Wednesday January 6, 2010

Today has been a fairly good day overall. Last night was another long night. I have decided getting sleep is way over-rated. Reminds me of the days when my children were small, and I thought I would feel like a zombie forever. Ha ha ha! It is alright. I don't mind staying up late, or popping up and down in the night. Ashley was good enough to wake me up, and to me, that is wonderful! I was so worried she might try to get to the bathroom by herself and fall or something horrible like that. But she didn't. She was persistent and woke me up so I could help her. I was grateful, and I can deal with the effects of no sleep knowing she was alright.

So today, not many major changes to note. Her lower body from the shoulders down is still very swollen. Her feet were a little worse. Increased lasix doesn't seem to help with the lower body, but at least her lungs and face were alright. If she can breathe, I am happy. Her digestive system seemed to flow pretty well. That is also a blessing. She didn't eat much, but she did eat.

We did have quite an adventure trying to bath her this morning. She was pretty sweaty when she woke and was worried she was stinky. I was laughing about that! Very typical 12-year old girl comment. (0: The main problem with the bath was getting in and out of the tub. Her legs wouldn't hold her. I tried to lift her, but only succeeded in squeezing her waist and hurting her back. Miraculously, I was able to get her safely out of the tub and back into bed without her collapsing. She was exhausted by then and promptly fell asleep for a little bit. She did spend some time in the living room after that. I think the change of rooms was a nice break for her. While I was reading with Preston this evening, she came out again for a few minutes. She felt like sitting with us while we read Island of the Blue Dolphins and the scriptures. I don't think she has felt like coming out for story and scripture time for several weeks now. It was nice she could tonight.

I did lay down by her this afternoon, when she napped. It was nice to catch up on my sleep a little bit. It is amazing what even an hour of sleep can do to rest the body and soul. Jason was able to be home with us this afternoon. I am so grateful he is able to be at home, with Ashley and myself. He isn't able to help her get to the bathroom and other such activities, but he knows how to make Ashley smile. He knows how to make us all laugh. He fusses over me constantly. He helps get kids ready for school, drops them off and picks them up. He runs to the store and the pharmacy. He cleans, cooks, and runs interference with the boys. He gets up in the night to give blessings. I am so glad I married such a wonderful, kind, compassionate, righteous, handsome man who every day makes me feel like an 8 cow wife. I couldn't do this without him. Never!

I have to share another very special experience. But first, a little background. When Ashley was in kindergarten, she became friends with a very special young lady named Kiara Badger. Over the course of that year, these two girls became inseparable. Kiara saw something wonderful in Ashley. Ashley saw something magical in Kiara, and to this day, they have remained the closest of friends. A few days ago, Kiara put together a powerpoint presentation for Ashley. Her delightful mom, who is also one of my closest friends, emailed the file to me a couple of days ago. At first, we couldn't see the slide show with music. Then Sarah found a way to send me a file that showed the slides and had the music Kiara had picked. I couldn't get that file to open either. Kiara was so eager to get the presentation to Ashley before she was took sick to enjoy it. Tonight, Kiara's aunt drove all the way to our home to bring me a DVD with the presentation on it. We were finally able to see Kiara's masterpiece. I am going to try to post it on this blog. I can't believe what an amazing job she did!! It was so touching!! I can't thank her and her wonderful family enough for being our friends, for taking the time to send this special touching message to my angel. It made Ashley's whole night! And mine!! (0: Tears and all! Ha ha ha! I want to share it with you, and will try to post it. If it doesn't work, I will have to have Jason help me. I know you will all enjoy it as much as we did! We love you Sarah, Kiara, Eric, and Tyson!!!!!

Again, a very special thank you to all the wonderful sisters who gave freezer meals to Sara Hodges for our family. I was floored when I saw all the food they sent! What a blessing! What a lift for me! I love you all! Thanks for being our angels!! There are angels among us!! Love you all!!!