A+ On The Test!!

Amazing!!!

I mean, really, absolutely and wonderfully AMAZING!!

Who knew that earth life was such a marvelous experience?  We talk about the challenges and learning opportunities that God presents but it seems that we forget to appreciate just what we get as our lives progress.

Most of you know that Brian and Paula have been struggling with their little Becca for the past week.  Things are going better but there are still a lot of questions and no easy answers.  For instance, Brian opines about the future as he tries to develop a stronger foundation of faith. Personally, I have never doubted his faith but the circumstances of their family dynamics are something unique and require extended trust in our Savior and His Atonement.

Finally some peaceful sleep.

Many may not know that Melissa and Josh are also having their fair (or maybe unfair) share of tests.  Some of the particulars are found here.  It seems that just when life gets a little easier, the roof falls in and you have to fix both the roof and the floor.

Nobody eats like Logan.

And not to discriminate, the burdens of family life have also struck Kevin/Jenny and Josh/Heather and even Missionary Joel.  Everyone is growing and it is…. Well, you remember how this post started!!

Tanner isn't sure!?!?

Emma and Friend

Teresa and I are finding joy in the knowledge that our children have been prepared by God to surmount the challenges this life presents.  Their faith is unwavering and their ability to adapt is …………. Well, it’s just astounding.  Thanks be to God and His Son for the powerful, divine souls who have blessed our lives.  And may He keep each of them in the palm of His hand as they go forward in this most sacred of all tests.  We love you all and hope we don’t get in the way of your progression.

Becca's Challenges

Two days ago our little Becca had to go to the hospital for some surgery.  She is having trouble breathing and the doctors wanted to take out her tonsils and adenoids to open up her airways.  This is pretty common for kids with Rhett’s so, even though there was some anxiety, we really weren’t that worried.

Brian and Paula stayed up with their sweetheart on Sunday night and we had Katie with us for a wonderful sleep-over at ‘Grandma’s.  Monday evening Paula felt comfortable enough to come to our place so she could get a few hours rest.  So what happens?  Just as she is going to bed we received a call from Brian that she needed to come back to the hospital.  I couldn’t hear the conversation but Teresa heard “life support” so we knew something big was happening.

I took Paula back up (Teresa wasn’t feeling well and didn’t want to contribute to any more problems) and we found, what seemed to be, every doctor in the hospital hanging out around Becca’s bed.

Working feverishly to get a line in.  They were so patient and careful with our little sweetie.

These guys really work hard.  At one time I counted 11 doctors and nurses in the room with Becca.

Such a sweet little girl--- and a big bed.  Those are EEG connections on her head (under the bandages) not something wrong with her head.

Apparently she had stopped breathing and her left lung had collapsed from the stress of the day.  There were lots of other things but they all seemed to conspire to appear at the same time in one little lady.  It was pretty tense for a few hours but by the time I left (about 1 am) things were pretty stable.  Brian and Paula decided to stay the night (big surprise) and neither slept much but things seem much better this morning.

We really appreciate the good doctors at Primary Children’s Medical Center!!! They were helpful, considerate and forthcoming with information like we normally don’t see in a hospital.  In fact, one of the nurses encouraged the family to watch and provide input if they felt it appropriate.  They recognize the family knows this little angel better than most others and can see things that others might not. 

Tragedy has been averted and progress is being made.  As Brian said last night, this is just the first in many such experiences with Becca as she and her family work with the challenges she has been given.  But we love her so much that it is not a burden for us – just a worry for her welfare.  Please keep her in your prayers over the next few days (and more if you remember).