From Friday March 28th to April 7th Natalie and I were in Ontario, OR hanging out with my parents. Our trip to visit them was not supposed to last this long, but like life always does, there was an unexpected twist to our week. Two weeks ago Justin announced he would be driving to South Dakota for work leaving on Friday and returning the following Thursday. He intended to make it to his parents home in Utah and hopefully squeeze in a snowmobile ride on Saturday before finishing the thousands of miles trek to South Dakota. Since my parents is on the way he offered to drop me off so I could catch up with them. At first I was reluctant to go. I had some things planned for the week and didn't want anything to come up during this closing process on our home, and not be here to address the issue, causing the process to be drug out. Then Wednesday afternoon I had a strong prompting that I needed to go with Justin.
So, Thursday I packed our bags and Natalie gave us a great wake up call Friday morning at 4:30 a.m. We were on the road and safely arrived at my parents house at 1 p.m. Justin chatted for a while and continued to Utah. The day went well and we retired to bed. Natalie had a fitful night of sleeping. The last time she woke up was about 4:30 in the morning again. After I got her back to sleep, my mind was racing and a feeling of deep concern and worry came over me for Justin. A few minutes later my phone began to ring. It was about 5:30 a.m. at this time. I don't know about you all, but a phone call at that time is very unusual for me. Justin was on the other line.
"We found Dad passed out on the bathroom floor at 3:30 this morning. I am in Park City right now at the E.R. They are preparing to life flight him to Salt Lake. He had a blood clot break loose in an artery in his head and there is intense bleeding that isn't stopping. He is going to have to have surgery and it is life threatening."
I cried, and prayed and worried. Barry (my father-in-law) is only 52 years old. When Justin started talking I thought for sure he was going to tell me his Grandfather or something had passed away, not his Dad was teetering on the edge of death. Justin was a rock and supported his family through the next four days of surgery, ICU stay, tests, and procedures.
It is a miracle, and happened because of Priesthood blessings and prayers, but my father-in-law woke up without any severe damage and was walking within two days of the surgery. It was a wild week, but there were many apparent tender mercies.
If Justin had not been there that night, his mom would have been all alone to handle the situation. Since Justin was in town, his younger brother Brad and his wife came to visit as well. Both of them were able to give Barry a blessing as soon as they found him. They were also able to help support and get there mom around to where she needed to go. It was also a blessing that this took place early that morning, because Justin and him were supposed to go snowmobiling later that morning. If this had happened in the woods, who know's what would have happened.
It was also a blessing for me to be with my family that week. Justin didn't have to worry about us being along through this difficult time and I was able to get a lot accomplished for my Grandma's 80th birthday celebration that is coming up.
Natalie and I missed Justin terribly. I would like to say that I was perfectly supportive of him being gone for so long and just maintain a positive attitude all hours of the day, but that would be a lie. Having a husband that travels alot for work and then having to extend this trip for a lot longer is highly stressful and hard. I am working on choosing to be happy and grateful, but some days are better than others.
Natalie had an ear infection on Monday the 31st, followed by a week of fighting a cold and horrible teething. She had her first antibiotics, 103* fever and fall down the stairs. She also loved all of the fresh air, Grandma's black lab tux, being able to play outside and not have to worry about strangers or cars, ice cream, chasing grandma's indoor kitty and sharing her cat food.
My parents were so kind to host us for that long and are always great about lending a listening ear and helping us have fun while there. Any time not spent taking care of Natalie was spent working on decorations for the birthday party. I think I went to Jo Ann's like 7 times that week. After many hours, and some worrying about paint not sticking to glass jars that I tried to paint for two hours, and a older sister who helped me push through to touch up the jars, we finally had success. Hopefully they look as nice as I think they do at the party.
It was wonderful to get to spend time with my siblings and nieces and nephews. Becoming a mother has really helped me have a greater appreciation of human life and seeing others as individuals. I guess it has just helped me overcome a little bit of my selfishness. I am grateful to have so many woman in life who live to share the good that comes from their mother heart. Even the sisters who do not yet have children are amazing nurturers who teach, help and love all children or any person placed in their path.
Playing with cousin Trey.
March 29th was the General Women's Meeting of the LDS church. My sister Mary happily had me and Annie (another older sister) and Megan (her daughter) over to watch the broadcast and dinner. Mary went out of her way to prepare a yummy dinner and let Natalie tear her house apart for a few hours. We went to ice cream afterwards.
My brothers were also very kind. One day during our visit we rode to the dump with my younger brother Kevin. He then treated us to donuts and ice cream. He also listened to me vent several of my frustrations later that week.
Living away from family for so long has given me a better view on how amazing my family really is when I go to visit. Justin felt the same way as all of his family lent their love and support that week. We are both so blessed to come from strong families with people who live exemplary lives.
Lastly, I was terrible at taking pictures this week. I feel so bad because there was so much to capture. My camera's battery was dead and I never fully charged it, so it wouldn't work when I did think to take pictures. Next time will be better, I promise!
The morning after fevering through the night. Thankfully it broke, but she had some wild hair.
Natalie was not a fan of the ride home. The morning we were getting ready to leave my mom asked her a couple different times if she was excited to go home. Natalie shook her head yes each time. I guess she didn't realize the car ride was part of the package. We had to pull of a middle of no where exit for her to take a break. Justin and her were playing for a minute here.
Us at the exit.Thankfully she didn't have a fever this day.
Natalie loved being outside at my parents house. She was excited to go outside this morning at our house. All of the walking she was able to do on flat ground in Ontario really helped her improve her walking overall. She would walk back and forth and all over the sidewalks at my parents. Funny thing though, she really didn't want to have anything to do with the grass. If she falls down on grass, she won't touch it to get up. She just waits for someone to come pick her up. She doesn't like the texture of it.
Justin's aunt was so kind to send him with a ton of little girl clothes she was getting rid of. This hat was one of the items. Natalie looks adorable in it, but won't leave it on. So, I tried it on her favorite toy 'Sadie.' Justin said she looked like a gypsy.
