Day 349 - Tuesday November 27, 2012

So I forgot to mention this yesterday......I picked up Arrianne from school at about 5:00 and by the time we got back to the hotel it was just the same time of Bridgett's wreck almost a year ago.  I sat in the car thinking how light it was outside and how crazy that the guy didn't see her.  I said something to Arianne and then we just sat and cried for a bit.  It's almost been a year....in just a little over two weeks.  It's weird to be here in Provo, thinking about it.  Of course, it is so wonderful to have our little Bridgett alive and doing so good but it is a weird feeling thinking about it and thinking how different things were just a year ago.  I took Bridgett and Stephany both to Monroe today to see Dr. Faith Christensen.  Of course, we had the usual two hour drive which went pretty well.  Both girls had a great appointment. Faith was able to make some adjustments for Bridgett but then spend most of her time working on brain function.  This is the most brain work she has been able to do.  Afterwards she worked on Stephany and tested supplements for us as well as foods for allergies.  She said that Stephany's immune system is just shot (which we knew) and that she doesn't have any reserves to draw on so that is why she is so tired.  She suggested some new supplements for us to try out and all in all I thought it was an amazing appointment.  We headed back to Provo and amazingly Bridgett listened to music on Stephany's ipod (synced to the radio in the car) the entire time home except for the last five minutes.  She has not been able to listen to this much music yet so that was definitely encouraging!  The drive back went really well and both girls did much better than they did on the ride there. 

Day 348 - Monday November 26, 2012

I have been waking up early (like normal for me) but today I was up at 5:30 New York time.  It's going to be a bite when we get back and I have to adjust back!  I got some business taken care of early and then woke everyone at 7:00.  We made it to the car service at the hotel by 7:45.  Instead of the Suburban I had booked, they had a van with tons of room.  Mark alerted the driver about Bridgett's carsickness (even though we had already left instructions).  This driver was OK but not nearly as careful as the taxi drivers last night.  I guess you never know!  But at least we all got to ride together.  I sat in the first row next to Bridgett and held a vomit bag on my lap the whole way, just in case.  A couple of times I thought we might need it, but luckily she didn't throw up!  We got to the airport in about an hour.  We headed to security and I was the only one that had problems--with my luggage.  First they flagged my small carry on that was purse sized.  They ended up saying there was nothing that caused a problem and let that pass (whatever!).  Then they flagged my carry on suitcase and ended up saying that it was my fingernail clippers that I always fly with (and have never had a problem with); there is no little knife thing, just the clippers.  They still let me take it on so whatever about that as well.  Thankfully there was NO LINE at all and so it was still pretty quick.  We grabbed breakfast in the airport.  They said we could still have priority boarding (like we did on the first flight) so that we could get Bridgett situated.  It ended up that the flight was delayed by 20 minutes because of another plane.  We finally got all situated and the flight went well.  Bridgett had much less pain than the first flight.  Arrianne thankfully managed to catch a little nap, as well as everyone else but Bridgett and I.  We got back to SLC and drove to where Mark left his truck, hurriedly moved stuff to my van and Mark left straight for Montana.  We headed straight to Provo and got Arrianne there four minutes before her Opera Workshop class, whew!  Then we got checked into the hotel and unloaded the car.  I left Steph and Bridgett with Tyler and picked up some dinner and then picked up Arrianne.  By the time we ate and got everyone situated, and I drove Arrianne to her apartment and got her luggage unloaded and situated, I was exhausted and went right to bed. 

Day 347 - Sunday November 25, 2012

Today is the big day of the concert.  Mark took Arrianne early to a rehearsal at the Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center; her other rehearsals have been at a hotel by Central Park on 7th.  They took a taxi because everyone's feet were shot from yesterday and she still has to stand a lot at the concert.  It actually only took 5 minutes by taxi and he got her there too early, at 8:00 a.m. instead of 8:15 a.m.  They wouldn't let anyone in early (15 minutes) but she stayed outside with other singers she knew from Kalispell while Mark headed back.  He went and picked her up after her rehearsal at 11:00 and she came to the hotel and had some lunch and a short rest.  Then Arrianne and I headed off to the concert while Mark stayed with the other kids.  I got a ticket on a group buy which we did early and it still cost just over $100 so we made the decision to just have me go.  Arrianne headed to the performers entrance while I tried to figure out where the main entrance was.  While looking around I saw the Manhattan temple just across the street and so I was able to get some pictures.  I did find the entrance to the concert hall and went through security and found my seat; there is security just about everywhere like the museums etc.  The concert was amazing!  The choir sounded so great; it was just wonderful.  When they sang For Unto Us a Child is Born I started crying.  This is one of my all time favorites to listen to anyway, but to be sitting in the Lincoln Center in New York listening to my daughter sing it was such a thrill!  Wonderful!  They are making a DVD of the performance and each choir gets a copy that can't be reproduced so I need to find out if there is some way to buy a copy for us.  I just had assumed that we would be able to so I hope we can!!  Afterwards we headed back to the room where everyone was resting and we rested a bit too.  We got the room mostly packed up and ready for departure tomorrow and then we convinced Bridgett to brave a taxi to the Empire State Building.  I bought tickets in advance and we went to catch two taxis (three of us in each one).  Mark told the driver that Bridgett gets carsick and asked him to drive very carefully and slowly and so he did!  It was great and she didn't get sick; of course it wasn't very far to go and we probably could have walked but it was night and dark and windy and also we had walked so much yesterday.  We really enjoyed the Empire State Building.  There was absolutely NO LINE at all, which was amazing.  There were some people up above on the 86th floor observation deck, but not many.  After we went through security there was a small area with pictures explaining things and there was this huge stuffed King Kong standing there.  Mark, Tyler, Arrianne and Stephany walked past it and then as Bridgett and I reached it....it started to move!  I said hey, watch out (but no one apparently heard me) and Bridgett saw him and shrieked and jumped!  Everyone turned around quickly while I tried to explain to her what had happened and not to be panicked that it was just a guy in a suit.  The King Kong guy came and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek to mean no hard feelings I guess.  Bridgett said that her heart stopped beating when she saw him move and it really scared her. But, it was alright in a bit and we continued on to the observation deck.  Whew!  It was an amazing sight to see, looking out over all of New York.  They say that you can see 80 miles.  Mark, Bridgett and I looked for a while outside while the wind was blowing and we were freezing and then we headed inside to look out through the windows.  The other kids stayed outside and used the binoculars that you put a quarter in and found the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.  They came and got us and we braved the wind and cold to look as well.  It was amazing!  I'm really glad that we came!  Afterwards Arrianne, Bridgett and I took a cab back to the hotel, giving the same instructions for a smooth and careful ride and the driver was great.  Mark, Tyler and Stephany headed to Grand Central Station to look around like Arrianne and I had already done; Stephany didn't want to miss it.  I can't believe that she has done so well considering how tired she is.  Of course, she was shot most of today.  Also, I can't believe how well Bridgett has done.  It has been a great trip!  When we got back to the hotel we stopped at the bakery across the street to get authentic New York cheesecake for everyone (Stephany's request as well!).

Day 346 - Saturday November 24, 2012

Today we had a VERY full day with lots of walking.  Mark left at 8:00 with Arri and they walked to her rehearsal on 59th and 7th.  We are staying on 45th and Broadway.  He walked back and we had some breakfast and then we headed out for the day.  We first walked to Central Park and went to the Central Park Zoo.  Next Mark headed back to get Arri and we walked through Central Park.  We all met up at 72th and 8th to go to the American Museum of Natural History on about 80th.  We stopped at the street vendors and had some lunch outside the museum on some benches.  Mark missed the vendor that had lobster in a bun (??).  We then went through the museum.  I should say that Bridgett and I did one room--the animals of Africa--and then everyone else did the main floor and the second floor.  I found a semi quiet hallway with a bench and Bridgett stretched out with my coat as a pillow and slept.  After a while I went and asked for a wheelchair and I pushed her around a little.  Bear in mind that it is the Thanksgiving weekend and there are SOOOOO many visitors and so the museum was packed!  There were so many people and so much noise.  Bridgett was much more comfortable in the quiet more deserted areas of the museum.  After a while everyone else was done and their feet were tired too; it was also getting later and we wanted to get back before dark.  Tyler and Arrianne offered to walk back with Bridgett while Mark, Steph and I did the lower floor; we never did get to the lowest floor.  They made it back to the hotel just fine while we went through the ocean and rain forest exhibits as well as animals of the forests (straight from our backyard it seemed!).  Then we headed back as well, arriving just after it got dark.  Everyone was hammered after walking 80 city blocks plus around at the zoo, park and museum.  Bridgett was feeling better than everyone else but then she had a nap and didn't walk through the museum!  After some dinner we all headed to bed early.  BTW if I didn't say it before....Bridgett is adamant that we not take taxis anywhere, so we are walking everywhere.  Of course, that is great most of the time, but it does mean that we don't go very far from the hotel, like to the Staten Island ferry as planned.  However, we are realizing that under the circumstances we are getting lots of sight seeing done without stressing everyone out to the max and so it is just as well. 

Day 345 - Friday November 23, 2012

I always get up before everyone else, so I have been leaving and bringing breakfast to everyone.  After everyone got up and ate we headed to 42nd St. to the Ripley's Believe It or Not exhibit.  We spent over an hour there and it was fun and interesting for everyone. The only bad part for Bridgett...a "black hole" tunnel that spins around you.  We had her close her eyes and walk through; you had to walk through to get out.  Mark also had to close his eyes!  I made it through but held on to Steph and the railing.  It feels like you are walking at an angle and are going to fall over! Then we headed next door to Madam Tussuad's Wax Museum.  That was also fun and we got a lot of pictures of the kids (and Mark!) standing by various wax statues.  They had a superhero movie that we tried to do; it was in 4-D with glasses.  Before it started they said if you are prone to seizures or want to leave after it starts you can.  As soon as it started Bridgett said let's leave.  It started with something very startling and it scared her and it was very loud.  We left and everyone else stayed.  It lasted about 10 minutes and it got worse as far how much it would have startled Bridgett; it's a good thing we left!  The kids enjoyed it though.  The museum was a real hit with everyone and Bridgett had lots of fun posing along with everyone else.  Mark and the kids grabbed McDonald's right next door while Arrianne and I headed to a sidewalk vendor with Falafel gyros.  We met back at the hotel and after everyone ate Mark and Arri headed off to her rehearsal for the Messiah.  They had to walk about 15 minutes, not too far.  Mark made sure that Arri was situated and then headed back.  Everyone got some good rest (except for Arri).  She's going to go home hammered!  Bad timing with finals coming up, but it's a once in lifetime opportunity and she doesn't want to miss anything! This evening we ordered take-out, which was a smart idea.  Since we are staying in Times Square the traffic is pretty bad this weekend not to mention the fact that it's Friday night.  We ordered John's Pizza which is just about a block from here and is authentic New York pizza that everybody loved!  Afterwards we headed out into Times Square.  Mark took Bridgett with him to the Hershey's store (Mark loved that store!) and I stayed with Arrianne and Stephany while they had their cartoon drawn by one of the street artists.  They do them in charcoal and turned out really good!  We finally all collapsed for some needed sleep.

Day 344 - Thursday November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I headed out early to get muffins and water for breakfast for everyone.  While out I checked with the doormen and asked about a different and better way to get to the airport.  They suggested the car service and I booked through them.  I had not done this before, because all of the companies had bad reviews.  However, in retrospect I realize that the bad reviews dealt with the airport end of things.  They said that the vans were late, drove around the airport picking up people (and making people carsick, etc.) and that by the time they dropped others off it was a VERY long trip.  This way we will just have our family and head straight to the airport with no delays (in a SUV).  I checked that out before as well (private SUV) but then everyone said let's just do a taxi.  Now we know how great that went!   We all went to the parade together after everyone had breakfast. Of course, we didn't go early so we didn't get any place really good to stand.  We were back from the corner and couldn't see anything but the balloons but it was still fun.  Bridgett lasted for about 15 minutes and then wanted to walk around.  I walked here and there with her for about 30 minutes and then finally we headed back to the hotel to watch on TV while Mark stayed with the kids.  They got back when the parade was over where they were standing but it was still being broadcast on TV so they caught some of it that way.  Then Arrianne and I took Mark to where he could get some New York style pizza and she and I went to buy some Broadway tickets.  We ended up getting some awesome tickets for Phantom of the Opera for Arri, Steph and me. After everyone ate lunch they napped while Arrianne and I went to Grand Central Terminal.  We took a taxi there which was a waste because the traffic was so bad.  We didn't know how far it would be but after getting there decided that we could easily walk back.  Riding the taxi there--30 minutes; walking back--15 minutes!  The terminal was fun to look at and we got some great pictures of the architecture.  After we got back we ate a little dinner and rested for a bit and then headed out for the Phantom.  The theatre was literally a half a block from where we are staying!  It was, needless to say, GREAT!  The only hard thing......while waiting for the show to start I unfortunately let myself think of the fact that Bridgett couldn't go with us.  She still doesn't like lots of noise and doesn't feel good enough to sit that long.  Of course, months ago when we planned the trip we were hoping things would be different; Bridgett was initially looking forward to going to a musical.  But as it got closer I realized that it wouldn't work out.  Still I was going to let her go if she wanted to and then have Mark come pick her up when she couldn't stay any longer, but alas even she realized that she wouldn't enjoy herself.  I started crying in the theater, tears running down my checks as I sat waiting for the production to start.  The girls were naturally upset that I was upset.  Arrianne said she has also tried not to think about it and I know that's how we all feel.  Bridgett is enjoying the trip but it's not like we had hoped it would be.  I finally snapped out of it and focused on the show and like I said it was GREAT!  The cast was great but the Phantom was amazing! It certainly is the highlight of our trip and even if we don't do anything else, the trip was worth it just for this!  It didn't really seem like Thanksgiving day but it was a really good day in a different way.  I miss you Scott, Jaclyn and Weston!  I miss you Jenn, Tyler, Connor and Caden!  I wish everyone could be here with us!

Day 343 - Wednesday November 21, 2012

I forgot to mention that Tyler got sick early Tuesday morning before we flew out and ended up heading to the bathroom on the airplane to vomit. Then of course the fiasco with Bridgett--what a start to a trip! This morning Tyler was still sick--dizzy and nauseous. We left him in the room and did some girl shopping--thanks Mark for being patient with us. First we hit Toys R Us. We had fun there and got fun pics with the different things there: Wonka, T-Rex, the Barbie house, etc. We were going to do the ferris wheel but everyone baled (except for me) and we skipped it. Actually I have always hated ferris wheels ever since Frank scared me in one when I was little. But I have been psyching myself up for it and I was going to go this time--oh well, maybe later in the trip! We stopped and ate food on the street--it's so cool that we can find vegan food almost anywhere. Arri and I had falafel pitas and Mark and Bridgett had beef kabobs; Stephany had a protein bar just before we left and wasn't hungry. Then we headed out to 5th Ave and went to the American Girl doll store where we got some more fun pics with the girls and some of their dolls. Next we went to Saks and wandered through the purses, hats, scarfs and jewelry with the girls trying on some hats. We went upstairs and gazed at the expensive clothes for a while, joking at the high prices. I think this mostly left the girls deciding that they'd better marry someone rich because they saw some really cool things! Afterwards we headed to the hotel to check on Tyler and bring him some food. We ordered in Chinese from Ollies (on recommendation) and it was really good. I forgot to mention that last night we had some great New York style pizza and everyone loved it. In the evening we headed out to the M&M store, Hershey's, and the Disney Store. Mark and Bridgett went back to the hotel about a half an hour before us and the girls and I headed down Times Square just to see things. There were so many people and it was really fun. We were going to get discount tickets to the Phantom of the Opera, but couldn't get any together. I think Arrianne and I won't mind sitting alone so we might be the only ones that actually go. This weekend will be crazy for everything with so many people in town but we will enjoy ourselves anyway!

Day 342 - Tuesday November 20, 2012

We got up early and headed for the airport and began our trip. Bridgett did exceptionally well on the flight, which took just under 4-1/2 hours. She enjoyed the take off speed and openly laughed in delight. However, this was soon replaced with a sick feeling as the plane lifted and made the little dip feeling. I immediately gave her the under the tongue zofran and in a few minutes she was feeling better. She only had to get up once to go to the bathroom and once to walk up and down the aisle for a bit. She felt reasonably good the entire time although at the end of the flight as we were making the descent her ears plugged up and she just couldn't get them unplugged no matter what she tried. We sat and had her chew gum, yawn, swallow, etc but to no avail. It actually took until we landed before she had relief and she was in pain for quite a few minutes. The taxi ride was another matter. We took two taxis because there were six of us; she was with Mark and Arrianne and I was with Tyler and Stephany. About 30 minutes into the hour long taxi ride Bridgett started making sounds and then threw up. The taxi driver was of course driving like a mad man and bragging that he was so quick to the destination. He wasn't too happy when they got out and he saw the vomit in his taxi and told Mark to pay him an extra $20 to pay for the clean-up. We had just as horrible of a ride and Tyler and Stephany both got sick, but no one threw up with me. After making it to our room we collapsed and rested the rest of the day. Mark called and had them come and pick up Bridgett's clothes to have them laundered--with a rush on the order! So much for site seeing! But tomorrow we will head out, hopefully with everyone feeling much better! Now, to figure out how to get back to the airport without getting everyone sick!

Day 341 - Monday November 19, 2012

Today was one of those crazy running around days.  I had payroll to get done remotely (thanks Melissa for getting it to me so early!!), last minute shopping, Stephany had a haircut with Clint Atwater (wonderful guy in Provo) and just general getting last minute packing etc.  Bridgett spent most of the day with Mark and Tyler.  Arrianne had a very full day on campus, arriving at 7:30 a.m.and getting done at 9:15 p.m.  I was hoping to get a quick nap, but it was not to be.  We left the Provo Marriott and headed to the SLC airport Marriott, stopping on the way to visit my mom and take the kids to see her new apartment (which is wonderful by the way).  We got to bed late and hopefully we will all be ready when the alarm goes off early in the morning!

Day 340 - Sunday November 18, 2012

Today we were able to go to Jenn's and have an early Thanksgiving dinner with her family.  It sounds like it wouldn't be too hard to just make dinner somewhere else, but actually it was kind of complicated.  We didn't want to stress Jenn out at all so we did the prep and some of the cooking at Arrianne's. I got the turkey all ready and then Mark took it to Jenn's and put it in the oven.  Things were somewhat complicated by the fact that I brought some of the stuff (including some pans), we used some stuff at Arri's and some stuff at Jenn's.  It seems that I forgot to shuttle some of the stuff around and that made for some extra driving, but all in all it worked out fine.  All of the food turned out great, we ate on paper plates so the clean-up was fast and we all had lots of fun visiting.  We were at Jenn's for three hours and Bridgett didn't suggest once that we leave.  In the past she has been ready to leave in a short amount of time and pretty annoyed by the noise of the kids.  However, today she did great and that was so wonderful.  Both Arrianne and Jenn commented on how much Bridgett had changed since they saw her last and that was fun.  Even when Bridgett was ready to leave she was quiet about it.  She put on her shoes and went and stood by the door! When Mark asked her what she was doing she just said she was ready to leave as soon as we were and just waiting by the door to be close! 

Day 339 - Saturday November 17, 2012

Today we made the trip to Provo and it really went quite well.  Thankfully the roads were great.  We just stopped the normal amount of times and Bridgett's neck really didn't bother her.  She has been complaining the past couple of days that her tailbone is hurting (I can't figure out why) and so that made the trip somewhat uncomfortable for her; she did a lot of shifting around in her seat.  Otherwise everything went smooth and we arrived and got all checked in and Mark showed up a little while later.  Mark had gone to Helena yesterday for meetings and so he just left from there and met up with us in Provo.  Arrianne was able to come over and meet us after we arrived and she stayed the night with us.  We were all pretty tired but happy to be here safely.  I must admit that I left home tired so I was very tired by the time we finally made it. 

Day 338 - Friday November 16, 2012

Part of Bridgett's every day protocol is supposed to include spinning on a chair for 2 minutes to help reset the vestibular system.  She is supposed to do this 8 times a day but she became so dizzy after just once a day we weren't able to do it with her for the past several months. She became so dizzy she was close to vomiting and remained dizzy for hours.  Just a couple of weeks ago she finally got to the point where she can spin herself for six revolutions (as opposed to having us spin her) once a day and tolerate it.  However, yesterday and today she was dizzy again.  I mentioned this to one of her advising team late this afternoon and they think she might have fluid in one of her ears; she has been complaining about an earache lately.  We had better get that checked out before flying on Tuesday! Since it was too late to run to the clinic today and we are driving to Provo tomorrow, it will have to wait until Monday.  She does have a primary care physician in American Fork that we can call and talk to and hopefully we can get her in on Monday.  For now, we will be back to skipping on the spinning activity.

Day 337 - Thursday November 15, 2012

Another one of the things that Bridgett does every day is to listen to audio books.  She already had a book downloaded on her ipod before the accident so she is listening to that one...Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites Book 1. There is actually quite a bit of evidence to support the use audio books as opposed to only reading yourself.  This kind of input can be very beneficial in helping with a number of learning issues.  Bridgett finds it enjoyable to listen although not for too long, probably about 10 minutes a day. 

Day 336 - Wednesday November 14, 2012

After checking with people we know and praying about it we've decided to go ahead with our New York trip.  We are all very excited to go because we've never been there before.  Matt (President Busick) took the time to call his sister in New York and ask about the situation for us (THANKS!) and assured us that things were OK in the area we are headed and that there is a lot to see just in the Times Square/Central Park area and so off we go!   Our flight is non-stop from SLC airport (cool!) and they will meet us with a wheelchair at the curb and take Bridgett right through.  She of course can walk just fine but will get tired quickly and with all the other commotion it's probably better in the long run.  We have a list of places to go in New York and hopefully Stephany and Bridgett will have the energy to make it through everything!  On Friday and Saturday Arrianne has a half day rehearsal so the girls can rest during that time.  Also on Sunday she will have a short rehearsal and then the performance (the Messiah at the Lincoln Center) at 2:00.  We fly back to SLC on Monday and Arrianne will hustle to try to make it to her last class of the day, Opera Workshop; they have a performance on the 7th of December so it's critical to not miss rehearsals.  We are all excited and just hustling to get everything packed and ready for the trip.

Day 335 - Tuesday November 13, 2012

This afternoon Bridgett said the funniest thing and it was also cool because it shows she is remembering more as well. You just have to know Bridgett to get that she has the same humor she's always had! Anyway, on Bridgett's face is a little tiny (I mean really small) spot that is like a broken blood vessel.  Anyway, often she asks me what it is from.  I usually say oh it's probably from the wreck.  Then a couple of months ago she started asking me if the spot came from the "birth cord" being wrapped around her neck.  I say it's not called a birth cord, what is it and then she comes up with the name umbilical cord.  She did have the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck at birth BTW.  Also, she did have several hemangiomas on her face when she was a baby that actually got bigger and then receded entirely as she got older.  But I also say no I don't remember that being there so it must be from the wreck.  In fact, I have gone back and looked at pictures to see if it was there but I can't see it.  It is VERY small so it probably would be hard to see in a picture.  Anyway, today she said this whole spiel like she usually does and then I said it's probably from the wreck and she says no and looks me right in the eye.  She said to me I've always had that little mark there....ever since I was a weeee little lass!  Hah!  What a crack up!  But she remains positive that it's always been there and this is the first time that she's actually remembered that fact. I will have to ask her sisters about it....they would have probably discussed it with her when she was in Provo, putting on her make-up etc.

Day 334 - Monday November 12, 2012

Today while I was cooking dinner Bridgett was sitting at the table working on something.  Suddenly she looked up from her work and said didn't you have breast cancer before?  Yes I did I responded.  She said I thought I remembered that!  I'm so sorry!  That is something that we haven't prompted her on before that she remembered.  Its weird how she remembers random things here and there.  The mind is a very complicated and complex thing, as I have said before.   Later on she said it again and came and gave me a great big hug and said in such an earnest voice..I'm soooo sorry that you had cancer.  It hurts me to see you hurting.  One thing that the speech therapist commented on was that she wanted Bridgett to start feeling sadness, and other negative emotions etc.  Well, spontaneously she has been feeling more emotions lately (besides just happiness and love).  The other day I tripped and fell and hurt my knee.  She came up and hugged me and was almost in tears worrying about me.  How's that for another emotion!  I maintain that she will spontaneously recover and have all the emotions she should without prompting or planning from us....and that IS happening naturally and spontaneouly as she is healing.

Day 333 - Sunday November 11, 2012

Some days Bridgett really remembers things without prompting and that's exciting.  For example, Bridgett has a bowl of her rings on her dresser.  Now, before the accident Bridgett really loved to wear rings; she loved bling.  Anyway, at first she didn't really want to wear rings and now she goes to her ring bowl many days and chooses rings to wear and puts on her watch every day, which is in the top of the bowl.  Lately she has worn a certain ring day and night but sometimes adds a second or third ring.  Today I was next to her when she put on her rings and she showed me which one she was wearing and asked if I liked it.  I said yes and then I realized that she hasn't worn more than the one ring for several days.  I looked in the top of the bowl and I didn't see the last ring she had been wearing, which was a very distinctive ring that I could remember clearly.  I said hey I don't see that ring you were wearing a few days ago and she said it's here.  I was suspicious because often she sets things down somewhere and then forgets where.  I said no I mean really I don't see it; I wonder where it is.  Then Bridgett dug around in the bowl for a bit and finally pulled out a ring and said see, here it is.  By golly it was the same ring she had been wearing like five days ago!  Now there are a lot of rings in her bowl so I brought it to the kitchen table to have her count how many....I knew you'd be surprised when you hear how many she dug through to find that ring and REMEMBERED which one it was.....72 rings!  Crazy!

Day 332 - Saturday November 10, 2012

I have a book with questions in it that I ask Bridgett every day. They are thinking questions basically and there is a huge range of the questions.  Today the questions were about two items...how are they alike and how are they different.  I asked her about fingers and toes and she said without a beat....they are both appendages but fingers are on your hand and toes are on your feet.  That cracked me up....appendages!  But it also showed me that some of that anatomy she had previously learned is trying to shine through.  Also, she is continually asking me where different organs of the body are. At first I would say why?  Is that hurting?  But then I realized she is just trying to get all of that information back to a point of recall. 

Day 331 - Friday November 9, 2012

The funniest thing...ever since Tuesday, election day, Bridgett has been doing this.  She suddenly, for no reason, will just use that sing song voice of hers and say AMERICAAAA.  She does this at random times throughout the day.  When Stephany said why are you saying that she said (of course) because I can.  That is her standard comment when asked why about something.  Anyway, she also told Tyler that it just sounds cool.  It's very funny to hear and Arrianne actually said that sounds like something very Bridgett.  Strangely enough Tyler said that while his unit was in Africa some of the other Marines would do just that, randomly say America.  However, I have a hard time picturing that they used a sing song voice while saying it like Bridgett does.  I'll have to ask Tyler about that when I can.....he's in Billing for drill this weekend.  Luckily he made it safe because the roads were terrible.  This is the drill of the Marine Ball.  It seems that every year the roads are terrible when they are all heading to Billings for the ball.  Weird!

Day 330 - Thursday November 8, 2012

So I had said before that we were planning on going to New York for the Thanksgiving week because Arrianne is supposed to sing the Messiah at the Lincoln center that Sunday.  Of course, the tragic events of the Sandy hurricane have made those plans a little shaky and we are now trying to decide whether or not we should go.  It seems difficult to find out any information.  I did call the hotel but they weren't particularly helpful.  They just told me that the hotel was not damaged in any way and then told me that they were unable to comment on the situation otherwise; we have reservations at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.  With the stories of gas rationing we are wondering if we will be able to get taxi's and of course the subway seems worrisome at this point as well.  Bridgett has been excited to go but when she hears us talk about any problems there she just says let's not go then.  Hopefully in the next week we will be able to better access the situation and make a good decision.

Day 329 - Wednesday November 7, 2012

The day after the election.  Of course, I knew as soon as I woke up who won because it was morning and no one had woken me up.  I was depressed about it and just sat and stared at the computer for quite a while.  When Bridgett woke up I told her the outcome of the election.  She said...I didn't even vote for him!  I know, right!  We were supposed to go to speech therapy today, but instead Bridgett was having such bad kidney pain we had to cancel.  Also, we were all exhausted from a very long day yesterday and also from the upsetting news of the election I think.  I finally got Bridgett comfortable on a heating pad and we all took a nap.  Afterwards we were all doing much better.  Arrianne's migraine still persisted through the day although the pain was lower.  She was dizzy on campus, and her friends again drove her home.  FYI...Stephany is still sick.  I think I said this before but the nurse at her doctors office had this CMV and she had to miss 12 weeks of work.  I keep hoping for a quicker recovery, but here we are at about six weeks now I think. 

Day 328 - Tuesday November 6, 2012

Bridgett was very focused on the fact that she wanted to vote in this election, even if she only voted for president.  Several months ago I took her into the election office in Provo and helped her sign up for absentee voting.  Her ballot showed up weeks ago and she voted and we mailed it back in.  Actually the Utah ballot is pretty simple because you can choose to vote a straight party ticket, which she did.  Today we talked about the election but she did not want to watch any of the TV coverage.  However, she did ask questions and did talk to everyone in the family about voting.  We were somewhat distracted during the afternoon as I got a call from one of Arrianne's friends saying that she had collapsed at school and the paramedics had been called.  It took a while to get information, but it turns out they said she was having a complex migraine headache; she hasn't had migraines before so this in new.  She declined going to the hospital so her friends took her home and stayed with her until Jenn showed up to stay with her.  Jenn stayed several hours; Tyler came and picked up the boys and so they both just rested on the couch after that.  Later in the evening Jenn headed home and one of Arrianne's friends picked her up and took her to vote.  Arrianne was determined to vote no matter what.  By evening I was exhausted and went to bed early as did Bridgett.  Everyone else stayed up to watch the outcome of the elections. I told them...if we win wake me up, otherwise let me sleep.

Day 327 - Monday November 5, 2012

We had a craniosacral appointment with Kari this morning and she worked on Bridgett's kidney area.  She said it was very worked up and cranky.  Most of the day Bridgett felt great, but again in the evening the kidney pain started up.  Why just in the evening?  We will call Michelle Helwig tomorrow for thoughts from her about this whole situation. Hopefully she will be able to access the CT report and maybe she will have ideas.  Also, we will try to see Vern or at least call him.

Day 326 - Sunday November 4, 2012

Bridgett slept in today and we all were pretty draggy for most of the day.  She was pain free until about 5:00 and then the pain returned pretty strongly and I again gave her Lortab, but this time two to start with.  She spent most of the evening pacing around the house with one of us, as the pain was less while she was walking.  Who knows what's happening....but I don't credit the suggestion that she's constipated; let's just say that we know she's not.  Maybe it's a spasm in the kidney?  We'll see what tomorrow brings.  Today was Tyler's 25th birthday and we had a quiet day with him.  Tyler's been such a help with Bridgett!  I am so glad that all of the kids have rallied around Bridgett and helped her so much during these past months. 

Day 325 - Saturday November 3, 2012

Today was much like any other day until early evening when Bridgett started having very severe kidney pain.  I should say that she has been having kidney pain off and on for a few weeks but since she has passed three stones before, we kind of know the drill. Anyway, this evening the pain was much worse and I gave her a Lortab at 6:00 because the pain level was at a four and then I had to give her a second one at 7:00 because the pain was at a five. Then by 8:00 the pain was still rising.  We were walking to try to help the pain and every other minute Bridgett would whimper or make a crying noise and her legs would go weak from time to time.  We decided we had to go into the emergency room.  Bridgett did not want to go but finally the pain got bad enough that she agreed; she said it felt like the stone might be passing.  Mark and Tyler gave her a blessing, we loaded her into the back seat with the heating pad (my car has an outlet to plug directly into the car for electricity) and I sat beside her and off we went; of course it takes about 40 minutes from our house.  We got her all checked in at the emergency room and that took awhile to get all the questions answered etc.  Meanwhile she was walking with Mark and whimpering off and on.  Finally they got us back into a room and by this time the pain was starting to subside. She went to the bathroom after giving a urine sample and the pain dropped to a one.  They hooked her up on an IV and took blood for testing.  When they came to give pain meds I said what are you giving her--I want to be sure it's safe after the TBI.  They told me it was the strongest pain med they have and some Zofran for nausea.  She's not nauseated I said and now the pain is almost gone.  They verified this with Bridgett and then left the room.  They ran the urine and blood tests and the result was normal for everything. By this time the pain level was zero.  Finally they decided to do a CT and this was normal as well.  The doctor said maybe she has a spasm in her back or is constipated.  Mark said maybe she passed the stone but the doctor said there would be blood in the urine if that had happened.  Anyway, we left at last and got home about 2:30.  Bridgett was exhausted and asked if she could sleep in until 8:00 and I said sleep as long as you want!  While at the hospital her eyes were so tired and bloodshot and I kept telling her that she could sleep for a bit but she said I won't sleep until I leave here.  Anyway I searched online and you can pass a stone without blood so maybe that's what happened.  We will watch and see what happens over the next few days.

Day 324 - Friday November 2, 2012

Bridgett has a protocol that we follow every day for our own rehab here at home.  From time to time I tell you about one thing or another that she does.  We have a checklist that we go over daily to make sure that we complete everything that we are supposed to do.  Bridgett always has a great attitude about doing everything although sometimes she rolls her eyes or heaves a sigh about something.  Today I said to her (like I do from time to time) I am so proud of you for always doing everything that I ask you to do daily.  You know we do these things to help you get better!  OF COURSE I always do them she said.  Then this part really choked me up.....she said I would do ANYTHING you asked me to do because you ARE my mother! If you asked me to run 30 miles I would do it; I might have to walk a lot of the time, but I would do it!  I just love it that she is so sweet, so cooperative and so happy!

Day 323 - Thursday November 1, 2012

Today I saw Ginny Wood when Stephany had an appointment; Mark took her in and I picked Stephany up afterwards.  We have known Ginny for so many years, like 24, and we just love her!  She was so sweet today and came to the foot of the stairs and gave me a hug.  She told me some really sweet things; sometimes a person just needs to hear something that helps you through the day or the week (or the month or the year!).  It really helped me and lifted me up and I was so happy and thankful afterwards.  Bridgett stayed with Tyler and they played games, went walking and then he talked her into watching a movie.  She hasn't liked anything on TV at all yet, but she did watch almost a whole movie with him--the Great Mouse Detective, a Disney cartoon.  This was a movie that she watched over and over after her surgery in Dec 2010 and it is one that she knows by heart.  He also has been playing some of her music for her to listen to.  In the car she will listen to one song and then shut it off.  Perhaps 10 minutes later she will listen to another song and so forth.  He played music while they played cards, not too loud of course, and she listened with him.  She did ask him to shut it off after a few songs, but I think listening to things more and more will help her get used to loud noises.  She doesn't like anything loud; loud noises really bothers her at this point. 

Day 322 - Wednesday October 31, 2012

Yesterday Bridgett was talking to me and I was trying to get her to remember something from when she was young.  She has not had any "real" memories about her childhood yet, just short term memory of the things I list in her personal reference book.  Anyway, I asked her if she remembered anything about the log house and she said she remembered her bedroom.  So, at this point we went through who stayed in what bedroom and who moved where...to the "pink" room or the "green" room, downstairs etc.  She actually could remember all of that!  Then I asked what was in our yard and she said a trampoline, two swing sets, a basketball court, and a picnic table!  She also mentioned the field with cows and horses.  Then she said my head hurts--can we talk about something else.  This is the most that she has remembered so far about anything from her long term memory!  I was very excited about it!  It is sobering to realize that in six weeks it's been a year since her accident and there is so little long term memory.  However, it is coming back very slowly in small bits and pieces so that is encouraging.  Baby steps!