Second year Day 315 - Thursday October 24, 2013

Its been a week and we've been out walking every day for 30 minutes.  Bridgett has not been able to make it for the entire walk, so she and Mark come inside.  On the bright side, Stephany HAS been able to make it, and that's been a great thing!  It's been quite some time since she has had the strength to just do walking like that.  It's great to have the time to talk as well.  I was feeling kind of discouraged that last year at this time, Bridgett was walking like 1.5 to 2 miles a day.  I had a couple of days worrying about that.  Then I finally remembered a key point.  Yes, she walked that much, but never all at one time! BTW, we have a very long driveway!  Bridgett would do a max of three times up and down and then quit until later.  Most of the time she just did twice up and down, but we went out often each day.  So, now I feel much better about it and realize that we just need to go out more often!  Before, she was asking (almost begging) to go out.  Now, she's always game, but I usually have to suggest it.  Although, last night, after I tucked her into bed, she said, hey mom, will you go jogging with me in the morning.  Off and on she remembers that...I part of who she used to be!  Morning jogging was a regular pastime for her! 

Second year Day 314 - Wednesday October 23, 2013

I forgot to mention that about our trip home.  When we left Provo on the freeway and headed north, all of the sudden Bridgett said, isn't Cabela's exit ahead?  And she was right, without even being able to see it!  Another funny thing she asked me about.....she said when Tyler was young, why did he think that homeopathics were candy?  Ha Ha!  He did like the taste of several different ones, and wanted to eat them all of the time, so I guess he did think they were candy. A random thing to remember! 

Second year Day 313 - Tuesday October 22, 2013

Bridgett has been able to utilize a skill that I was inspired to show her for remembering things. Initially after the wreck, for quite a while she had trouble with FBI; she would repeatedly ask what FBI stood for. She could remember almost any other acronym but that one she always messed up.  She always remembered it as the Federal Brew-uh of Investigation.  I don't know that I spelled that right, but she always pronounced Bureau incorrectly.  Weird, right!  Finally I said bureau--it rhymes with churro.  From that time on she remembered the pronunciation, often reminding us what bureau rhymed with.  Even now, probably a year and a half later, when she says the name she often reminds me that it rhymes with churro.  So, anyway, we have been relearning the bones in the body.  Bridgett often can not remember that the tibia and fibula are in the lower leg and confuses those bones with the radius and ulna (in the lower arm).  So, she figured out herself that she would remember the leg bones because fibula and foot both start with "f".  So, now she always gets it right!  Memory triggers! 

Second year Day 312 - Monday October 21, 2013

Bridgett and I seem to have endless discussions about scientific kinds of things.  Some things I can answer, some things we look up, some things I just finally tell her I don't know.  It's hard to be expected to know everything!! Anyway, Bridgett's latest barrage of questions concern the planets and the solar system.  She couldn't remember about the rotations of the planets and what they rotate around.  First she wondered if they all rotate around the earth.  After discussing it she was able to reason (or guess!) that they all rotate around the sun.  Now, since we have discussed it several times, she remembers that fact and we discuss other things, like the temperatures on these planets, their relative sizes etc.  We have been having these planet discussions for about two months, off and on.  I did get out our placemats that we used when the kids were young, that show different educational subjects.  One of them has our solar system and shows the planets with individual information about each one. 

Second year Day 311 - Sunday October 20, 2013

Today on the way to church Bridgett was full of questions about Joseph Smith being tarred and feathered.  When did it happen, how old was he, how many times did it happen, how do they do it to someone, how painful was it.  After church, she took up the topic again, asking if the people that tarred and feathered Joseph Smith went to hell.  BTW, I have not talked about this at all since the wreck, she remembered it on her own and was full of questions. 

Second year Day 310 - Saturday October 19, 2013

I don't think I wrote about this before, but just recently Bridgett suddenly asked me about what a diamond jubilee is.   First of all, where did that come from?  That's the funny thing about this brain healing...stuff just comes out!  Anyway, a diamond jubilee is a 60th or 75th year celebration.  I don't know when in her life she heard about or was involved in a diamond jubilee, but there you have it!  The only jubilee that I can remember us talking about in her life was a scouting jubilee.  Hmmmmm

Second year Day 309 - Friday October 18, 2013

While we were walking today, Bridgett asked me about her pack pack.  What she meant was this......when she was little she used to call her small backpack--her pack pack.  She remembered about that and was describing it to me today.  It was a little hand made (by me) backpack, made from yellow flowered material, with a big blue button to close it.  Small and light.  Anyway, it was a family joke after that to call backpacks...pack packs. 

Second year Day 308 - Thursday October 17, 2013

Today I downloaded the Live Strong app so that I can track Bridgett's food and exercise.  Bridgett and I talked about the dream thing a little bit. Of course, initially, I hoped it was all a bad dream and that we could wake up from it; we all felt that way!  But, it is reality and we all have to live through it.  Now, Bridgett will start to realize that it is reality and that she can live through it too.  We all wish that it was just a dream.  Life is like that sometimes.  On the positive side, at least she thinks now that she is 19, whereas when she woke up from the coma she thought she was 14.  Remember that?  That was scary too!  I guess there have been lots of scary moments in the past 22 months!  But, lots of good moments as well. We walked up and down the driveway today.  Oh, before we went walking, I went through Bridgett's packed away shoes and found a different pair of running shoes.  Actually, I think they are the shoes she used for the half marathon.  Anyway, they are a little larger than the ones she wears now, and they don't hurt her toes, so they work out well.  We were able to walk for about 20 minutes, although Bridgett's ankle started hurting after about 10 minutes, and she had to go inside with Mark.  Luckily he was around to help!  Hopefully we can walk in the mornings so that he can help each day! 

Second year Day 307 - Wednesday October 16, 2013

So, back to the real world today.  We had a lot to do together to get back to regular life!  So, we were busy with laundry, shopping etc.  Then today, something happened that shocked, excited, scared, surprised me and freaked me out.  Bridgett and I were going to lay down to take a nap and then all of the sudden she turned to me and said that she wanted to tell me something but didn't want me to get upset at her.  I never get upset at you I said.  Then she said, I'm in a dream and I can't wake up.  In my dream I'm 23 but really I'm 19.  I really am fit and an athlete and I eat good and I'm a runner and work out. But in my dream I had an accident and I have a brain injury and broke my neck.  I really want to wake up from this dream, but I can't.  Of course, my heart was beating like crazy at this point.  I asked her how long she's been in this dream and she said since before we went to New York.  She said that she keeps trying to wake up but can't.  I said, well go ahead and take a nap and maybe this time or some time soon you'll wake up.  After she feel asleep, I rushed to the phone and called Mark and talked to him about it.  At the time, I was very agitated about it, but now looking back it was just good and I shouldn't have been over excited about it.  I then called Faith and we talked.  She said that this is a great break through.  Because, for the first time, Bridgett is actually remembering who she was before the accident and wanting to be that person again.  So, like I said, it was all good, but none the less startling (and exciting).  Oh, after her nap I asked her if she woke up from the dream yet and she said, sadly, no.  I said we will keep working on it.  I suggested that she try to live like she was before the accident and see if she just became that person again.  She seemed doubtful but said that she would try.  Starting tomorrow, we will record all "working out" related things, as well as track her eating and see where that takes us. 

Second year Day 306 - Tuesday October 15, 2013

Mark was able to spend most of the day at home today and it was just so nice!  We were all able to just visit and Mark played games with Bridgett (instead of me--hee hee!).  We played Christmas music and had a fire and anyway it was just wonderful.  It's always great to be home, but this was just wonderful.  I even put off unpacking and laundry etc. and just rested and visited with everyone. 

Second year Day 305 - Monday October 14, 2013

I hate that I'm getting so far behind with posting on the blog, but sometimes its just so hard to find time!  Just yesterday, Melissa asked me how I remember what has happened two weeks ago.  Some things I do remember on my own, also, I refer to the calendar in my iphone for key dates.  In addition, I have a note pad on the iphone, and a specific not to put down particular things that Bridgett says.  This way I can remember many of the things that happen, although I'm sure that I miss blogging about a lot of things!  Today we drove home to Montana.  It was a pretty good trip and we made it in about 10 hours.  We only stopped a few times, thank goodness!  It was snowing lightly in Monida as well as just before Butte.  It made me glad that it wasn't later in the year and not too happy thinking about trips to come ahead!  But, for now things were fine.  Very cold, though.  It was like 19 in Monida, and we definitely needed our winter coats, which I did remember to bring with us.  We got home and found that Mark and Tyler were there waiting for us.....so much more fun that last time when no one was there!  It was great to see them and we all just sat and talked for quite a while!  Oh, about Bridgett's feet.  So, about the time we left to Utah, Bridgett mentioned that the nail on her big toe was hurting.  This is the toe that the nail didn't grow at all from the time of her accident for many months.  Anyway, when it started to grow, suddenly the nail cracked about halfway down.  Perhaps it was weak at the point of the nail bed and as it grew out it stayed weak there and then broke.  Anyway, it was so far down, we couldn't cut it or anything.  So, I super glued it together.  Super glue is great for many things!  Anyway, this broken part has just now neared the end of the toe.  We are talking about the fact that it's been 22 months since the accident and the nail is just now reaching the end!  So, I had to cut it a few times and lately, hold onto the nail so that it wouldn't come apart at the glued place.  Now, the end of the nail is trying to curve and cause an ingrown toenail situation. So, we have been working on that.  So, anyway, about 10 days ago, both of Bridgett's big toenails were hurting.  I went to Target and got  a tub to soak her feet in and some Epsom salts.  We soaked daily and then I lifted the nail and put dental floss under.  Her feet hurt so much she didn't want to wear shoes.  So, at Target we got some cute (and warm) slippers with hard soles and she's been wearing them as shoes.  It's really cut down on walking places, because her feet start to hurt and she just wants to sit down.  Hopefully things will get better soon on that front! 

Second year Day 304 - Sunday October 13, 2013

This morning I was going to go up to moms early before anyone was awake, but Bridgett woke up early as well.  I didn't want to wake the girls to stay with her, so I stayed around until they woke up. They were both up late so I didn't want to wake them.  Stephany is pretty dang worn out from this week and Arri needs to get rest before school tomorrow.  Arri got up first and headed to her apartment to get ready.  Bridgett and I headed up to the concierge lounge for breakfast.  I have so many nights with Marriott that we can go to the concierge lounge.  It is located in the other tower on the 9th floor.  Bridgett got a kick out of the fact that we have to use our room key on the elevator to get to that floor, and she really likes the concierge lounge.  It usually has only business people in it.  There are two "waiters" that assist and actually go around filling up your drinks.  They have a pretty healthy breakfast each morning, with eggs and hash browns, fresh fruit, healthy cereal, juice and some breads/pastries.  No hot chocolate, to Bridgett's disappointment!  It's quiet and there's a fireplace, etc.  Anyway, after we got some breakfast, I woke up Stephany and discussed the situation for today.  We decided that this would be our plan.  I would get Bridgett all situated and ready to be alone in the hotel.  We would leave her with Stephany's phone, so she could call any of us, or even Jenn.  I would take Stephany and drop her off to Arrianne for church and they would stay only a while and then come back to be with Bridgett.  In the meantime, I would head to mom's to visit.  So, Stephany threw on clothes for Sacrament meeting. I discussed the plan with Arri.  I made sure that Bridgett had everything she needed, water, a snack etc.  She said, you don't have to worry about me getting up because me feet hurt today.  I for got to mention about her feet; I will in a minute.  Anyway,  I took Stephany and dropped her off to Arrianne and hit the freeway.  I called and talked to Bridgett on the way to mom's and also when I arrived in Riverton.  The girls stayed in touch by text and made sure she was OK.  Actually, they were able to get the sacrament and stay to one talk and then head back.  I was pretty calm about the whole situation, although afterwards when I told Mark about it, he wasn't smiling.  He worries about leaving her somewhere and her forgetting and leaving the room.  Of course, it is a possibility, but I felt fine about it today.  She is more likely to forget things like this........she was alone for about 15 minutes, between me leaving with Stephany to Aspen Grove and Arrianne getting home from school on of the days this week.  I didn't have a cell phone to leave with her so I told her to answer the phone next to the bed when I called to check on her.  I also left the number to call Arrianne if she needed anything.  I called the room and she didn't answer.  I was about to panic, then I called Arri.  She walked in a couple of minutes later. When she asked Bridgett why she didn't answer, she said she didn't know who would be calling so didn't answer.  She had forgotten what I'd told her.  Well, it all worked out anyway, both the other day and today.  The girls did fine at church, Bridgett did fine at the hotel and I got to visit mom.  We were able to spend some time catching up on life in general and also some time discussing genealogy.  It was great!  Mom printed and laminated a genealogy "wheel" for me, showing nine generations of ancestors.  It's great!  Although I didn't get to church, it was really  important for me to see mom.  It's not been that long since my dad passed and she is lonely and missing me as well.  It was important!  In the evening, I made a quick visit to Jenn's.  It seems that most of the time we get to Provo, the kids are sick.  I can make it and do OK, but its important that we keep Bridgett and Stephany from getting sick if it can be helped.  So, in the evening, after the kids were in bed, I went over and visited with Jenn and Tyler and the twins.  I wasn't there very long, but it was fun.  Actually later I found out that the babies were sick and Jenn was sick for the rest of the week, so it's a good thing no one else was with me!!

Second year Day 303 - Saturday October 12, 2013

Randomly Bridgett asked when they changed the address at the log house from 8 Hathaway Lane to 20 Hathaway Lane.  We built the house and it was 8 Hathaway Lane all of the time we lived there.  Then, after we moved to the lake, the post office notified us that the address was being changed to 20 Hathaway Lane.  Weird, right.  Anyway, she remembered that random thing!  Today was a great day.  First, Arrianne and Stephany were able to go and do baptisms at the Provo temple in the morning.  It wasn't very crowded; I guess that might be because of the BYU game later today.  Many of the roads were blocked, etc.  Anyway, afterwards Arri had to head to Salt Lake with the choir to sing at the Tabernacle.  Stephany and Bridgett rested in the hotel and I was able to sneak away to the temple too.  It was great!  Its so hard to find a time when I can get away.  Luckily Bridgett was sleepy and had a long nap, and Stephany was able to be there with her (and catch some winks too!).  Later on I took Bridgett to Deb's to play games with her so that Stephany and I could go to temple square to hear Arri sing.  Everything went great.  We found parking (whew) and got some seats (barely, even though we were 30 minutes early!) and their part of the concert was great!  They were the first part of a program featuring the Utah high school all state choir.  They sang several pieces and did well.  Afterwards, we meandered back to the parking garage, stopping for chocolate at a cute shop on the way.  Then we hit McDonald's for some French fries for Arri and then off to Deb's to pick up Bridgett.  She had a great time with Deb playing games! 

Second year Day 302 - Friday October 10, 2013

Today we didn't have any real appointments and so we just got a few extra things done.  Bridgett wasn't feeling well some of the day so she just rested.  However in the morning we went to the hobby store, and a bead store (the Bead Fairy).  We are trying to figure out how to made a heart shaped rock into a necklace.  We found out that no one really know, ha ha!  Anyway, we got some ideas.  Today is payday, and I had to be around a computer at the right time to print the paychecks remotely to the shop.  Arrianne and Stephany did a little shopping for boots.  They both needed boots, but only Stephany was able to find a pair that she liked.  However, later on in the evening I took Arri to the Provo mall and she finally found some boots she wanted.  Today was a day that Bridgett was thinking about her aunts I guess.  She asked if Deb had a really big, heavy door.  Yes!  Also, she asked if Sue's street was called a cul-de-sac.  Yes!  There's just so much stuff in a brain that has to reconnect or be relearned! 

Second year Day 301 - Thursday October 10, 2013

Today Bridgett said, when I lived at Alpine Village, didn't I have to drive the Mustang out of the parking garage at an angle so that the bottom wouldn't scrape?  Yes!  Also, we were driving down University Avenue and suddenly she pointed to an apartment house and said isn't that Mario's apartment that he owns?  Yes!  I just love it when she remembers things!  Today Arrianne stayed with Bridgett while I drove Stephany up to Aspen Grove.  The road is winding and it hurts Bridgett's neck to wind around and also she gets carsick going up there.  Then Arrianne picked up Stephany when she was done and we met up with Scott, Jaclyn and Weston at Cafe Rio in Orem.  First of all, I just can hardly believe that Stephany has been able to go to so much of the Youth Conference!  She really is getting stronger again--yes!  Second, it was GREAT to see Scott, Jaclyn and Weston--we have missed them so much!  We all had fun together but not for too long.  Bridgett was able to make it for about 40 minutes, and then had to start walking around to get comfortable.  She kept wanting to go outside (I'm sure because it was SO noisy inside!).  Of course, I went out with her because I couldn't have her outside alone.  Then it started raining, and Scott said that they'd better head back anyway.  So, we all said goodbyes reluctantly and headed back to the hotel.

Second year Day 300 - Wednesday October 9, 2013

At 12:00 we headed up to Aspen Grove again.  When we came out of the parking lot at the hotel, Bridgett commented that the guard rail didn't open up automatically today like it did yesterday!  Cool, she remembered!  Then she said, didn't John Bytheway and Hank Smith talk yesterday at Aspen Grove!  I was so happy that she remembered!  The girls told me about Hank Smith's talk, but their recount different in one aspect.  Arri told me that one of his stories was about a girl whose brother died.  They had been very close.  He described her feelings, and she said she cried so hard because it was just like she felt when Bridgett had her accident.  Of course, we all have had to go through the grieving process, we just don't talk about it too much.  Stephany just sad that he told a really sad story and then she didn't want to talk about it any more than that.  We just have to deal with the grief as we can and when each person is ready to deal with it.  It's hard for others to understand, because Bridgett didn't die. They wonder why the grief.  Of course, it's because the Bridgett that we all knew and loved is not here right now.  Perhaps later she will be.  But, the Bridgett that could sit around and just talk with her sisters and enjoy life.......

Second year day 299 - Tuesday October 8, 2013

Today we took Stephany up to Aspen Grove to Youth Conference at 11:00.  John Bytheway was speaking first.  Bridgett and I waited during his speech and then we all ate lunch in the car.  It was fun for Bridgett to reminisce about going to Youth Conference.  She remembered staying in the cabins, etc.  We talked about her old teachers etc.  After lunch, Stephany went back inside to listen to the rest of today's speakers and Bridgett and I headed back to Provo.  We had dentist appointments later on in the day, and Bridgett wanted to catch a quick nap first.  I made plans with Arrianne to pick up Stephany and told her that if she got there early enough, she could hear Hank Smith too!  Everyone of us just love his humor! Arri was supposed to pick up Stephany and then come back and pick up Bridgett while I had my teeth cleaned. Meanwhile Bridgett had the first appointment (at 5:00 p.m.) and had her teeth cleaned and checked--no cavities.  I had the second appointment and Arrianne had not arrived yet. It's a good thing that they like us there and that they are understanding!  After about 10 minutes, Bridgett's neck was stiff from sitting in the chair back by where I was getting my teeth cleaned.  Rather than go to the waiting room, she wanted to go to the car. She is usually fine sitting in the car and playing on her ipad, but here we were in a different place and it was getting dark.  So, anyway, I took her to the car and got her all arranged.  I got the dentists phone number ready for her to call if she needed me and made sure she was all set and then went back in.  We continued with my cleaning and then after about 15 minutes I felt as if I needed to check on her again.  I went out and asked her where the phone was in case she needed to call, and she couldn't remember!  That's not helpful if she can't find the phone to call!  Anyway, I helped her find it, and then had her put it on the dashboard so that she could see it, made sure things were OK and went back in.  After 15 more minutes, I checked really quick on her again.  At that point we were ready for the dentist to come and check my teeth.  I visited with him about things and then headed to the car before paying and found that Arri and Steph had arrived and were visiting with Bridgett.   I went back and paid for the appointments, thanked them again for their understanding and we all headed back to the hotel to grab some dinner.  I'm glad that we got it worked out and that I was able to get my appointment as well! 

Second year day 298 - Monday October 7, 2013

Well, today I had to decide whether we would just see Faith once and head back to Provo or stay overnight so that we could see her twice.  I did talk to the front desk and ask what time I could check out for a late check out.  She said 1:30.  Not late enough.  Anyway, I texted Faith and told her that and so she came early--at 8:30 so that we could get in very long appointments and hopefully head back to Provo today.  It all worked out.  She worked for over two hours and felt that the girls were ready for travel.  I had already packed up everything and so we had a couple of hours before we left. I decided that a quick nap was in order!  So, after about an hour I woke up and thought to call Provo about an early check in.  They said that there would be a room ready when I showed up, so to come ahead.  So, we grabbed some quick lunch and I got the luggage cart and loaded up everything and we headed to the car and got situated. It was a good ride to Provo and we were able to get checked in and situated in the new hotel.  This time we stayed in the downtown Marriott.  They have a bell man and so it's either use them or take the stuff up to the room ourselves--I chose to do it myself.  It took a few trips but we made it!  Now we have a big list of stuff to get accomplished in Provo while we are here.  But, for this afternoon, everyone concentrated on resting!  Stephany is going to go to the Liahona Youth Conference in Aspen Grove starting tomorrow.  She will just go to the portions that she can, dependent on how she is feeling.  For the past two years, she has missed the youth conference, because of illness.  It is always the week after general conference.  Two years ago, she had strep all of the time and then the week of youth conference she had her tonsils out.  Last year was when she had CMV and was sick for three months.  So, she is excited to go up there.  My kids have always enjoyed the youth conference so much. They have many of the same speakers that are at EFY, but the week is different.  Just the kids from Liahona are there, and they are just so nice!  Brother DeGraff really expects the kids to be nice to everyone and include everyone and his expectations are met!  It so nice up at Aspen Grove this time of year!  Not hot but pleasantly cool and sometimes cold!  The dances are great as well.  Anyway, hopefully she will be able to participate in at least some of the conference.  It is usually from Monday evening until Saturday morning, but this year its only until Friday morning.  Arrianne came over after she was done with school, about 5:30.  She plans to stay with us while we are in Provo.  She has class until Wednesday, and then it will be fall break for UVU. 

Second year day 297 - Sunday October 6, 2013

Faith came again at about 10:30 today and worked on the girls, and then we saw her again at 2:30.  We were able to watch conference in between and afterwards.  The appointments went so good today.  Stephany is having some long appointments this time, which is unusual.  Usually she is not strong enough for long appointments, but her body is getting stronger all of the time!  She is taking Vern's homeopathy, but Faith is having her take it in a different way.  Instead of a dropperful twice a day she is having her take four drops every 15 minutes the first day, then four drops every 30 minutes the second day, four drops every 45 minutes the third day and now four drops every hour today.  This way the homeopathy stays in her body all of the time, instead of just a couple of times a day.  I like the theory and it seems to be paying off big time!  Bridgett is doing good as well.  She is still a little woozy, but I haven't had to help her to the floor again.  She did tell me that she needed to sit down once today, but overall, the medication is wearing off and things are getting better.  Thanks goodness about that!  It is a little unnerving to worry about her collapsing at any time!  I really appreciated the conference talks, and needed the uplift that I got from them.  Sometimes things are just hard to handle emotionally and I felt really supported.  Today Bridgett was full of basketball questions: how tall is Michael Jordan, how high can he jump, how far can he dunk from, how far is the free throw line from the basket, etc.  Late this afternoon, Faith wanted Stephany to go outside and walk a little.  We were able to take Bridgett out and walk for a while and then she sat in the car by us and read on the ipad while Stephany and I continued walking and talking. 

Second year day 296 - Saturday October 4, 2013

This weekend is general conference, and the conference is of course broadcast on the TV on regular channels here in Utah.  Faith came at 10:00 and worked until 12:00 so we missed the first session, but we watched the programs in between, which were really good.  She came again at 2:30 and so we missed most of the second session as well, but then Stephany figured out that the conference was being rebroadcast two hours later on another channel, so we were able to watch the entire second session from 4-6.  That was very neat, and we really enjoyed the talks so much.  It was the most that we get of meetings on a Sunday, as we can't do that much of regular church.  We will be on the same schedule tomorrow with Faith, so we will do the same thing then.  So, today we had a big fiasco!  Bridgett and I got up and had breakfast and went walking at Walmart.  Suddenly she said that she just felt sick all over so we hurried to the check out, as we had a couple of small things to pay for.  Just as we were checking out, Bridgett got that look before she crumbles and passes out.  I stood behind her and asked the cashier to call for a wheelchair quickly, which she did.  Bridgett started to go down, but since I was behind her with my arms around her, I was able to just sit her down gently to a sitting position and then lean her against my legs.  She was so wobbly!  Someone showed up on the run with the wheelchair, and then two people helped me get her up and into the wheelchair.  I rolled her out to the car and then helped her into the seat, after letting her get her bearings. It was still very cold this morning, and we didn't want to be too slow about it!! Anyway, we drove back to the hotel and Bridgett told me she felt fine and wanted to go in.  I said, no, we will sit in the car and just visit for about 20 minutes and let you get feeling really good, and then go in.  Meanwhile I sent Faith a text and she said that she would come an hour earlier then planned (our appointment was for 11:00).  After the 20 minutes, Bridgett had color back in her cheeks, was talking fine, etc and said she felt just great, so we got out of the car and went into the hotel.  We made it as far as the elevators and then she said she was going down again.  Again, I was standing behind her and grabbed her and just let her down gently.  We had an audience, as housekeeping was there (two nice gals) and the elevator arrived just then, filled with six other guests.  Anyway, everyone else panicked, the hotel offered to call an ambulance, people cleared out of the way, etc.  I said I just need to get her upstairs to bed and asked for a wheelchair.  They didn't have one, but got me a rolling office chair and helped me get her up into it.  Someone stayed with me all the way to the room and made sure I got her into bed before leaving with the chair.  Anyway, it was kind of crazy!  Faith showed up and tested Bridgett and it was the medication (DUH!) causing the problem.  So, no more aricept.  Actually, she was woozy the rest of the day and night.  Faith said we will just have to let it wear off, although she did some balancing work that will help things along a little bit. 

Second year day 295 - Friday October 4, 2013

So, one of the things I wanted to do while we were traveling was have Bridgett start taking the Aricept.  This is the reason why......it can cause dizziness and also it can cause hallucinatory dreams.  I thought that it would be good to start it while we are in the hotel, and all in the same room together so I can help Bridgett easier if needed.  So, last night was the first night of the medication.  Everything went fine during the night.  She got up to the bathroom, which she usually does, and she wasn't dizzy and didn't need help.  So far so good.  In the morning we did what we usually do at the hotel...we dressed and then had the continental breakfast and then went walking at Walmart.  It is a fairly large Walmart for such a little town, and we can walk inside which is nice.  This morning it was COLD, only 19 degrees.  The sprinkler had been hitting my windshield and everything was frozen solid.  I couldn't find my scraper, so just had to let the engine run with the defroster until the car warmed up enough that the ice melted.  We just had sweaters, although I did bring our winter coats and they were in the car.  Of course, they were freezing, so that wasn't much help!  We got back to the hotel and Faith came at 11:00.  Again we had great appointments.  She also was able to came back at 3:00 and continue her work on Bridgett, which was great.  The room is large enough that there is room for her massage table, as well as her computer, etc.  There is a couch and overstuffed chair, as well as a rolling desk chair that Faith was able to use.  Actually this hotel is very comfortable and the staff are very friendly.  Of course, they know us by now as we are here so frequently, and they always all say hi to us, etc. 

Second year day 294 - Thursday October 3, 2013

We are on kind of a wacky schedule for Faith this time. Usually we see her for Monday thru Friday or Saturday, and then we head to Provo for the weekend and see the girls.  Well, this time we will see Faith for Thursday thru Monday.  Remember last trip I told you that she had to move out of her house and hadn't found another rental.  So, she's living with her parents right now.  They have a big house and there is a room that she can use as a treatment room.  Only one drawback for us--they have a cat!  Of course, Stephany can't be around the cat at all!  So, Faith will see us in the hotel every day this trip.  Also, see will see Bridgett twice every day, if needed, in order to get more done.  Faith tells me every time I see her that Bridgett has had so much trauma, that she can work on her every day for two weeks and still not have things that need to be done.  So, I suggested that maybe she could work on her twice a day.  She tentatively thinks that will work out just fine, but will test Bridgett this time and see.  So, I called to Richfield and asked how early I could check in this morning, in order to give Faith time to see us.  They said we could check in at noon.  If we could have gotten down her earlier, like yesterday, Faith could have seen us earlier as well.  But, anyway, we left early from Provo and got checked in at 12:00 and Faith came at 12:30.  I really appreciated the Marriott being so accommodating.  We had great appointments with Faith.  Because the appointments were so extensive this afternoon, Faith said that Bridgett would not be able to do two today.  However, she got a lot done at this appointment!  Also, she was able to go a lot for Stephany.  We are hopeful that Stephany can get feeling better so that she can attend the Liahona Youth Conference in Aspen Grove next weekend.

Second year Day 293 - Wednesday October 2, 2013

I got up early (as usual!) and got to cooking for the trip.  Bridgett was up pretty soon as well.  She is always up by 7:00 and often before.  She helped measure things for the muffins.  I was able to get things cooked and packed up and Mark helped me load the car and the tires.  I have the car set up so that one of the middle seats is folded up against the drivers seat and then there is a foam  and some pillows and a blanket on the back seat so that Stephany can ride laying down as much as she wants.  We weren't able to leave until 10:30 and then as soon as we left the garage, Stephany started to cry.  I went down the driveway, pulled onto the highway, looped around to the other entrance to our road and back down the drive.  Mark was still outside, and looked just a bit surprised.  I explained the situation, and then suggested that he give Stephany a blessing before the trip to help her out.  It was a great thing that we did this because afterwards we left and had the best trip we've had so far that I can remember.  We only had to stop three times.  The girls were both happy in the car and the time went by quickly.  Stephany felt pretty well the entire trip, which was amazing!  We made it all the way to Provo and then as we drove to Jenn's, Bridgett suddenly said, I made it the whole way down without any neck pain and it just started right now!  Wow!  Of course, I did give her a Robaxin before we left, in order to keep her muscles loose, especially while we were in the Swan.  She also wore the neck brace in the Swan.  Those windy roads made her sick and also hurt her neck.  I do think her neck was sore this morning in the Swan, but not enough to need pain reliever.  We got to Jenn's  and had hugs and kisses.  Caden was asleep but we saw everyone else, except Tyler, who was delayed at a meeting.  Connor tried to help me get the straps off the tires but we had no luck.  Mark had shown me how, but I forgot (oops!).  Anyway, Connor got a pair of pliers, and I did what I thought I was supposed to do and it worked!  Stephany was actually feeling so good that she helped me roll the tires off and then she, Jenn and I took off the hitch.....after spending like 8 minutes trying to get the cotter pin off to take the hitch off!  Luckily, Steph was able to get that out.  Anyway, we made it to the hotel and got unloaded and Arri showed up to spend the night with us.  It was so touching to see Arrianne and Bridgett together. They hugged and hugged and then Bridgett said, I'm not going to let go of you!  I'm just so happy to be with you.  I NEED to stay here with you and not leave!!  She let go of Arrianne and they just grinned and grinned!  Then in a few seconds she said, oh, I guess I can't stay right now.....I only brought one suitcase of clothes, but we will work it out!  So cute! I had tears in my eyes!  Stephany and Arrianne then hugged and hugged and then all three girls just sat with me and laughed and giggled for the longest time.  It's the most I've heard Stephany say for a month, because she has just been so sick!!  Arrianne is our tonic!!

Second year Day 292 - Tuesday October 1, 2013

Today is our day to get packed and ready for the trip.  There's a lot to do of course.  Stephany is eating grain free right now so we are planning on bringing food for the car (which we usually do) but also cooking in the hotel room.  I have ordered a George Foreman Grill and I will make some grain free muffins before we leave tomorrow.  Also, I have some grain free biscuits that we made today for dinner tonight.  I have the ice packs in the freezer ready to go.  Also, we needed to be ready to bring Arrianne her snow tires and there's no room in the car.  After discussion, I remember that I've seen people with those platform trailer hitches and I found one on Amazon for only $123.  I ordered it yesterday and it thankfully showed up today.  Shawn at work got it unpacked, put in the four bolts and attached it to the car.  It supposedly only weights 42 pounds, but will hold 500 pounds!  I am hopeful that it will work out wonderfully!!  Mark will attach the tires tomorrow before we leave and then hopefully Tyler Fenn will be able to take them off before I check into the hotel tomorrow night. 

Second year Day 291 - Monday September 30, 2013

Its funny what bits of information Bridgett remembers and what she doesn't.  She usually finds a question and repeatedly asks the question (like every day) until she finally remembers it.  That's how we were able to help her remember the names of the major bones in her body.  So, the question we are stuck on right now....she asks if people got fingerprints from being in the water in the womb so long.  That's a thought that took logic but no!  I explain about fingerprints each day and hopefully soon she will remember about that. 

Second year Day 290 - Sunday September 29, 2013

We made it through about 35 minutes of church before Bridgett had to get up and walk.  When we went to the hallway, we actually ran into Sister Stanfill, returning to the chapel.  Bridgett greeted her and they had a short conversation, after which they hugged.  It was very fun for Bridgett and she talked about it all the way home.  Her feet have been bothering her lately.  She had a toenail that never grew for like months after the accident.  Then, after like 7 months, it started growing, but broke half way down the nail several months ago.  I super glued it together and it has slowly grown out until the broken part is at the end of the nail.  Her toenail has been bothering her and when I looked at it, it appears to be trying to be ingrown.  I was able to cut off the last of that broken nail and then she has been soaking it daily and I've been tending it to try to keep it from being ingrown.  It hurts her to wear any Sunday shoes, so she has been wearing flip flops to church for the past few Sundays.  So, if you think she is too casual, there's a reason why!

Second year Day 289 - Saturday September 28, 2013

We got lots done this morning.  I sat with Bridgett while she organized her DVD's.  She could sit and think through getting them arranged alphabetically, although she needed someone to help move things around to make room, etc.  Mark was able to get the boat out this afternoon, although no one was game to go with him.  He bundled up and said that with the door shut and the front buttoned up it wasn't bad.  Bridgett is not able to ride on the boat at all because of her neck.  The bouncing would kill her before we even got out of the bay, not to mention the problem with balance and getting into the boat etc.  Maybe next year or the year after..........I was hoping to go to the church for the women's  broadcast, but Bridgett was needing me at home so I recorded it and I will watch it tomorrow.  I was very tired and went to bed early, as did Bridgett. 

Second year Day 288 - Friday September 27, 2013

Another very busy day.  I am trying to get so many things done at home with work that it is very busy.  We are coming up on the end of the year, and I'm trying to get through things in preparation for taxes.  Also, of course, getting ready for our annual work comp audit and right now working on insurance renewals.  Life just keeps going on!  At home, there are so many receipts to be filed from my recent trips.  I have been moving around the house, trying to get things organized and under control.  Actually, I am usually a very organized person.  I usually have things under control.  But, there are seasons in life where its harder to get the extra things done, like spring and fall cleaning, etc.  This is one of those seasons in my life. 

Second year Day 287 - Thursday September 26, 2013

Today was my birthday.  It has been a long week for me and actually I was tearful for the morning anyway, and not really in the mood to talk.  There are just so many things going on right now in life and sometimes I am just, well, I guess overwhelmed!  All of the kids gave me a call and it was so nice to talk to them.  I had planned to be in Utah this week, which would have been sad to not be at home, but at least I would have seen Arri, Jenn and Scott and families.  I miss the grand kids and want to give them hugs!  I am hoping that we get plans together to see Faith soon.  It is very hard to not know exactly what is happening.  I guess it was a day (week) of seeing things and knowing where we are and where we need to be, in every aspect of my life.  Anyway, I try not to let things get me down, but sometimes they just do.  I couldn't even get a dinner planned where we could eat together, because work is so busy right now.  Of course, that is a good thing.  But, I can't figure out when we can all eat together.  Maybe Saturday Mark will have a little time, although he has a wood project in the morning and then I have the women's broadcast in the evening.  I am hoping to get away for like 90 minutes by myself and just have time to contemplate and enjoy the meeting myself.  We will see how things go!  Anyway, I think I did a good job of being cheerful to everyone, so that no one knew I was upset (hopefully!).  It ended up that kind of by accident we got to eat together.  Mark had gone to help a member in the morning and got tied up there for so long that there wasn't time to go into the office. So, we got to have dinner together!  It was really nice.  It was a much happier evening for me.  I have been a little sad that the entire time I've been homebecause Mark has had to work very long hours.  He isn't able to be home in the morning to help like usual, but leaves at 7:00 a.m. and comes home like at 9:30 or 10:00 p.m.  I finally said to him one evening, when I'm gone we don't get to be together, and this time when I'm home we don't get to spend any time together.  It's been frustrating.  But, we've owned our business for many, many years.  I do know that when things are hopping, we need to take on as much as we can so we don't regret it later when there's nothing going on.  I am being grateful for the work that we have right now. 

Second year Day 286 - Wednesday September 25, 2013

Today I spent the morning on the phone hassling about some of the original bills from the accident 12.14.11.  I know!  Hard to believe, right!  This one doctors office had many bills; they were the pulmonary doctors who were in charge of her care during the coma.  Anyway, there was originally over $5,000 in bills just to them, and the majority of the bills were sent correctly to our insurance company and paid just fine.  Then there were two doctors in the group, whose bills were not submitted correctly and therefore not paid, totalling about $1,300.  Our old agent, Jennifer, tried to contact them directly to tell them what needed to be done, but the billing gal was very curt and rude to her.  I tried several times but she was also rude to me.  Her attitude seemed to be that we were deadbeats for not paying and that it was not their fault and we just needed to bite the bullet.  Well, I know that our insurance company has been just great and has paid things so well.  I tried again to talk to the office and this is what I found out.  Jennifer has quit and gone to nursing school.  We have been assigned another agent, Kathy, who has been trying to help out.  She had actually talked to the billing gal in July and we haven't had a bill since then.  But, I keep getting a generic bill from IHC in Provo for like $20, and they say it's for only service charges, no bill attached.  Today I found out that the bill is service charges from the pulmonary doctors.  They say the insurance may be responsible, but I am responsible for service charges.  WHAT!  Because they can't bill right, and won't talk to anyone to find out what the problem is, I am liable for service charges??  The gal that told me this was sympathetic to my case, but said only the pulmonary doctors office can remove the late charges.  So I talked to Kathy at the insurance company and she told me what specifically needed to be changed and asked that I talk to billing because they wouldn't talk to her.  I called Ray Lynn at the pulmonary doctors and told her the news, which I thought she'd be glad to hear.   Instead, she was still difficult, insisting that she had resubmitted the claim in July and that it was correct in every way.  I said, what does it hurt to find out?  I actually had the things that needed to be changed, but she wouldn't listen to me.  One doctor bill had no tax ID number.  Two had no diagnosis code on them.   Anyway, she did agree to call my agent.  She called Kathy, and told her that she couldn't discuss anything until Bridgett signed a release form.  Kathy called me and I said fax it over to my house on our dedicated fax line.  Then, of course, it took Ray Lynn over 24 hours to actually fax anything over to Kathy.  But, at length, we got it signed and everything has been re-submitted.  It will take about 30 days to resolve, but there should be no more issue I hope!  There are two other bills, one being the Provo hospital, which I know have a balance due.  However, these billing offices put a lien on the drivers insurance, so when it ever settles, those bills will get paid.  There will be a point where the original bills are all paid in full!  CRAZY!