Happy Anniversary!

It's hard to believe it's been one year since that fateful day Mom received her new knees. In some ways it seems only yesterday that we rode to the hospital in the dark early morning hours, full of excitement that Mom would finally be free from the pain which had plagued her for years. I vividly remember walking through the halls of the hospital with Mom and Dad to the room where Mom was prepped for surgery, and giving Mom a hug as she snuggled under warm blankets while they wheeled her off to the operating room. Dad and I spent the next couple hours just hanging out together in Mom's room, anticipating better days ahead for her. We welcomed the doctor's visit after the surgery explaining that everything had gone well. I called everyone to let them know the good news and that Mom would be back in the room within an hour or two.

Little did we know.

This past week as I contemplated the events that transpired that day and the tragedy that unfolded before our eyes, I couldn't help but shed some tears at those terrifying memories. However, my sadness was soon washed away by a flood of memories of the countless miracles we were privileged to witness over the next few months, and I was once again keenly aware of Heavenly Father's tender care throughout this ordeal.

Our family knows in a very personal way that miracles aren't always granted in the way we desire, but we also have deep and abiding testimonies that no matter what we are called to pass through, we will be sustained every step of the way. In a few short weeks, August 19th will arrive, marking 10 years since Lynn passed away from cancer. Although we petitioned Heavenly Father fervently for her to be healed, we each have a firm testimony that He is in charge, and have been granted that peace which surpasseth all understanding. Therefore, despite the uncertainty of Mom's situation we were comforted by our knowledge that somehow all would be well. Just as with Lynn, we again witnessed countless miracles. This blog is a testament to His hand in our lives.

Last Saturday we gathered together as a family to celebrate Matthew's baptism, and Mom was asked to give the opening prayer. It was unbelieveable to contemplate where she has come from and where she is now. On Sunday we had a family party and Mom was taking pictures, just like she always did. Despite the fact that she has the world's slowest camera (some things never change!) we were all happy to smile and were thankful to have our Mom and Grammie back. I couldn't help but picture her lying in Intensive Care, hooked up to countless machines, blind and in a coma. What a contrast to the sweet, feisty, vibrant woman we have now!

It's a good thing Mom has a bit of feistiness in her because it has been a long road. Back in the earliest days, only one doctor gave us any real hope. After we had received countless conflicting medical opinions, one of the ICU neurospecialists, Dr. Roller, ventured to say that although he didn't have a crystal ball, it was his opinion that in a year we would be pleasantly surprised to see the progress Mom would make. We clung to his words despite the grim situation, and are thrilled to report that his prediction has come to pass beyond our wildest dreams.

Mom was a dedicated therapy patient, traveling to downtown SLC twice a week for physical, occupational and speech therapy. Dad was a trooper, driving her there and patiently sitting through three hours of therapy with her each day. In May she finally graduated from all three therapies, having made dear friends with her therapists along the way!

Her biggest worry right now is her eye, which became infected in the hospital. After a few months of constant drops and medications, the angry redness finally subsided. However, because of the severity of the infection, the eye has been permanently damaged and will most likely require a cornea transplant. Unfortunately last month the infection returned, which will postpone the transplant for another 6 months or so. It seems that sunlight exacerbates the condition and in June she spent a few days out in the yard, determined to get the flowerbeds weeded. Not only did her eye regress from the intense sunlight, but she also injured her back and found herself in physical therapy again. Thankfully she is mostly recovered from that and hopefully will let us help out with the weeding a bit more in the future!!!

But for the most part, things are wonderful. Mom wishes she could drive, but is enjoying her newfound freedom from pain. She can do stairs like a champ and her knee surgeon said Mom has more range of motion than many of his "regular" patients! She finished a life history for Jim Jr. and is working on one for Randy. She also made a baby quilt for her two newest great-grandsons. The computer is another of Mom's hobbies and she diligently relearned how to use it. And of course she is working on her photos. In short, we have our Mom back!

How grateful we are for the many tender mercies we have been shown by countless loved ones, friends, and the medical community over this past year. We are overcome with gratitude for the love and kindness shown to us and humbly give thanks for all the blessings we have received. Thank you once again for all your faith and prayers. How blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family.