Thursday, May 14, 2009 @ 7:34am

Goodmorning everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. JoLinda is doing fine. She seems to be remembering a little bit more each day. It is coming very slowly though. Her medicines still take a tole on her as she gets tired and dizzy from them. I think she is tired from the accident too, but the meds don't help that. She is still very nervous to do things on her own, like shopping for food or anything out with people around. Something we will just have to keep working on. We are still taking walks and she has her eating under control now. She is starting to lose the weight she has put on over the past 6 months. Brenton, Tami and Lily have moved in while they look for their own place. They have felt the need to be here helping with JoLinda since the accident. I am so glad they are here. I think Brenton will really help take a ton off of Rich and I in the Real Estate Business. Just in time for Jovi and Beau to get out of school next week. JoLinda is doing a lot more reading and has started writing in her journal. She is also trying to stay away from the t.v. which isn't good for the brain. Movies with a longer story line, the doctor says is o.k. We are still working on her anger issues, but they seem to be getting better. She is also getting closer to her Heavenly Father, and is enjoying going to church each week. I am so excited for her. Well, we would love to hear from you all, so keep in touch. Love ya, Laurie

Thursday, April 30, 2009 @ 2:26pm

We've passed the 6 month mark, yeah!! April 28th was the 6 month mark and we can see how far JoLinda has come in that amount of time. Today she finished her last therapy. At least as far as we know. She is so glad! I don't think she will ever want to go into another hospital again. Her new medicine is finally starting to work. She hasn't argued with me or anyone else for a couple of days. It has been really nice. She has a big test she has to take soon, and I can't wait to get the results back on that. Hopefully, it will give us more insight on her condition and future. She is still going with me on all my Real Estate 'duties' and I think she enjoys it. JoLinda has always liked being busy. I have also noticed that her hair is getting a lot longer. Before the accident she was trying to grow it out and so I have been very careful on any trimming. It is just starting to look long. JoLinda has even started reading again. She has always loved to read. She just finished Harry Potter(the first one) and is now reading the second - again.

The next six months I am really going to focus on helping her become more independent by being able to have her write and keep a planner, taking her meds on her own, shopping without me being next to her, and on her memory. Hopefully, getting her volunteering, of course, under supervision. Well, I hope everyone is doing well, and WE would love to hear from you. Thanks so much, Laurie

Wed. April 22, 2009 @7:31am

JoLinda is 22 years old today! She is so excited it's her birthday. She said last night, it will be the first birthday she will remember.

JoLinda is doing well, just getting over a cold. She is getting stronger all the time. We go for a couple of walks a day, and she is keeping a good pace, and is able to go 30 on one and 20 minutes on the other. Her Doctor appt. was yesterday. She was taken off of one medicine and started on two new medicines. We will see how those go and she see's the Doctor again in two weeks. She thought JoLinda looked really good, but still concerned about her anger outbursts, and not being able to get along with others.

The Doctor also had to remind me that this could all be permenant. That I needed to let go of my expectations for her. That is hard to do, when I want my daughter to be able to go to College, work, get married and have child, and live independently. I have to keep working toward that goal and the Doctor wants me too, but just be patient and see where JoLinda is able to get to.

Summer is coming, the boys will be out of school, and that means more people to be around JoLinda all day long. That concerns me greatly. I hope they will all get along. Otherwise it will be a long summer.

Well, I hope everyone is doing well. It was so good to hear from you who are still commenting on this blog. I hope Brady is still improving and doing well. Please let me know. I still pray for him and your family. I am glad to hear Curtis is doing well.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers in our behalf. JoLinda says Hi! I will write again soon. Love, Laurie

Monday, April 13, 2209 @7:39am

Happy Easter to everyone! I hope everyone had a great one. We did. JoLinda even had a basket and got to look for eggs. She enjoyed every minute of it, as did her brothers. She was able to make it to all three meetings at church also, without even a thought of going home earlier. She has talked quite a bit about having missed the past few weeks because of spring break, and going out of town. It was good to go again. I believe she is continueing to get some memory back. Not with what she is saying, but in actions that she is showing. I am still trying to get her more independent with each passing day. She was able to take a list to the store and shop without my help the other day. I just sat at the front of the store waiting for her and being there if she needed help. She even paid!(My money of course) She has picked up another chore at home and is even getting a better attitude. Matter of fact, she laughed all weekend. It is a nice change. Anyway, hoping to continue with her progress and with her birthday coming up, it would be nice if she will remember it. The sixth month mark is right around the corner on April 28th and I'm excited to get there. Hope all is well with everyone. Love ya, Laurie

Wed. April 8, 2009 @7:52am

Time sure seems to go by fast right now. We are really busy at work with our Real Estate business. School is also winding down and so Jovi and Beau have a lot going on trying to finish up, with Field trips, Field days, Band concerts and Choir Performances. All in all, it makes for a busy April and May. Maybe a vacation will be at the end.

JoLinda is doing well. She is getting tired of thearpy, which I imagine is very normal. We are trying to walk 3 times a day and adding as much jogging in as we can. She has a hard time keeping up with my walk, but can clearly beat me in running. She is doing a lot of cooking still and still fighting me on other chores in the house. Her attitude is still terrible, and hopefully will change soon or drive us all crazy. I am still trying to sociallize her. She has a hard time thinking of things to say to others, especially appropriate things. We decided last night(JoLinda and I) to push the planner idea and see if it doesn't help her do things more independantly. I'm hoping it works.

We are all hanging in there and appreciate all you do. Thanks, Laurie

Thursday, March 26, 2009 @ 11:24am

Well, what do I say. I am so sorry for letting this go so long without posting a blog. As I go throughout the day to day ritual it is hard to see any changes or anything interesting to write. Now that I have been looking back, JoLinda has gotten much stronger. We went camping over spring break(9 days) and had a lot of fun. It was nice to have a change in routine and to just get out for awhile. We did several hikes and JoLinda did great. If she needed a break, we just stopped. I believe it was a challenge for her, but good too. We were even able to get her on a bicycle for short rides. By the 3rd time, her balance had greatly improved. The whole thing of riding a bike scared her though and we didn't push the issue. She was glad to get back home as we all were, but we sure had a good time.

The day after we got back, JoLinda and I went to the store for much needed food and after filling the cart as much as possible we left. Looking back at that, it showed me how much she has come. 2 months ago, I could barely go and get 5 items and that was with her holding onto me and laying her head on my shoulder needing to sit down. The experience of grocery shopping was way too much for her and now, as long as she is by my side, she can make it through a whole cart full.

She is not as clingy, and is doing 1 chore a week, besides helping with cooking, dishes, and laundry. She still has a major problem with initiation. She will know she needs to do something but just can't do it. Her anger and outbursts are as severe as ever. She has a hard time getting along with others(her mind still bothered by noise and people, and still very concrete in her thinking). She is working on it though. I am working on her independence and staying on task as well as initiation at home. She is seeing an OT and SP therapist at least til the end of April.

We are all still taking it day by day, and are greatful to all of you for your constant support and prayers. We miss you all and please keep commenting on this blog. We love to read them. It helps us more than you know. We hope everyone is doing well through this hard economic time and in your families. We love you and I'll try to write again soon, Laurie Grigg

P.S. For those that didn't know that I had a different last name than JoLinda, I added it.

Monday, March 2, 2009 @7:43am

Hello everyone! JoLinda is doing better. At least with some of her memory. It seems like it is building a little on day to day things. She doesn't remember everything by far, but some things she remembers doing. We are up to 3 pills 3 times a day for antianxiety. Just up the dose on Sat. I think it might be working. We were able to stay for 2 hours of church on Sunday instead of 1. That was nice. She is now used to sleeping in her own room and is doing well with it. Still issues with initiation, but a work in progress. The doctor wanted me to see what was happening just before her irate outbursts and that is what it has to do with; initiating things she doesn't want to do. Like shower so we aren't late for something or doing her homework. Things have really gotten to be on her timetable and it doesn't always work that way. Her mind right now is very concrete. Nothing sarcastic flies. So she takes things serious, so not always fun to be around. She gets really mad and doesn't like anyone joking. On occasion, you'll catch her with a personality and everyone loves that. She usually gets lots of hugs when she is funny. She is now getting some needed therapy, which I am grateful for. She is seeing an OT and Speech therapist to learn to deal with situations in the real world and organizational skills of daily skills and activities. She is doing well for the most part, just need to get her brain to think not so concrete. JoLinda is doing well on the treadmill too. Anyway, another week and hopeful another step forward. Hope all is well with you all and keep in touch will ya?!
Love ya all, Laurie

Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 2009 @8:07am

Hello everyone! I find myself struggling to get to the blog as I am not sure what to say anymore. JoLinda continues to improve, but slowly. Sometimes so slow I don't notice until I look back at where we were 2 months ago when I brought her home. Then I wonder what I haven't written about. She has now moved into her own room, just spent her 3rd night last night. It was not an easy adjustment for her, as her initiation, or lack of, has started again. Now she is enjoying her own room. Beau is now in our room on the floor on a matress. a week and a half ago she was put on new meds for antianxiety, and I think she is worse now. She continues to hold my arm or hand. Especially out of the house. She feels like everyone is stareing at her. And she continues to fight with everyone. Very low tolerance and doesn't understand jokes or playfulness at all. She fights with Jovi and Beau so much they do not want to be in the same room. However, yesterday was better. She is getting more helpful around the house. She helps with cooking, menu's, shopping, dishes, laundry, and a little vacuuming. Every so often, we see a glimpse of personality but we wish it was more. Socially she is very confused and unsure of herself. We are still trying to keep things rolling. It has been so good to read your comments on the blog. I find myself checking for those more than I blog myself. I appreciate your blogs, texts, phone calls and just the hello when you see us. That is what is keeping us going. Cathy, I cherish every word. Thank you! Matt, it was so good to see and read your blog. I hope everything is going well with your goals! (One of the wonderful aides who helped JoLinda in Rehab.) And thanks Ashley for continueing to follow JoLinda's progress. We appreciate you and your family. Tell everyone I love them. Diann it was good talking to you yesterday and I'm so glad Curtis is doing well. We love you all! Talk to you soon, Laurie

Friday, Feb. 13th, 2009 @ 7:38am

Friday the 13th, scarry huh! Well things are going o.k. JoLinda see's her doctor today. I hope that goes well. I think she is just going to chance her medicines. I believe I am on my own now. No more therapy at least I don't believe so. I will try to help JoLinda all I can. She has gotten more active this past week. We are doing the treadmill 3 times a day. She is doing it each time for at least 10 min. She is still helping with the cooking and some folding of clothes. To go shopping is really hard for her though. I still think it is just all the movement of people and the extra noise. She loses her confidence and hangs onto me, and is afraid I'll leave her. She is doing well, just doesn't have a lot of memory. I'm still hoping that it all comes back and for now just grateful she knows who I am. Well, I hope you are all doing well and Have a Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow. Love ya, Laurie

P.S. Pictures have been updated. Check them out!

Monday, Feb. 9th, 2009 @ 3:09pm

Thanks everyone for their comments. I really appreciate knowing that you are still watching anc following JoLinda's progress. It seems harder and harder to keep you all updated. I'm not quite sure why. This week has been o.k. As JoLinda says, "I'm alive and so we're good!" She is still having a hard time on doing much walking. We try to get outside and walk around the block but it has been cold the past few days. The treadmill stopped being interesting to her until about 2 days ago. She started just doing 5 min. but this morning was able to do 10. Her memory is still not there. Flashes of things and of memories come and go, but no real details. Makes it hard to talk to her about things, because to her either certain things haven't happened to her in her mind or she mixes things up. She is doing better with sitting in Sacrament. She was able to sit through the whole meeting yesterday and only said she didn't feel well one time. Later Gma came over and JoLinda couldn't remember going to church at all. Short term and long term memory still have a long way to go. She has been a lot less argumentative this week and we all enjoy that. She still is doing well on getting ready each day, but still can't remember things like her clothing. People and noise still bother her and make her really nervous. I think about all of you continually. Matter of fact, I'm having a hard time sleeping just going through everything, every detail, and every blessing we have been through over the last 3 months. You all have truly blessed our lives and I don't know how I can ever repay you. Love you all so much, Laurie

Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 @7:49am

I only have a minute, but I thought I would touch base with you all. I appreciate those of you still watching her blog. At times I feel so alone, but when I open the blog and see your comments I'm feel better. Like I can keep trying! Last week was especially dificult for me. JoLinda is however doing somewhat better. I can't explain how but just better. I did let her go visit her Grandma for a couple of hours, for the first time, while I took Jovi and Beau to the show on Sat. We needed a break. It was good for everyone concerned. We did just worry about JoLinda but we at least did it. JoLinda also somehow realized that I am her mom. She is however afraid that I am going to leave her and is paranoid. She is not letting me out of her sight. Most of the time, needing to hold my hand or arm too. I am so greatful to all of you who comment or call to see how we are doing or to keep me going. I don't beleive I'm strong enough for this, but as Wendy said in church yesturday, I believe people have been put in my life to help me and make me stronger. I rely on each one of you and count on your prayers when I'm too weak myself. Thank you all so much! Love ya, Laurie

Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 2009 @8:03am

Goodmorning! I hope everyone is doing well. Brenton, Tami & Lily are leaving today. It has been great to have them here. I don't know what to say about JoLinda anymore. I guess I am more frustrated each day. It seems like she has multiple personalities. Sometimes she is happy and is glad to be with us and is grateful. Othertimes she is mean, sneaky, and lying. She yells a lot these days and has quite the attitude. If you say the wrong thing to her, you will get an earfull. I miss my little girl! I wonder if she will ever be herself again. I wonder why God that I could handle this. I'm doing my best, but I'm not sure it's good enough. She, most of the time, treats me like I'm her mom. However, if you ask her, she will say she doesn't know who I am and gets mad and says I'm not her mom. At times she says Rich is not her stepdad either. She must be quite confused of why she's here. Sometimes I wonder if she thinks she is being held captive, not knowing who we are and thinking she is fine. Trying to keep my head above water is of no use now. Now I just want JoLinda to know who I am and that I am trying to do what is best for her and to take care of her the best I can. She is even going into the office and writing down on a piece of paper the name mom and then writing down my phone number. I caught her doing it and dialed for her and my phone rang. She immediately hung up the phone. Her mind is blocking it out for some reason. Anyway, we are going to try and work on a daily/weekly schedule this week and try to stick with it. I know having the extra people in the house has been really hard for her, but I've sure enjoyed them coming. At times she would go into my room and close the door and watch tv by herself. Noise and people for her are not a good mix. Anyway, Love you all, Laurie

Tuesday, Jan. 20th, 2009 @ 1:50pm

Hello everyone! I can't believe it's been a week. Sorry! JoLinda seems the same to me from the last time I wrote. She is still unsteading on her feet and feels more comfortable hanging onto me. She has completely stopped the treadmill, but we do go around the block 1 - 3 times a day. She is still very unsure and confused in a grocery store, including where to find things. The Dr. and Psychologist both agree that this is going to be a very long process. The Psych. report wasn't good. He is even unsure whether or not she will become oriented to place or people. She seems to know some people, but there is no depth to it. He also doesn't believe she will ever be the same. In what areas we still don't know. She at times will call me mom, or if someone asks her where mom is, she will tell them. But to this day, she will tell you I'm not her mom and will get mad. She things I'm her aunt and that all her aunts are trying to say they are her mom. She still thinks St. George is 4 hours away. She is still unaware of the disabilities that she has, except to say she knows she in unsteady walking and that she gets tired very quickly. She is still very afraid of spiders and bugs and checks everywhere. She is still sleeping in our room on a mattress on the floor and has no intention on going into her own room. She says when she wakes up, and gets scared she hears us breathing and feels like she is not alone. We are just trying to keep our heads above water and are now enjoying Brenton(my oldest son), Tami and Lily here for a weeks visit. It seems to be a lot of people for JoLinda and is much more tired with the extra stimulation, but we needed to see them and they needed to see us. JoLinda is enjoying helping in the kitchen, and that has been really good. Thanks to everyone for there help. We really appreciate all of you. Love Laurie

Tue. Jan. 13th 2009 @ 8:08am

Things seem to be looking up, or maybe I'm just handling them better. I'm trying not to stress too much and give myself a little time for myself. I even went to lunch with a friend of mine. I was nervous but it was really good to get out. JoLinda and I got to attend Sacrament with the rest of the family on Sunday. The last 15 min. were hard for her, but it was really good to go. JoLinda seems to be getting more ajusted to her life now. She is getting used to her routine and seems comfortable. She saw a Neuropsychologist yesterday. It was about 2 1/2 hours long. More testing of course. I had to leave her for about 2 hours of it. I was completely lost. She didn't like it either. We will find out the results to that visit on Friday. From the first 1/2 hour though, I learned a lot. I guess I never really asked JoLinda what is the last thing you remember before the accident? She hardly remembers anything. Not her 21st birthday, her High School Grad., her 16th birthday, nor the trip to Alaska we took. She has no starting point of what she remembers. That was really scary to me. I hang on to the progress she has made since leaving the hospital, like taking her medicine when I ask her, and walking more stable. She still only shows really only one emotion, and that is anger. No crying or laughing. She will tell us how much she loves us and shows fear. I guess I have to remember those too. Anyway, I am greatful for all your help and prayers. We are hanging in there. Love you all, Laurie

Thursday, Jan. 8th 2009, @ 7:50am

JoLinda's CT scan went well yesterday. She was a little nervous that something would hurt, but she did great. It was different to see the igages of the screws and plates in her face. Especially the jaw. Afterward she was able to see it. She got weak, & I don't think she liked it very well. Still unable to remember any of it, I think it makes it too real for her. She is still stubborn and not wanting to do anything as far as excercising or word search or sudoku and simple housework. She does now what I make her do. I am concerned about her headaches and hope they don't continue. I know what ever I can get her to do will only help her get better. She did 12 min. on the stationary bike yesterday and a few word search words. She also helped me cook dinner last night. Little by little I'm trying to keep her active. I know deep down that is what she would want me to do. She still is not oriented to place. Thinks there is another St. George and etc. I hope that comes soom. I seem to be getting more down all the time. Almost to a depression mode. Maybe I've been there for a long time, but it's definately getting worse. Doesn't seem to be any laughter in my home - nothing to laugh about. Don't know how we will ever pay for her bills and ours at the same time. She thinks she is still working and going to school and is a busy person. Getting hard to constantly hear such fantasy life. I feel like a broken record. Anyway, I'm still trying to keep my head up and hold everything together with myself, JoLinda, and the rest of my family. One minute at a time. Love you all, Laurie

Wed. Jan. 7th, 2009 @7:43am

Yes, unfortanately Jovi and Beau are back in school and I'm up early again. Can't beleive tomorrow I'm 43. I feel like I have aged 20 years in the past couple of months and I'm showing it too. JoLinda is getting better everyday, I guess. Her memory doesn't seem to be there at all. Yet she is starting to say she is fine and wants to go see her other family. When I ask her who is her other family she looks right at me and says my mom(Laurie), Rich, Jovi and Beau. She keeps thinking all these people, like 5 people, keep telling her they are her mom. It's always just me, but her mind is not putting things together. To think she is fine is supposed to be the 7th stage out of ten. I think she is going into 7 anyway. Not fully there yet. She is getting quite bored because I can't get her to do anything, she does'nt have the patience for it. She wants to go places, then it's too much for her and she wants to go home. I still hoping not to go out of my mind! I'm glad the boys are back in school, it was getting really hard for them. Ok it's been hard for them. We, meaning Rich now, is still busy with Real Estate and I think would really like our help about now. I try when I can. JoLinda's hair is starting to grow out where they shaved it, and the stains are off her teeth. We are glad of that. She is having bad headaches and pain in her jaw and mouth. She is getting a CT scan today to make sure everything is healing properly from her surgery on her jaw and face. Hopefully that goes well today. Hope everyone is doing well. Love, Laurie

Sat. Jan. 3, 2009 @10:23am

Wow was that a strange date to type. Time seems to have stopped for me. I wander when things will get back to normal. Or as Ann and I talked about yesterday, we will just be making a new normal. JoLinda is doing well. She was able to sit still for her speech appt. yesterday for an hour. They are doing lots of formal testing on her right now, both speech and OT. She is still not oriented to St. George, or even people yet. She calls me mom, but at the same time, if I ask her who I am she will say her sister(which she has none) or her aunt. She is quite familiar with our home now, but is still quite unsure of herself. Her trach is healing nicely. Her hair is growing out. All of her IV marks are fading. Yet, her mind is taking its own sweet time. She is getting more stubborn and we think that is a good thing. The more aware she is of her problems, we think she will become more upset. She is walking around the block with us most days(warm ones). And is up to 10 min. on the treadmill each day. She still can't remember that she just ate and so is hungry most of the time. We are monitoring that all day. Her daily living things of showering and brushing teeth, she is doing great now. Her stains on her teeth are now gone. Her jaw and lower lip tingle all day or she can't feel them at all. We are all hanging in there and did enjoy going to Sun River yesterday where JoLinda works. We are all looking forward to a much better year. Happy New Year to you all and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love Laurie

Tuesday Dec. 30th, 2008 @ 12:35pm

Hello everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We did. The days seem to go by so fast, it's hard to keep up. JoLinda is doing well. She has started seeing an Occupational Therapist here as of yesterday. She will see a Speech Therapist this Friday. I noticed yesterday with the OT that her attention span has greatly increased. She is still quite afraid of being in public. New faces, too many people and noises still really bother her. She is quite afraid of me not being at her side. She did great on the papers the OT had her do. I was impressed. Still her memory is very poor. At times thinking I'm her Aunt, even though she knows I'm her mom and she calls me mom, somewhere in her mind thinks I'm her aunt. She gets frustrated easily, and is so confused that she can't remember that she has eaten, and wants to eat again. Gets upset with her brothers for looking at her and simple things like that. We are able to play memory games still and Uno every night even if its just for 1 hand. She is up to 6 min. on the treadmill and is going to try 8 today. She also is a great help in the kitchen, cooking and helping with dishes. We are still just taking it one minute at a time. It seems the past 4 days, her memory has not been great but we're hoping better things for the new year. Maybe be able to get to one day at a time instead. Thanks for all your prayers. Laurie

Monday, Dec. 22, 2008 @ 8:00pm

Things are going well. JoLinda is really getting used to our home and making it her own. She is doing much better on brushing her teeth, twice yesterday and twice today also. She is helping with some cooking and dishes and seems to be enjoying it. Even tries to fold some clothes. We are still doing memory games and just daily things like showering and the like. It seems like her short term memory is getting better daily. She is also enjoying watching movies since she can't remember watching them, they're all new. She is also getting excited for Christmas, as we all are. With the help of Tami, the pictures have been updated. We hope you enjoy them. Merry Christmas and we Love you, Laurie

Sunday, Dec. 21st, 2008 @4:00pm

I can't believe it has been 5 days since I've blogged. Sorry. I'll try to do better. Things are going well. We have spent the past week trying to get JoLinda used to our home, and surroundings. Also, trying to get ready for Christmas. Hard to do in just one week, but I think we're there. I'm glad the boys are out for Christmas break and are really enjoying them. JoLinda is doing well on taking showers, if not daily then every other day. She is even blow drying her hair, which is a big thing since noise bothers her. She even brushed her teeth some today. A big challenge since her mouth and jaw hurt. Her balance is getting better. She picks things up off the floor and is doing great up and down the stairs. We are going to try the treadmill tomorrow(short of course). We have taken her shopping a little, and that hasn't gone well, but we're working on it. Friday she had to get some blood work done and that was a disaster. She really got scared and panic set in. It took 4 of us, and she hated us all at the time. I'm glad that's done. Her attention span continues to improve. We have been working on sorting cards into suits, memory match games, and sorting uno cards into colors and numbers. She has done great. Memory is still all over the place. Sometimes she thinks she is in High School and other times about 1 year ago. Some times she seems about 5 years old and calls me mommy. I'm anxious for this post traumatic amnesia to be over. Although, that will come with its own set of challenges. I appreciate all your comments, from family, friends and new friends from the hospital. I hope all is going well with all of your families and wish you all a Merry Christmas! Glad to hear Brady is doing well. Good luck! Love you all, Laurie

Wed. Dec. 17th, 2008 @7:46am

Goodmorning! It is so good to be home and up with Jovi & Beau in the mornings before school. I really missed that. JoLinda is doing well at home. Intead of being cooped up in a room, she has a whole house to walk in. I did take her outside yesterday as the day warmed up. Also went down & up the stairs twice. Her legs are still a bit shaky but did well. She also took a shower which is good for the first day in a new place. I think she is adjusting well to her new surroundings and is glad to be with all of us. And to see the Christmas things go up. She started eating, just a bite here and there, of more solid foods. Her teeth hurt her so much that she can't brush her teeth or eat anything besides jello, pudding, yogurt and liquids. She is living really on boost drinks. Yesterday she ate a little chicken, noodles, and a little chocolate. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get her to try a piece of chocolate and let it melt in her mouth. She was too afraid of the pain to try. I'm glad she tried some. She keeps getting up to brush her teeth, gets the tooth brush ready, and then can't do it. I'm working on it though. People, lights and noise still really bother her, too much stimulation. I'm still working on her attention span also. Thanks Matt for calling yesterday to see that we got home o.k. We were sorry to have missed you at the hospital. We wanted to say goodbye. Thanks for everything and keep up your goals - It's worth it! We also want to thank our ward for being so fantastic!! We will never be able to thank you enough for the meals, money, housecleaning, friendship, gifts-both homemade and bought, phone calls and fasting & prayers. Thanks so much all of you and our prayers are with you! Love, Laurie

Monday, Dec. 15th, 2008 @ 8:14pm

We are finally HOME! We left around 1pm and in the wind, rain and icy roads finally made it home. JoLinda did well. She was anxious to get off the freeway within 10 min. after leaving. But, she made it. We are glad to be home and out of the hospital. We are so greatful for all those that helped JoLinda in the hospital. All the doctors, nurses, Aides, therapists and other patients/family members for all your support. I will continue to update you all of her progress. It may not be as often though. She is not supposed to have visitors the first couple days, so she can get familiar with her surroundings, but then short visits would be great. Please let me know if you would like to come over so I can make sure she isn't taking a nap or not part of a regular routine. She needs the routine right now. Still very confused and doesn't even think she was in a hospital the past 7 weeks. Love you all, Laurie

Sun. Dec. 14th, 2008 @8:00pm

JoLinda continues to show little signs of her short and long term memory. Not all the time, but every so oftain. She is still worried about bugs. She checks everything or has us check and thinks she has them on her. Not a whole lot of therapy today being Sun. but did well with what she had. Rich and Jovi left for St. Geroge today. Beau stayed as I am hoping to bring her home soon. I think I'll need him for the ride home as she still has no clue where she is or why. I'm glad we will be home for Christmas. Also glad to be able to be home with Rich, Jovi and Beau and have their help all the time. She will need 24/7 care, but I'm going to be glad to do that at home, intead of the hospital. Thanks for all your support! Hope to see all of you soon. Love, Laurie

Sat. Dec. 13, 2008 @ 8:38pm

Sorry for missing yesterday. JoLinda has had 2 great days. Her short term memory has started to improve. So exciting to see her remember even the slightest thing. Funny how we pay attention to everything now, that would have been nothing before. We even took her for a walk in the snow today. She asked me if she could shower today and immediately went & did it. Dressed herself afterwards and after her nap, brushed her hair by herself. Very exciting day! She even played UNO for about 10 minutes and shuffled and delt the cards. She is truly a miracle. My Miracle! She has truly enjoyed having Rich, Jovi and beau back here, and so have I. They leave again tomorrow. I hope the roads are good for them. Love to all, Laurie

Thursday, Dec. 11th, 2008 @ 8:19pm

JoLinda had a great day. Walking and talking well, and is able to sit still for a much longer period of time. She still has no short term memory and amnesia. She can't stand noise or too many people. It is too much stimulus for her brain. I'm hoping to be able to go home before Christmas. Rich, Jovi and Beau are coming tomorrow. I can't wait to see them. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight, Laurie

Wed. Dec. 10th, 2008 @ 6:03pm

Last night JoLinda had her first bite of tapioca pudding with a spoon. It was a great moment. Today was even better. She hasn't eaten alot, but has been able to eat real food. She will be on a soft diet for 1 month, but at least it's food. She tried to brush her teeth this morning, but it hurt too much. We will keep working on that. I'm sure, give it a few days for the mouth to heal, and it will feel good to brush. She did shower, dress and brush her hair all by herself today. Big steps! She walked up 2 flights of stairs and even walked outside and across the street, today. She has been up more today than all the past seven days put together. She is still trying to remember anything and everything. All jumbled in her mind. They call it post traumatic amnesia. Hopefully she will get it all back. They are saying possibly still remembering things up to the next 2 years.The mix of her pain medicine and the anasthesia yesterday, has caused her to halucinate. She has thought there were spiders, snakes, scorpions and bugs all over her, the bed and room. They are stopping that medicine as of now. Hopefully Motrin will do the trick to stop the pain instead. I'm missing Jovi's band concert tonight. Hopefully I'll catch the next one. Sorry Jovi! I know you'll do great. Anyway, by for now, Laurie

Tue. Dec. 9th, 2008 @ 3:45pm

Finally the wires are out. I came to the hospital at 7:20am and they kept changing the time on me. They came & got JoLinda at 1:00pm and she was back in her room by 3:00pm. IV is out and so is the oxygen. She was given some pain medicine and now she is asleep. She did great last night without a sitter from 11-7. Didn't do much therapy today. I think she knew something was up and wouldn't do anything. Very confused and yelled a lot. She wanted water and I couldn't give her anything because of the surgery. After the surgery she had 2 different drinks though and she will have a swallowing test tonight. If she passes, she gets to have thicker drinks and then soft foods-jello, pudding and the like. I'm glad to have all tubes out of her and hope this will speed up her recovery. Thanks everyone for your prayers, Laurie

Mon. Dec. 8th, 2008 @ 8:52am

Sorry I missed yesterday. JoLinda is doing fine. Still confused and her mouth is really bothering her, but she continues to remember small things and do better with her attention span. She is still afraid of everyone and everything, but I try to reasure her the best I can. I can't wait til tomorrow when they take the wires off her mouth. The doctors and therapists will be meating in her behalf on Wed. at noon and I'm anxious to here what they have to say. I think she is getting close to being released. As much as I want that, I'm now getting nervous about taking good care of her at home. Making sure she doesn't go anywhere or try to drive or falling down the stairs. Anyway, I'm sorry to vent my fears. I'm still praying and am doing fine. Rich, Jovi and Beau left yesterday and My dad and Flossy left this morning. Been a while since I've been by myself here. I'll try to write after the surgery tomorrow. Love you all, Laurie

Sat. Dec. 6, 2008 @ 7:36pm

JoLinda had her best night ever. I think it is because her trach is out. She is doing well, but is now very scared. Everything seems to be scaring her. She thinks everything is going to hurt. She doesn't want me to leave her and continually tells me she loves me. Not much into her PT but is doing better everyday on speech, and attention span. Starting to even see a peek into her memory. She is now resting and we are going to try to get a good night sleep and start again tomorrow. I'm getting anxious for Tuesday for the wires to come off. Thanks to all of you who call, comment, texts or even just follow the blog. We get your messages and appreciate your concerns. We love you all, Laurie

Fri. Dec. 5, 2008 @ 9:00pm

Well, JoLinda finally had her trach removed. She is doing great breathing without it and is a lot less agitated. She is started to understand that she is in a hospital, but doesn't understand why. She is so confused, and has no short term memory. Rich and Jovi got here safe, and we are glad to have them with us again. Grandma enjoyed seeing her the past couple of days and Grandpa/Flossy will be here tomorrow. She had a big walk outside today. She did great, just gets tired easily. In speech, she did half of a crossword puzzle and did a few more math problems. She lets us know thoughout the day, that she loves us and is greatful for everyone. She put her jacket on today and said goodbye to everyone. She said she was leaving and going home. Everyone asked me after that if we were leaving. In JoLinda's mind, she had had enough. So have I. But we are still here and I did much better with my patience today. Need a good cry every couple days, and then I'm ready for another day. Lots of Love, Laurie

Thurs. Dec. 4th, 2008 @9:21pm

Today was kinda rough. JoLinda was not real up to much therapy. I believe her mouth is hurting her. She did do well in speech therapy though. Speaking more and answering more questions. Being able to problem solve a little more. Grandma is here with Beau and I now, and we're enjoying her company. JoLinda sure lit up to see her. She even stood up the whole time for her shower. She has worn her speaking valve or button(which closes the trach off) all day today. I'm hoping to lose the trach soon. At the same time, nervous. I kinda lost it this morning with the pulling on the trach thing, but I'm going to try to do better on my pateince tomorrow. Thanks to all of you commenting of this blog. I do read them, just short on time to respond. Thanks for the phone calls and texts too. It means everything to us. Love you all, Laurie

Wed. Dec. 3, 2008 @ 6:10pm

sorry I missed yesterday. JoLinda had a good morning yesterday, and then went down for surgery in the afternoon to rewire her mouth closed. It went well. She was very tired the rest of the day and we just sat with her. Today, has been great for her attention span during therapies. Much longer and able to do more tasks that she has been asked to do. She got her feeding tube out, FINALLY! One less tube. We are working on the trach now. Hopefully next Tue. she will get the wires all out of her mouth. They are really bothering her, and lots of pain. Her walking has continued to get stronger and more balanced. Doesn't use her wheelchair at all now. She still doesn't know where she is or why. With time. I'll write more tomorrow. Laurie

Monday, Dec. 1st, 2008 @6:54pm

Last night was restless, I got about 3 hours. JoLinda was up early. Beau refused to leave yesterday. I'm enjoying his company. JoLinda is walking and talking continually. She is now getting scared and vocally confused. Goes from telling me how much she loves me to leave her alone and why won't we stop. She is not trusting the people(nurses) and thinks they lie. Keeps crying for me not to leave her. I'm anxious for this stage to pass. Pain seems to be increased, in her mind, anyway. I just hold her and tell her I'm here and that I'm not leaving. That I love her. She sits on my lap at times. She did walk outside well today and is paying more attention in speech. I'm hoping for a more restful night. Laurie

Sat. Nov. 29th, 2008 @ 8:42pm

JoLinda had a restless night last night. I think trying to get used to breathing through a smaller trach. However, she did have a great day. Her walking and balance is much better. Did really well on the stairs. Downstairs a bit harder. Her speaking valve has been in all day, which is great, and she has done a lot of talking. JoLinda even talked to her brother, Brenton, on the phone for about 3 sec. It was really cool! We knew she was confused about everything, but now to hear how confused is scary. She has no idea where she is or what she is doing. Let alone, why people keep asking her questions. Very sad to see her cry and be so frustrated with everyone around her. She still thinks she is in school and in St. George. Almost 5 weeks have gone by. Things are better, yet so very slowly. Still doing well on her calorie intake through a straw. Don't think they will take out the feeding tube though because she has removed her 3rd wire from her mouth, and surgeon is going to have to sedate her and wire her jaw again. Why wait til Tuesday? Good question. Anyway, Rich, Jovi, and Beau leave tomorrow. I will be very sad to have them leave. Love, Laurie

Sat. Nov. 29th, 2008 @ 9:49am

Sorry I didn't get to the computer for a bit. JoLinda continues to improve, yet so very slowly. Her balance yesterday was much better as she walked. I wasn't feeling well yesterday, so I rested alot. Went to bed at a decent time and slept in this morning. I guess JoLinda had a restless night. I'm thinking, maybe we had some bug. Feeling better today and hope JoLinda is too. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We ate in the cafeteria. Will do traditional Thanksgiving when we're home. Hopefully she will get her feeding tube out today and trach this next week. She still is not fully awake, and thinks she is in St. George. She did circle the hospital yesterday on a peice of paper, for the speech therapist, though. That's good. Still can't tell us when she needs to go to the bathroom, but when asked, she will nod yes or no. Still doesn't understand her trach is how she is breathing or anything for safety. We have a long road ahead of us. We miss and love you all, Laurie

Wed. Nov. 26th, 2008 @9:35pm

Another day come and gone. JoLinda continues to get better, just not fast enough for me, of course. I'm ready to have this nightmare over. I'm still wondering how in the world our lives have been turned upside down like this. Rich continues to watch JoLinda at night so the boys and I can get some rest. He leaves in the morning and gets breakfast and rest and some work done. He comes back in the afternoon. JoLinda continues to work on her walking and on balance. Has a hard time on focusing on anything for any length of time. Very short attention span. She was able to start her liquid diet today. She enjoyed being able to drink things even though it is very hard with her mouth wired. She was able to get her calories in so if she can go another 2 days this way, she will get her feeding tube out. Looks like 1 and 1/2 weeks to go for the trach and wires. She is still not fully awake and does not know where she is or why. Just getting through another day. We hope you all have a Wonderful Thanksgiving. I know we will just being alive and together. We wish our oldest, Brenton and his wife Tami and our granddaughter Lily were with us also. We wish them the best. We love and miss you all, Laurie

Tuesday, Nov. 25th, 2008 @4:53pm

Well, JoLinda has done ok with her walking today. Still just getting stronger. She is able to focus a little bit longer on tasks with OT. She also had Speech Therapy just a minute ago. She did fantastic. She new all of our names, her birthdate, days of the week and months of the year. She also did 1-10 and simple addition and multiplication. She even drank out of a straw. Which means now she is on a liquid diet. If she can get her calories from a straw, they will take out her feeding tube. Please pray for that! Also she is to keep her speaking valve on as much as possible, if it goes well they will take out the trach. Please pray for that! Anyway, we are hanging in there and taking it one day at a time. Miss you all, Laurie

Monday, @ 9:08pm

JoLinda had a good night. She had a shower this morning which always makes you feel good. She is not just making sounds now, but is moving her mouth and talking. She is walking very well, and is much more stable. She even got to walk outside abit and did 1/2 flight of stairs. She wrote her name in full and Brenton's name in full. Also wrote Jovi and Beau and said their names. She said mom today too and when Rich was stopping her from pulling her feeding tube she said dang you Rich! Everything has been stupid to her today. She is even blowing kisses and hugging the boys and kissing them too. Anyway, through another day and going to try to get some rest. Rich is with her again tonight. I'm greatful for his help and support. Love you all, Laurie

Monday, Nov. 24th, 2008 @9:15am

Well, sorry about not blogging yesturday. I'll try to catch you all up. Fri. night was JoLinda's worst night yet. Sat. was really rough, and I'm hoping she is peeking to better days. Rich, Jovi and Beau came Sat night and Rich stayed with JoLinda all night so the boys and I could go to a motel and get some sleep. They doubled her meds since Fri night was so bad for her. Sat. night ended up being better. Amazing what the right amount of meds does. Sunday was fantastic. She is walking with help around the 12th floor 2 times a day. And is learning to push herself with her hands and feet in her wheelchair. Is writing more on paper. Not making a whole lot of sense though. She got really agitated again in the afternoon and it took 3 hours to calm her and 2 different meds. Finally she slept and Rich stayed with her again last night. The boys and I went to the motel and got some rest. She did get her pic line out yesturday. One less tube for her to pull and to hurt her. I'll try to write again later after seeing how her night went and her therapy today. Love ya all, Laurie

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008 @ 2:20pm

Our worst night yet. JoLinda was up the entire night, tossing and turning. It takes all we have for two of us to keep her from falling out of bed, pulling something out or keeping her tube feed and mask for her trach in place. I think we had 2 hours this morning of sleep. She got another shower, & one yesturday. She liked that. Is walking well with help. Learning to write and to push wheelchair with feet and hands. She played bounce pass with me too. She also spelled Brenton S. Davis out for the speech therapist today. Just randomly. also her own name. Still so agitated! Nothing seems to work to call her. If I am not in sight of her, I hear about that too. Snapping fingers and go crazy til she finds me. Jovi's birthday today. Can't wait to see them all tonight. Laurie

Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 @ 12:15pm

Yesterday was an exciting day. JoLinda was able to walk(with help) down the hall. She also caught a balloon and through it back. She is going to the bathroom with help too. The speech therapist asked her to write her name on a piece of paper and she did. First and last! She is enjoying the wheelchair. More comfortable than the bed. She had another rough night though. Another 2 hours is all we got. She walked again this morning all the way from the gym to her room. She is starting to enjoy the views. Tried kicking a soccer ball a few feet, and did great. Still very short attention span and very agitated. Spent the past 2 hours with her all over the bed. Had to put padding on rails so she wouldn't hurt herself. Finally asleep with something to calm her. She seems to know who I am, and doesn't like it when I'm not there. She seems to be frustrated with the simple things we're helping her with, like she's thinking "do you think I'm stupid or something?" We're going to try to help her shower today. Am anxious for Rich, Jovi, and Beau to come tomorrow night, Jovi's 13th Birthday. Talk to you later, Laurie

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 @ 8:52am

A much better night, at least as far as sleep goes, for the both of us. They gave JoLinda something to help her sleep and it didn't knock her out, thank goodness, but it helped. I think I got about 5 hours. Much better. she went to do her first Physical Therapy, yesterday with her new crew. She was too tired to do much. was wheeled to the room, stood twice and was ready to go back. She helped turn the wheels of her chair 5 times and then reached up and pulled out her trake. I was immediately panic stricken as was her sitter and therapist. We rushed her back to her room and instantly she had everyone in her room trying to see the next step. She did ok without it for a short time, but they knew with her mouth wired, for now it is safer to have it in. They waited for the doctor on call and a new trake with a hole to help the speech therapist to be able to work with her to talk. Finally it was put in her, with a lot of pain. They learned quickly how fast she is and why she is restrained at all times now. Her therapy starts at 9:30am today and am releived to be on the rehab floor. I'm still able to stay with her at night, glad of that. Talk to you all later, Laurie

Wed. 3:17pm

Just a quick update. JoLinda was moved finally to the 12th floor which is rehab. She will now get 3 hours a day of pretty good and intense scheduled rehab. She is in room 1214. 3 more weeks of her mouth being wired and for the trake and feeding tube, but and least she is going to be getting some rehab. Laurie

Wed. Nov. 19th, 2008 @10:30AM

Another tough evening and night. JoLinda just doesn't understand where she is or what all these things are hooked up to her for. She continues to be determined to pull everything out and to get out of bed. Yet too weak to do that. I am now so scared she is going to hurt herself that I can't sleep. They finally gave her something to calm her last night, and it did help. She had a sitter last night that thought she could handle her unrestrained and I went totally crazy. So they put a jacket on her to restrain her at the waist and shoulders so that she can't move forward. That helped. My back got somewhat of a break. Nice to be able to at least close my eyes. This morning she did use her feet to "sandwich" a pillow and bring it to her waist. Awesome to see. I did talk to her for a minute about where she is and why. She crinkled up her forhead. Seemed very confused still. We're hanging in there, just missing the rest of my family and hoping for her fast recovery. Keep praying. Thanks, Laurie

Tue. @ 5:10pm

A very productive day. JoLinda has spend the day moving continually. She is getting stronger by the hour. She did good for the PT and OT, standing and sitting with a 14 lb vest on. She then stood 5 times for me and stepped with her right and then left feet to sit into the chair. Stayed a few minutes and then stood and sat down on the bed. She even signed that she wanted a drink, with her thumb to her lips and pinkie extended. Is still waving, and doing thumbs up and nodding yes and no. She looked outside for the first time. She will be re-evaluated tomorrow to see if she is ready to go up to the 12th floor which is rehab. That will be a big step. She got her staples out of her head today, from the bolt too. She is continueing to snap her fingers and try to pop her knuckles. Also is enjoying, short term anyway, to click a pen. Her elbows are now pretty raw and we have put something on them to help protect them. She did pull her trake out 1/2 way during late afternoon. Scared me to death. Not sure I can take going backwards like that now. For the first time, she is making noise out of her trake. Her vocal cords are starting to work and get stronger. Yeah! Talk to you tomorrow! Love, Laurie

Tuesday, Nov. 18th, 2008 @10:56am

Another tough day and night. Another 2 hours of sleep. Getting more tired now. JoLinda is moving with agitation almost the entire day and night now. Meds. not working to calm her. Still is wanting out of bed and to sit up or get into another position. She had been unrestrained for 1 and 1/2 days, but got yesturday morning and afternoon to be aggressively trying to pull out trake, feeding tube, and every other tube she has. Doesn't understand that she needs them and that it will cause great pain. She did give me 3 kisses on the cheek throughout the morning. Sometimes so agitated that I have to get into bed with her to hold her and lower her heart rate by her relaxing. Just going down to get something to eat. Talk to you all later, Laurie

Monday, Nov. 17th, 2008 @ 9:50am

JoLinda has now switched, part way anyway, her days and nights. she sleeps from 2pm to 2am. Tough for my schedule. I think I got 2 hours of sleep last night. She just stood up with two of us helping her. Then rested for about 5 min. and stood again and sat into another chair. Sat in that chair a good 5 min. So exciting! She also was asked how many brothers she has, and she lifted up 3 fingers. I took a picture for the OT and PT as I new they wouldn't believe the sitter nor myself. She continues to improve. She is however still agitated and is getting some meds for it. Also still obviously for the pain. I am going to sneak down to get something to eat. I'll try to check in again this afternoon. Love you all, Laurie

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 @12:10pm

JoLinda had a good night. She is less agitated today, yet still moving around. She is touching her neck, head, legs, ear, face. Everything and anything to figure out what is going on. I think she is making sure she is o.k. She is scratching her head, nose, back and legs. She hugged me last night and a really big hug this morning. I felt like getting in bed and holding her. She is doing well, even waved at the OT today. The Plastic Surgeon took the stitch out of from across her eye today. She has even started touching the staples in her head from the bolt. PT and OT helped her try to stand up, of course they had her held 100% but it's a start. Still trying to keep her pain under control, yet keep her from being too sleeping. Looks like she will have her mouth wired for the full 4 weeks. Anyway, we just keep praying and taking it one minute at a time. Rich, Jovi, and Beau will leave for home today. They will stay with us all week next week though. I'm greatful for that. Talk to you all later. Love, Laurie

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 @4:30pm

JoLinda was moved last night around 11:00pm to the 11th floor with a around the clock sitter. She is very agitated today. Continuously moving her legs. They have given her a medicine for that. Also up her pain medicine from every 6 hours to every 3 hours. She is trying to pull tubes our of her nose and wants to pull the stitch out of her eye. The Plastic Surgeon check her today and might take it out tomorrow. Just so she doesn't pull it. She doesn't seem as awake today. However, she is pinpointing things more. For example, she saw the buttons on the bed and started to push them. One was the nurse call button and the other was the up button. Her swelling was better this morning, but throughout the day, laying on that left side has made it swell again. We are trying to let her get comfortable herself so she can rest. I was told this morning that she only got about 2 hours of sleep last night. Very agitated. She was the same this morning. Moved continually, found a comfortable spot, then slept for 5 min. and did it all over again. I'll try to check in again later. Sorry so late today. Laurie

Friday @5:45pm

The physical therapist came in a sat her on the side of the bed. Usually she is like a rag doll, but today, she tried to hold up her own head, and even tried to stand. Then she tried to get back into bed. She even crossed her arms. When he left the room, the therapist waved goodbye to her, and she waved back. Great day and great progress. Laurie