Future Farmers

These pictures are from September, but I am really behind in my normal blog posts. Every fall when my Dad starts combining the boys like to go out and ride in the combines and in the big grain cart. Davis could ride for hours, Marcus not so much. Davis says that he likes to ride in the Grain Cart better because the guy who drives it goes faster, and he lets him drive the tractor. This year when we went out they were combining south of Kimball by the river. We went out on a very beautiful day. It was so cool to see the combines right in front of the mountains.

While the boys were having their rides, my Dad took me down by the river to look for bears. Luckily we didn't see any because it was too hot that day. Dad was disappointed, but I was only slightly disappointed. He kept telling me that where we were that day is his favorite spots to combine. He also told me that he loves how pretty the land is around the river. I had to agree. I really did grow up in a beautiful part of the country.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

This is Drew.

This is the first time I have had a chance to look at this blog and I am blown away by your support.

As Marty mentioned we are now home and I am slowly on the mend. Unfortunately it will be weeks before I get back to "normal", but I am so happy to be back with my family. I had not seen my boys for about 3 weeks so yesterday was a very emotional one. I am still in a fair bit of pain and hence must keep myself drugged up. I get tired just walking around the house and am already feeling guilty for my inability to help out (I cannot pick up my kids, drive, or do much of anything). But I am working at it and hope to improve quickly.

I am feeling a little self conscious right now as I have lost over 15 pounds over the past 3 weeks, and as you know I really did not have 15 pounds to lose. When I look at myself in the mirror I hardly recognize myself.

I would just like to take a minute to express my infinite gratitude for all those who have helped me over the past 3 weeks:

(1) My dear wife. Marty was by my side nearly every second, and I know I would not have made it without her. She continues to be a great help to her "invalid" husband. I am blown away by her strength.

(2) My parents. They basically put their lives on hold to be by my side in the hospital. And I am confident they often felt the same pain and anguish I did.

(3) Marty's parents. Delton & Brenda watched our boys while we were in Calgary. I cannot express how grateful I am for their help and support.

(4) All of the rest of my family for their support and help. They have done so much to help Marty and I keep our home and life on track. There are truly too many of you to list.

(5) All those who included me in their prayer and fasting. In the hospital I often felt guilty as I was feeling sorry for myself when there are so many others who have been (and are enduring) so much worse then me. But as never having dealt with something like this it felt pretty hard at the time, and I am confident that it was your faith, prayers & fasting that got me through.

(6) My fellow teachers at Lethbridge College. This came up so suddenly I was forced to desert my classes basically overnight. I am incredibly grateful for those teachers who covered (and continue to cover) my classes. This was such a huge weight off of me.

(7) All those who have brought my family meals. It may seem like a small thing but it just one less thing to worry about.

There are so many others I could thank but I think you know who you are and I will leave it there, and just say again thank you and I love you! I pray that I will have the opportunity to pay all of you back in some small way someday.

Friday November 13

The best sentence ever...We're home.

Thursday November 12

We had lots of good things happen again today. Drew got his final chest tube out (YAY), and he got his IV pole taken away. It is a lot easier to go for walks without having to unplug a million things and not have to lug around a that ridiculous pole. They also started giving his antibiotics and pain meds orally. So that means we are a few steps closer to going home. At lunch time, Drew was so sick of being in his room and eating hospital food that he had ate take-out in the cafeteria. He also is eating my dinner left-overs. The crap part of our day was that he got moved to the over-flow room. They said he isn't sick enough to be in a real room. That last bit is good, but the over-flow room is incredibly crappy. Hopefully, it is just for a day or two.

Tuesday November 11

Happy Remembrance Day. Drew's roomate LeRoy is a vetran from World War 2, and he had his picture in the Calgary Sun today from when he was in the army. So of course he had to show us and the nurses, and I told him what a handsome 16 year old he was. Drew made some more progress. He got his second chest tube out, all 33 of his staples out, and he hasn't used any oxygen since yesterday. So, I really hope that he continues on the right path. We went for a really long walk today. We went down the elevator and to the cafeteria and around his unit twice. At the time, he had tons of energy and wanted to keep going, but by the time we got back he was pretty wiped. So, tomorrow's plan is to take out the last chest tube, and after that take him off the PCA, and onto oral meds. I can't wait to go home.

Tuesday November 10

We keep seeing a bit more progress every day, and it is wonderful!! Today Drew got one of his chest tubes out, was on oxygen just in the morning (I kept checking his levels and they were great, just to make sure (mine were 98, I had to check mine too)). We also went for a ton of walks today. We even ventured out with Drew in a wheelchair to another floor. It was a bit of a gong show, but he was so happy to get out of his unit. One of the great parts of my day was that my friends Erin and Shay came and took me out for a really, really yummy lunch at some swanky restaurant. Drew's surgen, Dr. McFadden said that they are going to pull a tube every day, then take him off the PCA, and give him meds orally. If all that goes well, he could be home by early next week. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed, and praying really hard.

Monday November 9

I thought that I would give an update on how we are doing in the big city of Calgary. Let me just say that our GPS is my new best friend, and I will never go anywhere without it. Drew had a good day today. He had an x-ray this morning, which the doctors were happy about the way it looked. The chest tubes are in the right place and they are doing what they are supossed to be doing. The suction on them was also reduced to just when he is in bed. The next phase is to reduce them to gravity, and then to no chest tubes, which may happen as early as tomorrow. Drew and I also went for some good walks around the halls. We had a really long one in the morning, and then our afternoon one was without oxygen. It tired him out, but he worked so hard. I was so proud. Also, his oxygen is down to 1 L, only when he needs it. He has been working really hard at doing all the things the doctors ask, at his breathing and bed exercises. As for me, I am so glad that he is out of isolation. I spent the day hooking and un-hooking him up, reading, and watching "Heroes" on Drew's IPod. Drew is a little bit frustrated with how slow his recovery is, but he really is making huge progress. I want to especially thank Bart and Lindsey Jensen for so graciously opening up their home to me. Also, thank you so much Nikki for taking me out for dinner last night. It was so good to see you!!