Christmas Update

*I think this post was origianlly done by the relief society in Sue's ward. I wanted to add it to this blog just in case any readers weren't aware of Sue's great progress: All of the prayers in Sue's behalf have been heard by our Father in Heaven. It was a very happy day on Wednesday, December 21st. Sue defied all the odds and was able to come home! Look at that smile on her face! She worked her tail off in therapy, so the Doctors decided she could come home under the care of her ever doting, wonderful husband Brad. He will be doing her therapy with her at home for the next couple of weeks. In the meantime they will wait for the swelling to subside the rest of the way. Then the doctors will be able to go in and replace the bone flap in her head. Following that she will continue therapy for a few more months. We have witnessed a true miracle in our midst. From the doctors saying "not much hope", to being able to walk, talk and move in such a miraculously short time, reminds us that the power of the priesthood is real. We are so blessed to have that knowledge and power to bless our life's. It is an incredible day for Sue to get to be home and sleep in her own bed! It's the best Christmas present ever! *We ask that you still be respectful of her need to do therapy and rest. You can send a note of encouragement or leave a message on the blog in the "post a comment box" below. Sue has been so touched by the outpouring of love and support from all of you.

December 17

Sue is progressing really well! They've moved her down to a rehabilitation room. The doctors have decided she should finish rehab before they put back in her skull bone. She's doing everything more quickly than expected and if she continues on this path she'll be finished with rehab on the 21st and they'll do the surgery the next day. If all continues well, she should be home between Christmas and New Year.

Yesterday Brad was walking the kids and me back to our car after we came to visit. Right before he left the room he said to Sue, "If you need anything, I'll be right back. Don't try to get out of bed by yourself." She replied that she'd wait. Right as Brad was coming back into the room he caught her trying to move on her own and helped her before she fell. She got a stern lecture from Brad and the nurses and they turned on a bed alarm to prevent any future mishaps. Luckily everything turned out ok, but I couldn't help but smile a little at this event - that's the spunky, independant woman we all know and it's fun to see that part of her personality come out.

How Do I Love My Nana?

How do I love my Nana?

Let me count the ways.

She kisses your face,

Gives hugs to last forever,

I love my Nana.

How do I love my Nana?

Let me count the ways.

She shows her love,

And works hard towards her goals,

I love my Nana.

How do I love my Nana?

Let me count the ways.

She smiles and laughs,

And has a good time,

I love my Nana.

How do I love my Nana?

Let me count the ways.

She listens to her children and grandchildren,

Celebrates our acompishments from an A+ to winning a spelling bee.

I love my Nana.

What do I know about my Nana?

Let me tell you the ways.

She is talking and walking,

Eating her dinner,

Being brave for her shots,

Holding her loved ones,

Coming home around Christmas,

And feeling much better.

We love our Nana!

By Lauren Green

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Anyone who loves Nana, feel happy, she will return soon! If YOU are Nana, We love you vey much! I would have made the poem longer, but I'm tired. It could go on forever, we all love you to the ends of the earth, past the moons, the planets, and eternity. AND BACK AGAIN A MILLION TIMES. Dear Nana, you are an angel sent down from heaven. We love you Nana!

A Thought Worth Sharing

These words hit home with me today. They were shared with Sue and I by Carma Hyde, McKay's mom, who recieved them from her dear friend who has had similar life experiences as we are having now. What a gift words can be.

                                                 How can there be redemption and resurrection
                                                         Unless there has been great sorrow?
                                                                    And isn't the struggle
                                                                          And rising
                                                                  The real work in our lives?
                                                                               
                                                                                            - Mary Oliver

For all of us, each season of life is different and presents various challenges and lessons.  The promise of the Christmas season is that sorrow can be turned to joy, struggle can provide strength, and rising is possible through the matchless life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

-Brad

A Tender Word From Peter, Sue's Grandson

Hi, this is Marie, Sue's daughter.

I wanted to share with my family something Peter said tonight.  As I was doing the dinner dishes he was coloring at the kitchen table.  He looked up, full of emotion and said, "Mom, if I think about you being in the hospital and having your brain hurt like Nana's it makes we want to cry really hard like you do sometimes for Nana."

I was so touched at the empathy that his little 6 year old heart was capable of.  I know my kids have been worried as I have burst into tears when a friend shows up at my door to check on me.  Or, poor Rinda (8) who was in my bed the night of mom's injury, my husband McKay half way around the world in India.  She woke up several times that night to my sobbing and vocal pleading with Heavenly Father as I waited for texts and phone calls to come- holding my hand. These, added to the tender prayers and fasting from my older two kids has really shown me the great capacity of faith, understanding, and compassion that we are to learn from children and ultimately aspire to.

My mom's grand-kids adore her, for sure.  I am certain that their great desire for her recovery has been felt in heaven and surely been an underlying motivator for mom to improve and heal.

Looking forward to our next Skype session & much love from New Jersey, Nana!

Kids Perspectives:

Thoughts from Matt & Heidi's kids...

When Nana first went to the hospital I fasted for her and prayed. I felt good because I was doing a nice thing. It strengthened my testimony of fasting and praying because it was hard to do but I knew I was doing the right thing.

-Bradley Green, age 12

When I first found out that Nana had an aneurism, I got really worried. To help her get better I prayed, fasted and constantly thought of her. When I prayed and fasted I felt the spirit and knew that even if she went to heaven she would be comforted. When I found out she was improving I felt like celebrating. To cheer her up, I made her a poster in my spare time. Anybody who visits Nana is welcome to sign it. I love my Nana very much and I hope she feels better soon.

-Lauren Green, age 10

I prayed to Heavenly Father. I just love how she can talk now. I am gonna give her a book and I made it. I’m glad that she is feeling better. The best thing of all is she is the best person I know.

-Will Green, age 6

I love Heavenly Father and Nana. I pray for Nana every day.

-Owen Green, age 3

Dec 12, 2011

Im sure I talked Moms ear off last night! We sat and had a long conversation over some chocolate chip cookies.  It was so great to be able to carry on a conversation with her and have her converse back without any hesitation or confusion.  I hadn't really realized until last night how much I missed having mundane, day to day conversations with her.  We didn't get to stay long because she had a masseuse come in and give her a well deserved massage.  Tomorrow marks two weeks.  Words cannot begin to express how blessed our family has been.  Those hospital beds are not comfortable! You would think with all the modern day luxuries we have now, hospital beds would be a lot better than they are.  The boys and Brad are still constantly at her side.  They are proud to report that she has not spent a moment alone since she got there.  Im sure I speak for everyone when I say that our testimonies and faith in the Lord and his gospel have grown.  We constantly read of miracles in the scriptures, but they are still happening today.  I am a witness of that.  Im living in one right now.  Thank you for your prayers in Sues behalf, I testify that your prayers are heard.  Please keep praying for her, but don't forget to thank our Father in Heaven for the blessings he has been sending us all during this tough time.