FLAGSTAFF WEEKEND #3

It's kind of surreal to be sitting here in Flagstaff on this beautiful Sunday morning. It's peaceful and quiet except for the occasional thunder of a train rolling by. Memories of Alpine Days scroll through my mind. The weekends when I was able to break away from my duties at the Washington County Fair and hang out with the Puriri Clan. 

Just behind Grandpa and Grandma's house there's a waterfall. The rocks are slick and the pond is deep. This Alpine Slide holds a place in our hearts. It's where the kids cool off. It's where they dive into the water with the bike. (Somewhere on youtube there is video of this) It's where we build memories.

When I wasn't able to attend Alpine Days I was at the Washington County Fair working a booth or holding down the gate as we filled the Demolition Derby stands with crowds and crowds of people. While I was there Ra was on the road assisting my Red Rock Rotary club with parking duties. Hamilton remembers riding the rides and eating hot dogs and going where only the "workers" get to go. (Yes fair board members and their families get preferential treatment.) 

But everything was different this year. The second weekend of August 2011 will hold different memories for us. This is where we realize that nothing in the world is more important than family. The Washington County Fair, Alpine Days - if you can't be there with your family then why would you want to be there at all. 

Flagstaff - weekend #3. We arrived late Thursday night and found Ammon and Hamilton at home in the Sanctuary House. Ammon had been discharge from the hospital on Wednesday, much to his delight. He was home on a portable wound vac but at least he was home. 

The wound vac continues to work miracles on Ammon's wounds. The dressing is changed every other day. This is a painful experience. The change requires constant contact to his wounds. Ammon understands what is happening and is stalwart in his effort to endure the pain. I sit at his side and wish for a way to transfuse the pain from Ammon. Once again I am reminded of my Father in Heaven and the pain He must experience as he watches his children suffer the pains of this life. I commit to being a better child simply because I understand how it feels to sit at the side of my son knowing that he suffers and there is nothing I can do to take the pain away.

Back at the house we enjoy the company of each other. Ammon finds joy in the smallest of things including meals prepared by his mother. Hospital food was not contributing to Ammon's weight gain so that will be my job over the next few months. Not that it hasn't been my job for nearly nineteen years but now the light shines differently on every little thing. 

Ammon speaks more detail of his accident. The helicopter couldn't find them on the lake. They waited and waited and kept contact by cell phone. Jim finally decided to shoot off a flare. Ammon lay on the deck of the boat and Jim was in his view, "Jim get out of the way. Move so I can see." We laugh at this. Ammon is near death but he wants to see the flare go off. Apparently he'd never seen the excitement of a flare going off in a distressed situation and he realized now was the chance.

We decide to see what's going on in town. There's a movie in the square and there are lots and lots of people. We walk over to the candy store for a treat. A few weeks ago Ra and the boys went into the candy store and asked the owner where they could get a good smoothy. They explained Ammon in the hospital. The owner was saddened by the story and gave them a bag of candy for Ammon. On this Friday night the candy store is crowded with people but the owner recognizes Ra instantly and then sees Ammon. She leaves her post behind the counter and comes out to talk to us. We realize that this accident has an impact on so many people. The candy store, the medical professionals, friends back home, family all over the world - we feel the love of God and see by the light of Christ. These qualities exist in all of us and seem to be enhanced when even one of us suffers. 

We all come from the same place and we all feel the pain of each other. I'm not sure we completely comprehend this eternal concept. I have experienced it in this circumstance and feel humbled and enlightened because of it. 

Saturday on the Sanctuary compound. The boys from next door came over. We shared our lunch and played some basketball. Later in evening dinner and more basketball. 

Sitting outside under the apple tree typing this post.  The life flight helicopter flies over. I think I will never look at that helicopter the way I used to. When I see it I realize that my son went for his first helicopter ride on a stretcher. 

We had planned to be apart this weekend - some of us in Alpine, some of us at the fair. But here we are instead. Summer 2011 at The Sanctuary House in Flagstaff, Arizona. It wasn't in the plans but it is happening. We chose to use our energy focused on the positives and looking towards a future that will be different than we expected. Life is full of unknowns. It is best to take it as it comes and make the best of the ride.

Helping dad install the dryer at The Sanctuary House

Using Ammon's crutches to get around on the long board.

HAMILTON REPORTS ON 8/8/11

Ammon is good so far today. He has an antibiotic at 3:00 P.M. and then we get to leave with a Day Pass. We can be gone for as long as 8 hours, cause that is when his next antibiotic is. He also got all cleaned up! Thanks for all of the love and prayers!


We heard great news today before we went away. A social worker came in and told us that Ammon can go back to where we are staying on Wednesday after his VAC change that day! If now Wednesday, we can for sure on Friday i believe! So that is great!


We just got back from Ammon's day pass today. We drove around for a while, and then went to the mall. Then we went to Walmart, and Ammon and I got in those mechanical chairs and were drifting between aisles and so forth. After that we went to Dairy Queen! We went back to where we are staying and ate and took a little nap. Ammon is now back at the Hospital about to get his antibiotic . . .

Ridin' free and easy.

When I left Ammon's room on Saturday night he said "they never let me sleep in so come back early." I arrived at 9am. He was sleeping. I made a bit of noise and he just kept sleeping. He moved so I asked him some questions. He just kept sleeping. The nurse came in to hook up his IV. He slept through it. I think yesterday wore him out.

Ra and Hamilton arrived around 11. We left Hamilton there and went off to run a couple of errands. When we came back Ammon was awake. He had eaten breakfast and lunch and was ready to go for a walk. We went as far as the main entrance set up camp and played cards.

It was getting late on this Sunday afternoon and we needed to head home. But who can travel on an empty stomach? Of course we had to eat first. We made another picnic and ate it on the cafeteria patio.

There's just something heart wrenching about leaving your son in a hospital, getting in a car and driving 5 hours in a direction that is away from him.

The healing process commands our patience so we wait and wait. Ammon will experience the pain of the wound vac change every other day for the next week and then we are hoping for the skin graft process to begin. Ammon's goal is to be home for his 19th birthday on August 22.

Our main concern will continue to be the peroneal nerve. We all pray for a miraculous healing process.

DAY PASS

Saturday morning Ra and I were sitting outside the main entrance when a rusty old toyota truck drove up. We glance over and notice it was Ammon's neurosurgeon, John Durham (but everyone calls him Bull). The nurses told us he was a real down-to-earth kind of guy. He loves the outdoors. For summer vacation he gets on a junket and cooks for the sailors. Dr. Durham's "mountain man" personality was confirmed when he pulled up in that truck hopped out and walked toward us. He was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, his curly gray locks adorning his head. "hey I've got a couple days off but I'm coming in to check on your son. How's he doing this morning?"

Ammon was scheduled for a dressing change at 10am. I walked in a little late. His wound was exposed. Dr. Durham looked my direction as the door opened, "it's your mom", he said to Ammon. "Mom you're supposed to knock first." By that time I had seen the open wound. I guess some might've passed out or shrieked in some sort of fashion but I just looked at it and said, "I thought it would be worse." I walked into and across the room and could see that Ammon was cringing in pain. I dropped all my stuff, walked to his side and held his hand. Tears of pain trickled down his cheek as he lay there enduring the agony. The process was difficult. This will happen every other day for a while.

There are experiences in life that fill our souls with joy and remind us of that which we love most. Ammon has been given that opportunity. He's been asking for days, "when can I leave the hospital" and the answer was never good enough for Ammon. After his horrible experience with surgery #4 and then having the dressing on his wound changed this morning we all knew he needed a break. Dr Durham understands a longing for the outdoors so he granted the request. WE WERE OUT ON A DAY PASS!

First stop was The Sanctuary House. We ate lunch under the shade of the apple tree and kicked back for a while. Uncle Paul showed up baring gifts from Hawaii and Canada. We like it when Uncle Paul visits. He lives in Gilbert, about a 2 and a half hour drive from Flagstaff. He's a flight attendant for USAIR so he picks up little things for us every once and a while.

Rakai got bored and said, "let's for for a drive." There's mountains all around and he had been doing some online research. He wanted to go to the top. We filled the cooler with snacks and water, loaded up the cars and off we went.

The kids were in one car while Ra, Paul, Carly and I were in the other. How did that work? The sensible ones in one car, the crazy ones in the other. The road turned from asphalt to dirt then all too soon we were off roading on a treacherous rocky road. The sensible ones kept honking the horn. They would send Hamilton to talk to us, "he's okay mom. He said it doesn't hurt that much. Let's just keep going." Paul was monitoring the altitude on his fancy dancy watch 6 thousand, 7 thousand, 8 thousand feet. Rockier and rockier the road became, more and more worried were the sensible ones. At 8,300 feet we ran into a lady who was running down the road. "There's a meadow just around the bend. It's really beautiful." We kept going and...we made it. Ammon wanted to go to the top. Pictures speak the immeasurable beauty of what we saw from the top. It was SPECTACULAR!

Ammon's bewitching moment was 7:45pm. A quick glance at the fancy watch and we realized we had one hour to make it back. Oh...I forgot to mention that only one car was able to make it to the top so we all piled in and headed down to meet the other car that was parked on the side of the treacherous road. Lots of bumps and jerks and moans and groans later and we were separated back into the two cars.

The nurses were pleasantly surprised to see that Ammon was returning right on time. Not even one minute late. Yah...we did that cause we want them to give him more and more day passes.

On this Saturday and after lots of pain and cabin fever, Ammon saw the sky again. Lots and lots of sky. Mountains, rocks, wildflowers, forest - the great outdoors. It's right where he belongs.

Welcome home tunnel

The beautiful meadow.

Family - except Isaac and Karamea and MIA. Well not really. we know where they are and we miss them.

Hamilton and Ammon taking in the view.

Just leave me here and come back and get me in 3 weeks.

One section of the treacherous road.

ROADSIDE RESCUE

This post begins with a BIG thank you to Rakai and Carly for staying the night with Ammon. I wanted to stay through the night with Ammon but it had already been a very difficult day. That's enough about yesterday because today was a happy day.

We arrived this morning with a determination to lift his spirits. The list of things to do included an outside field trip, a shower and conversation with hospital personnel to see when we can break Ammon out of this place. Not that it's a bad place...it's just that a hospital is no place for a healthy, active young man.

Our roadside rescue started with a hello from Leo. Ammon wanted to "crutch it" to the main entrance and he did while the physical therapist (Shannon) walked next to him. It was a long walk and maybe a little bit too much too soon. I sat on the bench across from him. His face was white as a ghost. I told him he looked like one of those creepy dead people in the movies. But soon the color returned to his face. He was happy to see his dog.

The front entrance to the hospital is a really busy place. Noisy cars and trucks, people coming and going. Shannon said we could take him for a walk as long as he stayed in the wheel chair. She gave us an hour and off we went. First down to stand under the skybridge instead of in the sky bridge. Then Rakai suggested we walk back up and find a patch of grass under a tree. The road to one side, the parking lot to the other but that didn't matter. He was outside. Rakai pulled the car over and turned on the tunes. We listened to Ammon explain his helicopter journey.

Ammon looked out through the wind and watched the blades move around.  Everything happened in slow motion on this first helicopter ride. A result of low blood pressure I suppose. He said he didn't feel the pain until he was pulled from the helicopter and then it was a pain that cannot be explained in words. He yelled at the medical team working on him, "MAKE IT STOP." Then he said, "I've been thinking a lot about Jesus and the pain he suffered. I feel bad for Him. People don't understand the pain he felt, except maybe James. I'm just one person. There's all the other people in this hospital and then people all over the world. They all have pain. Pain He suffered. You can't understand His pain until you've experienced extreme pain yourself."

The clock was ticking down and we needed to get Ammon back inside. Later on in the day the shower happened and then later on after that we did an evening picnic complete with homemade hamburgers, thanks again to Rakai. Yes we did have that conversation with the social workers. No conclusive answer yet. Maybe he'll break free on Monday. For now we are here and he is waiting for my computer so he can skype a few friends after we leave.

Today was a good day and here's the pictures to prove it.

Run Rakai Run - take me away from this place.

Roadside - kind of a peculiar place to kick back.

Add caption

Evening picnic thanks to Rakai.

Okay - get in the car and let's get out of here!

I want to sleep on my stomach.

Peroneal Nerve Repair

Ammon sleeps in the bed five feet away from me - I am where I should be.

We arrived an hour before surgery number four. Reggae lullabies played on Pandora while Hamilton and Ammon napped. The surprise return of Carly brought a smile to his face. We talked and laughed for a bit and then it was time to go to pre-op. This would be the final repair surgery to prevent foot drop. His spirits were up. He was happy and talking about trying to break free of the hospital scene this weekend. And then the surgery happened...oh and Taylor (Ammon's girlfriend) left.

It was a difficult surgery. It only took an hour but the anesthesia, the meds, the pain, the hospital, it's all getting to him. Life is full of ups and downs and today is a down day.

We calmed him down with lavender oil and reflexology. He slept for a bit. Now he's up and asking where everyone is. The boys are in the hall playing cards. Hopefully they are not disturbing other patients. The nurses don't seem to mind so I guess its okay. Rakai and Carly will be spending the night.

The peroneal nerve was sliced in several places. I'm not a doctor so I cannot explain in medical terms but basically the surgeon, Dr. Durham, installed a connector. We are hoping the nerve will repair itself and reconnect and that it will work again. If it does not then Ammon will struggle to lift his foot. If it does then Ammon will be out on Lake Powell again next summer.

This is generally the luck of the draw. Sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't. We will pray and hope for the best. Once Ammon is well enough I'm sure he'll be doing some research and working to make his leg function normally.

GOOD NEWS! The bed is taller than Ammon! Just before the surgery they asked him how tall he was. He told them 6'3". He added an inch. And now the bed is taller than Ammon and we don't need to use caution tape anymore.

It's nearly midnight. We are here. Sitting in the dark. Whispering to each other and trying to keep Ammon calm. I am exhausted. Rakai, Carly and I made a quick stop at the bridge today before heading across the reservation. Carly said, "the river is really green." Ummm Carly, that's why it's called the Green River.

Goodnight all. We hope tomorrow will be a better day.

A MOTHER'S PERSPECTIVE

I left Ammon in the Step Down Unit of the Flagstaff Medical Center what seems like an eternity ago. Back in St. George curious, concerned friends and acquaintances inquire of his well being. It is with delight that I tell the story over and over again. 

My journey began just seven days ago with a tragic boating accident and a late night phone call. It was Ammon's picture on my cell phone. I said, "Hello Ammon." An unfamiliar voice replied, "This is not Ammon. This is Matt. I am with your son at the Flagstaff Medical Center." The words a mother never wants to hear. 

Matt proceeded to explain the situation. Ammon was run over by a boat. His lower right leg was severely injured and he was at the Flagstaff Medical Center being prepped for surgery. Doctors had been called in and would be working to save his leg. "Do you understand? Do you have any questions?"

Only his lower right leg? Were there any other injuries? Who is with him? How long will the surgery last? We are LDS. Is there someone who can give him a blessing? 

Matt was LDS and could give him a blessing. He would ask the helicopter pilot to assist. Words sweet as honey to a mother who is miles away from her distressed son. He was alone in a world where he did not belong.

Twenty minutes later a member of the team who had been working on him was calling. Further explanation didn't give us much hope but we hoped none-the-less. A loss of 2 and a half quarts of blood. Worst case scenario, "he will lose his leg." Best case scenario, "he'll have a leg but we don't know if it will work." Ammon was being rushed into surgery. The process would take three hours. One of the doctors would be calling to give you their report.

Ra and Asa packed and were on the road in less than 30 minutes. Hamilton and I were left to wait and wonder. 

i am numb 

transport me to flagstaff

let me be by his side

calling all angels

texting all contacts

emailing family

facebooking friends

everyone pray for my son

It's 2am when the ring of my phone tells me the surgery is over. I anxiously answer. Your son has a very serious injury. We were barely able to save his leg. He'll be in recovery for an hour. Is someone on their way? The rest of the story is contained in the posts below. 

Seven days later we are in awe at the miraculous events of the past week. Ministering angels protecting Ammon from the greatest dangers. Prayers and well wishes. Goodness and light comes from every direction when tragedy occurs. It is the light of Christ that exists in each of us illuminating the path of compassion. This is the energy that feeds the healing process.

With every surgery the doctors are impressed by the speedy recovery Ammon is experiencing. Today he had a changing of the leg set up and tomorrow he will experience surgery number four to repair his foot. Ammon says he is leaving the hospital on Saturday, "NO MATTER WHAT." We are blessed to have The Sanctuary House where he can rest until the plastic surgery process begins.

Time to pack for my second weekend in Flagstaff. We'll spend the weekend together in our Sanctuary Home. Please continue to pray that the repair process goes well and that Ammon regains full mobility of his foot and leg.

Love to you all,

Lani 

Karamea left Flagstaff on Saturday afternoon and left blog posting to me. Today is Monday. I'm a little behind. It's late but I promised a new post so we'll see how this goes.

We took Karamea to the airport during "quiet time" at the hospital. But quiet time didn't turn out to be so quiet for Ammon. When we returned to the hospital he had been moved to a place called Step Down and he had a roommate. We couldn't all fit in the room at the same time and we had to be quiet...is that even possible?

The Scovilles up north checked in around 6:00pm so we did the skype thing for a bit. Ammon talked to Grandpa and Grandma Scoville and saw some of his Aunts, Uncles and cousins. I don't know what they were saying cause he had his earbuds in so as not to disturb his roommate.

We left for a bit and when we came back we learned that the nurse had walked into Ammon's foot a few times. Ammon is too tall for his bed. We talked to the head nurse on duty and she decided to move him to a room all by himself. That meant I could stay the night with him. I pulled up the recliner, got my blanket and we fell asleep. He woke up a couple of times and needed his back rubbed. Laying in bed for too long is painful.

Sunday! The highlight was going outside! I don't think I've ever seen him smile in such a pleasing sort of way. He was so happy to be outside and breath in the fresh air. It started to rain so we ended up back at the skybridge. He fell asleep but we stayed there until 2:00. We got back to his room and squeezed by everything to get him back into bed. The rooms are really tight, especially for 6'2".

Aside from being able to go outside it was a difficult day. He was missing Kaden's farewell and part of his family was leaving. I decided to stay while the boys went to get food. He rested while I wrote in his book and took a few photos.

A mother never wants to leave her children behind and that is exactly what I had to do. I told Ammon it was time for us to go and tears welled in his eyes as he said, "you're leaving?" My heart broke into a million pieces as I stood in the corner and wept. I told him I would go home and fix up a special room for him. He said, "I don't want a special room. I just want my bed." I picked up the pieces of my heart. Kissed him goodbye and walked away. Hamilton was waiting in the hall. I sent him back in so Ammon wouldn't be laying there all alone. This was a very sad moment.

Today...Monday...surgery #3 went well. Hamilton choose sitting at his brothers bedside over the Park City soccer tournament. This was his report -

Ammon is good so far today. He got a all cleaned up, and got a massage on his back where it was hurting. He just went in for his 3rd surgery. They said he will have another one on Thursday, and we'll see from there! Thanks for all your love, prayers, and best wishes!


Ammon has came out of his surgery. He is now in recovery. They said his surgery went great! His cuts are getting smaller and smaller. They said he is doing a lot better then they thought. His next surgery they will mostly be focusing on the foot.

Ra says the surgeons are enamored by him. His upbeat, charismatic personality are a joy to be around. Today there were 5 surgeons working to do some vascular work on his leg. And now I am falling asleep. I'll try and type more tomorrow.

Here and There - Day Four

I am pretty sure mom will be writing her own account of day four, but I wanted to at least say something about today, because today was a happy day. Aside from me now being back in Salt Lake and Ammon still being in Flagstaff... and I am no longer there to witness what goes on during the days.

So here are my last words, at least for now:

Today Ammon moved himself, with the assistance of the physical therapist, into a chair. A big feat and I bet he was pretty stoked about life in that moment. Once he was settled the nurse decided that it would be okay to go for a little roll around the hospital, and get out of the stuffy ICU room.

You should've seen the look on his face.

Ammon is not one to sit still, unless he is sleeping. And even then I'm sure his dreams are full of rock climbing adventures. So laying in a bed for four days is really not something he is good at, laying in bed for even one day is not something he is good at. So the fact that he got to get out of that room today probably felt a little like Christmas.

Since he can't go outside yet the nurse decided it would be nice to take him up to the skywalk so he could get a good view of city. All the way up he said hi to every person we passed and gave them a little wave. I think he might be a little tired of seeing the same faces everyday all day long, so someone new and different was exciting.

He got to fly the helicopter his Uncle sent him, and even Skype his girlfriend to show her that he got to go for a walk. It was just what he needed, even Meredith the nurse was happy that she got to leave the ICU for a little bit. It's gloomy down there.

 Flying the helecopter

Ammon and Meredith, one of the amazing nurses taking care of him.

After our adventure through the hospital we went back to the room and I got to hangout with Ammon for a little bit by myself. I fed him some soup and helped him set up his Skype account and just sat there with him, and then it was time to go. 

It's difficult to be strong when your heart feels so weak, but it just has to be done. He was being tough and there were no sign of tears, so I blinked a few times, gave him a hug and went on my way. Believe me, the tears came out later, like when I was sitting at the gate waiting for my plane and a little kid was starring at me, and then again when I was sitting on the plane playing Sudoku. And then again when I saw my best friend and he gave me a hug I lost it in the middle of his work. 

Maybe I shouldn't write about crying on here but right now I just don't care. I'm the big sister and my heart is more than a little achey right now. And no, I can't be tough all the time. So there. I said it. 

Now I am home in Salt Lake, I just Skyped with Ammon, and will probably do so everyday until I get to see him again. Apparently he has been moved out of the ICU, but I know nothing of that adventure so mom is going to have to write about it later. 

I'm just happy to see that Bob finally made it to the hospital. 

Every little thing really is going to be alright. 

So keep on smiling babe. 

You have the heart of a lion, don't ever forget it. 

- Karamea 

Day Three - Part Two. [A day late]

I had a plan to write two separate entries yesterday. One after Ammon and Isaac's conversation yesterday morning, and another at the end of the day, explaining the days events.

But after the events of yesterday, by the time I sat down to actually write anything my body gave out on me and I woke up with the computer on my lap and a bunch of random letters on the screen. ...so I gave up.

So now, after being informed that everyone is waiting for yesterday's update [thank you mom] I am trying to remember what even happened. I think we are now on day four, and after four days of this, your brain turns to mush because you're only thinking with your heart. ...I tried to have a normal 'meeting' type of conversation yesterday for about 15 minutes, but by the time I hung up I had no idea what had even come out of my mouth. I guess I really don't even care right now.

Moving on.

Ammon's second surgery lasted about 3 hours. They attached the tendons around his knee, to his knee so they wouldn't flop around [for lack of a better term...], they cleaned out his leg, but then found a fracture in his ankle so they fixed that, and then they took off two of the wound vacs, so now he only has one. Which is awesome! He is actually doing a lot better than the doctors expected. They plan to take him back in on Monday and have a nerve surgeon take a look at the damage and see if he can be of any help. There are a few tendons that were not damaged as much as they thought that are on the side of his ankle which they may be able to use on the top of his foot. But we will find out more about all of that on Monday.

[It is hard to say how much damage is actually done. We know there are certain things that will be difficult for him to do, but until he starts rehab and as the weeks go by we will learn more and more. And at the rate he is going, and with the determination that he has he might be heading home next week!] 

When Ammon woke up from the surgery he immediately asked for Rakai and Mom, the two people who weren't actually at the hospital yet. Once we were in the room he asked for Rakai again and dad said "I'm here." Ammon looked at him with one eye open and said "No, the new Rakai. You are the old Ra, and grandpa is the old, old Ra." ... There have been quite a few sly comments like that from him this week. I think those narcotics and all the meds bring out his true sarcasm. But we're just happy he is still able to make light of this entire situation.

Mom, Rakai, and Hamilton showed up right at noon yesterday. Emotions were high again as this was the first time since the accident that they have seen him, and it had been a week or two since Ammon has seen Rakai. Once we got over the initial hello of tears and accepting of our new adventure we have been thrown into, we gave Ammon some time to rest.

The city of Flagstaff is actually a really amazing place. Dad calls it 'hipster town'. [seriously]
We're afraid that if Ammon finds out just how outdoorsy and cool this city is he might bust out of the hospital. So we just won't tell him that there is an indoor rock climbing place a few blocks away, and a mountain biking shop down the road. But we plan to bring him back, so that he can see where he was.

We were able to hangout with him as a family last night for a few hours. The ICU has certain rules patients and their families have to follow. Like, 2 visitors at a time and blah blah blah. We've tried to follow that rule pretty closely, but seriously, there are eight of us. It's a good thing Isaac is in Germany otherwise all eight of us would be in that room. We did pretty good last night, keeping quiet and staying out of the nurses way. [If we are silent does it mean they can't see us?] ... After about an hour of the boys being quiet this happened:

And I think that is why as soon as we walked in this morning at 8:30 we were reminded of the '2 at a time' rule. Mom told her that if one goes, we all go but I don't think they really seemed to care. It's a bit rude to keep us separated at a time like this, but I guess we'll just have to deal with it.

Dad is setting up a Skype account for Ammon today. He has been using mine but with the list of people that want to talk with him it is better for him to have his own. Skype is about to become his best friend. Skype also turns his best friends into sheep:

Kaden could not figure out how to turn the background on his Skype off, so he had sheep horns the entire time he was talking to Ammon. When someone says 'We're praying for you" and they look like that, it's hard not to laugh. But we know he is serious and Ammon is so lucky to be surrounded by amazing people like that.

We took off around 11pm last night, and Rakai stayed the night with Ammon. He slept almost the entire night and is making so much progress that they might move him out of the ICU today!

We get to talk to Isaac today at 10am as a family which will be a great thing for all of us. Everyday Ammon is making progress, and there are multiple times throughout each day that I just stop and am in complete awe of how blessed we really are.

From the surgeons that saved Ammon's leg, to the amazing nurses he has each day, to the rest of the hospital staff, the Maverick cashier that is praying for Ammon, the boys at the Pita Pit down the road who offered to bring him a free pita, the posts on Facebook, the love and donations that have been given to him so far, the free homes that have been provided for our family to stay in while we are here, and so much more.

The universe works in mysterious ways. There are lessons to be learned and this is just the beginning of an amazing adventure for our family. An adventure that will only be made easy because of the people outside of our family cheering us on.

Know that we are sending the love and positive energy right back to all of you.

- Karamea

Elder Isaac - Day Three, Part One.

If you know Isaac, you know Ammon, if you know Ammon, you know Isaac. 

You don't get one without the other, and that's just the way it is. 

These two boys share one of the most golden bonds I have ever seen, and I don't just say that because I am their big sister. They have a connection that is truly divine, and I would even go as far as saying that they each have a little piece of each others hearts in them. I am just one of the lucky souls that gets to have them in my life.

November 19, 2009

Sending Isaac on his mission, I cried like a baby during this moment.

Late last night, and after multiple conversations, we were given permission to call Isaac who is on his LDS mission in Frankfurt, Germany. There are very few moments when a missionary can talk on the phone to his family, aside from Mother's Day and Christmas, but after explaining the situation to his Mission President, he gave us the green light to get in touch with him.

 Mom talked with Isaac late last night, which was about 8am his time. She explained what was happening and told him to read over the blog to see what has been going on, and then asked him if he'd like to call and talk to Ammon before surgery this morning.

We were able to get in touch with him around 6:30am this morning. Ammon had a rough night and didn't get very much, if any sleep. There was some issue with his blood, and they had to change an IV so the nurses were in and out of the room all night. After what little sleep he did get he woke up in pain and finally decided to give himself some medicine. [He has a morphine IV and a button that allows him to give himself morphine whenever he is in pain, but he hates the way it makes him feel so he hardly pushes it.] He pushed the button one or two times right before we talked to Isaac so he was a little out of it.

Hopefully I can remember at least some of what he said so he can read this later and know what to do.

Isaac is the quiet voice of reason in our family. He thinks before he speaks and when he does speak, you better listen. He doesn't raise his voice, ever. I think he does that on purpose. You have to quiet yourself before you can actually hear and understand what he is saying.

So through Ammon telling him the events of the accident and the past two days in the hospital, and trying to joke with him about being stuck in bed, this is what Isaac explained to him,

"Now that you are physically restricted, it is time to focus on your mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. The worst is over and now it is time to do the work to stay positive and patient. Even though there is a long road ahead, if you truly believe that you will have full use of your leg when you heal, then it will happen."

[From my experience, Isaac is usually right.]

Ammon also gave Isaac some good advice, like to watch out for boats, even the ones on trailers driving around the streets. They might get him. ....
At least he still has a sense of humor.

Isaac sounds great, he was with his companion and two other missionaries when he got the call from mom, so they are all praying for him, and apparently so are the rest of the missionaries in Germany.

It was an amazing phone call and we are lucky that the two of them go to speak to each other, Isaac lifted everyones spirits.

Ammon and Isaac on Skype

Ammon is currently in surgery, they are trying to repair the tendons above his knee, which involves stapling them down. They are cleaning out his leg and will be putting new wound vacs on it. We will know more in the next couple of hours, but I think we do know that this is not the last surgery.

Mom, Rakai, and Hamilton are driving down to Flagstaff right now, which means I can give up my motherly duties and settle back into sister mode, hopefully.
Being mom is exhausting.

OH! Just to make sure he was in the right mood for surgery, we played him some Bob.

Fingers crossed, blessings out into the universe, and prayers up to God, Buddha, Allah or whomever.

- Karamea

Left foot first - Day Two.

After a sleepless night, I woke up around 6:30am to Ammon attempting to toss and turn, but there were so many cords going in and out of him that it was nearly impossible for him to really move at all. Once we got him adjusted and semi comfortable, he ate a couple pieces of bacon and some really delicious fake eggs. ....

The physical therapist came in after breakfast and told him that they were going for a walk. [a joke, obviously.] Ammon was stoked! All night he kept asking if he could get up and go for a walk, or just stand up and move around, anything to get out of that bed. So after some adjusting and prepping they got him rolled over to one side and we all watched in silence as he slowly propped himself up, groaning and moaning but determined to swing his legs off that bed. Which he successfully did. He caught his breath and threw his hands up onto the walker, and within about 30 seconds of sitting on the edge of the bed he suddenly, but slowly, started to use his arm strength to pull himself up.

Instant tears. Everyone just stopped, and for about 25 seconds there he stood, strong as an ox.
But try as he might, his heart is much stronger than the rest of his body, so he sat down. He will have to wait a little longer before he takes that first step.

BUT HE STOOD UP!
24 hours after his first major surgery, he was so adament about moving himself and he did it.

I can't even describe the feeling and the emotions that were flowing throughout the room. There was only six of us in there but in that moment of him standing up, it was as if there were a handful of people pushing him from behind to get off that bed. His angels.

They have been in that room since he entered it, at certain points in the night last night I could feel people walking around in the room, feel the rush of someone walk by me or hear something next to the bed, but the nurse was no where to be seen. He is truly blessed and has so many people watching over him, it is an amazing feeling.

So after 15 seconds of standing he was drained of all energy and laid back down. A few hours later, they decided to insert a PICC line into him so that it would be easier to receive medication and antibiotics. The IV's that were previously in his arms were really irritating, and he is young and healthy, so the doctors thought he would benefit from having it. That took about an hour, and then he got some quiet time to himself.

The nurses washed him up and changed his bedding, got him rolled on his side, and put him to sleep. I'm sitting in the waiting room, waiting. For what, I'm not sure. As far as we know he is fine, still fighting like a champ, and just prepping his body for the next surgery in the AM.

One day and one step at a time.

Again, please take a look at the fundraiser for Ammon set up by Teri Iverson, I'll post the link to the side of our blog as well. ...if you'd like to support Ammon and add a link to your blog or site, please send me an e-mail and I will get you an official button!! [kpuriri[at]gmail[dot]com].

You are all amazing, Ammon is strong because of each and everyone of you!

- Karamea

Foxtrott, Foxtrott. - Day One

Ammon is our wild child.
Anything, anywhere, anytime, he'll do it.

And no matter how many scrapes and bruises he seems to get while he's doing all of these amazing things, he'll get up the next morning and keep going.

This time however, he wasn't as lucky [but was extremely lucky in this case], and I find myself writing this family update from the ICU in Flagstaff, AZ.

Ammon went to Lake Powell with a close friends family, and got into a serious boating accident Tuesday July 26th. ...The propeller of the boat basically ate Ammon's lower right leg. He was life flighted to the Flagstaff Medical Center and has been through one surgery since arriving late last night. When he arrived he had lost about 2 and 1/2 quarts of blood. Thanks to the amazing surgeons, they were able to save his leg [versus amputating it...]. He will undergo a second surgery Friday morning at 7:30am, where they will asses more clearly the damage to his leg and also repair some of the things they could not last night.

**Side note: When they life flighted him, they didn't know his name, so the guys in the helicopter wrote down Foxtrott, Foxtrott and it wasn't until the morning that they learned his name was Ammon. So now Ammon, you will be Foxtrott. He is also to tall for the bed, so the nurse took the end of the bed off so he could stretch his leg out.** ...I guess there's always something to smile about.

As of now, he seems to be healing quite well, his body is fighting as hard as it can [so make sure to send out extra healthy vibes and thoughts for him]. Fevers come and go, but it's proof of how hard his body is fighting to heal. There are several vacuums on his leg which help to suck out all the infection and bad stuff, and ultimately help him heal faster. He will be here for about 10 days to make sure no infection happens and to get all the needed surgeries so that he can return home to St. George and start his road to recovery. He will walk again, and slowly but surely I know that he will be running and jumping when the time is right.

Aside from a beat up leg he is doing well. Calling the nurses 'dude' and 'bro', and he's ready to jump out of bed and head home.
But that is much easier said than done.

Thank the universe and God that we still have our Ammon with us. He is truly blessed and there are some very amazing angels watching over him.

We are asking for all of the love you can send to him right now. He is one tough kid and we know he'll push through, but he's going to need lots of positive support from everyone in his life.

Thank you for everything you all have already done! 

...I might get in trouble posting this one but he wanted to see what he looked like, and in the process showed me just how tough he was. Tough as nails.

The blood transfusion caused his body to swell up just a bit, or we could just pretend he got into a boxing match...

Please keep him in your prayers and blessings.
 

- Karamea

Also, Teri Iverson has set up an account for Ammon to help us cover some of the medical payments heading our way. Ammon continues to worry about paying for all of this, and continues to apologize for 'costing' so much. As long as we have him with us, everything else will work out as it should. However, if you can spare a few extra cents or dollars to help ease his mind, I will repay you in as many hugs as you will let me give to you.

Hamilton!

Hamilton is one of the coolest 12 year olds around. And this is why!



We love Hamilton, and are so lucky to have him in our family! [even though I did cry when I found out I was going to have another brother! But now that I have Hamilton I wouldn't have it any other way!]

Thanks for your awesome example!!!

THE PURIRI SYMPHONY

Doing Our Best Work
Roles of Support

While some people are best suited to be conductors, their work would be impossible without the musicians.

In the great symphony of life, we all have important parts to play. While some people are best suited to be conductors or soloists, their contributions would be diminished considerably without the individual musicians that lend their artistry to the fullness of an orchestra. The magical accents of the percussion section might sound random and out of place without the music they accompany. But any one member of an orchestra, doing less than their best at their particular part, can destroy the harmony of the whole piece, such is their importance. So although we may not receive the same amount or quality of attention as another, all of our contributions are valuable and integral to the success of the whole.

When we do our tasks well, we infuse them with our unique energy, making each act a gift. Each of our personalities and talents are suited to different roles of support. Even leaders and star performers support others in their own way. We can look around us at any moment to see that while we nurture some people with our work, others are supporting us with their gifts. Doing any job from this place within us allows us to do our part with humility and gratitude, while also learning lessons that move us steadily toward our goals.

When we can be fully present in every job that we do, we bring the fullness of our bodies, minds and spirits to the moment. Our contribution is enhanced by the infusion of our talents and abilities, and when we give them willingly, they attract the right people and circumstances into our experience. Anything we do begrudgingly limits the flow of our energy and closes us off from the good that is available to us in every situation. But by giving the best in us to make the world around us better, we open ourselves to receive the best from the universe in return.

AMMON AND HAMILTON STAR IN VIDEO

I'm doing a really bad job of keeping up with the family blog.  But here's a great video we created at work.