The Pendulum Swings

This week marked 12 weeks since Clare's pelvic surgery, and the golden day that Clare could start putting weight on that right leg. On November 23, she was able to walk with a walker. I have to say that Clare really is a trooper. Three months of non-use of the right leg has taken a toll, but Clare is really determined to use that walker all she can to get strong again.

On Thanksgiving, the hospital issued a day pass (for use in Utah County only) and nine of our family had our feast in Bethany (Clare's sister) and Jed's tiny student apartment. It was good food and good company and the limited space did not matter at all. Clare dressed up in her new jeans and walked into the apartment. We all were able to express our thoughts of thanks and to laugh and visit with each other. I have to warn you that with as much time as we have all spent in the hospital, there is more bathroom humor than regular. We were able to laugh and relax which was good for us all. Clare seemed to want the day to continue, and was reluctant to return to the hospital.

What's next? Theplan is that Clare could be released from the hospital this week and will move back to Meadow. She will continue to need 24 hour care. She is still an extreme fall risk, and will need assistance in moving from one room to another, as well as standing and sitting, bathing and dressing. She still has issues with short term memory, so she will not be able do anything unassisted for a while yet.

Emotionally Clare has experienced some real high and lows. She had a few days of break-through on her memory when she was asking everyone to quiz her…and amazing us with her recall both short term and long term. The last couple of days she has been in some sort of funk, and looks to others for the answers to questions. She has been down and somewhat withdrawn. I am not sure what is causing this. One day she did voice a concern to me about not being able to take care of her self.

As Clare returns to her home in Meadow, we will rely heavily on the assistance of friends in the Meadow and Fillmore area. I am hoping to meet the amazing people that have reached out with help and prayers to this young couple. If friends and family in northern Utah would like to see her before she moves back to Meadow…her release date could be as early as November 30.

At this Thanksgiving season, I am truly grateful that Clare and Kris' lives have been preserved. I do acknowledge a loving Heavenly Father who has provided many miracles for our family in the last three months. I have a hope that both Kris and Clare will recover completely--that is after all we can do. I have a faith that our Savior will help us through these hard things that are still ahead of us. He will be there for us as we allow him into our lives. He can heal all that is broken both in our bodies and in our hearts, and will give us the strength to endure.

God Bless you all! Please keep the prayers coming, specifically for Clare to be able to stay positive. I would so like to see her manifest her determined spirit.