Tuesday PT came and brought some therapy stairs to his room for him to attempt the stairs and see if he was strong or capable enough to attempt them. He wasn't. At that point they determined that he would need to be moved to a skilled nursing/rehab facility for a while until he could get back to normal mobility. Our ward had been amazing for help: prayers, fasting, watching the kids, meals, doing our laundry. But I knew with Pierce starting back to school the daytime schedule was going to get more complicated to arrange and I knew people in our ward had lives and jobs and responsibilities to get back to. I decided to call in reinforcements: The Mumford's. I called Kate, explained that this was going to take longer than we'd planned and could they keep the kids for a while; "Yes!" was her answer, "We have been waiting for you to call and tell us what we can do. We'd love to take the kids and we can keep them as long as you need." I was so relieved I cried. That was such a load off for me. I took the kids to Salt Lake Wednesday morning and they drove up with Moff who was headed that way for Miles' 1st Birthday. Our kids and their stuff filled her car to brimming but she was so happy and willing to serve us.
We met with a social worker at the hospital and looked at a list of facilities for Bryce that were covered by our insurance. We'd never had any experience choosing one so this was uncharted territory for us. We chose one location in Orem, very close to Provo but when we heard back from them there were some issues regarding medications Bryce has to have and transportation for him to and from dialysis. They were unwilling to work with us on either so we moved to our second choice, Stonehenge in American Fork. There was a Stonehenge location in Orem that came very highly reccomended but it did not accept our insurance so we chose the other location. They also had issues initially with two of Bryce's essential medications that are expensive and difficult to get (most pharmacies don't carry them, we have to order them by mail) but they allowed us to bring our own supply so we got that taken care of. They had to make several calls and changes but they were also able to work out the transportation to and from dialysis for him. The last step was getting the green light from insurance (after they'd done the paperwork), and that took a day and a half longer than we were planning on.
Today at 2 they came and got him moved to our new facility. It's nice and clean and spacious, the rooms are private but have two beds so I can spend the night if I want. The staff has been helpful and answered our questions and concerns. Administrators have their doors open for anyone to ask questions or visit with them anytime. Bryce manages to get to the bathroom with just the help of his walker and shower by himself (sitting in a shower chair) for the first time in almost 2 weeks. Bed baths are just not the same as a hot, running water shower with soap! He's resting and watching TV in his room now.
The kids are having a blast in Idaho- the kids there have had snow days for the last two days so it's just been fun, fun, fun! Kate volunteered to try to potty-train Owen (she's so brave and awesome for even being willing to try!). They're loving it and in such good hands; we are so thankful for those amazing Mumford's! They also bought me a gift certificate to get an hour massage and a pedicure at a local place so I can take a break and relax. They continue to support and love and help and go above and beyond to make our lives easier.
I've been thinking the last few days about how challenging this whole experience has been, pushing and stretching me in ways I haven't faced before. And yet it hasn't been as hard as some would expect. While I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone, I want the overwhelming feeling of love and support and outpouring of goodness to be felt by everyone! Everyone should know how it feels to be surrounded by everyday angels and lift you and those you love and carry you in ways you can't possibly imagine. THAT is something everyone should have in their life. It's strengthened me now and I know it will continue to strengthen us later as we look back and draw on the overwhelming love we feel. That is life-changing.
Kids finally got to see Daddy on New Year's Eve! Happy New Year!
Sweet little New Year's notes from Pierce and Jane
Ringing in 2017- PUH-LEASE let this be the year of the transplant!!
Our old neighbors in Spanish Fork took the kids for a sleepover one night and it was awesome!
Moving further every day with PT
Breakfast of Champions- Honey Nut Cheerios!
Heading to meet Aunt Moff and go to IDAHO
All in a days work...
Love this sweet bedhead boy
Janie and Hattie made an indoor snowman
Cousin snow day snow party! Indoor snowmen and snow cones
Settling in at Stonehenge AF
