Steven Update
Steven entered the hospital mid-week last week. In 9th grade, he was hit in the back while playing football. This early injury caused temporary paralysis of the legs which he quickly recovered from. Since then, Steven has been fighting back pains and the injury flared a couple of years ago while Steven began his mission training in the MTC, precluding him from being able to get to his assignment in Santiago, Chile. At that time, he received some light rehabilitation and consulation with some very good doctors who recommended that he avoid surgery at all costs.
This week, something happened and Steven was admitted to the ER at Utah Valley Medical Center. After several doses of morphine and, later, the hospitals 'most potent pain killer' - he remained in severe pain. After MRI and CT-scan results were received, two things were obvious - 1) a disc in his lower back had shifted and was putting significant pressure on his spinal cord, and 2) due to the loss of feeling in his lower body, he was not aware that his bladder and filled to 5 times its normal fill limit (which was the actual cause of his severe pain).
With miraculous intervention, the right people were available in the very hour that Steven needed them most. A blessing was given and Dr. Reichman (renowned neurosurgeon) was able to perform surgery that same day. This is the same doctor that Steven waited 8 months to see because of how busy he is! He has been in the hospital now for a week and a half. Last Tuesday, the day after memorial day, he was admitted into the hospital's rehabilitation center where he is re-learning the basics of getting in and out of bed and walking. With time, he will regain his strength and feeling, but it may be a long road.
We have been able to get down to Provo to see Steven a few times now. He is so optimistic and so outwardly appreciative of the wonderful people about him as well as his Father above who has guided much of this process. On Friday (24th) we were able to see him for the first time. Then, Memorial Day evening, we went down and had a BBQ with the Ririe Family and finished the night playing Scattergories in the hospital with the poor guy. Lisa and I were able to go down and visit again last night and watch Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals (NBA). We are hoping for his discharge from the hospital on Tuesday (June 4th). What a trial. Thanks Steven for being such a great example of optimism and gratitude!
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| Playing Scattergories in the Hospital with the Ririe Gang. |
The Sunday before memorial day weekend, we took a quick stroll through the local cemetery. They do such a beautiful job and there seemed to be flowers at every headstone. At the entrance of the cemetery, there were 40 flags nicely arranged with a small plaque to commemorate every Utah soldier who has died in the war on terror. We are so blessed to be in this incredible country! We often take the freedoms that we have for granted - but on this day, the memory of all those who have laid down their lives so that we might have a better one - those freedoms become so much more real. Thank you to all those who have served and are serving in the armed forces!
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| Memorial Day at the local cemetery. |
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| Playing with Light and Cameras. BYU, Stickman, Camper roasting marshmallows, Love, Mountains, and the Next Morning |
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