Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving

I'm sitting here looking at Sam's picture on the front of the Deseret News.  Amy Donaldson, a sports writer did an article on our Sam.  I appreciate her sharing Sam's story in newspaper format.  I know more prayers  will be said in her behalf and that is still what she needs the most. Its been quite crazy at home.  Sam decided she would continue her lifestyle before the accident and my back can attest to that. I did tell Sam I would take her wherever she wanted so she can have a "normal" life. She is going to kill me.  Movies every weekend or the mall every other day.  Other than that life is good.  Sam continues to make progress and we are happy for that. Her strength is continuing to get better and she transferred herself again from bed to chair at therapy. My sister and neice from Louisiana have been visiting for the past few days. My sister could not believe how good she is doing. She hasn't seen her since the week of the accident.  She was amazed how far she has come. Its awesome to have so many family and friends accross the country thinging of my Sam. Today I am so grateful for four girls in our community that can have Thanksgiving with their families today. I am so thankful for Sam's great friends who keep her spirits up.  I can't believe how much time these girls spend with Sam.  They can't imagine how just sitting with her and keeping her updated on school and community keeps her going. I am thankful for the UofU and the great therapist that light up when Sam gets there. I am thankful for a wife who...keeps me on the right track and tells me how much I am needed. I am thankful for a great community of Nephi that keeps giving to us everyday.  I am thankful for my knowledge of the purpose of life. I could not get through this time without it. Sam's doing great.  Please remember her and all the others who need our prayers today.  Be thankful for what you have.  Be thankful for those you look at accross the table today.  

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Deseret News

I wanted to let everyone know that Sam will be featured in the Deseret News tomorrow! The article is titled, "Catching Hope" and I assume it will be in the sports section. If you don't receive the print version it will be online as well! I will try to post a link tomorrow.

Friday, November 9, 2012

LONG Overdue Post!

Sorry I have not posted in such a long time. Life is just busy! Sam is doing well. She has been home for a little over two weeks. It has definitely been an adjustment, but overall things have been good. She likes being in her own space and being close to her friends. Her friends have been absolutely wonderful! They visit frequently and make sure to include her in their fun. Last weekend her friend Nicole asked her on a Sadie's date :) They had a lot of fun!
There have been some hard times. I think being in her normal environment, but with everything different has been a challenge. But, she continues to have a great attitude the majority of the time. She had a difficult day this week. She had a break down and my gave her a little pep talk. She quickly got into a better mood. I know it is so hard, but she is really trying to be upbeat about everything.
Yesterday she had a great day! She was at therapy at the U and she transferred herself from the bed to the wheelchair independently! Sam said that my mom and her therapist cried. I asked if she cried and she said (sarcastically as usual), "No, I was tough and held it in." Then she also was able to throw a ball about 15 feet. She hasn't been able to throw because she couldn't get her fingers to open to release the ball. She was really excited about this! She told me it really was a great day!
I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father continues to be with her. She had a difficult day and then the next day was one of her best! He is always there if we will just ask for his help. Sam is such an example to me of faith. She is able to have a great attitude because of her great outlook on things. I am so proud of the amazing girl that she is proving to be.
I will try to be better at updating! Please keep the prayers coming-she still has a long way to go!

Nicole and Sam on their "date" :)

They ran into their other friends who were actually on dates

Monday, November 5, 2012

Back home again

We've been home a little more than a week.  Sure was nice to sleep in my own bed and eat a home cooked meal. Sam has been doing great.  I think not having someone come into your room at all hours of the night helps you to sleep better. We had a few days without therapy but now we're taking Sam on Mondays and Fridays to Mountain View Hospital where I work.  The therapist is awesome and is really excited to work with Sam.  The other three days during the week are spent at the Uof U in outpatient therapy. They haven't cut her any slack.  I love it when they work her hard and are excited about the progress they see. They were so amazed Sam was doing her own makeup.  Sam's friends have continued to be great but, I'm not liking traveling around with them so I can transfer Sam in and out of the truck. I guess I will call it additional therapy if its doing her good.  Sam's ramp in the front of the house has a new rail around it courtesy of Horizon Metals in Nephi.  A couple fine young gentlemen did the work and Horizon paid for the parts.  Everyone has been so gracious helping our Sam.  We thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts.