Thursday, May 28, 2009

Making the Best of a Difficult Situation

Trying to brighten her day, Jodi took a shower! After the shower we dried her hair and then she combed it like she would normally before the surgery. Note below the current view from the incision side of her head. Hey, it looks pretty good, don't you think? When she gets her smile muscles back and her eye works again she'll be as good as new.

Please record this day in history. Tolan is rubbing lotion on Jodi's legs. Do you believe it? Jodi said it felt great!

Everyone is trying to make the best of the current situation! Thanks for all of your help! You keep making a difference!




Jodi, from the incision-side, with her hair combed!




Tolan rubbing lotion on Jodi's feet and legs!

26 comments:

Brandi said...

Well, I'm glad you got to get all cleaned up and comb your hair. And, way to go on getting Tolan to rub lotion on your legs. Now you have photographic proof. ;) Next thing you know, he'll be painting your toenails!

Hang in there, Sweetie. Love you lots!

Brandi

Anonymous said...

Hi Jodi, I'm saddened to hear of your set back. I know how excited you were to be done with all of the hospital crap. I'm always saying silent prayers for you and the others in our ward that need extra help. It sure seems like we're getting our share of health related issues. Stay strong and have faith. All of this will be behind you soon. In just a few short years you'll be sending Trenden off on a mission. The time will really fly! Hang in there. We're all praying for you. ~Godspeed~ Todd Howard

Cathleen Sparrow said...

Jodi - lotion on the legs what a guy! Lots of positve thoughts and prayers coming your way - you never far from our thoughts. Cathleen

Carol Liptrot said...

Yea Tolan! I think this should become a regular routine! Eat it up and get all the pampering in you can - you deserve every minute of it. You look Great! Your hair works perfect. You are such a beautiful person inside and out! The smile will come, we know it's there. Love you tons!
Carol

Anonymous said...

Dear Jodi - I was helping with the Oquirrah Mountain Temple Open House this morning and I was thinking of you. When I got out to my car there was a message from your dad. I am sorry to hear that you have to spend a little more time in the hospital. Wish I could do something for you Jodi - just know that I am praying for you and your family. Von, I appreciated the call. Give my love to everyone. Sue Davis

Anonymous said...

Darling Jodi, and Tolan, and parents and all!!!
You guys amaze us! It sure is hard to experience some of the things - and we are soryy to hear that plans are not your plans!
But we see your smiles and hope and strength and it is all a strength to the rest of us. You are going through something tremendously difficult and rotten! Yet, there are smiles and laughter through it - you really are amazing!
Remember our beloved prophet - when he lay in the Libert Jail - and the verse he relates in the Doctrine and Covenants 121- and I'm sure you've recited it a million times - "thine adversity and thine affliction shall be but a small moment...if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high...thou shalt TRIUMPH over all thy foes... thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands!
We love you soo much and know all will be well.
If you think about it - a fortnight isn't very long at all!!!
(That's positive thinking!!:)
Love ya, Belinda, and the rest of the bunch!!!!
P.s. Having hearing in only one ear - is livable - actually it has some very good advantages!! You can do it!!! Love ya x

Joni said...

You look great Jodi! I'm glad you were able to get up and are being pampered! Thats what you need right now!! I'm sorry for the set back but, i know things will get better! Praying for you often!

Flints Facts said...

Jodi, You look great!! And that pampering you are getting from Tolan is well deserved, tell him to keep it coming!!! I'm sorry for your setback but I know you are going to get through this because you are one amazing gal, keep your chin up!!!

Our prayers are still focused on you, stay strong!!

Lots of Hugs and Love,
Kelly and family

wjmom said...

You look beautiful, and I'm sure you feel much better after a shower. And GO, TOLAN! That is serious love (Jody, you're so lucky!).

Have a happy day!

Aundrea

Kristi said...

Jo,

LOVED our talk last night!! Cried most of the night afterward though! :) But, they were good tears.

I love you so much. I am so proud of the strength I see you demonstrating day after day. You are the best example a sister could have. I know these times are challenging. But, we need to remember the many difficult times we have experienced throughout life and remember, with Heavenly Father's help and the faith of family and loved ones, we prevailed!! I know you will, once again, with Heavenly Father's help and the faith of family and friends, prevail. I am forever grateful to Heavenly Father for giving me YOU as a sister and friend.

I look forward to spending some fun time this summer practicing our hair extensions together! we will try out all the different styles. You know me...I love changing my hair and using extensions. This will be fun!

I love you Jodi. I love you with all my heart and all the love I have inside my soul. Thank you for sharing your sweet and good spirit with me on a daily basis. I am truly blessed.

I can't wait to give you a hug! Sending lots of love and hugs across the ocean,
Your Big Sis Kristi Marie

Chad and Stacey said...

Jodi your hair looks fantastic and you can't even see the incision! I'm so sorry to hear about the additional surgery. It must be so hard to gear up mentally for it when things were looking so good. We know everything will turn out alright though!
Please have someone let us know if you need any help with the kids, meals, laundry or whatever. We wish there was more we could do!

Chad and Stacey said...

Jodi your hair looks fantastic and you can't even see the incision! I'm so sorry to hear about the additional surgery. It must be so hard to gear up mentally for it when things were looking so good. We know everything will turn out alright though!
Please have someone let us know if you need any help with the kids, meals, laundry or whatever. We wish there was more we could do!

Tami Searle said...

First of all I would like to say "What a loving husband!!" Jodi, I know you must be frustrated and that is understandable. However, I am so impressed by the positive attitude you and your family have all had through this entire experience. It has been so great to read of all the love and support you are receiving. We will continue to pray for you and wait for the miracles to happen!! :) By the way, I think you look beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine how discouraged you all must be feeling. My heart sank this morining when I read what was going on with you. I am so deeply sorry. You have been given an incredible family, and I know this has brought you all closer together. For some reason, and who knows why that might be, you are going through some overwhelming challenges right now. You may not ever know the ways that you are affecting others' lives right now. Keep this in mind when you are feeling down and discouraged. So many people have had an increase in faith and miracles because of you. You will get better, and you will prevail! I will try to get down to visit you soon or call you. Love, Annette

Anonymous said...

Jodi,
We are sending our love and prayers your way. Your smile and positive attitude are proof of your incredible strength. Tell Tolan we will make sure to bring some glitter and clear polish so he can learn to do glitter toes!
Keep smiling
We love you
Deanne, Steve and family

AA said...

Jodi,
Hang in there!! We'll make it through this! Everything will be fine in the end- if it's not fine, then it's not the end.


Gordon B. Hinckley, “Put Your Trust in God,” Ensign, Feb 2006, 63

It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is.
It all works out. Don’t worry.
I say that to myself every morning.
It will all work out.
Put your trust in God,
and move forward with faith
and confidence in the future.
The Lord will not forsake us.
He will not forsake us.
If we will put our trust in Him,
if we will pray to Him,
if we will live worthy of His blessings,
He will hear our prayers.


Don't give up!!
:) Adrianne Andersen

Joey said...

Remember when you you stomped into my office and demanded a raise? Well, you know you have it in you. Use your inner strength as you continue to face these darn trials and set-backs. Love, Joey

Tamron said...

Jodi,

Look at your beautiful smiling face...only you! I don't think I have seen anything but smiles from the time I met you. I hope all goes well and you will soon get relief, my family will be praying for you and yours....Keep Smiling!

Love,
Tamron Larson and Family

Anonymous said...

Aloha Jodi,
I am just one of the employees at the PCC. Oursupervisor forwarded to us the blog link so I opened it and the first thing I saw was your picture with the background-where you grew up. I really liked it! So I just wanted to share with you that I know of the healing power of the Lord, Jesus Christ! He has done many miracles in my life, including healing me when nobody else could! And when I was your family around you- your husband and the kids, oh, it made me so happy! You are a great family! So please, always keep in mind the vision of you at home and how you do the daily activities-even the little things-washing the dishes, fixing your hair, waking up the kids, playing games together,cleaning the house! Just live with that thought in mind each day because this little moment, given to you know is just a little distruction from the regular routine but very soon you will be back home and will be grateful for the experience you have had! You have all our support and love and prayers!
I love you, Jodi! You are great!
Boriana Takashima

Anonymous said...

Hey, Jodi!

Darn Doctors.... out of town..... bummer. HOWEVER, YOU WILL GET BETTER AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!!! In some ways it is like being stuck in in rush hour traffic. There isn't anything you can do about it. . . so take a big sigh, lay back,get as comfortable as you can, turn up the radio/TV, order some movies, and make the best of it. The best thing to do is just relax! You will get through this in flying colors!!!
Lots of love and prayers are being sent your way for sure!!!

Love, Susan and Terry Judd

britt said...

that is a great thing to lighten the situation. Tolan, I think you need to do that more often :)
Jodi, it was so great to be able to visit, chat and just hang out together! You are so positive through such a trying & challenging situation! You are a true inspiration!
Love ya

Unknown said...

Hey, Jodi!

Darn Doctors.... out of town..... bummer. HOWEVER, YOU WILL GET BETTER AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!!! In some ways it is like being stuck in in rush hour traffic. There isn't anything you can do about it. . . so take a big sigh, lay back,get as comfortable as you can, turn up the radio/TV, order some movies, and make the best of it. The best thing to do is just relax! You will get through this in flying colors!!!
Lots of love and prayers are being sent your way for sure!!!

Love, Susan and Terry Judd

Eric and Cami said...

Jodi, what scar? The hair really covers the question mark quite nicely. We are thinking and praying for you constantly. You will overcome this obstacle! You are a rock and we miss your vibrant self in the neighborhood:) Have a good night and a better tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

A shower must have been heaven for you, Jodi. I will pray for more heaven to come your way today.

Anonymous said...

He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us (see Luke 10:34). Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His Atonement is for you, for us, for all.

.... Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a “healing” cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are “healed” by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us. [From Dallan Oaks. October General Conference, 2006.)

This whole ordeal seems to harder than it should be. There must be a purpose (and blessing) here somewhere. -- Bill Merx

Martin Merx said...

Hang in there!! I like to think that the more crap we deal with in this life - the bigger our mansion will be in the next. :)

So after all this you'll have a pretty nice Ferrari and a couple of Porsches in your 30 car garage to go shoe shopping with :)

My posts are always dumb, but it's my way of wishing you luck!