Day 34 - Released from the Hospital - Home Again! Home Again!

A sign made for Jodi by neighbors and friends when she left for the hospital on May 13. She was so sick that morning she didn't get to read it. She read it today when she arrived back home. She had tears in her eyes as she thought about the wonderful people who were reaching out to her from the very beginning.

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It's really true! After "only" 34 days, three surgeries, hundreds of doses of morphine, valium, Loritab, etc., hundreds of "pokes" for blood samples, shots and IV's, untold setbacks and complications, countless ups and downs, all combined with thousands of prayers, thousands more "well wishes", and fasting and faith that reached to heaven, Jodi was released from the University of Utah Hospital at 1:00 p.m. today and was welcomed home by neighbors, friends, and family...all of whom have been angels throughout this ordeal! You should have seen the road leading up to Jodi and Tolan's home. It was lined with signs, balloons, yellow ribbons and people extending the warmest of warm welcomes! It just couldn't have been better!

Enjoy some of the pictures from today's journey below and stay tuned for the rest of the story!

The hospital room "board" that gave the estimated date of discharge. This date was changed every day until today, because they were always wrong!

Nurse Kristy taking out the last of the IV's this morning. She was one of the choice nurses who took such good care of Jodi.

Stanley helped keep Jodi's room clean and brightened the day with some of his stories.

Jodi going to take her final shower in the hospital and looking forward to changing from her hospital gown to her own clothes. Sorry, I didn't get the "after" picture with her coming out. I drove to Jodi and Tolan's home to prepare for the "Welcome Home!" That means I didn't get a picture of her coming out of the hospital either. Sorry!

One of the many signs that decorated the house, yard and street!

Another one of the signs waiting for Jodi.

The yard, the house, and the streets were filled with balloons, signs, ribbons and people by the time the preparations were completed.

Kevin and Scott, two "Living Scriptures" salesmen who were just walking by. They asked if they could help with anything. Sherri said, "Can you blow up some balloons?" They came in and blew up 40 balloons. Pretty kind of them for sure! Sherri did give them some lemonade in return for their efforts.

Some of the "Welcome Home" crowd.


Jodi being greeted home by a few of the many!

Hugs and kisses!

A warm hug for and from Cindy Taylor!

A special greeting from Cami Hall.

Another hug...this one from Andee Sanders.

Trenden and Lindi with cousin Trent and a few of the balloons that had been a part of the welcome home.

Kim Schneider's tight hug.

The hugs keep on coming. This one from Belinda Jackson. Thanks, Belinda and everyone for all the balloons, ribbons and signs along the street, too!

Treats from the Jackson kids that spelled out "Get Well Soon".

Visiting in the decorated living room.

Some of the cards, flowers, and pictures given to Jodi while she was in the hospital.


Jodi with Daven and Lindi in their own home.

Daven trying on Mommy's eye patch.




Jodi, Tami, and Sherri enjoying the out of doors.

Jodi and Tolan asleep on the living room couch...so much more comfortable than anything at the hospital.