Saturday, June 27, 2009

Eye Progress and the Promise of Normal Life

Jodi's eye is making progress faster than we anticipated. We attribute this to all the prayers from each of you, so thank you for helping things go well. She has not gotten too much more swollen or discolored, which is a real blessing. She can only open it about 1/3 the way, but it is progress to be able to control it at all. It is still goopy and the lower lid appears very full from the collagen, but it is all still progress!

Today was Jodi's most normal day yet. She got up and gave herself a few "jobs" to do around the house. Nothing too strenuous (many of the tasks she could do sitting down, like organizing bills, etc.), but things she did all on her own. She totally wore herself out, but was so pleased to have been able to accomplish something on her own! It did take her about a 2-hour nap to recover from the morning, but she felt it was well worth it to feel like a half-way normal person again.

This afternoon Jodi was getting stir crazy again (this happens regularly since she can't get out much...if friends ever want to come and just take her for a drive, she would probably love it!!). So, the family decided to try another taste of normal life, so they all went to the mall together. Jodi hasn't been out in public much, so she was a bit nervous, but Trenden helped her walk and keep her balance, and she helped pushed the stroller for added stability. They stayed at the mall for almost 2 hours and she survived the whole thing!

She is still trying to figure out how to eat again. Many foods just no longer sit well with her, so there is much experimenting going on and she is being "forced" (by her body) to do the several small meals a day diet in order to keep anything down. Hopefully, with continued practice and healthy eating, she will start heading back up in weight.

Overall, a very good day. She continues to be grateful for all the friends, neighbors, family, loved ones and other supporters who reach out to help. Thanks again to the PCC and BYUH families whose faith and prayers have helped so much. You are all a tremendous example of faith and love.

9 comments:

Tami Searle said...

Hooray...I'm glad you were able to get out for a little bit today. Sounds like you are making great progress. I hope you continue to do so! Stay strong:)
Love, Tami

Nichole Giles said...

It's amazing how good it feels to accomplish one small task. And going to the mall? Well, if you can do that, you can do about anything. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.

Glad to hear you're moving forward, however slowly. It's funny how badly we want time to pass quickly during the tough times, and then slow down during the wonderful ones. But it always stays the same--no matter what we're working through. Keep it up!

Quote of the day:
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." ~ Christopher Reeve

quinn smith said...

Hi Jodi!

I am so thankful that you are on your way to "normal" life again. You have no idea how this season of your life has reached others. I wonder what you will think when you look back on it in 10 and 20 years. You are an amazing example of grace, it's just all over your life. My prayers and praises continue!

Love,
Quinn

Brandi said...

Jodi, I'm so happy to hear that your eye is making significant progress already. Great news! I'm also glad that you've been able to do some regular tasks to help you get back into the swing of things. But, I think you should have taken a more "fun" task than organizing bills. ;)

It's great to hear that you got to go to the mall for a couple hours. I bet that was a treat. I would hope that you bought yourself a few things. You certainly deserve it.

Take care of yourself. I will be in touch soon, and I'd love to come over for another visit one of these days. I'll give you a call.

Oh, by the way, I ran into Wilda Reynolds today at the temple, and she told me to tell you "hello" and let you know she's been thinking about you and been concerned.

Love,
Brandi

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear about the progress. I have been out of town the whole week and thought about your surgery and how things went. So glad to see normal-ness coming back into your life. Hope things just get better and better each day. Joyce R

Anonymous said...

Jodi,you amaze me! You stayed at the mall for 2 hours. Wow. I can't stand to do that and I'm not recovering from anything. See? You are already stronger than I am! It's funny that the task you chose to do at home was paying bills. A good choice, I'd say, because even though it's no fun, it gives you a sense of control again, and we all need that.

wjmom said...

Yeah! Hooray! You are continually in my prayers!

Aundrea

Jodi said...

So happy to hear the your latest surgery went well! Hopefully its just all down hill from here and everything will continue to just get better. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Jared, Jodi and Family

Carol Liptrot said...

Hey Jodi. I'm glad to hear things are progressing well. You have really been out and about! I'm glad you are enjoying getting out. I know things will continue to improve. Thanks for the updates, it gives me peace to know that you are doing well on your recovery. Will continue with prayers and love.
Love Carol Liptrot