Layne loses a brother

We received word this morning that Layne's older brother, Joel, went into surgery for an aneurism. The surgery was successful but was followed by a massive stroke that left him brain dead. He is on a respirator but will soon be removed from it and allowed to die on his own. Layne is headed for Montana tomorrow, along with his twin brother, Lynn, to help handle everything. Plans are for a graveside service on Saturday morning.

This photo shows Joel standing behind his brothers Lynn (left) and Layne. He is a kind, gentle soul. We will miss him.

Guests from Taiwan

Gerald and Frances arrived yesterday, with 10 Taiwanese exchange students. They will be in the states for a month, showing the kids interesting spots in the West. They will stay with until Friday, when they will head for their Utah home in Draper, Utah. Seth and Angelica were so excited to be here. Seth was anxious to watch "Star Wars", thanks to an earlier visit with Ben and Jes, where they had a Darth Vader birthday party for William. It was after 10 PM when they arrived last night, but only noon Taiwanese time, so the kids were not ready for bed. So they watched parts of Strek and Star Wars and ate popcorn. Seth helped cook this morning and so did Angelica! We cooked around the ants, which insist on invading our kitchen on a regular basis in spite of all attempts to discourage them.

Chase is 17

We got home from Colorado just in time for Chase's 17th birthday. I took him birthday shopping today. He is crazy about guns and military stuff so we headed for a store that carries camouflage clothes. Our first stop was a winner. He picked out the perfect outfit. Chase is now as tall as his grandfather (very tall indeed). He plans to seek employment at the game store that represents another of his passions. Happy Birthday Chase, and may this coming year be amazingly fine.

Birthdays

Allegra turned 13 on June 25th. Since she is now a teenager, we took some photos of her. On her birthday shopping trip, she went for clothes. That's a first for this teenage girl.

Peyton turned 4 on July 3rd. Our Independence girl is growing up! We were supposed to be with her to celebrate but mother's stroke called us elsewhere. But we wish her a joyful time being 4!

Mom moves to Montrose

Mom is getting better by inches. Each day we rejoice over small victories, like moving her leg, holding her head up, talking more clearly. Being with her is joyful but tiring as we are spending so much time sitting. But as visitors come, it has been fun to talk and get to know them.

On Monday mom was tranferred to Montrose Hospital, to the physical therapy unit. It is a beautiful facility. There she receives 3 hours of therapy, physical, verbal and occupational. It looks like she will be there for two weeks. She is one of only three patients so gets plenty of attention. She has her own room, with a view. It is all quite lovely. Layne especially loves the cafeteria, where they serve an amazing amount of very good food. I think mom has a good chance of getting better there.

Layne and I flew home on Wednesday. I hated to leave mom. Maryanne will remain to be with her for the next two or so weeks, then we will change places. So far Maryanne reports that she is making progress in slow but pleasing steps.

Mother

It has been several days since writing. Mother is so much better. She is eating, talking and moving. She has a long way to go but is making such good progress. She has been inundated with company, which is more good than bad, I think. She definitely feels loved and needed. On Monday she will be transferred to an aggressive physical therapy facility. We'll see how she does with that.

Maryanne and I have divided up the summer to take turns being here with her. It has changed all of our lives and where it will take us is still a mystery. We will just go along for the ride. It will be fun to spend so much time with my mother. The rest of life will just have to wait. For now my mother is my mission.

Mother

It has been 4 days now since mother had her stroke. There has been little to be hopeful about. She is greatly diminished and the doctor has prepared us for the worst. She has not regained feeling on her right side and has not been able to swallow. Until today! She moved her right leg. She jerked her right arm away when the nurse pocked it with a needle. Best of all, she swallowed and ate some apple sauce! I was so overwhelmed I cried. The joy of it was overwhelming. Even the doctor was excited.

Dr. Rich explained that the probable cause of the stroke was arterial flutter, a type of irregular heart beat. He explained that the clot most likely came from the heart. He said the treatment is cumiden. It thins the blood and will prevent future clots. So perhaps we have a way of preventing her from having another stroke. He is going to get her going on physical therapy.

Now that there is hope I realize how much I was dreading losing mama. We still could, but things are looking so much better.