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By the Grace of God and special favors from the doctors, we were allowed to come home this week! After Garrett's biopsy, they surprised us by letting us come home a few days ago. The doctors have been very understanding, realizing the stress on the family being away from home. They are so pleased with Garrett's progress, that they decided to let us sleep under our own roof. Since the roads are good now, we can commute to the hospital from here. They also said they are doing this because we have been through it before and they don't have to "train" us about what to look for or do if Garrett has sudden problems. The rules of the game stay the same, in that we have to be back to Denver frequently for blood work and a complete check ups. In those cases, we will just stay in a hotel overnight to be at the hospital 1st thing the next morning and spend the day there. Most likely it will be 2-3 times a week.
I cannot express the overwhelming feelings we have all experienced in the past few days. Listening to the kids laugh and yelp as they play with their new barn kittens and just run around the yard. I can tellyou that beautiful sound has brought moisture to this old cowboy's eyes. It has though, been a little challenging to convince Garrett that just because he's home, doesn't mean he can do everything and go anywhere. He still cannot be around crowds of people or anyone with even a cold. But just being able to sleep in our own home is amazing!
The Little Warrior is charging forward with his family in tow. We never imagined they would let us come home so early, but it is yet another testimony to the power of prayer and the answer being "YES". Momma's a little nervous, but I know this move is a very good sign. Now we'll just try to remember what it was like to be here. Lotsa cobwebs, dirty pens and dead grass to clean up. Never had so much fun cleaning up the place. As spring brings new life to our part of the planet, we get to have a new beginning with it. And it is that much sweeter because of all of your support and love. Thank you!
'Ain't God great?!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
May 7, 2008
Well, great news today! The hospital called and Garrett's pathology from the biopsy was read as an R-1, which is "fantastic". There were only a few little cells of concern, but not enough to treat for now. He will have another biopsy in 4-6 months. Overall, the results of the surgery were as much as we could hope for. God is good!!!!!!!! Garrett's body is accepting his new heart really well. We'll adjust his medication a little to bring his levels up to par and continue to come in a few times a week for blood work and a thorough diagnostic, but now it looks as though we can start to heal emotionally and seek some 'normal' living, with obvious restrictions. At least there will be no immediate anticipation of any more surgery for a while.
We had a little bit of an anxious last few days, hoping and praying that everything would turn out well, and our prayers were answered with a resounding "Yes". Garrett didn't even have nightmares last night, which were expected from some of the medication he had to be on yesterday. He did see little orange butterflies when he woke from surgery and it was kind of funny as he drowsily tried to reach up and catch one in the recovery room. But at least he didn't have any giant gnomes or grizzly bears chasing him! :-)
These past few days have been filled with emotional highs and lows. Garrett was so scared for the surgery, and we tried to stay positive but also deeply prayed for no rejection. We also learned of the sudden passing of a very good friend. He epitomized the term "Cowboy Gentleman". Please keep Frank's family in your prayers. I know he is in paradise today.
Life is so very fragile, and we are blessed to have this little life charging forward with no signs of slowing down. The future looks very bright.
More good news soon. God bless you all and thank you again for all the continued support.
JD
We had a little bit of an anxious last few days, hoping and praying that everything would turn out well, and our prayers were answered with a resounding "Yes". Garrett didn't even have nightmares last night, which were expected from some of the medication he had to be on yesterday. He did see little orange butterflies when he woke from surgery and it was kind of funny as he drowsily tried to reach up and catch one in the recovery room. But at least he didn't have any giant gnomes or grizzly bears chasing him! :-)
These past few days have been filled with emotional highs and lows. Garrett was so scared for the surgery, and we tried to stay positive but also deeply prayed for no rejection. We also learned of the sudden passing of a very good friend. He epitomized the term "Cowboy Gentleman". Please keep Frank's family in your prayers. I know he is in paradise today.
Life is so very fragile, and we are blessed to have this little life charging forward with no signs of slowing down. The future looks very bright.
More good news soon. God bless you all and thank you again for all the continued support.
JD
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 6, 2008
Praise be to God and thanks for the prayers! Garrett came through his biopsy surgery very well today. It was a tough start as they poked 4 holes trying to start an IV with no luck. Then they gave him a shot in the fanny to put him out, and ended up putting an IV in his leg.
Doctors came out after a few hours and said everything went well and all looks good. We should have information on the pathology from the biopsy tomorrow sometime. We have to go back in the morning for a blood draw, but other than that it will be a day of rest.
Last thing Garrett said he remembers before they put him out today was "you (daddy) and me saying it was time to cowboy up". Gotta love it.
God Bless,
JD
Doctors came out after a few hours and said everything went well and all looks good. We should have information on the pathology from the biopsy tomorrow sometime. We have to go back in the morning for a blood draw, but other than that it will be a day of rest.
Last thing Garrett said he remembers before they put him out today was "you (daddy) and me saying it was time to cowboy up". Gotta love it.
God Bless,
JD
Monday, April 28, 2008
April 28, 2008
April 28, 2008
Welcome to springtime in Colorado. We had planned a nice little diversion for a few hours on Saturday. Darren’s mother, stepfather and a few siblings who wanted to meet the boy who has their brother’s heart were scheduled to come down from Cheyenne to visit. They called early and said it was snowing too badly to chance the roads. I looked outside. It was sunny and calm. Are you kidding me? About 30 minutes later I went outside to get something out of the car. The nice, sunny day had changed and a cold north wind blew in. A very cold wind. Y’know, the kind that will suddenly freeze the boogers in your nose? It was brutal for even a few minutes. Within the next few hours, we had more wind, some sun, then windblown snow, then sun. Crazy.
Sunday was a different story, and Darren’s family came down on a beautiful Bluebird day. The visit was emotional and spiritually uplifting. I wish there were a way for me to assuage the anguish they undoubtedly will always feel. I know seeing how healthy Garrett is becoming, helps a lot. They are really wonderful and very outdoor oriented. We’re hoping to plan a fishing or hunting trip together this year. We finished off the day with a special visit from the family of our Godson. One of the most wonderful Christian families ever, and a true source of strength for us. This came just when we needed it.
For some reason we have all been experiencing tough dreams lately. Mine replay the sleepless nights of prayerful vigil next to Garrett’s hospital bed. More than once during that time I cried out in a screaming voice that only God and I heard, “Please Jesus, help me! Help me protect my family! Help me to fight this untouchable bastard, death, that keeps clawing at my son and at the hearts of his mother and me!” But I know that to the day, my God has not forsaken me. He keeps putting me in just the right place, at just the right moment in time to hear His voice. The same way some unmistakable, yet unheard voice, told me to push and push until we found out why Garrett was hurting back in February. We have so much to be grateful for, yet these dang thoughts still enter our minds when we’re most vulnerable.
We have spent much of the past few days going over in our minds where we are at, where we’ve come and what we have yet to encounter. The family does a good job of trying to putting up with my mindset, and that is every new challenge is a mission and tactical planning is a must. It’s the only way I can keep from losing it sometimes. We are a team. We survive as a team and take each bump as a team. We take each day as a new victory and try not to think too far down the road, although admittedly, I am the biggest transgressor in that arena. Back in my tactical days, I would always tell my guys to “put on your game face” as we readied for a new mission. This is what we'll have to do soon, as they have moved Garrett’s biopsy surgery up a few weeks to May 6. He doesn't know yet. Nor have we told him that his grandpa was just diagnosed with prostate cancer last week. He’s enjoying his days right now as best he can. The isolation from ‘normal’ he feels weighs heavy enough without adding more to him. Both kids are a little crankier lately. I think the walls are just closing in a little. This 14x16 room gets smaller all the time, but an influx of new families forces us to be more secluded to prevent possible germs being picked up and making Garrett sick. A couple of families who came in were carrying the flu without knowing it.
Don’t forget that your prayers send an energy that we can feel. They are sustaining and help us to fight loneliness. Please hold some prayers for little K.J. who is very sick again, and for a baby in the room next to us who is fighting terminal cancer. These kids and their families are in every room in this place, and they all need our prayers.
Until next time, stay safe and God bless you.
JD
Welcome to springtime in Colorado. We had planned a nice little diversion for a few hours on Saturday. Darren’s mother, stepfather and a few siblings who wanted to meet the boy who has their brother’s heart were scheduled to come down from Cheyenne to visit. They called early and said it was snowing too badly to chance the roads. I looked outside. It was sunny and calm. Are you kidding me? About 30 minutes later I went outside to get something out of the car. The nice, sunny day had changed and a cold north wind blew in. A very cold wind. Y’know, the kind that will suddenly freeze the boogers in your nose? It was brutal for even a few minutes. Within the next few hours, we had more wind, some sun, then windblown snow, then sun. Crazy.
Sunday was a different story, and Darren’s family came down on a beautiful Bluebird day. The visit was emotional and spiritually uplifting. I wish there were a way for me to assuage the anguish they undoubtedly will always feel. I know seeing how healthy Garrett is becoming, helps a lot. They are really wonderful and very outdoor oriented. We’re hoping to plan a fishing or hunting trip together this year. We finished off the day with a special visit from the family of our Godson. One of the most wonderful Christian families ever, and a true source of strength for us. This came just when we needed it.
For some reason we have all been experiencing tough dreams lately. Mine replay the sleepless nights of prayerful vigil next to Garrett’s hospital bed. More than once during that time I cried out in a screaming voice that only God and I heard, “Please Jesus, help me! Help me protect my family! Help me to fight this untouchable bastard, death, that keeps clawing at my son and at the hearts of his mother and me!” But I know that to the day, my God has not forsaken me. He keeps putting me in just the right place, at just the right moment in time to hear His voice. The same way some unmistakable, yet unheard voice, told me to push and push until we found out why Garrett was hurting back in February. We have so much to be grateful for, yet these dang thoughts still enter our minds when we’re most vulnerable.
We have spent much of the past few days going over in our minds where we are at, where we’ve come and what we have yet to encounter. The family does a good job of trying to putting up with my mindset, and that is every new challenge is a mission and tactical planning is a must. It’s the only way I can keep from losing it sometimes. We are a team. We survive as a team and take each bump as a team. We take each day as a new victory and try not to think too far down the road, although admittedly, I am the biggest transgressor in that arena. Back in my tactical days, I would always tell my guys to “put on your game face” as we readied for a new mission. This is what we'll have to do soon, as they have moved Garrett’s biopsy surgery up a few weeks to May 6. He doesn't know yet. Nor have we told him that his grandpa was just diagnosed with prostate cancer last week. He’s enjoying his days right now as best he can. The isolation from ‘normal’ he feels weighs heavy enough without adding more to him. Both kids are a little crankier lately. I think the walls are just closing in a little. This 14x16 room gets smaller all the time, but an influx of new families forces us to be more secluded to prevent possible germs being picked up and making Garrett sick. A couple of families who came in were carrying the flu without knowing it.
Don’t forget that your prayers send an energy that we can feel. They are sustaining and help us to fight loneliness. Please hold some prayers for little K.J. who is very sick again, and for a baby in the room next to us who is fighting terminal cancer. These kids and their families are in every room in this place, and they all need our prayers.
Until next time, stay safe and God bless you.
JD
Friday, April 25, 2008
April 25, 2008
Howdy Folks-
His heart rate is great now and after waking a neighbor to get our heating pad back, he was sleeping quietly after about an hour of watching hunting videos with dad. That's sort of a tradition. Over the years when he's had a bad night, and there were many of them, he and I would watch old National Finals Rodeo videos or hunting videos to take his mind off of his pain. If I had a baseball game being played, that would have been in the lead for choice of the evening.
His clinic check up was good today. No big changes to speak of. Another change in medicine to keep trying to balance the cyclosporin levels until next time. That's why we celebrated with a trip to the air museum at Lowry. He really spun his head in that place. It was also very cool to show him planes and equipment that his grandpy had flown in and used, and his uncle, and another couple of friends, and to see a room dedicated to the Air Force Academy where his two cousins are going to school.
Y'know, I visited with a friend the other day and was asked what my plans were going to be for the future with work and play. I don't have that answer right now. Before this all happened, I was in the process of trying to start a very long series of administrative loop holes to get my place properly zoned to sell. I had been planning on another big summer trip with the Pikes Peak Range Riders, one that I always look forward to taking in, and planned on taking care of some external family issues, etc., etc. What I do know for sure, is that I have to put my son and his health, and the whole family's emotional health at the forefront of my decision making process. Safe to say there will be no Range Ride this year, unfortunately. The property issue....well, I just need to keep praying on it. Money's tight, but somehow God will provide. Work....well, work will just have to work out when it does. The Office has been good about giving me the freedom to be with my family during this time. For some reason, it seems more difficult this time around. Not hard from the standpoint of the wait, for we received a heart so soon. But more because there are four of us now who all understand to some degree what the implications can be, living in one room, in a home filled with other families who are dealing with their own tragedies. There are challenges, to be sure. But there are also many, many blessings. I told my friend that right now, I just want to see my little cowboy graduate from high school. It's hard to focus on much more than that.
Garrett cried the other day, wanting to go back to church again. For obvious reasons, we have not been attending as the services are typically very packed. We try to make sure we read scripture every day, pray several times a day as a family and try to walk the walk and talk of God all through the day. But those don't give us everything we need. I will find something soon so we all can get fed in His house like we're supposed to.
I realize how how weak and fruitless any words of mine can be at times, when I try to convey my sincere appreciation to God for the many blessings he has given me. I know of no other father who has been able to spend this much time with his family over the years. Granted, it has come at a price, but I am lucky just the same. I'm reminded of a statement made by Thomas Paine many, many years ago. He was speaking of America's freedoms, but it can also apply to our situation and many people like us. He said "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it". Just one more day, every day, IS worth all the fatigue it takes to get there.
Have a blessed weekend.
JD
Garrett's had a rough night tonight. I think he over did it a little the past few days. He's been feeling really good, and I just let him be a "normal boy", as much as possible. He ran and played, walked the zoo and the airplane museum. Both educational, open and few people. All the right stuff to let us attend. Big outings for any kid, to be sure. But these were really huge for Garrett. By tonight, he was played out. He complained about chest discomfort and his heart rate was a little high, so I decided to just have him settle down the rest of the evening. We played a few more obligatory Xbox baseball games, which he won of course, and called it a night while we watched a documentary story about a WWII B-17, the Memphis Belle. But by 1130pm, he was fussing and fighting in his sleep. He's had a history of this but it has been better since getting his new heart. I'm hoping and praying it is not a sign of something bad. That's always one of the hard parts. When can we separate 'normal' growing pains from something that is dangerous? We almost waited too long last time. It's times like these that make me truly understand and appreciate why they have us stay close to the hospital for several months.
His heart rate is great now and after waking a neighbor to get our heating pad back, he was sleeping quietly after about an hour of watching hunting videos with dad. That's sort of a tradition. Over the years when he's had a bad night, and there were many of them, he and I would watch old National Finals Rodeo videos or hunting videos to take his mind off of his pain. If I had a baseball game being played, that would have been in the lead for choice of the evening.
His clinic check up was good today. No big changes to speak of. Another change in medicine to keep trying to balance the cyclosporin levels until next time. That's why we celebrated with a trip to the air museum at Lowry. He really spun his head in that place. It was also very cool to show him planes and equipment that his grandpy had flown in and used, and his uncle, and another couple of friends, and to see a room dedicated to the Air Force Academy where his two cousins are going to school.
Y'know, I visited with a friend the other day and was asked what my plans were going to be for the future with work and play. I don't have that answer right now. Before this all happened, I was in the process of trying to start a very long series of administrative loop holes to get my place properly zoned to sell. I had been planning on another big summer trip with the Pikes Peak Range Riders, one that I always look forward to taking in, and planned on taking care of some external family issues, etc., etc. What I do know for sure, is that I have to put my son and his health, and the whole family's emotional health at the forefront of my decision making process. Safe to say there will be no Range Ride this year, unfortunately. The property issue....well, I just need to keep praying on it. Money's tight, but somehow God will provide. Work....well, work will just have to work out when it does. The Office has been good about giving me the freedom to be with my family during this time. For some reason, it seems more difficult this time around. Not hard from the standpoint of the wait, for we received a heart so soon. But more because there are four of us now who all understand to some degree what the implications can be, living in one room, in a home filled with other families who are dealing with their own tragedies. There are challenges, to be sure. But there are also many, many blessings. I told my friend that right now, I just want to see my little cowboy graduate from high school. It's hard to focus on much more than that.
Garrett cried the other day, wanting to go back to church again. For obvious reasons, we have not been attending as the services are typically very packed. We try to make sure we read scripture every day, pray several times a day as a family and try to walk the walk and talk of God all through the day. But those don't give us everything we need. I will find something soon so we all can get fed in His house like we're supposed to.
I realize how how weak and fruitless any words of mine can be at times, when I try to convey my sincere appreciation to God for the many blessings he has given me. I know of no other father who has been able to spend this much time with his family over the years. Granted, it has come at a price, but I am lucky just the same. I'm reminded of a statement made by Thomas Paine many, many years ago. He was speaking of America's freedoms, but it can also apply to our situation and many people like us. He said "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it". Just one more day, every day, IS worth all the fatigue it takes to get there.
Have a blessed weekend.
JD
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Welcome To Garrett's Blog Site
It has been requested of me several times to start a blog about Garrett and his journey. After some recent prompting by my sister-in-law, I have decided to give it a whirl.
The purpose in doing this is to share his story and allow updates to be more readily accessed by those who wish to follow our progress. I hope you will find the following pages and contents to be warm, informative and helpful. We have added some photos for you to look at depicting Garrett's life over the past few years.
These are but a snapshot of the life of one little boy, who by his champion warrior spirit, has forever changed many lives and brought glory to God.
In Him,
JD
The purpose in doing this is to share his story and allow updates to be more readily accessed by those who wish to follow our progress. I hope you will find the following pages and contents to be warm, informative and helpful. We have added some photos for you to look at depicting Garrett's life over the past few years.
These are but a snapshot of the life of one little boy, who by his champion warrior spirit, has forever changed many lives and brought glory to God.
In Him,
JD
April 21, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Garrett is getting stronger and finally beat 'em at the clinic. He gained a pound!! His blood work is all over the map right now, but it's to be expected because they are changing and weaning him off of many of the medications he had to be on initially. There are no cause for concerns, and he actually looks better than he has yet!
We spent some time with my brother and his wife on Saturday. It was like being released, almost. The sunshine and fellowship did more for our spirits than we can express. Great Stuff!
A down side to the week was learning that very special friends of ours lost a friend in a tragic work accident. Our hearts and prayers are with them, and I ask you to think of them when you pray, as well. Another friend just learned of a co-worker diagnosed with lung cancer. She is also in need of God's intervention.
We don't have to look around much to find someone with a tougher life than ours. We struggle at times with yearning for home and "normal", but praise God every day that we continue to win this fight. There are many around us who are losing.
Our little friend "KJ" has been through another round of chemo last week. Garrett and Jessi were concerned to tears because it makes her so very sick. The kids have really been great for each other. The interaction with other kids with issues has been quite a learning experience.
Physically, Garrett is doing really well. Emotionally, he is still struggling at times. It's all understandable, though. He just wants to be, as he puts it, "a normal boy" again. I still haven't found the answers to all of his questions. I pray every day for grace and strength to help Garrett, Jessi and Kathy work through their fears.
As I was putting this 'blog' site together, I prayed fervently that God will continue to help me find the words to bring Garrett's story to you in a positive light. It is positive, even with the bumps and boggs, because we are living out God's perfect plan....or at least trying to. I hope He looks down favorably as we try to humble ourselves to His gifts and yours, to live with a sense of purpose and discipline and drive on toward the ultimate prize.
Until next time, my prayer for you all is that you can feel how your intentions comfort us when we need it most.
God Bless you all,
JD
Garrett is getting stronger and finally beat 'em at the clinic. He gained a pound!! His blood work is all over the map right now, but it's to be expected because they are changing and weaning him off of many of the medications he had to be on initially. There are no cause for concerns, and he actually looks better than he has yet!
We spent some time with my brother and his wife on Saturday. It was like being released, almost. The sunshine and fellowship did more for our spirits than we can express. Great Stuff!
A down side to the week was learning that very special friends of ours lost a friend in a tragic work accident. Our hearts and prayers are with them, and I ask you to think of them when you pray, as well. Another friend just learned of a co-worker diagnosed with lung cancer. She is also in need of God's intervention.
We don't have to look around much to find someone with a tougher life than ours. We struggle at times with yearning for home and "normal", but praise God every day that we continue to win this fight. There are many around us who are losing.
Our little friend "KJ" has been through another round of chemo last week. Garrett and Jessi were concerned to tears because it makes her so very sick. The kids have really been great for each other. The interaction with other kids with issues has been quite a learning experience.
Physically, Garrett is doing really well. Emotionally, he is still struggling at times. It's all understandable, though. He just wants to be, as he puts it, "a normal boy" again. I still haven't found the answers to all of his questions. I pray every day for grace and strength to help Garrett, Jessi and Kathy work through their fears.
As I was putting this 'blog' site together, I prayed fervently that God will continue to help me find the words to bring Garrett's story to you in a positive light. It is positive, even with the bumps and boggs, because we are living out God's perfect plan....or at least trying to. I hope He looks down favorably as we try to humble ourselves to His gifts and yours, to live with a sense of purpose and discipline and drive on toward the ultimate prize.
Until next time, my prayer for you all is that you can feel how your intentions comfort us when we need it most.
God Bless you all,
JD
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