry Ryan, maybe next time! (Ryan also has a goatee and was trying to live through Dad with the handle bars because his wife won't let him have them! funny!)

Hopefully he will be moved up to Rehab at the beginning of this next week. We are hoping for the best. Part of the goodness of this move is not only his improvement but that he can look forward to a more scheduled day. He'll know what time things are happening which I think will be a nice change from the randomness of the ICU. 

Thanks for all of your love shooting our way! XOXOXO

Heidi