Memories

 A nice lady in my parents ward asked me to share this, so here it is:

In the last week or so, so many people have shared beautiful memories of the influence Randy Loveless had. It is possible that no one on earth knows the good he did as he went about every day! A group of friends and neighbors would like to compile as many of those things as possible to give to Marie. If you have memories, thoughts, impressions, experiences, or pictures of Randy Loveless that you would like to share, please send them to Mary Brickey Cole @marycoleherbs@gmail.com

If you could send them by the end of this week (November 22), that would be ideal. Or send a quick note so that we know to expect something from you later.

There is also a facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/362989273882062/

Dad's Obituary

Randy Clark Loveless lived a life full of fun!  He was born in Provo, Utah on November 1^, 1953 to “C” LaVar Loveless and Kathryn Bernice Clark Loveless.   He returned to his brothers and father after a short battle with encephalitis, surrounded by his family, on November 12, 2014.  He was an active member of the LDS church and was currently serving as bishop of the Orem Park 8^th Ward.  He loved serving the members of his ward.  He graduated from Orem High School and the LDS Church seminary program.  He served a full-time mission in Virginia.  Upon returning from his mission, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Marie Vogel, on June 19, 1975 in the Provo Temple.   His motto in life was, “Work hard, play hard!”   And he was very good at doing both!  He has had many jobs, in many different fields ranging fro working on the oil rigs in Wyoming, to being a real estate agent in Orem, Utah.   His favorite places were in the mountains hunting or on the beach in Mazatlan, Mexico during our annual Christmas vacation.   He loved spending time with his family!   He would ask his grandchildren who loved them the most?  And would train them to say “Grandpa!”  Another of his loves in life was talking to everyone and hearing their life stories.  He was always interested in other people.   He is preceded in death by his father LaVar ,  his brothers Mike and Bryan and is survived by his mother, Kathryn, his sisters Lakay (Scott) Stephenson and Lorraine (Rickey) Carter, his sister-in-law Colleen Loveless,  his wife Marie and their eight children, Trisha (Brandon Seamons), Lisa (Doug Burr), Ray (Marie) Loveless, James (Tiffany) Chadwick, Richard (Janell) Loveless, Kati Loveless, David (Kaley) Loveless, and Joshua Loveless, as well as 16 grandchildren.   We love you Dad and will miss you! We look forward to seeing you again and hearing all of your new stories.  Till we meet again!

Veiwing will be held on Sunday November 16, 5:30-8:30  at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home 646 E 800 N Orem UT, and Monday, November 17, 9:30-10:30  at the Orem Park Stake Center 195 W 300 S Orem, UT.  Funeral Services will follow.  Instead of donating flowers, the family would request donation to the Church’s missionary fund, thank you!

Funeral and Viewing times and locations

     So many have asked about when his funeral and viewing times are so I am posting it here.  It will also be in Saterdays paper.
Viewing:  Sunday night at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home  5:30 - 8:30.  646 E 800 N. Orem Utah
Viewing Monday morning at Orem Park Stake Center 195 W 300 S Orem UT.  9:30-10:30
Funeral Monday morning at the Orem Park Stake Center, 11:00 AM
     Thank you for your prayers in our behalf.  Please include Elder Joshua Loveless in your prayers.  He is serving in the Kentucky Louville Mission.  I am sure this must be hard for him.

Reunion

I don't even know how to start this, but first of all we would like to thank every single one of you, for all of your prayers, for all your fasts, for all of your support through all of this. I just want say that He's free!   Our sweet dad, husband, Grandpa, Brother, uncle, and bishop passed, very peacefully, away to return to his sweet Dad, and Brothers.  We are so thankful for this gospel, and that we know this is not goodbye, but a see ya later!  We know he will always be there in our lives!   I have already felt his spirit, and known that he will always be there for me.  He was always willing and wanting to serve those, and now he can help us in another way. 

heres a sweet picture that my cousin posted:

A little bit heaven shining down on all of us. 

Homeward bound

My mom asked if I would make a post tonight,  I'm not going to lie, this has been a really hard last couple of days.  We had a meeting today with all of Dads Drs,  they still do not know what Dad has officially, but they do know that his brain has atrophied, which means that is has shrunk,  they believe the lack of moving is because of brain damage, due to viral encephalitis or a time he was without oxygen to long, when he was having trouble breathing.  Either way, they said the damage is permanent and that if he were to survive the infection in his brain, he would never be able to move again, and probably be on the ventilator the rest of his life.

Many of you know my Dad and he has expressed a number of times to all of us that we would never want to live a life on a machine.  Due to this news, we as a family have decided to turn off the ventilator tomorrow morning and let him pass.   Please keep us in your prayers tomorrow especially, and my mom has asked that we all pray for him to pass quickly and peacefully.

A few years ago, after my Dads younger brother died, he found a song that he wanted sung at his funeral, it is called homeward bound, and there is a part in that song that says, " set me free to find my calling, and I'll return to you somehow" he asked us to change the words to, "set me free to find my brother, and I'll return to you somehow"  so this song will be sung at his funeral.

My mom says this is what she is doing, it is what he would want.  She is "setting him free"

Please know that we are so grateful for all your prayers and fasting over the last couple of months, they have meant so much to us, our testimonies of the truthfulness of the Gospel has been strengthened by your kind words and deeds.  We know this hard time is for a "Glorious Purpose" as told to us by a dear family member.  We also know that sometimes when we pray for things the answer is sometimes, no...  as in this case, and we also know that he will receive his full health and strength after he dies, we  know that we will see him again. We will forever be grateful for this knowledge, and for a loving Heavenly Father and older brother Jesus Christ who knows what we are experiencing at this time and will be there for us help us get through it. 

Sharred missionary letter

Since I have cryed a bucket of tears already writting this letter to my son I couldn't write again the same things so I have decided to just send you his letter letting you know what is going on with your dear Bishop and our family.  I know he loves you all, his ward family, his friends in and out of the ward.  So here is the letter:

Dear Josh,

     As you know your Dad's situation.  I know your mission Pres. is going to talk to you as we called him last night after our family meeting.  Right after we finished talking your Uncle Eric texted me this message: " You are never far from my thoughts or prayers.  Last night Jolynne and I were in the temple. We had a long wait in the chapel.  I was thinking about Randy of course.  The veil is pretty thin for me these days.  Here are the words I heard. "Eric, your prayers have been heard.  His life is in my hands."  I don't really know what that means for sure but I know that God is looking out for Randy".  I also know this is true.  As your Dad gets more serious and he gets more complications from being bed ridden so long, I have been wondering if I am being selfish about  praying him here when maybe it is Gods will that he be with him.  There are tons of people praying for him and putting his name in the temple and fasting for him. They have had faith for his healing in his behalf.  When really we should have faith that the Lord will do what is best for us.  Weither it is healing or letting us pass into his arms.  I DO know God in in charge!  Of the little things and the BIG things.  We still have to have faith that he is right, and continue in faith no matter what the consequesces.  I know that what you are doing, serving a mission, is the right thing for you. You are doing so good. I am so proud of you and I know your Dad is too. Your Dad may pull through this, I don't know yet, but I am willing to let him go if it is God's will.  So as a family last night we agreed that we should take the "Fully resisatate" notice off his charts, and instead put on "Do not resisatate" on instead.  That way if the Lord wants to take him, we will let him go and not try to do CPR and bring him back. I know your Dad wouldn't want to live his life in a bed, unable to move or do anything for himself.  

     I will continue to pray for you.  This is a once in a lifetime experience for you where you can serve others and the Lord full time.  Dad said serving as a Bishop was the closest thing to a mission, because he could serve the Lord,  almost,  full time. It was a blessing in his life, like your mission can be.  Don't waste your time, serve with all your heart.  Your family (which you have a great one) is all concerned over you and is praying for you. We all love you.  

Love,  Mom

May I also say that I appreciate all the support and prayers you have given to me.  And I also ask that you again change your prayers that Randy will be healed only if it be thy will be done.  We need to put this in the Lords hands, and trust in him. Because really,  His life is in his hands, just like it is for everyone who lives on this earth at this time. Bless you and thank you. 

EMG

Today Randy had a EMG.  This monitors how the nerves function in your brain.  It also shows how your nerves function in your mylon sheaths surrounding the muscles.  They found out yesterday that Randy's mylon sheaths around his muscles work fine.  But the nerve impulses from his brain are not firing right.  That proves he has not got Gillian Berre or Brickerstaff.  His MRI showed abnormalities in his brain stem and they are trying to figure out why.  So his brain is not telling his muscles to work.  They also got one result that said he doesn't have one type of West Nile Virus.

Sorry so short but I've got to head up to the hospital.

It's a good day to have a good day

   " It's a good day to have a good day."  
      I got this advice in a letter the ward sent me from the ward Halloween party.  I don't know who wrote it but it is now posted on my fridge.  Even with all that is happening it is still a good day to have a good day.  I have been extremely blessed, mainly with the gospel and the perspective it gives to me. No matter what happens, this 9 weeks is only a small blip in the eternal scheme of things.  I know where I am going, and where I come from, and who I will be with, because of temple blessings I have recieved.  So it is a good day to have a good day.  I remember this!
   They are still doing more testing.  They did a CT scan of his chest all the way to his toes.  They found fluid in his right lung and they also found some clots and an absess.  So they put a drain in the absess. They also are doing a lung treatment that is kinda like blowing up a baloon.  They put pressure in and out like taking deep breaths.  Then they suction him out.. It is working great and they are loosening up a lot of secretions.  They also found clots in his legs.  They think when he was having a hard time breathing this last week at the L tack, and we were thinking he was having seisures that his clots were probably moving into his lungs. They have started him on a treatment of higher doses of heprin.
     We have gotten the results from the EEG.  He is not having seisures.  So that is good. We are still waiting on the results of his other tests and then the Dr.s will all get together and try to figure things out and try to see what he really has.
      I had Lisa and Kati up at the hospital today and it was a pretty wet day.  If one of us starts crying then it triggers the rest of us.  But we also had some pretty lively conversations and we were laughing a bunch too.
     Thanks for all your prayers and support.  I don't know how I am coping some days and I sure suspect it is from your prayers that is helping me get through this.  Thanks, love to all.
                   

The U

     There has been continuous testing since Randy has been at the U.  I have talked to so many Dr.s. Neurologists, Infectious disease Dr.s. etc.  They all agree that Randy didn't have Guillon Berre or Brickerstaff because he would have improved by now and he isn't.  It is a mistery.  Three Dr's that came in today and talked to me said they will have to go home and do some more homework.
     He has been totally sleeping all day because I think he is exhausted from the move and from all the tests.  Here is a picture of him getting an EEG test that tests his brain waves.   They do it continually except when he has to get moved to do other tests.

Doesn't he look like he is becoming part of the borg off star trek?!?

It's a little easier knowing that he is in the best hands!  thank you for all of the prayers! they are very necessary and very much appreciated!

Moving Day

     Today is moving day.  Randy is being transfered to the University of Utah Hospital.  On Sunday as I was leaving for church his Dr. came in.  Before that I was prompted to call my brother in law and talk to him about Randy's condition.  He suggested that since he has not had any improvement since the Plasma treatment then they should look to other areas and suggested additional tests that could be done.  Then he agreed to talk with the Dr when he came in.  So I called him and they visited and he said he couldn't do that intense of test while he was here.  Hense, he is being moved.  He has to go outside of "Network" so that is way more money but there is a chance that since "In network" can't do these tests they will make an exception, if the Dr. verifies it and they approve it.  So I am asking that you keep in your prayers Humana Insurance Co and Randy.  I know prayers work.  It is a miracle that he is even getting more testing at this time.  I appreciate you so much.  Keep up the good work!

Faith and Works

     Sorry I haven't updated you on this blog.  Things are about the same, there are no new treatments they are trying, so there is not much to tell.  There are a few things that I will tell you about though.
     We have a daughter, Trisha, who has been praying and fasting for her Dad, as I am sure you are.  When there seems to be no miracles after so much fasting and prayer she was getting discouraged.  She was asking,  " What good is my faith when it doesn't seem to be working?"  As she was reading her scriptures she read in Ether 12:12  "For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith."  The thing we have to remember is that this trial is on the Lord's timetable, not ours.  We must continue in faith, as we have been promised.
     There are also some interesting things we have been trying.  Since the Dr.s are at a loss of what to do further to help Randy I decided to try some new things.  I got permission from his Dr to try some essential oils.  With the help of the Lindleys, who know way more about them than I do, I started using some of them on Friday.  I put them on  different times during the day.  The nurses didn't like it and complained.  One said she got migranes if she was in the room with the smell, she didn't come in after that, but that's ok.  On Sat. when I went in he had his eyes open.  Not for just an hour either, it was all morning until about noon.  He actually looked like he was looking at me.  His lungs sound better and he doesn't have as much mucus that they have to suction out.  This is the longest he has had his eyes open so far.  We will see if it's the same today.  I am using oil for respiratory and the nervous system on him.
     Lisa is also doing research that is telling of another treatment that has been used to help Gillian Barre patients who don't get results from the 2 treatments that usually work.  Randy has already had both of them and they didn't really work on him either.  I am going to ask the Dr about it when I see him.   It is treating them with steroids.  There have been good results on some patients with these.
     Also the EEG that they sent over was on the wrong patient.  When they figured that out and sent the right one it was still good news.  He still was not having seisures, but the brain waves were slow, not normal.  This is normal for when you are sick and in a sedate or sleeping mode, which Randy is.
     I believe that the Lord expects us to do our part when trying to help the sick.  We are continuing to do our best to care for Randy, and we are expecting miracles on his part and enduring to the end, whenever that is.
    Thank you for continuing to pray and fast for him.  We appreciate it more than you know.

Normal EEG!

Dads EEG came back, It was normal! No seizure activity!

Family blessings

     I have a sweet sister who is a PA (Physicians Assistant) for a cardiologist.  She works down at UVRMC, where Randy had his EEG.  Randy has been having fluid overload problems, which causes him to retain water.  He previously had low BP so they had to up his fluid intake, plus his IV antibiotics.  This is in his feet and hands and lungs and basically everywhere.  They are monitoring it and treating it.  There could be a heart condition, kidney problems or electrolite problems causing it.  It is a concern for me so I called my sister for a little medical coaching, since the heart is her speciality.  She told me what they should be doing, then I went to the hospital and my favorite and nicest nurse came and talked to me, even though she wasn't Randy's nurse that day.  She told me that they were checking all his blood  and enzyme levels every day.  They do it at 3 a.m.  No wonder I didn't know they were doing it.  She let me know that they were doing everything that they should be doing.  His albumin level is going up.  It's 15 and 16 is normal. His kidney levels look good and his heart is good too.  My sister is friends with the neurologist and she said, "she owes me a favor" so she is hoping that she runs into her at the hospital today while she is doing rounds. She said there is a shortage of neurologists in Ut county and they are very over worked.  Hense the delay in reading the EEG.
     Kati's last blog said she was wondering if he was even in there.  I know he is.  I can see it in his reactions when things happen to him.  When I come in in the morning and tell him I am here and say good morning to him he reacts by twitching his feet or slightly moving his arm or facial expressions. So I know he is "in there." He has a cousin that tells him his hunting stories.  He really twitches then.
     So if you read this, if you get up as early as I do, you can add to your prayers that my sister runs into the neurologist at work today.
     Thanks for all you do for us and including us in your fasting and  prayers.

Waiting game!

Well last weekend they took Dad over to Utah Valley to have another EEG done.  This is to check the brain activity going on.  They are concerned about a few things, one of which is being seizures.  The EEG will tell us, A. If he is in a constant state of seizure.... which would be bad.  and B. If he even has any brain function.  We are of course hoping that he does.   Obviously!

The Dr. told us that we would hear back on Monday... so naturally, that is when we were expecting to hear whether our sweet Dad was even alive in his brain or not.  My mom was sick on Sunday and Monday so we took turns going in so that Dad wouldn't be alone.  

When I walked into the room,  I asked my grandma if we have heard anything back yet, the nurse piped in and said to not expect to hear anything soon.... She was NOT being very helpful, to put it lightly.  She also was a little tired of explaining why we didn't have the EEG results yet, and told me, and apparently all my siblings, that they probably wouldn't even be here till the end of the week. That they were doing all they could, so that there was no need for us to be asking them further about the results...    I was a little miffed.   I'm sorry, lady, for caring and wondering whether my dad was ok.  Heaven forbid.

Sorry for that little soap box!

Anyway, we are all just practicing our EXCELLENT patience, and will be waiting a little longer.   In the mean time, from an outsiders point of view... My Dad seems to be doing the same.  he is still twitching his left foot.  He still grinds his jaw, however he now wears a mouth guard,  and he still rolls his shoulders inward.  Today  we will be adding swallowing!  He reached his new record of swallowing 17 times.  Thats his most recent trick!  Way to go dad!

We are thankful continually for all the prayers and for the help we are constantly receiving!  We love you all very much!  It seems that when we hear that someone is praying or fasting it just shows me how much my dad means to all of you!  As well as how much our Savior loves us!  We are VERY blessed!  Thank you again.

Remember the Priesthood Blessings

    Things are getting a little harder for Randy the last couple of days.  He is still retaining fluid in his tissues.  They are giving him a diuretic every day now to help remove some of them.  His white blood count is up again so they started him on an antibiotic again.  They ran all the cultures again to try to find out where the infection is coming from.  He has fluid in his lungs so it is harder for him to breath.  They have not tried to take him off the ventilator at all for the last 2 days. They also have not done PT or Speech Therapy either. (Speech therapy is trying to help him learn to swallow again.) They have this machine they use on him to loosen the secretions in his lungs.  It's like a big vibrator but rougher.  They run it on his chest, then suction his trek.  He has started having "eppisodes" where things get a little crazy, his vital signs are off, and he looks like he is going into respiratory failure again.  The Dr thinks maybe he is having mini seisures because of his brain injury.  Today they took him by ambulance to Ut Valley Hospital and did a EEG on him to check if he was having them.  If he is then they would probably have to transport him to University of Utah hospital in SLC and put him on monitors full time to see if and when he is having seisures. We will probably not know the results of the EEG until Monday.  There has been no one to read the EEG results, as it is a weekend.
     When all of this happens and he is doing so poorly I just have to remember the Priesthood blessings he had that promised that he would return to full health and strength.  I put trust in the Lord and expect him to fulfil his promises.
     P.S. Thank you to all my sisters for the help in the garden.  It was fun to work along side with you. It takes a load off so I can spend my time with Randy. Thanks again, you are GREAT!!!

Yes... it is getting late

     I should just go to bed but it is actually hard to go to bed when you're used to sleeping with your husband for the last 39 1/2 years, and now he sleeeps at the hospital and you can't sleep there. So instead I will procrastinate and give you an update on Randy.
          After that wonderful day of wakefullness and pain for Randy, things have settled back into a more normal state.  They gave him Morphine for his pain two times during the night.( Tues) It is a small dose, only 2 mg. half of what they usually give adults.  It just wiped him out!  He didn't open his eyes for the next two days( Wed and Thur).  His movements have been down.  He is retaining water and they are giving him a diuretic.  His lungs sound "course" as they call it so there is fluid in the lower lobes again.  His fever is still down.  All the cultures they sent in came back negative.  His Dr. discontinued his antibiotics today.  He had 2 bouts of sweating like crazy today.  They say that is a symptom of his muscles waking up more.  He was off the ventalator for 5 hours today . It wears him out breathing on his own.   I take breathing for granted, it comes so naturally for all of us healthy people.  They put a support band around his diaphram and give him a anti anxiety med so he doesn't get too worked up as they take the levels of support down and make him breath on his own.  There is a special RT (respiratory therapist) that watches his numbers and him closely the whole time.
  It is an up and down battle.  Some days are so encouraging and some are depressing.  But on the whole it is slowly getting a little bit better.
     Thank you for all your prayers and help.  That is what is keeping me sane, ... well as sane as I normally am.  We are all a little crazy at certain times in our lives and I am no exception.
     Love to you all.  Good night.
   

Good News

     First I would like to apologize for not posting  for a while.  Last week was a difficult week.  Randy had a fever all last week and was not doing very well.   Hence, that means  I was not doing very well either.  By the end of the week  I was downright  discouraged.  By Sunday I needed another blessing.  Both my sons were sick so they are not allowed in, so my two sweet son in laws came over and gave Randy, his mother and I all blessings.  Doug said that the recovery would hasten in Randy’s illness .  He told me to be strong and don’t be afraid to make decisions that Randy usually makes.  He also said I needed to let people help me because they are anxious to give me support in any way they can.  I should use their talents  to help me with  my needs and Randy’s recovery.   So true.   I guess I need to be a little more humble and less independent.  It is hard for me to have to ask for help, so I am being humbled.

      So here is the good news.  Sunday Randy was still doing poorly.  On Monday his temperature was down.  He was acting more awake and alert, and in more pain.  (bad part, but really good in a way, I'll explain later).  About 4 p.m. he opened his eyes, both of them at the same time and all the way open, focused on me for about 5 minutes.  His mom and I both started crying, because we haven’t seen them or any movement for a week now.   Not only this but he started moving his feet a little bit, and he moved his arms and neck a little also.  We were ecstatic!  They have morphine ordered for him when he needs it and I let them give him some.

      When the neuron sheaths around his muscles start to wake up it is very painful.  People who have had this say it is like a foot being asleep with pins and needles.  That is happening to every muscle in his body so it has got to be painful.  But it also means he is starting to get better and heal.  Hence, good and bad.

     Today when I went in he not only opened his eyes for me but he also moved his arms to answer questions I asked him.  I asked him,  “ if you can hear me move your arm.”  He moved it.  So I thought it was a fluke so I asked him on the other side, he moved it.  I have been reading him the scriptures when he has more wakeful moments and I asked him if he wanted me to read him the scriptures, he again moved his arm.  This is such good news as that means his brain involvement is also improving, along with his body. 

     Today I am happy I can share the GOOD NEWS  with you.  

Same

It is hard to post when things are the same.  He is still running a low grade fever, he is still recieving artibiotics.  The removed his IV and sent it to be tested to see if that is where the infection was coming from.  Then they started another IV.  The Physical Therapist is trying a vibrator to see if they can wake him up more. He is still drowsy and hasn't opened his eyes since the fever started.  When he doesn't feel well that slows all his responsiveness and reflexes.  Keep the faith, hopefull the removal of the IV line will resolve the fever issue and he will continue to impove. Love to you all for your prayers and faith in his behalf.

Be Positive

   

    My Children put up such better posts than I do.  They are not as computer illiterate  as I am.  They can put pictures and videos up. 

     Randy had a nurse today, in fact he has had her for the last two days.  She is so sweet and positive.  She says positive things about his improvement and I am sure Randy hears it too.  Positive reinforcement is so good for all of us.  At this hospital you can fill out "High Five Notes" for employees that go the extra mile.  I have filled out some and when they get them I can see a change in the staff.  They become even better that they were before.  This applies to all of us, with praise we improve and want to be better and when we  criticize we regress.  I hope Randy hears her praise, along with all his families praise on how well he is doing.  He is slowly improving.  His fever is going down, his white blood count in his blood is too.  He is moving his arms and neck a little, and he moves his jaw, like he is chewing or trying to talk.  His leg movement and eye opening are a little less.  

    My sweet daughter, Trisha, made a poster for him.  It is titled, "Get to know my Dad" It has pictures of him, camping, hiking, hunting, waterskiing, spending time with his children and grandchildren.  It has some of his favorite quotes, like "Life is good" and "If you're going to be dumb you got to be tough."  All the staff has only seen him when he is laying there, so now they will see what kind of guy he really is. Good job Trisha. :)

Angels Among Us

Dad was running a fever today. Trisha, Doug, and I went and saw him around 8 pm tonight, we talked with mom on the way over and she said she hasn't seen him move his feet today or open his eyes in the last couple of days.  Whenever Dad gets sick, he seems to digress some, I guess his body is busy fighting infection instead of regrowth of his myelin sheath around those nerves. DARN!  We went in expecting little since we knew he wasn't feeling well.  The good news is maybe Trisha and I are just loud and annoying enough to get a little rise out of him, because he moved his right foot, both his arms a little ( I have never seen him move those), moved his jaw some, turned his head from the side to the middle of the pillow, and we even got to see a little eye, just the right one.  He still has a fever but it did come down a little bit tonight from today.  They switched him to a high calorie diet instead of a high protein diet, hopefully to put a little bit of weight back on him.  His hands seemed to be less swollen today as well.
The last conversation I had with my Dad before he got sick, we were talking about the after life, he told me that there was no doubt in his mind that our ancestors are on the other side, and are very much involved in our lives here on this earth, he said he believed they were all around us, helping us out in times of need and trials.  A few years ago, as many of you know, my Dad lost his younger brother Mike unexpectedly,  they were very close and this was really hard on my dad.  It gives me peace to know that he has someone really close to him on the other side helping him through this difficult time, there is no doubt in my mind he is there, along with his Dad and many others who have passed before him.  I'm grateful, he had a testimony of that and shared that with me right before all this happened.  It seems that God knows what the future holds, and what we need to hear to get us through it.

Here's a song that seemed fitting to me:

Here's the link if it doesn't work because I am computer dumb :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_4Xfj2LRSA

Still got the fever

     Randy had a hard day today.  He is still running a low grade fever.  The respiratory therapist tried to take him off the ventilator.  It only lasted about 15 minutes, then they had to put him back on again.  They gave him some morphine,  a very small dose, but it still wipes him out.  They thought that would help him be able to stay off the ventilator longer, in case his high respirations were because of pain.  No , it didn’t work so they put him back on.  When he is fighting anything else except the Bickerstaff Encephalitis he can’t do much.  He didn’t even open his eyes, or move his feet at all.  Kind of discouraging but I know all will work out in the end.  Thanks for all your prayers. 

Pneumonia .... again

     They have been trying to wean Randy off the ventilator for the last few days.  Yesterday he started to run a fever.  Today they did a chest X-Ray and found a little bit of fluid in one lobe of his lungs.  They started him on a different type of antibiotic and turned his ventilator up to support his breathing better.  This is the third time they have tried to turn his ventilator down and the third time he has developed fluid in his lungs after doing it.  I think I will point that out to the Dr. tomorrow when I see him.  They need to wean  him off it at a slower pace.    When he gets  pneumonia all his movements slow down.   It is frustrating to me, but on the whole he is moving a little more all the time. 

     Another thing that is weird about this illness is that one day he will be moving his feet a little and then the next few days he won’t move them at all and he will turn his head or twitch his arms a little.  Just because he can move one thing one day doesn’t mean he will be able to do it tomorrow. 

     Thank you for fasting and praying for him today.  I appreciate it. I told him that they were doing a stake wide fast for him.  I hope he heard me. 

Physical Therapists or Physical Terrorists?

    Today the PT, (Physical Therapist) came in and worked with Randy.  He is trying to wake him up and have him move his muscles.  One of the first ways peoples muscles work is to annoy him so they have a withdrawal from things they don’t like,  like cold or pain.  He put a ice pack on his head.  Randy moved his head to withdraw from it.  Then he put it on his arms and legs, he moved them also.  Yes he didn’t like it,  but he moved to get away from it. 

    They said he would be worn out for about 3 days after they moved him and that has been  true.  He has moved less since the move.  Today will be three days so it will be interesting to see if he starts moving more today.   

     They are trying to wean him off the ventilator.  When they tried before it was unsuccessful.  He wasn’t ready yet.  They are doing it a little slower this time.   

       I hung the “Get well Bishop, We Love You” pictures up of the Primary in his room.  I showed them to him when he had an eyes ½ way open moment.  I think he liked them.  I know the nurses did. 

      Please remember him in your prayers this fast Sunday .  I think when you fast and pray it is like prayers on steroids.  I can’t wait to see how much he improves after this week .

       Thank you for all the service that you have been doing for our family.  We really appreciate it. 

Only for the Princesses

Randy had a "tired" day today.  They said this might happen.  When you move someone it really wears them out and they don't do much for about 3 days.  This is his second day from the move from St. Marks Hospital.  He wouldn't open his eyes or move much of anything for anyone.  I told the Physical Therapist that he only moves for the Princesses.  (This means his daughters or daughters in law.)  Lisa, one of the Princesses, came in tonight.  She started talking to him and he tried to open his eyes.  He only got one of them 1/2 way open but he tried.   He also tried to open them when Richard and Janel came to visit him  this morning. Yep, they are some of the Princesses.

New people working with Dad

     When Kati has a date or homework she doesn't blog, therefore she had a date and I am filling in for her.  I am getting to know all the new people working with Randy.  They are also great.  I'm educating them on his treatment and care.  He seems to be about the same.  Richard and Janell  drove 14 hours(one way) to see him because it is their fall break. Thanks for your prayers

Great Day to Move

Welp it's official!!  Dad is back in Provo!  He has moved to his new home!  Utah Valley Specialty Clinic!

I was obviosly thrilled that he was able to be closer to home, and naturally went immediatly over to see him!.   and was welcomed by this beautiful site! 

BIG BROWN OPEN EYES!    

I Love seeing his EYES!  I have inherited my eyes from him!  So it's nice to see that they are still brown, and as his brother used to always say,

 "You know what brown eyes mean right?? It means you're full of crap!"  

Well said uncle Mike!! :) 

This new place is really is pretty fancy!!  His ventilator no longer sounds like Darth Vador!  And he has a beautiful view of the prettier Wasatch Mountains! ( because they are in Utah Valley)   They are full of fall colors!  We told him that we were going to bring his spotting scope in and then tell him about what we are seeing on the mountains.   Hopefully that will encourage him for a quick recovery :)  

As you know, Dad can't talk, so naturally we are getting really good at interpretting his new language called the 'foot wiggle'  :)  he wiggles his feet when he likes something.  He wiggles them when he doesn't like something.  the key is knowing which is which.  :)  Lots of wiggles means he is happy. 

It was cute to see him wiggle his feet as I talked to him and read to him.   I read Joshes letter to him and he always likes that.  As well as from the Book of Mormon.   In Alma.  I am currently reading about Ammon when he was rejoicing in his God.   Anyway as I was reading to my dad I really liked these verses. (both feet were twitching like crazy and even his hand twitched :) )

Alma 26: 6-7

6. Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them' yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.

7. But Behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.

I'm only sharing that cause he was moving a lot when I read that!   I mostly loved when it says that we are His!  I know that our family is being watched over, and that we are often going through storms in this life. However I also realize that I often forget whose I am.  God is in control, and He is the one that is in charge.    I am very grateful for this oppurtunity that I had to remember that. 

Thanks again for the prayers!  Even though my dad is down here and a lot closer to home.  We still ask that he doesn't have any visitors, he is not ready for that.  Thank you for your respect in that manner. :)   

We will let you know when that changes. 

Same every day?

      Randy seems almost the same to me every day, probably because I see him every day.  Ray was one of his visitors yesterday.  He hadn't seen him since Monday.  He said he looked better than 6 days ago.  He told me because I see him every day I don't notice the differences, kind of  like little kids,  If you don't see them for a month you notice their growth, but seeing them every day you don't notice.  He is moving his feet more.  He resisted a little when they were moving his arms during physical therapy, but he didn't open his eyes at all today, only 1/2 way when moving him.  

     James Chadwick,  our foster son, came to see him.  James loves Randy tons. He doesn't really have a testimony of Priesthood Blessings, so it is hard on him to see him so fragile.  I am so grateful that I have a testimony of them.  I have complete faith that he will completely recover his health and strength. It is what has kept me from despair and discouragement. 

   Here is a quote from Josh's letter I got today.

  "Be strong and of good courage!!! 

I know that we reach a point in our lives where we need a trials to progress further spiritually.. I know!!! that dad will be ok and that brother Lindley’s blessing  that he gave dad was not from him but was truly directed by the spirit and is meant for dad so that he can still progress in this life  to have compassion for the sick people in this world... and for the fellow ward members that are dealing with illnesses in the ward.”

Boy missionaries get smart. So now you know that Josh is doing OK on his mission and is doing fine being gone from our family while his Dad is sick.

A work out day

     Randy had a lot of visitors today.  Not for most people but for him it was a lot.  Marcy and Spencer came.  Randy has a special spot for Marcy, kinda like his own daughters,  He opened his eyes for them.  Then Kati came and he opened his eyes for her.

Lisa and Doug came and he opened his eyes for them too.   He did do something cool for Lisa and Doug.  Doug asked him if he could hear him to move his right foot and he did it.  Then he said move your left foot and he moved his right one again,  Doug said, "not your right foot, your left one, then Randy moved his left one.  Great hugh?  Then Ray came about an hour later and he was just too tired to open his eyes or do anything else.  He was so tuckered out for the rest of the day.  He's got a long way to go to run 3 miles every day.  Patience is a virtue. 

"I love you"

   
 

   Today I went up and listened to conference with Randy.  This was a "sleepy day"  I only saw 1/2 of one eyelid opening for a short time.  I do think he slept some of the time during conference but so did his mom.  Usually I have a hard time staying awake.  Today during the 2nd sesson of conference I gave Randy a manicure.  When you don't move your hands for a month they get a lot of skin build up on them.  Kind of like when you take a cast off from a broken bone, lots of skin to sluff off.  Once I got a little close when I was scraping the excess skin off from beneath his fingernails and he pulled his arm away from me.  I must have hurt him.  But it was cool to see him move a little.

 

same ol same ol

Today he was exactly the same as yesterday!  Which is WAY better than being worse! The soonest that he can be moved is monday! That is, assuming the insurance company allows it!  ie please add them to your prayers as well!   

 That is all! 

 

Oh wait :)  Tomorrow we will be watching (listening) to conference! We are so excited! I'm sure Dad is the most excited!  He will get to fill that little spirit cantene that I'm sure he's been feeling deprived of. :)  

Thank you again for the prayers!

Yes, he has beautiful brown eyes!

Today was a wonderful day with Randy.  He opened his eyes for about 2 hours.  And I don't mean he half way opened them, they were all the way open.  And he also focused his eyeballs and looked at me for about 2 minutes, then they would get too tired and they would roll all over, then he would focus again.  It was so good to be able to tell he was actually awake.  I read him lots of this months Ensign, since I forgot his I pad and couldn't read him the scriptures. I read him some of the get will cards the Primary kids made him.  He looked like he enjoyed it and listened. Isn't that great!  I hope he keeps it up.  He is still not moving his arms or hands at all.  He jerks his feet.  His feeding tube is working great.  They can give him liquid Tylenol through it. Small simple progress. :)!

PEC tube completed

     Randy's septus has improved enough that they did is PEC tube today.  If you don't know what a PEC tube is it is a feeding tube that goes directly from his abdomine into his stomach.  So it is not going down through his nose and throat anymore.  They like to do them when they will be on a feeding tube for an extended time.  He went down to radiology where they do the procedure at 8:30 a.m.  It is amazing what they have to do to move him.  They have to put all the machines he is hooked to onto portable machines and then they stack them on his bed or roll them behind the bed.  Then a respiratory therapist, and his nurse have to go down with him to watch all the monitors while they do the procedure.  They stay with him the whole time.  There is hardly room in the bed for him.  I watched a U tube video of the procedure the night before.  You can find out anything on U tube. I didn't want to see them do that to someone I know personally.  They say it is not too bad to recover from, just like a stuff muscle.
    The Dr's said they could move him to a ICU rehad now but the Insurance Company is not cooperating now.  They have to submit their approvial again.  They said they hadn't recieved their premium for Oct yet (It's the 1st) and they couldn't approve the move without it.  I checked my bank statement and it was automatically withdrawn today, just like normal.  You would think they would want to save themselves thousands of dollars and move him sooner than later.  It will probably be the weekend until they get the approval and they have weekends off so they don't do it then either.  I guess I better unclude the Insurance Co in my prayers. Or maybe the Lord knows best and he isn't supposed to move yet.  Maybe there is something that will come up that he needs to be in the hospital for.  Who knows. I guess I will still include them in my prayers that they will do what's right at the right time.  This is really all in the Lord's hands, I trust in him.  Bless you all for your prayers for him.

Postponned new feeding tube

     They had his feeding tube turned off all morning waiting for the new feeding tube.  Well , they were too busy in radiology or the OR (I don't know where they do this procedure) they had some emergencies come in so they postponed it until tomorrow morning.  So they hooked up his old feeding tube.  Then they will have to turn it off again at midnight for the procedure.  I hope it doesn't get postponed again or he may starve.
     So I was looking at his feet today.  By the time he gets out of the hospital his feet will be as soft as a newborn babies.  When you don't walk on them for a month and get the normal wear and tear they build up a lot of extra skin that doesn't sluff off.  So today he got a foot treatment.  Wow. I bet that felt good... or horrible, I couldn't tell.  He did try to open his eyes while I was working on them.

Dad likes Joshies mission letters

Dad is still very much the same, he rests most of the day, but mom says when us kids come and see him, he really seems to try hard to open his eyes and do little movements.  Today when Trisha and I saw him he was opening his eyes a lot more than normal, but wasn't able to controll the movement of those cute little eyeballs,  when he opens them just slighlty it looks like he can keep them straight and centered more but if he opens them wider, they tend to wander around.

We usually just ramble on about our boring lives, but every now and then we'll say something that seems to perk his interest more and he'll make a stronger attempt to move, I believe to let us know he's there.  Today I read Josh's last mission letter to him, he moved his right leg twice and tried to keep his eyes open almost the whole time I read his letter. 

We suggested Mom read him the scriptures, or ensign talks to him.  I have wondered if he may be on a spiritual low.  I know if I haven't been to church in a while or not had the sacrament for a while I seem to just need a boost,  I'm sure Dad probably feels the same. Today when we went in the nurses had the TV on for him and it was some dumb soap opera,  I laughed and told Dad I would turn it off, that would be enough to keep him in that coma, haha.   It will be nice to be able to watch conference next week with him, this way he can hear conference with us, like going to church,  I'm sure he misses it.

They are not feeding him for awhile to drain his stomach, then they'll replace the feeding tube he has in his nose and put a port in his tummy.  They said he needed to have an empty stomach to place that,  we are worried after they put him "under" while they place that tube, that it may be another week before he starts to "wake up" again.  Thanks so much for all the prayers!  

Same as Sunday

I know a lot of people are reading this and it was suggested to me by my Brother in Law that if there is no change that I should post it because people are looking and wondering every day.  So I will say that he is the same and the antibiotics are working good on his blood infection.  They did do a heart sonagram of him and his heart looks good, (sometimes with strep septis it can effect the heart)
Thank goodness for small miracles.  They also had to replace his feeding tube as his was blocked.
They are eventually going to have to put a feeding tube in that goes into his abdominal wall directly to his stomach or small intestine, I don't know which, but they won't do that untill his septus is cleared up.  Love to all, keep the faith.

modern medicine!! Useful isn't it!?

     Just to let you know Randy had a way better day today than yesterday.  They got the results back on the blood work and Randy has septus again.  It is a strep infection that you can pick up from being in hospitals.  They said his lungs still look clear.  They started him on antibiotics last night and they are working well.  He is so much better today than yesterday.  He actually looks calm instead of struggling.  They even had to  put him on the ventalator again.  He was still on it today when I went in.  His color is better.  He opened his eyes just a little, maybe 10 seconds.  He wasn't running a fever.  They took out his Dialisis port where they did the Plasma Phresis and his IV pick line and started a new one.
It is good to know he is still in there and responds ever so slightly occasionally during the day.
     Some of the kids went and visited him and they took this crazy picture.  This is how they have fun with their Dad now.

Bump in the road to recovery

     Yes, it is early. I woke up at 3:30 a.m. thinking about Randy.  Finially decided to blog a post about him. Yesterday he had what I shall call a bump in the road to recovery.  He spiked a fever.  His heart rate and blood pressure went up.  They called the Dr and he ordered a chest x ray, blood work, urine sample, etc  to see where the infection is coming from.  He has so many tubes coming out of him to help him, but that also makes pathways for infection to enter.  Bless our skins defense in our everyday lives.  They also started him on IV antibiotics.  He is totally unresponsive 99.9% of the day.
    I am with him every day but I sure miss him.  All I can say is he is a really good listener at this point in his life.  So you may be wondering what I do all day long while I sit up at the hospital.  I will talk to him and tell him the family news every day. I watch his vital signs and tubes and let the nurses or respiratory therapists know if there is a problem.  I help the PT do his exercises, I help turn, clean and position him. I listen to all the beeps and alarms and if they make an unusual sound I let them know about it.  I crochet baby nursery hats, visit with Randy's mom, and  play ocean sounds and music Randy likes to listen to. I like to visit with all the people that take care of Randy.  There are some amazing nurses, therapists, support people up there.  They have interesting stories and lives and I can say I will miss them when they move him.  He has been there so long that I see the ICU fill up and empty out and Randy has been there the longest. It's too bad they don't get to know him, because he is an awesome guy and I know that they would love him as we all do.
    Keep him in your prayers.  They really help me to hang on.  Maybe this next fast Sunday when you pray could you ask specifically that he would be able to respond enough to us so we would know how to help him better. It's hard to help someone when you have no idea what they are feeling.  Kinda like a baby can't tell you, but worse because at least they can cry.  Thanks, we love you all.

One small movement at a time!

As you all heard yesterday, my dad has been lately getting the hiccups.   They all said that it was a good thing because that meant that he was getting his breathing muscles back!  They say when you have GBS you lose sensation from your feet to your head, and then regain sensation from your head to you feet!

As of right now pretty much everything is attrophied.  So he is really weak, nearly paralyzed.   That being said, on thursday he moved his arm. it was on a pillow at his side and he was able to flop it over onto his stomach.   Also good news is that normally you will see little nerve twitches throughout his whole body.  What has changed is that he slightly moved his foot..   It almost seems as though he is testing his body seeing what moves and what doesn't.  They arent big movements but they are movements all the same.  

His vision still is not working right.   Most of the time when I go in there he has one eye halfway open.  Once it seemed like he was looking at me.... but I really think I was just standing where his eye happened to be floating that day.. :)  I will take what I can get though!

I can't wait for him to be moved down here so that he will be closer to home.   I know you all wish to see him.   Right now is still not the best time.   When he is conscious and stuck in a bed, I'm sure he will be bored out of his gored and would probably enjoy seeing visitors.   But for now he is still resting as much as he can.

Thank you all again for the prayers. :)  We are continually feeling very blessed everyday.

No news is good news

     People are asking me why I don't post every day.  Well, when things are the same and I have nothing new to say then I don't put anything up.  So I guess you should think, no news is good news.  At least he isn't getting worse.  This is going to be a long and slow process.
     He is still unresponsive, but there has been one huge improvement that started last night and went into today.  They are trying to take him off the ventalator.  He was only on about 6 hours yesterday and last night he didn't have to go back on it all night long.  This morning when I got there about 10 a.m. he was still off it.  That is excellent!  He still has his trek tube so they can suction his lungs out if he needs help with that.  He is also getting more "hickups"  they said that is good because his diaphram is starting to wake up.  (Breathing muscles).
    He didn't open his eyes or look at us at all today.  My daughter, Lisa, serches the internet a lot and there is a type of GBS that effects your eyes more.  It is called Miller Fisher.  One lady said she had that type and she didn't open her eyes for 7 weeks.  If this is the case he only has 4 more weeks left.
   Keep praying  and fasting for him.  I really feel your support and get comfort and peace from it.
Thanks for all your help. You are the best ward ! Love to all.

He's still got it!

Ok so lets see!  Dad opened his eyes for roughly 30 seconds.   He focused them for maybe five seconds.  And he blinked when mom asked him to, not when the nurse asked him to.  Apparently he will do great things for love!  He is doing his treatments every other day.  Today was his day off.  his last plasma phoresis will be friday! We will hopefully be moving him on friday down to the Utah valley Specialty hospital.  He still is not really concious, and is not ready for visitors.  however since most of you want to see him anyway we are sharing him with you via camera. :)

As Mom says, "He's still got it!"  and he really is and always will be my cute little Papa.
He spends most of his days getting cool rags placed on his forehead, receiving foot massages from his Mama.  Listening to the ocean, Simon and Garfunkle, Mo-tab, and the little Mexican pipe music.  and listening to us ramble on about our non eventful lives, and my dating life(which he is getting WAY more information now that he is in a coma).  Normally it goes something like this:

Dad: How was your date??????!???!??
Me: It was good
Dad: Do you like him????!??
Me: Sure, He's nice.
Dad: Well what did you do?????!
Me: Um... (insert facts about what we did)
Dad: I'm just interested  in your life, I'm not hounding you.
Me: I don't think your hounding me
Dad: Do you owe Ice cream??????
Me:  What do you think?
Dad: what time did you come home last night.
ME: Now I think your hounding me.....  (I leave the room)  haha  

They are GREAT conversations.

I'm sure if he could talk he would first be telling you that he was fine,  and that he would be asking about how you all are doing and what funny things are happening in your lives,  and wondering about the different adventures everyone is going on.  He cares for all ward family and his family family.

We are super grateful for all the prayers.  They are felt by our whole family, and we are continually amazed at the love that is felt.   Thank you again.

Sept 20, The treatment continues

The treatment continues: Sept. 20, 2014

     Kati has been out of town for the last two days so I thought I would update you on Randy’s  progress.  On Friday they started his Plasma Phreresis treatment.  They also did an EEG to check on his brain function.  I had to leave before they did it so didn’t get to see it done.  On Sat. they did the second treatment.   This machine is amazing.  The red cross owns it and has it’s  own technicians to run it.  The nurses don’t even know how it works.  This treatment is so rare.  Basically Randy has a portal like a dialysis machine uses.  They pump Randy’s blood out of one tube, mix it with an antiquagulating agent and then spin it to divide the plasma out of the rest of his blood.  Then his plasma is pumped into another bag.  His blood, minus the plasma, is mixed with albumin. (Like plasma that is made in a lab, not from someone’s  blood donation)  Then it goes through a heating coil and pumped back into Randy.  It takes a little over an hour to do the procedure.   They do it five times over at least a five day period.  It is better if you take a rest between treatments.  Randy now has 2 treatments.  They are giving him Sunday off.  Will do the next 3 on Mon, Wed and Fri.  

     Randy is still unresponsive.  He tried to open one eye, I think.  It opened half way for about  5 seconds during the treatment. 

      His feeding tube has to be replaced tomorrow.  They have to take him to radiology tomorrow to put it in.  It is blocked off and no longer works.  It’s been in 16 days so that’s not too bad.   They started an IV until he gets his feeding tube replaced.    Thank you for keeping  him in your prayers. 

A Day of MIracles

Well today I decided to fast for Randy, actually it was last night after supper.  I have always sturggled with fasting. It is very hard on me but as I was deciding the Holy Goost or my gardian angels said,"how hard is this on Randy at this time?  Fasting for you is nothing compard to what he is going through." So I felt I should do it and so I did.  So here are the small, maybe large, miracles that happened today.
    1. Troy called, my brother in law who is a neurologist, way smart, by the way.  Troy found out who the Neurologist was for that day and found his Fax # and got him some information on "Bickerstaff  Ensephlitis" and the Dr. was open enough to read and study it and Randy's case and agreed to do the different treatment for it, which is a big "pain in the neck" for him.   The Dr admitted he didn't even know how to go about getting it all set up, but said he'd figure it out and he did.  They don't even have that machine in their hospital.
     2. Lisa found a GBS support group on line and asked people about Dad's symptoms.  After they wake up all of them said they were in excruciating pain but were paralized so they could't say it to anyone.  Also that they were HOT!.  The Dr. agreed to give him pain meds, especially before they to Physical therapy on him.
     3. They wanted to transfer him to Provo to a rehab Hospital today and that has been postponed untill he gets this new treatment.  It's called Plasma Phreresis, by the way. and it's what they do to treat Bickerstaff Ensehlitis.  It's kinda like dialysis.  They take your blook out and "wash" it of it's antibodies.  Randy's own antibodies are attacking his myelin sheath around all his  muscles in his body, making them paralized so he can't move anything or very little.
     4. He got a new Physical therapist today that warned us about Randy's shoulders, she said we have to be extra careful with them now because she noticed his shoulder muscles have atrophed to a  point where  his shoulders could dislocate easily if you pulled on his arms at all while turning or positioning him.  Yikes!
     5. Also one of his previous nurses came and talked tome.  She encouraged me to not "move" him too quickly out of ICU to a rehab because he is not out of danger yet and not stable enough.  He has not gotten the right treatment for what's going on with him.  I've been praying to know what to do with him about moving.  I really want him to be closer down here,  I hate driving in rush hour traffic to SLC every day but I would hate even more to put Randy through one more minute of this that he already has to go through.
     So that's a lot of miracles today.  :)  Thank your Lord for keeping us in your sights and blessing us in this trial and for good people to watch over us.
     Thank you for all your prayers.  I can really feel comfort from  them, and as you can see Randy is being blessed for it.