tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53408794838531680122024-03-05T18:19:06.297-07:00The Cannon Family BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-68169650842913602762012-09-06T17:26:00.002-06:002012-09-06T17:26:20.865-06:00The Day of the Miracle Makers<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is a strange September for me. I feel like I should celebrate something, but “celebrating” a serious accident doesn’t really make sense. I thought a good way for me to celebrate September 3rd was to feel safe and alive! So I did some of my favorite things, went to work, after work I got in my jammies, sat on my featherbed, cuddled in my Spiderman blankets, ate pepperoni pizza and Burnt Almond Fudge, drank a HUGE glass of water and watched Star Wars. That’s what I did, all day, but it didn’t feel right. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ve been thinking alot about what happened last September. There’s not alot to “celebrate” that happened to me last September. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Except for one thing that I should never forget, the miracles. You caused them to happen. I wouldn’t be here without you. I wouldn’t look the same. I wouldn’t talk the same. I wouldn’t remember you. I just wouldn’t be the same, physically or mentally, with out you. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For me, what should be remembered and celebrated about last September are the miracles and the people that made them happen. There is no way I can repay all the love and support that was poured out to me during that time. There is just no way. You are the one’s that caused my miracles. You are my miracle makers. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I do have an idea that might help me feel like I can give back a little (emphasis on the little, because it is technically un-repayable). Every family calendar that I do each year is going to have September 3rd be the day of the Miracle Makers. This is the day that initiated the outpouring of love, support, prayers, fasts, positive thoughts, visits, facebooks, emails, phone calls and texts that resulted in my being healed so well and so quickly. On September 3rd from now on, I’m going to do something that will hopefully contribute to miracles in other peoples lives. Whether it’s visiting the hospital, doctors, therapists or patients, donating to a hospital charity, taking cookies to the 5th floor or the 12th floor, fasting and praying for someone in need, or spending the day with Rustin, my family and friends. Whoever needs a miracle, count me in! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This life is really about loving each other, expressing love, feeling love, being love. Every year on September 3rd, I will re-dedicate myself to trying to be a Miracle Maker. I want to be a Miracle Maker like all of you. I’m grateful you made me whole again. I hope I can play a small part in making a miracle happen for someone else. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Where there is love there is life.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">― Mahatma Gandhi</span></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448218500839563676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-41927709360571028522012-09-04T20:30:00.000-06:002012-09-04T20:35:11.842-06:00Happy Birthday Mom!<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="236" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dJF87MRYdVk?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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What a weekend!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448218500839563676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-2675218870575375672012-09-04T20:21:00.004-06:002012-09-04T20:21:58.288-06:00One Year Later<br />
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It's officially been one year from my accident. I'm so glad I don't remember it. I am also amazed to be doing so well considering what my body went through. The human body is unbelievable. I can't believe what I put it through and how well it's recovered. Be grateful for your brain. What an incomprehensible machine it is!</div>
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Now I know my family didn't want to post any scary pictures of me on the blog, but I think it would be helpful for those of you who weren't able to see me in the hospital to know how bad it was. I will just link to a picture so you can click on it if you want. Feel free to skip over the link and focus on the positive and that will be just great! Here is the link: <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/icp8if9fhrb06yb/Screen%20shot%202012-09-04%20at%2011.12.29%20AM.jpg">CLICK HERE</a> if you want to see it. This was taken 4 days after my brain surgery and 7 days before my facial reconstruction surgery. If you want to see a sketch of what they did in the facial reconstruction surgery (it's not gross, just educational), <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/31h3adrbvop14q1/IMG_1630.jpg">CLICK HERE</a>.</div>
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I think this stuff is just fascinating. The doctors, the prayers, Rustin, my family, the support system, the nurses, the therapists, the people I work with, all the good people that contributed to my healing I will be in debt to you all, the rest of my life. I can't express my gratitude. So many doctors, nurses and therapists who see these situations all the time have told me that most people in situations similar to mine, don't heal as well. Most of them believe it's because of all the love and support I received. Apparently it was more than what most people get. I don't think the reasons I have done so well has much to do with me, I think it has to do with all of your love and support for me and my family. Don't call me a miracle because I couldn't have done it alone. So enough of trying to express feelings that I can't do justice in words. Just give people you love hugs today and count me in on those hugs!</div>
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Here is my one year later update!</div>
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<b>Adventure #1:</b></div>
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My wonderful mom who knows exactly what I love to do got us tickets to go see the Utah Symphony perform the music of John Williams. The 501st were there and I got my picture with them, of course! On a less exciting note, on the way to the concert we were rear ended by some lady who wasn't paying attention to all the other cars in the other lanes of traffic stopped at the stop light. We were stopped for about a minute when we got rear ended. Luckily we were in the Millennium Falcon (the Audi) and it did a great job at absorbing the impact. It was still a little scary. Rustin's neck received some pretty good whiplash and so did mine, but luckily our heads were just fine and our amazing Chiropractor has been working his magic on us and it's helped a bunch. If anyone needs a great chiropractor, just ask the Cannon's. We know an amazing one!</div>
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<b>Adventure #2:</b></div>
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AVENGER'S APRIL! I came up with an entire schedule (considering it as Occupational Therapy) with themed color-coordinated dinners and movie nights as well as Saturday morning cartoons! I was getting my family all prepped up on their nerdery so they didn't feel left out during the movie. It was totally worth it for me and they were good sports to support me, once again!</div>
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Incredible Hulk night complete with Lime Chicken Enchiladas, Guacamole, Salad and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream for dessert!</div>
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I bought Rustin and myself a couple of Iron Man t-shirts for $5 from Old Navy to wear on opening night of the Avengers movie! It was SOOOO good. We've only seen it 5 times....in the theater. </div>
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<b>Adventure #3:</b></div>
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We went to visit Rustin's best friends Scott & Jane Booth and their kids in Dallas, Texas. It was my first time post-accident on an airplane. I was so nervous to go through security with all the metal in my face so I took off my shoes & belt, emptied my front pockets and put my glasses in the tray and walked through security and the alarm went off!!! I was so nervous that I'd have to explain my metallic situation BUT the security guy noticed that I had left my phone in my back pocket and so I went through again with no problem. It was kinda funny. </div>
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We got there and had so much fun with the Booth family! We got to celebrate James' birthday with a homemade Scooby Doo cake! They even went to see Avengers with us again and took us to their LEGO store. This was a bit of an expensive visit for us. I've fallen in love with LEGO's because they are great puzzles! We got one Star Wars set and one Avengers set and I've put them both together. They did have in the window a LEGO R2D2 but they couldn't keep him in stock so he was a special order item. Bummer! However it was much easier on our pocket books that they didn't have him in stock.</div>
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<b>Adventure #4:</b></div>
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My darling little sister got married! I got to design the invitations and everything. I love doing invitations but it takes a bit more out of me than it used to. I decided to throw Carole a bachelorette party and I only invited Carole and Mandy and myself. Keeping it simple. It was so fun. We went and had yummy french toast at Kneaders at City Creek then went shopping and to the Disney store. How exciting and delightful it was! I needed a nap after...hehe.</div>
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My sister has met the most wonderful guy! He's almost as wonderful as Rustin (in my humble opinion)! He is so perfect for Carole. We are so happy for her. After what I accidentally put her through, she deserves the most amazing blessing of having Gordon as her hubby. </div>
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Doing wedding stuff is so fun for me, but I wasn't able to do as much this year as I wanted to. I came up with a silly idea after watching the special features on the Tangled DVD and I jokingly suggested to Carole that we could do sky lanterns, because people really do them. I thought she would laugh at me but she totally wanted to do it! For REAL! So I researched it and we did a trial before the wedding to make sure it was safe and we ordered the lanterns and it was so MAGICAL and WONDERFUL! See, there can be good things that can really happen in Disney movies! And Carole is pretty much a princess deserving of magical things anyway.</div>
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<b>Adventure #5:</b></div>
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After the wedding we all needed a break! Rustin and I were invited to speak at Youth Conference for our ward. That was an easy one for me, but hard on Rustin. He actually had to go back and remember all the hard stuff again. I don't remember the hard stuff. He did a great job! We are doing another fireside for some youth in October. It's stressful, but such a great opportunity to share what we learned to hopefully help others. So, after the wedding and youth conference we headed down to St. George, our relaxation vacation! All we did was eat, watched Wimbledon and swam in the pool! It was wonderful and helped me recover after so much overstimulation and excitement. Plus, my brother Clark is so boring. He never does anything fun or exciting...and he is really bad at making normally boring things way more fun than they should be. Such a boring brother. </div>
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That may or may not be him going down the slide to the pool in St. George. He must have invited one of his fun friends over or something. Gosh, I love that kid. He's only 34, but he's still definitely a kid. </div>
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<b>Adventure #6:</b></div>
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I went to a ska show. Talk about overstimulating! Holy cow I was so excited and so happy when I walked in and heard the music. I just started to dance and skank like I was 20 years old all over again. Rustin was very protective of me and made sure I had good earplugs and enough water and took my breaks. Stretch Armstrong and Swim Herschel Swim, who I had never seen before, performed together and it was an EPIC show. I lasted 3 hours and had to leave after Swim had played about 4 songs because I could feel the headache and tiredness overcoming me, but man was I happy. It was so FUN!</div>
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<b>Adventure #7:</b></div>
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Birthday Anniversary Birthday weekend</div>
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Rustin surprised me with the LEGO R2D2 that we saw in Dallas. He special ordered it for me. I can't wait to start working on it! I was so giggly and joyful!</div>
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I attempted, with a ridiculous amount of help from my family, to put together a surprise party for Rustin's 40th birthday and our 3rd anniversary. I was just so happy to be alive this birthday. I was feeling everything more than normal, excited to take a shower, excited to drink water, excited to work on the computer, excited to talk to people I love, excited to give hugs, excited to eat chocolate and Sugarhouse BBQ. Everyone who came made Rustin feel so loved, which is just what I was hoping for. I love Rustin so much I wanted him to feel how much he is loved.</div>
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<b>Adventure #8:</b></div>
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My Aunt Kath was so amazing to help my family and Rustin through this ordeal one year ago, that we wanted to do something fun for her birthday. We decided to rent an RV again and head to Yellowstone. Her daughter Katie and her family rented another RV and we caravanned all the way around Yellowstone. It was a BLAST! Cousin Erik was in charge of the food. He served his mission in Italy and LOVES to cook so we took advantage and came home about 10 pounds heavier! We had so much fun with them. Little Audrey, Katie & Erik's youngest daughter, bought a stuffed animal beaver that she named "Rustin Beaver" (sounds like Justin Beiber). Kids love Rustin, because he's a 40-year old kid. </div>
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<b>Adventure #9:</b></div>
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One of my great friends Morgen, an old mission companion from North Carolina, was in Cedar City for a family reunion. She lived with the Cannon's for a few months after the mission. We drove down to see her and her family which was so fun. She is an amazing person and I have always admired her. Her sweet son Isaac sent me a darling picture that he drew in his Primary class about fasting and it had a picture of me and a picture of him and says "I will fast for Nicole". That kid has some serious faith because his fast really worked and I was the lucky one that benefited from it!</div>
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<b>Adventure #10:</b></div>
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It was my mom's birthday this weekend. Last year we had reservation for Daniels Summit Lodge but because I was almost dying in the hospital they had to cancel short notice. The people at the Lodge were very kind and understanding and gave us a gift certificate to use later on. So one year later, we used it! I love that lodge, it is beautiful, secluded and cozy. We went to Swiss Days then to the Alpine Slide and Coaster. It was a seriously overstimulating weekend for me so I'm taking it easy over the next couple of days and just resting. That being said, it was totally worth it. We had so much fun on the Alpine slide.</div>
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My dad and Rustin decided to race each other and Rustin recorded it on the Go Pro (video to come). They both wiped out, a couple of times, and they are in pain now. They both have shiny slide burns on their knees! YIKES! Doesn't it look like they are in so much pain?</div>
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So that's way too much that I have written, so if you've made it this far, you are seriously dedicated. Just a quick update on what I am dealing with currently:</div>
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I started work at 2 hours a day 3 days a week in March.</div>
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I'm up to 5 hours a day 3 days a week.</div>
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Still working on getting back to full-time. </div>
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I don't have headaches every day, only when I am overstimulated or over-excited.</div>
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I need to take 5-15 minute rest breaks 4-5 times a day because they help control the headaches (no Advil necessary).</div>
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If I am too headachy or tired, I'll take a nap during the day.</div>
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I go to bed early (around 9:30 or 10) and get up early (around 7:30).</div>
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I'm still amazed I can take a nap for an hour during the day and still fall asleep at 9:30.</div>
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I can't believe it's been a year. I can't believe that happened to me. I can't believe how much I am loved. I can't believe how many amazing people me and my family know.</div>
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It's not enough to say thank you.</div>
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Give yourself a hug for me and know</div>
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I LOVE being ALIVE.</div>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448218500839563676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-20269610634245256372012-06-04T19:11:00.002-06:002012-06-04T20:00:40.008-06:00Happy Birthday Papa - Love, The Grandkids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />The Cannonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15240489493272748383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-85837027921305072012012-03-10T12:20:00.021-07:002012-03-12T13:07:37.894-06:00Six Months Ago...<div style="text-align: center;">It's been six months since September.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't believe my progress. Granted, I will never be "the same", but that is what change does to a person. If you are willing to change, you will never be the same regardless of what you CHOOSE to change and what happens to change you. I have never been a big fan of change, but I've definitely learned why it's a beautiful thing. </div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted to give those who are still willing to check the blog an update at my six month mark. There have been some exciting things happening. I have loaded this up with pictures to help me remember the updates! Of course, my first choice of entry is about STAR WARS! On Valentine's Day we went to see Star Wars: Phantom Menace in 3D. It was so great! I have never seen that movie in the theater because I was on my mission when it came out. So I was just geeking out in the theater to see it there. It's not my favorite movie, but it was fun to see it in the theater and cool to see it clearly in 3D. </div><div>
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZamViQdAfsyUVIygIHTpD6znEdvMwvC5caKjpLu4zq9PGx7YwBHc1plViXcnBsa7TsfPLSNyeUVn_tq5Wz41Ovm26fVEZpMd-_xJ_1iUqXw6fvq7yJcAvK8YckvWBwc88MJNGpy7EjiBR/s1600/IMG_0899.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZamViQdAfsyUVIygIHTpD6znEdvMwvC5caKjpLu4zq9PGx7YwBHc1plViXcnBsa7TsfPLSNyeUVn_tq5Wz41Ovm26fVEZpMd-_xJ_1iUqXw6fvq7yJcAvK8YckvWBwc88MJNGpy7EjiBR/s320/IMG_0899.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718359488768342962" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">I've heard a few times that the Force is with me...I think I might agree! HAHA!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdw5H_vNqRK16DGpZ7Pps_K_4P-nZhWC8zyK3TYzXBGPJJBacQOM2xMl8j5LK-NDbHoLarUs7NYPB7tZYpnhzH0T_vtcZ2qtxZlKb2isn9GuQ7HLxy3ax_v1v3boI6PStPMBqBAutaGWK/s1600/DSC_3552.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdw5H_vNqRK16DGpZ7Pps_K_4P-nZhWC8zyK3TYzXBGPJJBacQOM2xMl8j5LK-NDbHoLarUs7NYPB7tZYpnhzH0T_vtcZ2qtxZlKb2isn9GuQ7HLxy3ax_v1v3boI6PStPMBqBAutaGWK/s320/DSC_3552.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718359407978318274" /></a>
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a shot of the most wonderful advent calendar that helped grow my love of Legos and Occupational Therapy. I built a Lego per day while we were getting ready for Christmas. So fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZq-FZ2aDGoMgsG87pKdhTsOA9PB9kzJv_gtAHwqKFvqlOVe95nh-kkg1HKRvkoygn2BqdwkJL3J-TE7OQ_4Y1boCceWMS9idIPbhpedm7nbn2SSCAQpNY_dUGpvCGkVv17YbDHenm1H_/s1600/Page_9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZq-FZ2aDGoMgsG87pKdhTsOA9PB9kzJv_gtAHwqKFvqlOVe95nh-kkg1HKRvkoygn2BqdwkJL3J-TE7OQ_4Y1boCceWMS9idIPbhpedm7nbn2SSCAQpNY_dUGpvCGkVv17YbDHenm1H_/s320/Page_9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718359307119951090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Now I just have to say that we are having a Leprechaun Frolic Party this week (as a new family tradition demands). Last year we were on a cruise ship in Hawaii, but that didn't stop us from dressing up like Leprechauns and partying all night! Anyone who reads this blog is invited. Here are the details:</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">http://cannonconundrums.com/paddyparty</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you go to this website, I designed it a couple years ago and I put some "Easter Eggs" or "Lucky Charms" into it of parties from past years. There are 9 links in the page, so find them if you can and have fun at it. It will give you a good idea of what the party will be like. </div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY4NZb_BC0JHEay5bvmqdw_-2K2stUXeJmilrpj-xEynRuv9Sifj1CNl3TcMxX7yvUP2e0K55H8Lfmf3HOV1QZLOaBNqPHZngoe9PK62KHcTfWZXSOlSLbXkg6TF-Bte2cHNN5ZdVW1Nr/s1600/IMG_1004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY4NZb_BC0JHEay5bvmqdw_-2K2stUXeJmilrpj-xEynRuv9Sifj1CNl3TcMxX7yvUP2e0K55H8Lfmf3HOV1QZLOaBNqPHZngoe9PK62KHcTfWZXSOlSLbXkg6TF-Bte2cHNN5ZdVW1Nr/s320/IMG_1004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718359046887136770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">That brings me to a VERY exciting update. WE GOT A NEW CAR! One that has extra safety features and an active headrest and it's heavy and has new tires and all-wheel drive and it's WONDERFUL to drive. We test drove it one night, not thinking we would be that impressed, and we bought it the next day. Rustin is great at researching this stuff and finding great deals on the best stuff so he did an AMAZING job finding this car. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The more exciting news is that I passed my driving test. I had to take three tests. One that measured my reaction time and multi-tasking, one that was a shorter version of the DMV written test, and one that I had to drive in a Student Driver with an instructor and my therapist. I passed all three rather easily and I have been driving, extra safely, ever since. We love this car so much we nicknamed it "The Millennium Falcon" and I bought a Lego keychain for it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This all happened around the middle of January. </div></div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4xsjbsMEPgAjg8JwUYGOXDlljwp7C0tXibT4nHnttvWfxEKOlMQCtoYxDoMj5fZV6EJNLF_66F7BiawaZPPmiCAdsFh7lXCJZsxk5uC3hcGKmNWbWrpOruZoYPPLRjvuOYtEOpaV21Ha/s1600/IMG_1015.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4xsjbsMEPgAjg8JwUYGOXDlljwp7C0tXibT4nHnttvWfxEKOlMQCtoYxDoMj5fZV6EJNLF_66F7BiawaZPPmiCAdsFh7lXCJZsxk5uC3hcGKmNWbWrpOruZoYPPLRjvuOYtEOpaV21Ha/s320/IMG_1015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718358974653046626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I was more excited about this keychain than I probably will be about any keychain ever.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERlyH5uWExmW4TrSePOrYgPSWOkw-1oxj25kmZCqzsJUUL1KHxychNojWDpHOw39LlHUEGbjQYBWFV7AcTUi1pDRqOWjT84SUK_dq1NvzAKk73AMwLUm7v0jMWe7SKSvwH5PeI2FOSSn/s1600/GOPR8691.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERlyH5uWExmW4TrSePOrYgPSWOkw-1oxj25kmZCqzsJUUL1KHxychNojWDpHOw39LlHUEGbjQYBWFV7AcTUi1pDRqOWjT84SUK_dq1NvzAKk73AMwLUm7v0jMWe7SKSvwH5PeI2FOSSn/s320/GOPR8691.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718358820820569330" /></a>
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Rustin and I were invited by our friend Mona to go to Glenwood Springs! This is a favorite place of ours and we both needed it. It has two natural spring water pools. One is constantly 94 degrees and the "therapy pool", which is a bit smaller, ranges from 104-107 degrees. It was very theraputic for us both! We loved it and needed it. It was freezing outside but we would just jump in the water and stay there for hours. We were there for two days and went to swimming about 5 times. It's about 6 hours away from Salt Lake and it's just off of I-70! So worth it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBEqpazbxwGEDNQZXRd4q4WgPrbfmx1RE8k7WlEnYbJJlFTw1PjWu2XGsrg-EU6_JWK5X69mCN6shVWWS7JWhx4iewN3PTtv5iTfubq9fl1rRAtgWeiAkt-zU2XIqli2L1Q4Mx_Iv6gze/s1600/DSC_3520.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBEqpazbxwGEDNQZXRd4q4WgPrbfmx1RE8k7WlEnYbJJlFTw1PjWu2XGsrg-EU6_JWK5X69mCN6shVWWS7JWhx4iewN3PTtv5iTfubq9fl1rRAtgWeiAkt-zU2XIqli2L1Q4Mx_Iv6gze/s320/DSC_3520.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718358627601979538" /></a>
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">One of our favorite things about where we live is that we feel like we are in the woods! Every morning when we have breakfast we sit and watch the birds. There are so many and Rustin takes good care of them. They are happy and hungry birds. We also have made a new friend. His name is Squirrley. We feed him walnuts and spanish peanuts and sometimes peanut butter. He LOVES us. We will go outside and he comes right up to us. We haven't gotten him to eat from our hands yet, but we are close. He is very friendly! </div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVHvLARMPt_7XGs_9bNpXr2haTExMAGw-gHsdO8etzhb9BshydYKQy_WnDpOQqS2FqtY52fOyrngK8rxBoX2298kpddD0BpwWHCLjP47bCwL9Xw1SxIT6oBJIZrJ6LStUKG3tqdlu-pRp/s1600/IMG_1040.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVHvLARMPt_7XGs_9bNpXr2haTExMAGw-gHsdO8etzhb9BshydYKQy_WnDpOQqS2FqtY52fOyrngK8rxBoX2298kpddD0BpwWHCLjP47bCwL9Xw1SxIT6oBJIZrJ6LStUKG3tqdlu-pRp/s320/IMG_1040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718358483068652690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is our little buddy eating some peanut butter off a corn cob Rustin has hooked him up with! I took this picture with my iPhone so he lets me get pretty close to him!</div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh9CApPpBQjoxpUU6uX4_3H7q-n7TOy2t2bYgWWeDT8vwY9wLq3BXP5BXqBtposoCXy-rVn_s0lGah_2-QyriX4D1rzz6yzbFtMMNY7hgQiuj1nTpMHIdCnd_1H9ZAo15ymxEGavYVNbK/s1600/Page_8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh9CApPpBQjoxpUU6uX4_3H7q-n7TOy2t2bYgWWeDT8vwY9wLq3BXP5BXqBtposoCXy-rVn_s0lGah_2-QyriX4D1rzz6yzbFtMMNY7hgQiuj1nTpMHIdCnd_1H9ZAo15ymxEGavYVNbK/s320/Page_8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718358306938868642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Can you believe it's been 40 years since my parents were married! They celebrate their anniversary this week. They are going to see a tennis tournament in Palm Springs, lucky devils! We are having the leprechaun party at their house while they are gone. It's a good thing my mom has taught us how to throw a mighty party! </div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PP5ZssMqwd5x-snUwZ0mMW9vF3_sh4Z69zYevxZz4_3CgrqWnNb8cXTFQs-HatZWiKJYovrH2WrTCTmWXrqhfjV5HG0E1mBH2fRlXwAngFuKuTgcZFcFhVspveRfwe12FIyuHJ8O6RIy/s1600/IMG_1960.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PP5ZssMqwd5x-snUwZ0mMW9vF3_sh4Z69zYevxZz4_3CgrqWnNb8cXTFQs-HatZWiKJYovrH2WrTCTmWXrqhfjV5HG0E1mBH2fRlXwAngFuKuTgcZFcFhVspveRfwe12FIyuHJ8O6RIy/s320/IMG_1960.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718358167416710578" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are two of my favorite "students", I'm actually their student but it can go both ways! What sweethearts! We are learning lots about the challenges of the Apple Store and loving every minute of it. Thanks to both of them for helping me progress so much so fast! I am officially going back to work on the 19th of March. I'm so excited to be back. I have missed teaching so much, not to mention all the amazing people I get to work with. I'm a lucky girl to have such great, supportive people at my work. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDL9sn8c32vpdJv5mPeN6aVFEtyAeQyWCJ28xMbgz9ASNt0UI7qg7u58fM3DvphmZC3NVBEk4o06dRH7MPSEpiLnw03Gmd9tAju_SCFElsJY8-Gb7xm_gFq9Zx-ShV1CTqu7bC3_elMbs/s1600/DSC_3709.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDL9sn8c32vpdJv5mPeN6aVFEtyAeQyWCJ28xMbgz9ASNt0UI7qg7u58fM3DvphmZC3NVBEk4o06dRH7MPSEpiLnw03Gmd9tAju_SCFElsJY8-Gb7xm_gFq9Zx-ShV1CTqu7bC3_elMbs/s320/DSC_3709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718357907032683506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">We did a fun little trip to Moab a few weekends ago with Mandy! We saw some beautiful arches and loved every minute of it. It's so nice to escape from all the appointments Rustin and I have. I didn't think I'd need a vacation having so much time away from work, but the appointment schedule we are on keeps us a busy as work does. It was so sunny and nice weather and we drove the Falcon so it was enjoyable on lots of levels! </div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So that's the update from the last time I wrote. I have a nerd quote to leave you with that is from my favorite author and were so many to choose from but I feel this applies well:</div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(24, 24, 24); font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; ">“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0); text-decoration: none; ">J.R.R. Tolkien</a>, <i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3204327" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0); text-decoration: none; ">The Fellowship of the Ring</a></i></span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448218500839563676noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-4404830134364120642011-12-10T12:33:00.015-07:002011-12-11T16:26:18.334-07:00Full of Thanks!<div style="text-align: center;">WOW! This Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for. I was taken off my liquid diet within about two weeks of Thanksgiving dinner so I could practice chewing. I think I may have gone through each Thanksgiving of my life and have never felt grateful for the ABILITY to CHEW! This year, that was different. I emailed this photo to my facial surgeon (who gave me the ability to chew and told me to practice up for turkey day) to hopefully show my appreciation to him! What a delicious dinner! It was nice not to have to put it in a blender ;)</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ9ELokGi_FfSZczY8NPhmM_cpuJtHi6Rn-wHRl46w4Mrb1nSxn4oF63MJZG9jSVzO7ULsOoMtj6n_WMHO8PiYwSfEppEH0wyZsi6dSJHjxABno6vGORuphirwYnurAgvBdePRQKUVw_5/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ9ELokGi_FfSZczY8NPhmM_cpuJtHi6Rn-wHRl46w4Mrb1nSxn4oF63MJZG9jSVzO7ULsOoMtj6n_WMHO8PiYwSfEppEH0wyZsi6dSJHjxABno6vGORuphirwYnurAgvBdePRQKUVw_5/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684586776489829762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I have more to be grateful for than this blog can hold, so just know that I am thankful for all of you readers of the blog that have been praying for me and sending some POSITIVITY my way. I think I wouldn't be healing as fast without your help! </div></div><div>
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbRjbdh6hBeESaTjwYD0Q7owawz4-lAXfisKHViYPIXi6NqlPnHoB4owzkhYVA4plK1lUIBkZgz4cLXzklc619ERVlKYJa-X27_K6AP0rZfuy6_dYwGTj6ZefGID6e8o3RvZaLx0SvD8-/s1600/IMG_0229.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbRjbdh6hBeESaTjwYD0Q7owawz4-lAXfisKHViYPIXi6NqlPnHoB4owzkhYVA4plK1lUIBkZgz4cLXzklc619ERVlKYJa-X27_K6AP0rZfuy6_dYwGTj6ZefGID6e8o3RvZaLx0SvD8-/s320/IMG_0229.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684586629903758370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This was R2D2 day! Rustin and I celebrated with our R2D2 beanies that were hand-crafted by my friend in San Diego for me. How amazing is she? And she's not even a Star Wars fan! That is love, right there. They are my favorite beanies. This was right before a very long awaited visit to some of my dearest friends at work that have been so supportive and amazing to me. It was fun to see them and I wore my Millennium Falcon t-shirt in honor of them. Sweet little Applets. </div></div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVEnglizEVuNrOps9qbW4qA-Ns-B1rw9aKqxopWl5YoExPJC6m5WahiPkXEqX69YGa3cGOCjNBUl1xdcTNftt8wIsWViQ6pwfaMyTuGCWK66457mEkdoskpxlgpxPDInd4z-dacok9IqN/s1600/IMG_0235.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVEnglizEVuNrOps9qbW4qA-Ns-B1rw9aKqxopWl5YoExPJC6m5WahiPkXEqX69YGa3cGOCjNBUl1xdcTNftt8wIsWViQ6pwfaMyTuGCWK66457mEkdoskpxlgpxPDInd4z-dacok9IqN/s320/IMG_0235.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684586554511824610" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yu6vk0T0zWc2VrXD4z11ugkpu1RWUXPTS8adL27JlcbCh_R6ZNqilJWiLGlxUcSpyA7J9qWKrg3NPDS5V0UOffS4-jrrsNUwIr9p_L8OzJl27vQMqaLtCJDa6nFxeq-s4GfvPSr6q25i/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yu6vk0T0zWc2VrXD4z11ugkpu1RWUXPTS8adL27JlcbCh_R6ZNqilJWiLGlxUcSpyA7J9qWKrg3NPDS5V0UOffS4-jrrsNUwIr9p_L8OzJl27vQMqaLtCJDa6nFxeq-s4GfvPSr6q25i/s320/IMG_0243.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684586480636764418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">After my work visit we went to our favorite Jamba Juice! We thought it would be fun to take some cross-eyed pictures of ourselves. We do that to practice exercising my left eye but it was fun to have some assistance. </div></div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNodU9jYGDsgNmZPg7e-uSEzYvZRF3PcGYRJWTiud7XNLncf64qBwlhXnDzm5-dYItHnlflZWGyF9S0GWA2QT2DtGgaI6cOlPdKihWwL1qf6_Qgmu5wTYABte-mVs6VIfd9sWoL-QcKQ0p/s1600/DSC_3484.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNodU9jYGDsgNmZPg7e-uSEzYvZRF3PcGYRJWTiud7XNLncf64qBwlhXnDzm5-dYItHnlflZWGyF9S0GWA2QT2DtGgaI6cOlPdKihWwL1qf6_Qgmu5wTYABte-mVs6VIfd9sWoL-QcKQ0p/s320/DSC_3484.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684586373963609138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is a picture of me with my favorite Christmas decoration of my Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar. I put the legos together every day! I was excited this day because I got the X-wing fighter and Luke Skywalker. I also have some exciting news, because I was a little sad that I wouldn't be able to enjoy Star Wars in 3D but Rustin and I tested my 3D vision on his brother's 3D TV and I was able to see the 3D CLEARLY! The depth is a little less but it is CLEAR. This is exciting for me because I am going to be able to go see the movie in the theaters with all my fellow nerds! </div></div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiXWPFFoTZcPe_Jo6UKrOWpknBySEMUHSBf9oDuMm2jF_d5dglzz2Wrk24gWomK-3O9SmRA9SFjjri0CtdQyJLuZtlaYE-m6WCD2rGusdzG1GrmTI6jRV3YENqD862AnCiZ-F2tGVfbg3/s1600/DSC_3439.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiXWPFFoTZcPe_Jo6UKrOWpknBySEMUHSBf9oDuMm2jF_d5dglzz2Wrk24gWomK-3O9SmRA9SFjjri0CtdQyJLuZtlaYE-m6WCD2rGusdzG1GrmTI6jRV3YENqD862AnCiZ-F2tGVfbg3/s320/DSC_3439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684586224234435970" /></a>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rustin and I got our Christmas tree early this year. It's a BIG tree!</div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiImoT84m8aP-ef3m8FqNWptmbWRE5XQknV-lTV_e6loNzxY1ADddRCkFWL1WulsBmIamXo4-xf0zqwKgwSwMxJqbU8SHDcO4SyFry99_eRtCkUPHaqGuQtAXxUE0FnWWErqRL2XM4h4jH/s1600/DSC_3459.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiImoT84m8aP-ef3m8FqNWptmbWRE5XQknV-lTV_e6loNzxY1ADddRCkFWL1WulsBmIamXo4-xf0zqwKgwSwMxJqbU8SHDcO4SyFry99_eRtCkUPHaqGuQtAXxUE0FnWWErqRL2XM4h4jH/s320/DSC_3459.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684586078768786306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">For my therapy I have been trying to get up the gusto to put lights on the tree. I finally had a night when I had the energy to do it! Luckily my sweet parents said they would come help me. My sweet dad helped me with the tree and my sweet mom helped me decorate the house (something she is a natural at). </div></div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmI4SMHEVka1PVSFUJXkMJpBnqbNfiFmxnwjmfSqhjNYLlWT0df5TXNg5jqoA-RJbJ1O8OLAVbif4e_UmlrdiT38gu1ilPESXd7R8xep81hEBQItGBqQCs0LG05Mt513QGLFnnkNvsQ1w/s1600/DSC_3468.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmI4SMHEVka1PVSFUJXkMJpBnqbNfiFmxnwjmfSqhjNYLlWT0df5TXNg5jqoA-RJbJ1O8OLAVbif4e_UmlrdiT38gu1ilPESXd7R8xep81hEBQItGBqQCs0LG05Mt513QGLFnnkNvsQ1w/s320/DSC_3468.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684585885758103442" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-kLxNKiKVHmsAsf2A4N_up4bbzHzM3_Rw0L5ddbjKP4uZdTom_IxP_M-Y32cZ8i4H-u-IiXW0ZId3qpfoiWFQcG8o-G239L3jr0Kj44QnLYQPkK0btMQ1TMeJh6mZ8-G7PD2fdqnMdYR/s1600/DSC_3476.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-kLxNKiKVHmsAsf2A4N_up4bbzHzM3_Rw0L5ddbjKP4uZdTom_IxP_M-Y32cZ8i4H-u-IiXW0ZId3qpfoiWFQcG8o-G239L3jr0Kj44QnLYQPkK0btMQ1TMeJh6mZ8-G7PD2fdqnMdYR/s320/DSC_3476.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684585583954570882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the fruits of our labors! Merry Christmas Everyone!</div>
</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448218500839563676noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-19117726892009467932011-11-18T17:11:00.012-07:002011-11-22T12:05:44.276-07:00The Tooth Fairy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OEzujT7APtZ-uYu59mxrZf0rQqWsTX1Xj6oJDj8umUNAVM1ueXGykC6e-dTguYQIrxymdq3EGs_E4NIq_8f_yWKbkeJI5CEOuUdvZo1iCGcP3C6GxNXkxThF2wj0fM1MI5tMscmijnFQ/s1600/DSC_3384.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OEzujT7APtZ-uYu59mxrZf0rQqWsTX1Xj6oJDj8umUNAVM1ueXGykC6e-dTguYQIrxymdq3EGs_E4NIq_8f_yWKbkeJI5CEOuUdvZo1iCGcP3C6GxNXkxThF2wj0fM1MI5tMscmijnFQ/s320/DSC_3384.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677897005907582242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hi Everyone,</div><div>
<div>I know people have been asking for updates on the blog. I am excited to actually be the one to update you all on the blog, since I owe lots of you a large part of my existence. I am so grateful for all the prayers, fastings, well-wishes and positive thoughts that have been coming my way and I owe a large part of my healing to all of YOU! I can't even say that I'm grateful because the way I feel about the love and support I have received is deeper than that. I wish there were words to express my gratitude and appreciation but "gratitude" and "appreciation" are all I can think of. I am overwhelmed by your love.</div><div>
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</div><div>So let me give you a quick update on me. I'm doing quite well. Recovering from a brain injury can be time consuming and energy consuming. I can tell you all that my body is feeling pretty good. Most of the damage occurred on the left side of my body. It's healed really well. There are only two things that are interesting to me. I have a knee injury, which doesn't hurt, but it is just swollen and tight. It has been healing over time. I also have a compression fracture in my spine (and a couple in my neck) that acts up from time to time and causes a little pain. Other than that, it's smooth sailing for the rest of injuries that I sustained and they have all healed great!</div><div>
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</div><div>The big part of the healing has to happen on my head. I have recovered very well according to my doctor's that have fixed the facial fractures and optics. I am so grateful for those doctors. Those are some seriously blessed hands. I learned I had quite a few fractures behind both eye sockets. I am lucky I am able to see out of my right eye. I have lost all vision in my left eye. The only real bummer about losing the vision in my left eye is that Star Wars is coming out in 3D and I will be unable to enjoy it in 3D because of the loss of vision in my left eye. Let me just say that I am extremely grateful for the vision in my right eye because I can still watch Star Wars in Blu-Ray and 7.1 surround sound in my jammies with some chocolate ice cream and my Spiderman blanket in absolute BLISS. Having perfect vision in my right eye is something I am terribly grateful for,</div><div>again. Star Wars in 3D is definitely ok for me to miss out on.</div><div>
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</div><div>Another exciting piece of news is that I have had my front tooth repaired last week. It turns out I have quite a few cracks in the teeth along the top of my jaw, however the teeth are unlikely to be further damaged. Now I have attached a before and after picture, neither of which is terribly flattering, but you can see the difference.</div><div>
</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooqIhegiEPr9qh5ocGJZzjULY-tnymmE8DqQGLJdTevQNYAHCjS9icLyTWIvjQX2BwqUOmT_L0Pm6O1wFRoIEEtzVMROn-daJgT65F0-NMF7_KPff5YzGCgJVPvjiTIJmmlZ9KZ0e6thu/s320/Tooth+Fairy.001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677896714902501842" />I just love my dentist for the great job he did. It is very exciting to have my smile back!</div><div>
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</div><div>Another exciting piece of news as of last Wednesday is that I am able to start eating soft foods in order to practice for Thanksgiving! I've been eating lots and lots of soups and Jamba Juices since I left the hospital. This has actually been awesome since so many people are so nice to make us soup! I am excited to actually be able to chew food at Thanksgiving dinner though. I am very excited about this. </div><div>
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</div><div>Another challenge is my hearing in both ears has been funny, but mostly the left side. There is fluid in my ears and they said it will drain naturally in time. The good news is that it's working! The fluid is draining and my hearing is coming back better and better every week. </div><div>
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</div><div>The other challenge, for me alone, is the mullet that I have. This is in part because my brain is becoming more and more self-aware and self-conscious day by day. I am so excited because my hair is growing so fast and all the scabs and scars on my head are healing and are starting to be covered by my sweet mullet.</div><div>
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</div><div>Now, the biggest challenge is to recover from the brain injury. Like I said, this is challenging because my brain gets tired and overwhelmed much quicker than it used to. Some things are also mis-indexed and harder to find for me. That is normal for someone with a brain injury and I feel like I am making progress on recovering. This will just take time. Rustin is assigned as my 24-7 nurse. He is supposed to make sure I don't fall down and that I make good decisions. He has been so amazing through this. We work on about 4 hours of therapy per day by ourselves and then we have therapies to attend three times per week at TOSH Medical Center. My therapists are amazing and so helpful. They are making sure I'm progressing as much as possible in the time we have together. My brain definitely gets tired during the day so I need to rest it whenever it needs resting. We are also making sure I get all the right nutrients for my brain and body to continue healing. </div><div>
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</div><div>Well, that is a much longer update than I intended for you all. I'm going to need a nap after this. But I am so grateful for all the love and kindness I have received from all of you and am so incredibly astounded at the difference you all made in my healing process. I love you and am so thankful for you all. I have been so blessed. </div><div>
</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05448218500839563676noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-59651394991448714562011-11-11T08:08:00.001-07:002011-11-11T09:20:26.559-07:00Scary Tales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgtjdXiV2V4ZxSx-4fcglT-pp5M-pOE8Wi5VwwDU5flg9m2fy33sJVkO-Y53iJtLnJk-qY6uhKJ59GhPIH9YkyCTRO1at7r9CNKjdWYM9UJwIWcInYkAB-_gTRjcuU9cQTMj0XmKqhSdp/s1600/IMG_2402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgtjdXiV2V4ZxSx-4fcglT-pp5M-pOE8Wi5VwwDU5flg9m2fy33sJVkO-Y53iJtLnJk-qY6uhKJ59GhPIH9YkyCTRO1at7r9CNKjdWYM9UJwIWcInYkAB-_gTRjcuU9cQTMj0XmKqhSdp/s200/IMG_2402.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGTkm41l3HbjwbNuYfe5wWkRBBcDsPbUhYxOrhuQFLLWJcGIF97TEYDci8C2oby3o98y6ADZJW5u0eDuKdopKiHbcvG6yt2MTuik0mSnrK4f-2zNJw2Y1AnfJafMljdZfjZ0Ajl3AgzFs/s1600/IMG_2399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGTkm41l3HbjwbNuYfe5wWkRBBcDsPbUhYxOrhuQFLLWJcGIF97TEYDci8C2oby3o98y6ADZJW5u0eDuKdopKiHbcvG6yt2MTuik0mSnrK4f-2zNJw2Y1AnfJafMljdZfjZ0Ajl3AgzFs/s200/IMG_2399.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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So, last week was Halloween. Delightedly, we were able to maintain our tradition of attending Witches Tea at Grand America. Mostly, we've kept it to the girls with Clark in attendance as a cat, our witches' familiar. (See dictionary definition of familiar - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Baskerville;"><span class="df" role="text">a demon supposedly attending and obeying a witch, often said to assume the form of an animal<span class="gp tg_df">.) However, it has turned out to be enough fun that Rick and Rustin joined the troops. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsNhPq7JrqXRae4zMTKjvKK5zsnRD-raXQ9e-QVSfXFavC-2BdHjzrUnseDenb8YriRXGNOwuA1nWu3QHNb_N1PBofDN4JlI69524xBmteXUhrQ9GIr7VRBrE2TBAm818_zM5vNrHqdRw/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsNhPq7JrqXRae4zMTKjvKK5zsnRD-raXQ9e-QVSfXFavC-2BdHjzrUnseDenb8YriRXGNOwuA1nWu3QHNb_N1PBofDN4JlI69524xBmteXUhrQ9GIr7VRBrE2TBAm818_zM5vNrHqdRw/s320/IMG_2403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We rejoiced that Nicole was with us again. It was a perfect menu for her because tea is the perfect thing for someone on a "no-chew" diet.<br />
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Nicole told us of what she and Rustin learned at their visit to the hospital. Immediately after her two brain surgeries, she had responded when the doctors asked her to lift two fingers and/or give a thumbs up. Then nothing - no response for several days. She described a point/counterpoint scenario that occurred. The medical team was meeting in one room of the ICU deciding how to tell us that they feared Nicole was brain dead. The family was meeting in another room deciding how to ask more people to pray for her recovery. Obviously, the prayers carried the day. I wonder if indeed, she left us for a while only to be brought back by the fervent prayers of those who love her so very deeply and those kind enough to pray for someone in need that they did not know well. I believe every prayer was heard and answered. <br />
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Last weekend was the Cowboy Poetry Festival in Heber City, Utah. My dear cousin, Anna, came from California to visit and attend the Festival. The night she arrived, we all met for dinner reunion with our California family at Trolley Square. Anna was incredulous that Nicole could come. Anna thought Nicole's recovery is miraculous. It truly is.<br />
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On Saturday Jeff, Rick and I braved the snowstorm and headed up to Heber to see the cowboys; and there were some dandy ones. Jeff, decked out in his Clint Eastwood hat, levis, cowboy boots and flannel shirt, was among them. We listened to the "Sons of the San Joaquin" perform and then headed over to Jenny's house for homemade soup. It was the perfect menu for a sunny snow-covered afternoon. <br />
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All of us went to the 3:00 pm comedy concert featuring Baxter Black, cowboy poet. Baxter pretty much had people rolling in the aisles. This veterinarian-turned poet knows all the ins and outs of a cow. The vendors on site at the festival sell the most fabulous, high-end cowboy gear I've ever seen; saddles, custom-made hats, cowboy boots, clothing, rocking horses, and fine art. I was captivated by a female artist's carved gourds. These beauties cost a few thousand dollars each but as you can see, they are works of art. <br />
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Early this week, I went with Nicole to a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon who reconstructed her face. She had previously met with the ocular surgeon who advised her to wear glasses for the rest of her life to protect her right eye. He said there is only a 1% chance she will regain vision in her left eye and if an accident happens, it always seems to endanger the vision in a person's good eye, not the damaged one. She has picked out a cute pair of glasses that will protect her right eye. </div>
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The plastic surgeon said she was doing remarkably well. Her facial bones have healed enough that she can now begin chewing soft foods - well-cooked vegetables or maybe even a French fry! He said that the bone damage around her right eye was almost identical to the damage around the left eye. She is incredibly lucky to have any vision at all. Yet, she is blessed with very good vision in her right eye. As I ponder what is and what could have been, I am moved with how obviously blessed we are. Blessed by skilled and caring doctors and undoubtedly, the hand of God. </div>BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-44204140818365164112011-11-02T09:53:00.003-06:002011-11-03T10:06:20.466-06:00Happy Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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The extended Cannon family has come together often the past two months, for occasions like fasting for Nicole after her horrible accident and for Kevin Hegewald's funeral. During those occasions, we came together with heavy hearts. One bleak day at the hospital with Nicole, I recall trying to buoy myself up. I engaged in some positive thinking. I told myself that time would pass. We would deal with whatever we had to deal with and in the future, we would share good times once again. We would continue to feel love for one another. Sometime in the future, we would feel happiness. <br />
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A couple of weeks ago, with the same idea as expressed in the song, "We Need a Little Christmas", I decided "We Need a Little Halloween"! So we put up an "Over the Rainbow" of balloons and donned our Wizard of Oz costumes for a "Wicked" Cannon Family Halloween party. Make-up artist, Kristen came to my house and gave me a deliciously green face to complete my Wicked Elphaba look. My heart melted (appropriately) when three darling little Dorothy's came with Toto's in baskets. Assorted witches, wizards, superheroes, aliens, ladybugs and others filled out the ranks. <br />
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Our official greeter to Oz was Amanda, as Glinda the Good. Those willing to eat brain or heart jello earned candy bar treats from Clark the Cowardly Lion for their courage. Kids proved their Scarecrow-like brains in Oz trivia. Tin Man Carole showed us all how to have a heart in a game of "Do You Love Your Neighbor?" Are my kids good sports or what? Maybe they're just used to me. <br />
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The thrill of the evening was having Nicole there with us. While waiting for her facial surgery to heal, she is on a no-chew diet, so it's soup every day. She even was able to swallow a tiny spoonful of brain jello. She was a gracious conversationalist; everyone wanted to talk to her. My positive thinking that dreary day at the hospital had come to pass. I felt love and happiness, together with family again. <br />
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P.S. After the party, I attempted to post pictures on my Mobile Me gallery and send the link to the family to see. Shortly after sending that email, I got a response from Nicole letting me know that I had done it wrong (as usual) and needed to send them a link she included so they could see the pictures. I re-sent the correct link but it made me question - whose brain is working and whose isn't? Maybe I need to eat some more of that jello.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-20968057387447824152011-10-28T22:40:00.002-06:002011-10-28T22:40:53.619-06:00Luck? Miracle? Answers to Prayer?Nicole and Rustin took treats to the hospital to thank personnel in the Intensive Care Unit and in Rehabilitation who had been especially memorable and helpful. Rustin had to introduce her to those in ICU since although she had regained consciousness before she left, she has no memory of being there or of her stay in the hospital much before her last week there.<br />
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One ICU nurse was our favorite. He was so expert in the care he gave Nicole and in the counsel and support he gave to us. Nicole got to meet him and he was so happy and amazed to see her and talk to her. The outcome of her situation was very much in doubt when she left the ICU. He told her that there had been 36 head injury patients in the ICU this past season. Of 36 only three have been able to walk out the hospital. She is one of the three. I remember the night he told us there was a possibility she would have to live in a long-term care facility for the rest of her life. That was about two days after the swelling in her brain went down enough they thought she would live. He mentioned how shocked everyone was when shortly after she regained consciousness, she decided to get up and go for a walk around ICU. They were trying to get all her lines and equipment ready to go with her but she was so speedy, this was a trick. The physical therapists had to come running to keep up with her. <br />
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After visiting with more hospital personnel, she came home and told us more details of her surgeries. <br />
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Nicole has nine plates in her reconstructed face.<br />
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There are 54 pins holding those plates in place.<br />
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Twelve pins are on either side of her skull, holding the skull in place after brain surgery.<br />
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Thirty pins in her face are holding the nine plates in place.<br />
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All the pins are made of titanium like her first mac computer. (Nicole's analogy, not mine.)<br />
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In college, Nicole and Carole worked at the U of U Medical Center machine shop - where those tiny titanium pins are manufactured. At that time they cost about $200 each. Hence, just the pins in Nicole's face & head cost about $10,800 several years ago. We're on "pins" and needles to find out what they cost today. Whatever the cost; they are so worth it. Nicole is still with us. She is doing so well. We feel so blessed to be with her.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-9370858352682292122011-10-19T08:11:00.000-06:002011-10-24T09:17:29.327-06:00Blessings<br />
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Last weekend there were blessings aplenty for the Cannon family. Our third grandchild, a lovely little girl, was born to Scott and Mitzi on Friday September 2nd in Boise, Idaho - the day before Nicole's accident September 3rd. We found ourselves in the midst of great joy (at the baby's birth) counterpointed with great sorrow (at Nicole's horrific injuries). We experienced this whole gamut of emotion in one weekend. </div>
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Jeff and I had planned to go to Boise as soon as the baby came home from the Boise hospital. Instead, we stayed at the Salt Lake hospital with Nicole for the next thirty-nine days. By that time, my heart was aching to see not only our new little granddaughter, but her siblings, Corbin and Gabby, as well. Scott and Mitzi volunteered to come to Salt Lake with the three little ones in tow to see us and Nicole, and to do the baby blessing in our Ward.</div>
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Even though that Sunday was our Primary program, the Bishopric kindly gave permission to bless the baby that Sunday. Scott, surrounded by family and friends, took his tiny little girl in his arms and gave her the name, Piper Cannon. Then he gave her a beautiful blessing. I remember being impressed that the first thing he mentioned was that she would be blessed with a love of the scriptures. Two kind friends made notes of the blessing and brought them to us to keep.</div>
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At the conclusion of Piper's blessing, Jeff took the mike. He explained to our Ward congregation that this little granddaughter had been born the day before we very nearly lost Nicole, our own daughter. The morning after her accident had been fast Sunday, and we asked for prayers in behalf of Nicole. We knew that many people in that room had prayed for her and those prayers had been answered because Nicole was there today with us to see Piper blessed. </div>
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After the meeting, sweet Nicole was surrounded by caring neighbors and long-time friends so happy to see her. I watched as she met Dr. Van Boerum, her trauma doctor, for the first time. She recognized him from seeing his picture in the hospital and from what we had told her about our neighbor being there to care for her right after the two brain surgeries. She arose from her seat and reached out to hug him and thank him with a warm embrace. It was the first time she had met him and been conscious. </div>
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That afternoon was filled with family and friends and food and rejoicing at our home. I got to see my little grandchildren for four days in a row! When they arrived, I swept little Gabby up in my arms and she screamed bloody murder - as usual. However, I just whisked her away to see all the Halloween things at our house. She quit screaming and actually "liked" me and would come to me and say "Nana" the whole weekend. This is a big step forward for us. Before, she has only "liked" Jeff, her "papa". Corbin, as always, is the light of my life. He loved the giraffe Halloween costume I bought for him. He literally wore it every chance he got the whole time he was here. Nana was thrilled. He also taught me how to play video games. I have never played video games but Scott has taught Corbin a few and he, in turn, taught me. My little character would die or do the wrong thing and he would take my controller and say, "Let me help you, Nana." <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWoVQfLLH6aeR1Q0DgU9BjZrlbPXMD-mVGUb8WaGdm7GURQDmBVlXb9mN6WPIc1gkMGE9T3O3J51Xku8N5FTH0wOa24CnRxAEcC3lnJXHj1IznnuwbNuiEoGS7EkePUAYFOK_4eRV3VCO/s1600/IMAG0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWoVQfLLH6aeR1Q0DgU9BjZrlbPXMD-mVGUb8WaGdm7GURQDmBVlXb9mN6WPIc1gkMGE9T3O3J51Xku8N5FTH0wOa24CnRxAEcC3lnJXHj1IznnuwbNuiEoGS7EkePUAYFOK_4eRV3VCO/s1600/IMAG0263.jpg" /></a></div>
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He did help me. And so did his family. They came to us; they shared their new baby and joy with us. They encircled our family all together again with love and support. Nicole was there. Piper was there. Behold, our joy is full. </div>
<br />BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-82953679086901607492011-10-14T11:52:00.001-06:002011-10-18T10:33:33.152-06:00In Her Own Words - A Message from Nicole<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Thank you doesn't quite cover it. I feel like a miracle having been through two brain surgeries and that's just the beginning. All your thoughts, well-wishes, prayers, fasting, powers of the force, whatever have been so amazingly helpful. I'm so appreciative. Thank you more than "thank you" can come close to saying. I'm so incredibly grateful for all your help. I love all of you.</span>BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-76611922791204650112011-10-12T12:17:00.001-06:002011-10-12T12:18:54.880-06:00Homecoming - There's no place like home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole saying goodbye to Jami and Megan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming home to Han Solo and the Force</td></tr>
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There were some tender feelings yesterday; joy is so often mixed with sorrow. Joy at being able to come home; sorrow at leaving those who have taken such kind, attentive care of her. Nicole got a full day of final therapy sessions - complete with instructions on how to carry on by herself and with the new therapists she will meet as in outpatient rehabilitation. She has come to love her speech therapist, especially and has very warm feelings for her physical therapists and occupational therapists as well. Change is always challenging; especially when you have only recently had to acknowledge that you have awakened from a terrible accident which has left you with brain injury, visual and hearing deficients and all of September pretty much passed you by. Now you have huge issues to deal with.<br />
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Speaking of those issues, through physical therapy we discovered that Nicole also has a hairline fracture in her left fibula. With everything else so traumatized, we hadn't noticed until she started jumping and hopping on that leg in physical therapy. The MRI showed the tiny fracture. I was also told that she had nine - yes, nine - plates put into her face during the facial reconstruction - a complete makeover I'd say. The doctors did a remarkable job. She will be on a special diet for a month and a half (until the week before Thanksgiving). She cannot eat anything except soft, pureed foods. No chewing will give her totally new upper jaw full of new plates and broken bones time to heal. So she will be chew- free for a while yet. <br />
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We left the hospital toting four boxes and two carts full of memorabilia that is becoming more and more precious to her as she realizes how kind and concerned people have been during her recovery. When we got to her home, her siblings had left a surprise for her. The Star Wars poster was hanging along her kitchen wall. Han Solo, the coolest guy in the galaxy, was there to greet her and more beautiful autumn flowers. She has seen the poster before but really hasn't had the time or energy to take it all in. I watched as she touched it and read many of the greetings. Tears came to her eyes.<br />
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Since September 3rd, 2011 a lot has happened. Nicole is just beginning to take it all in. At the hospital she is considered a miracle patient. Her recovery has been rapid beyond what we could expect or hope. She is a success story - We have prayer her back to us. Our prayers have been answered. A new beginning is before us.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-46827204563246918832011-10-10T10:12:00.001-06:002011-10-11T08:36:48.766-06:00Rustin Update for October 10thAnother milestone was reached yesterday. The feeding tube has been removed. Yeah!!! She is so happy She is enjoying being able to lay on both sides of her face comfortably now. Hopefully we will have more good news today. Stay tuned . . .<br />
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We just passed the swallowing thin liquids test! We passed. We passed! We passed ! ! We passed ! ! !<br />
And right now she in in heaven enjoying a big glass of water. Thank you so much everyone for your prayers.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-75959585156905392502011-10-09T15:22:00.001-06:002011-10-09T15:36:46.622-06:00Miracles Come in Baby StepsSunday is a time to pause and reflect upon the past week. It has been a week of daily rejoicing. Each day Nicole's condition has improved. Each day there have been tiny bits of good news regarding her recovery. I've wanted to spent every possible moment at the hospital so I won't miss the latest gain she has made. Each day I feel like "our" Nicole is closer and closer to being with us again.<br />
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I was with her during some cognitive testing last week. Afterwards, the tester commented that she had gone from a score of 10 initially, to 16, to 27. He was impressed at her progress over just a few days. Several times I have watched her in a therapy session when asked to do something challenging, Nicole will pause and exclaim, "Oh, mercy!" or "Mercy child!" Then she does whatever they ask her to do. I chuckled as I observed an occupational therapy session this week. The therapist told Nicole he was taking his family to Universal Studios in Orlando to see Harry potter land and he wanted her to help him find the best deal on airline tickets on the computer. He sort of pushed the computer at her. "You want me to show you how to find the best deal?" she questioned and placed the computer back in front of him, saying she would be happy to show him how to do it. He didn't realize that for a few years now Nicole has been teaching people how to do anything and everything with a computer. He reiterated that he wanted HER to do it. So she did quickly and efficiently. She even took him to some speciality Harry potter websites, like mugglenet.com to look for special deals in Harry potter land. She passed that therapy session with flying colors - red and gold for Gryffindor. <br />
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She has been able to leave the hospital for a few hours each day this week. She tires easily but her endurance and energy improve daily. Monday she went for a short drive. Tuesday she ate her hospital tray food with us out on our deck. Wednesday she had an outing with a therapist; they went to Walmart and had her find all the ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies. Thursday she made the cookies at the hospital rehab kitchen. Friday she came to our house to eat dinner with a few of her former roommates (the Gapa girls) in celebration of Liz's birthday. They all brought their own food and Nicole had her hospital tray. She was able to eat enough food that day so she could sleep without having her feeding tube hooked up to the noisy machine that rattles and hums all night long! In fact, both she and Rustin slept till 8AM the next morning - first time since she came out of a coma that she slept through the night! Saturday she came to have brunch at Coachman's with Aunt Anita and Uncle Bob who are here visiting from St. Louis. The rest of us had food. Nicole just had a glass of water. This was the first time she could have water through a straw instead of on a teaspoon. I sat next to her and watched her repeatedly take a small sip and then concentrate on swallowing it. She did this over and over. They re-filled her glass four times. She said that to her water is the drink of the Gods! It tasted so wonderful. She gave us her assessment of her condition. She was surprised to find out that in addition to everything else, she had three broken ribs. Yes, she did. On top of everything else, they seemed less important and we are hoping that almost a month in a hospital bed has allowed them to heal. She said she feels that her brain function and capabilities are coming back to her. Her major deficit is the vision in her left eye. She told us she can see very well out of the right eye, but she can hardly see anything out of the left. She says the hearing in her left ear is diminished also. Don't overlook that despite the fact there is still some damage, she is communicating with us and she is aware of us. Those are blessings we did not enjoy a short time ago..<br />
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A week ago she was speaking in a high-pitched, breathy whisper. Each day her voice has gotten a little stronger and the pitch and cadence of her speech more Nicole-sounding. <br />
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I look back on the last 5-6 weeks and recognize that the hardest thing I have dealt with is my fear. First my feat the Nicole would not come out of a coma. Then my fear that the 8 hours of anesthesia necessary for her facial reconstruction surgery had caused permanent brain damage. It set her cognition back so far. In each instance, just as I was on the brink of despair, she improved. My fears were eventually dispelled. At some point, I felt the comforter's assurance that Nicole would recover and with that assurance came peace. There is no place for fear when peace comes. Now I am watching the miracles come; they are coming in baby steps, but they are coming. <br />
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There is now talk about releasing her from the hospital - maybe on Tuesday. If she is able to consume a sufficient number of calories over the next few days, they will consider removing the feeding tube that was sewn into her nose and down her throat during the facial reconstruction surgery. That would be wonderful. Another adventure awaits - bringing her home.<br />
<br />BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-44944491794713390052011-10-08T12:50:00.001-06:002011-10-10T08:53:03.441-06:00Rustin Update for October 8thWe found out that Nicole hit her calorie count yesterday. Yaahoo! <br />
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Nicole just sneezed for the first time since her accident. It tripped her out. It was way funny.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-17167598738056531612011-10-08T09:03:00.002-06:002011-10-09T14:09:26.077-06:00Love is all around us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda's best friend wore this bib and passed out several at the St. George Marathon</td></tr>
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Tuesday Rustin and I were sitting with Nicole in her occupational therapy session. Suddenly my former speech pathologist's ears perked up; there was some "voice" in her voice. She was using her voice box! I nudged Rustin. He heard it too! There was great rejoicing in the land - Rehabilitation floor 12. </div>
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Then came Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Each day her voice has come back for a little longer and gotten a little stronger. She is beginning to sound like "Nicole" again. Along with improved voice has come improved ability to swallow. Until this, I never imagined how wonderful it is to be able to swallow. And as we have been receiving this blessing; love and support from dear ones continues.</div>
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Amanda's friend ran the St. George marathon the first weekend in October. She dedicated her run to Nicole and made about 20 bibs for herself and other runners. In keeping with Nicole's love for Star Wars, her bib invited others to "Join the Force" "Running for prayers for Nicole." That was last Saturday. On Tuesday Nicole's voice started to come back. </div>
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Nicole and Rustin came to our home for dinner Wednesday evening. She brought her hospital tray with pureed lasagna - bleegh. I gave her a cube-shaped box to open that had come in the mail for her. Her friend in San Diego had fashioned an R2-D2 beanie to cover her little scared head. She can wear it while conversing with the talking Yoda brought by another friend.</div>
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Meanwhile, our dinner was furnished by our Ward's primary Activity Day leaders and their girls. They were learning what the Relief Society does to help people when they are in need. FYI - the lasagna they brought for us was WAY better than Nicole's.</div>BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-1954364010989375862011-10-05T10:22:00.001-06:002011-10-10T08:50:33.982-06:00Rustin Update for October 5thSomething very exciting happened yesterday. About 1 pm Nicole started getting her voice back. Everyone was really excited; word spread and therapists ran over to hear and see. Nicole is also getting closer to having her feeding tube removed. We are about 500 more calories per day away. Sooooo close. Nicole is working so hard at this. It is difficult because of her limited eating options. We should pray for her appetite. Thank you for all the prayers and visits.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-89394809796720468412011-10-03T22:35:00.001-06:002011-10-05T09:04:52.703-06:00Coincidence - AgainMonday evening Nicole got a pass to leave the hospital - officially sanctioned this time. Rustin fixed her an ultra-comfortable pillow-padded seat in his Land Cruiser. They picked up Jeff and me at our house and we rode just around the block down by the Cottonwood Creek. We got out amid a flurry of yellow leaves. My nose filled with my favorite smell - autumn. <br />
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We walked over and looked at the now-dimished water in the creek. Rustin gave Nicole a big hug and they re-told the story to us of how this was the place where he asked her to marry him. That very evening, they came back to our home and shared the news with us that lovely day in May. <br />
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Next Nicole wanted to drive a short way over by Granny and Grandad's home. Their lovely homestead was the scene of all the best family parties as Nicole grew up. The home was sold after Jeff's parents passed away but luckily the new owners have retained its charm.<br />
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We drove past and remembered all the good times there and continued down the lane. We passed some people who were out walking the other direction. We crossed the bridge and drove along the canal. There had been great adventures and explorations in this neighborhood throughout Nicole's childhood.<br />
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We turned around and began back down the lane. As we neared Granny and Grandad's we saw the walkers again. This time they flagged us down. Now we recognized them. Here were our sweet Aunt Kath's neices and nephew from her husband's side of the family. Her neice's husband is one of the two the plastic surgeons who did the facial reconstruction surgery on Nicole. The good doctor came immediately around the car to her window and introduced himself, "I'm the doctor who did the surgery on your face. How does this feel? And this?" He had been to see her before but she really hadn't been able to communicate. Happy day! Now she could talk to him. <br />
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Nicole hasn't remember much since the accident until the last day or two. Meeting this handsome, concerned and kind physician who has played such a major part in her healing was a revelation to her. Nicole has known his wife over the years, who was there with him and loves her. His wife was telling their little girl about Nicole. "This is Nicole. All the bones in her face were broken and Daddy fixed them. That's what Daddy does when he goes to work. Remember Nicole? We've been praying for her and here she is!"<br />
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Here she is! She is alive. She is not disfigured. She has been blessed by the skill and prayers of her surgeon and his family. He is the first person she met the first time she left the hospital. Coincidence?BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-74044131232290123582011-10-02T22:09:00.002-06:002011-10-09T14:14:21.589-06:00Kevin's Second Farewell<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9zXdclkZ9lkC_ouUbryf642s2qkvBghIE0G-V2b_AybCIorDrOxHgCx_VqQJWNRvyb8is6RgIBzs-2jYYK5orjs_EIafHvURpDivgtrwyMU3Y2Fn7FV-EALioH4lUj8x5hK1Vo53y7xF/s1600/hegewald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9zXdclkZ9lkC_ouUbryf642s2qkvBghIE0G-V2b_AybCIorDrOxHgCx_VqQJWNRvyb8is6RgIBzs-2jYYK5orjs_EIafHvURpDivgtrwyMU3Y2Fn7FV-EALioH4lUj8x5hK1Vo53y7xF/s1600/hegewald.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday we attended the Utah memorial service for our beautiful neice, Abby's husband, Kevin. A <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">previous funeral service had been held for him in California. Two weeks before his </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">passing, this wonderful emergency room doctor stricken with cancer for eight years, wrote his thoughts about his ultimate trial and the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">pur</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">pose of trials in life. The final weeks of his life have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">paralleled Nicole's tragic accident, coma, intensive care, surgeries and the beginning of her healing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">process. Two lives have hung in the balance during Se</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">ptember 2011. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">I have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">para</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">phrased one of his most </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">poignant thoughts in his final essay of wisdom beyond his years: </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Maybe we were able to choose the challenges that would bless our own lives and the lives of those around us. When it comes to adversity and pain and suffering, it is not just about that person who is experiencing it. Rather, like a pebble dropped in a pool creating ripples which impact wherever the water touches, so too can those who suffer adversity impact those around them. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">This touched me deeply as I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">pondered the many, many </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">peo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">ple who have ke</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">pt Nicole and our family in their </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">prayers. I feel so humbly grateful for the continued strength we receive from those who have ste</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">ped u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">p to carry this trial with us. Our hearts, and minds, and s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">pirits have been lightened by all who have been touched by the ri</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">ples of Nicole's ex</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">perience and have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">remembered us in their </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">prayers." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">Kevin, age 43, leaves behind his wife, Abby, and their four children between the ages of 16 and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;">7. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span>BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-52750771855269494172011-10-02T21:00:00.032-06:002011-10-03T17:21:10.704-06:00Breakfast with Nicole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUvGgE2SuaGwXLEbfxHzRD04IMR3yWRZml0sTa9sFuMlbHOz4rAo4FOxwmVmVrNPtxIp5bvb5nVsEm3iiuMExHgSrEuLkBudnr82u9Uy20W3sDAWGAJQxaCalgmGsFU2BlP57tyz2Uxwk/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUvGgE2SuaGwXLEbfxHzRD04IMR3yWRZml0sTa9sFuMlbHOz4rAo4FOxwmVmVrNPtxIp5bvb5nVsEm3iiuMExHgSrEuLkBudnr82u9Uy20W3sDAWGAJQxaCalgmGsFU2BlP57tyz2Uxwk/s320/IMG_2294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVN_pugvj8vuH7s2bmsAN1Q_8BL-SrDnB3nCRmvT34x_Kif1WQR6BuNw5TSAnQdLr7NzFjApUnhysPl0brsmJ6t06LTDsJdrT0ZPypiqyF2r23lVRN230aaaMtsKOAS0xiV7SrtneL8nW/s1600/IMG_2296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVN_pugvj8vuH7s2bmsAN1Q_8BL-SrDnB3nCRmvT34x_Kif1WQR6BuNw5TSAnQdLr7NzFjApUnhysPl0brsmJ6t06LTDsJdrT0ZPypiqyF2r23lVRN230aaaMtsKOAS0xiV7SrtneL8nW/s320/IMG_2296.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustin's brother came with two of his cute little ones.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bwpHZOA3xMTlHQlsWhq3UPZbJwf2aHRLpPES7XIAM4w3ctdCB2wSEP45n-2xRK6CipAwpKSwEPA1S0tbSPQ_sSlGYQOetM0zh2a8CEydD6f3_zbLHx6aaLudXx5wtiM1ESK_yttaSToF/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bwpHZOA3xMTlHQlsWhq3UPZbJwf2aHRLpPES7XIAM4w3ctdCB2wSEP45n-2xRK6CipAwpKSwEPA1S0tbSPQ_sSlGYQOetM0zh2a8CEydD6f3_zbLHx6aaLudXx5wtiM1ESK_yttaSToF/s320/IMG_2297.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole loves bandanas; so Rustin's Mom and sister made her a whole array of bandana's to wear; especially while her hair is growing back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCve5rnrdowG8bfky9kBjHDzja_1c0i52usuLuhc3AuMx6dNenhmZpMvCNJ2pq5lz9RKAHtamh94E8bc6u9RY6guPiWbUMzTTOUZR6NmYLKQ797_xQ9rog53ms_u-b1qKx_ZVeVla4G0lq/s1600/IMG_2300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCve5rnrdowG8bfky9kBjHDzja_1c0i52usuLuhc3AuMx6dNenhmZpMvCNJ2pq5lz9RKAHtamh94E8bc6u9RY6guPiWbUMzTTOUZR6NmYLKQ797_xQ9rog53ms_u-b1qKx_ZVeVla4G0lq/s320/IMG_2300.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustin is already borrowing Nicole's bandanas</td></tr>
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Friday evening a text invitation came from Rustin. Nicole's therapy team recommended that having breakfast with some family members would be helpful to Nicole as she works on getting her swallow back. So her parents and siblings were invited to the hospital recreation room for Saturday morning mush. The deal was just like a lyric from the Music Man, "You can have your fill of all the food you bring yourself".<br />
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We brought oatmeal with brown sugar, fresh pineapple, orange juice and cinnamon toast (Thanks Jill). <br />
Nicole had cream of wheat, nectar, and a tiny yellow blob of something I think was supposed to be scrambled egg. Swallowing is a major effort and a slow process right now; she was just getting started when the physical therapist showed up and took her away for a 30 minute session. After a stint on the treadmill, she was back facing cold cream of wheat and dried out egg blob. Not surprisingly, she wasn't too hungry and the nurse came in and took copious notes on exactly how much and what she had eaten.<br />
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In order to remove the feeding tube, she must be able to eat enough food to sustain herself. I think if they put her on the all "dark chocolate" diet; this would not be a problem. <br />
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Sunday evening, Rustin and Carole broke Nicole out of "the joint". They brought her home with her hospital tray to eat Sunday dinner with her family. This time she had a tiny square of meat loaf, pureed carrots molded into a carrot-like shape and mashed potatoes with what she called an "interesting" sauce. As a special treat, she got three bites of Jeff's homemade each ice cream for dessert. I can tell you that her presence has been missed this last month. We were so happy to have her with us for even a short time.<br />
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We took advantage of her being home and awake to show her (again now she is conscious) the Millennium Falcon that the Apple Store employees made for her out of legos. She was so thrilled; she said she wanted to stay and play with it. We showed her the giant "Star Wars" poster with all the signatures and she was so touched. As time goes on, she will realize ever-more how many tender kindnesses have been rendered in her behalf.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-85900717127392914692011-10-01T14:17:00.007-06:002011-10-02T14:10:16.465-06:00Rustin Update for October 1stYesterday was another big step in the right direction. She sat down with the speech therapist and ate some food. Yes! ! ! Finally ! ! ! Soft non-chewing food, but food nonetheless. This is the first step in getting rid of that feeding tube. Her swallow was long and labored. After just a few bites, she is exhausted. She is still looking better and better everyday. <br />
Thank you for all of the visits. They are so helpful. 7:30pm does seem to be the sweet spot lately since you should be able to join her for a walk outside, which is the best ever. <br />
please add to your prayers a request to have her ability to swallow improve. Thank you so much! Keep on praying for a full recovery.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-59401661876152937162011-09-30T22:26:00.001-06:002011-10-04T09:59:00.875-06:00Coming Back Amid Laughter and TearsThursday Nicole asked Jeff is anyone else was hurt in the car accident. He told her, "No, YOU were hurt in a motorscooter accident." <br />
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Friday Carole laid down next to her and at Nicole's request, told her what had happened. Nicole talked to us a lot this day. Her voice is high-pitched, soft and breathy but she was using it to interact with us more than she has since the accident. Nicole remembered that she, Carole and Rustin had gone to dinner at the DoDo Restaurant in Sugarhouse for dinner. Then to Red Mango where she remembered getting coconut yogurt for dessert. She even remember riding past Dr. Van Slooten's chiropractic office but nothing after that. After that was the accident. We have been told that she probably will not remember it. I think this is a blessing. She also told Carole that during her therapy session when they told her that it was September 27th and 28th, she thought they were pulling her leg. How could it be the end of September? September had just barely begun for her. <br />
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I was with her Friday afternoon and evening. She was becoming more and more aware of herself and what had happened to her. Most of her head was shaved for the two brain surgeries. Her face has been totally rebuilt in another surgery. At Rustin's request, they left some long hair at the very back of her head. So Nicole has been sporting a "mullet". The icky part of this is that she hasn't been able to wash her hair. During the coma and being in bed for 4 weeks, she developed a dredlock in the back of her remaining hair. Jeff called it her "dreadful lock". When she finally became aware of it on Friday she made us cut it out. Then she was able to shower and wash her hair. Clean hair feels so good. <br />
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After showering she flopped back into her hospital bed and announced in her tiny voice, "My armpits are all hairy and gross." So for those of you who were wondering, yes, armpit hairs grow even while you are in a coma. Straight away Rustin and Carole went to work on her. Carole shaved her legs with this tiny little safety razor. Rustin was drying between her toes - and Nicole laughed! It tickled! It was actually a high-pitched giggle but it was wonderful to hear. We used the lovely lotions and treatments that dear ones have brought to her. She told us she felt like she was at the spa. <br />
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Earlier that afternoon, two of her lifelong best friends came to visit. They were delighted to find her awake and their love and enthusiasm for her healing filled the room. Graciously their visit was not overly long. Shortly after they left, I looked at Nicole. I saw quiet tears coming down her face. I imagine that she is coming to a realization of what happened and that she is now feeling the outpouring of profound love coming to her from so many she loves. Acknowledging all this within just a few hours was a lot to absorb. <br />
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The highlight of the day for me was hearing Nicole tell about Rustin. For those who aren't aware, this sweet man has not left Nicole's side for any length of time since the accident. Since she came out of the coma, he has slept in her hospital room every night. He has done everything for her; including most of her nursing care. He has carefully monitored her pain medication to make sure she hasn't suffered unnecessarily. Carole told me that if she ever has to be in the hospital; she wants Rustin to come and take care of her. Nicole's physical therapist told me that she had seen devoted husbands before, but nothing can match Rustin. He has been ever-caring, ever-tender, ever-present. <br />
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Nicole is just beginning to recognize this. She told me, "Everybody at this hospital thinks Rustin is wonderful. They think he is Han Solo, the coolest guy in the galaxy. They think he's like Luke Skywalker, who uses the Force." Her comments are very pre-accident and now post-accident Nicole.<br />
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Rustin's is not the only hero. Since her accident, someone in the family has been there with her 24/7. I must mention her brother, Clark, who took nighttime duty every night to be with her while she was in ICU for two weeks. Some of these nights she was peaceful; many she was not. And her sisters, Carole and Amanda, who sometimes came to be with Clark and have often gone to do nighttime duty since she left ICU with Rustin. <br />
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Rustin's family has also been stellar. His Mom & her husband come almost every evening. Many times I find his sister and brother there. I know his Dad has come from out of town to visit at least twice. They are wonderful, supportive people we have been blessed to get to know well. They have been with us through this adversity. <br />
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<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="22" cellspacing="0" class="mainbk" style="background-color: #b9e3ff;"><tbody>
<tr valign="top"><td class="bluebk3" style="background-color: #f9fdff; background-image: url(http://kingjbible.com/lline.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat repeat; text-align: justify;" width="98%">John 14: 8 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Nicole has never been alone. </td></tr>
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<br />BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-40747920065713624972011-09-30T10:02:00.014-06:002011-10-02T14:02:07.987-06:00Rustin Update for September 30thYesterday Nicole had her swallow test. She passed everything but thin liquids:) Again, thank you for your continued prayers. For those of you that have visited and Nicole was sleeping, just keep on trying. Ask those who caught her awake, it is so worth it. We are trying to keep her evening strolls as consistent as we can. Lately, it seems like 7:30 to 7:45 pm is the best time to show up. Keep on praying for a full recovery. Thanks.<br />BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340879483853168012.post-53037080389329237042011-09-27T08:19:00.003-06:002011-09-27T08:27:23.268-06:00The Force is with her - Finally, she can swallow a drink of water!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLUkAGlXX_ZytPoFLVghyphenhyphenkICv39DIankor2EspXpIgzofU0bL-JOBJAnExPb2T9Gg-ljRx0oVr601YuLdAZN6grpSSTGOFvG7xCNBtoTHRbXYrIrmTMK7p1NGJffhyphenhyphenbEx1e2BTZFYI1YZ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLUkAGlXX_ZytPoFLVghyphenhyphenkICv39DIankor2EspXpIgzofU0bL-JOBJAnExPb2T9Gg-ljRx0oVr601YuLdAZN6grpSSTGOFvG7xCNBtoTHRbXYrIrmTMK7p1NGJffhyphenhyphenbEx1e2BTZFYI1YZ/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday morning I got this text from Rustin, "Nicole just swallowed some ice water for Megan during speech therapy!!! She did it two more times after that too. Very exciting; she is on her way."<br />
Just try to imagine not having a drink for water for 23 days. Think how parched your throat and mouth would be and how good some ice water would taste. Nicole can tell you - almost. She has begun talking and interacting with us a little more using a soft breathy voice. But she is talking to us! Hurray! She seems to be more cognizant of who we are and when we are there and it is starting to feel like Nicole is with us again. <br />
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Thank you, thank you for your prayers in Nicole's behalf. On Sunday several brethren from the Bonneville Halfway House Branch, where Jeff fulfills his church calling, came up to me and told me they had been praying for Nicole. These men are humble souls and no strangers to hard times and troubled pasts. I felt great empathy from them; I'm sure their prayers have been heard. <br />
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Our artist friend, Joe MacKay, took the poster that everyone signed at our home for Nicole and added some "forceful" design to it. Yoda's words to Nicole, "Recover, you must!" She IS recovering and we acknowledge how much prayers have been part of that process.BlogMOMsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04207588041792646942noreply@blogger.com1