2010 Garrard Family Reunion

Hi family. When I was in Tampa last weekend with the softball tournament, I called Jeanette. I wish I could have seen her, but it was still hours away and we didn't have it in our schedule. I asked Jeanette about the cruise plans for the reunion. She said that her sister-in-law has not forgotten about it and is working it - soon if not already. I told Jeanette that the family was asking about it. Hopefully we will hear more soon. I asked her if she was able to keep up with the blog and emails, and she was getting a new cable or something for her computer, so she has been offline for a little while.

Kristina's baby is due in 3 weeks (4 weeks when I talked to Jern), so I guess that will be the next baby in the family. Angela is due in May. She said everyone was doing fine.

Remember This?

This was at the Peoria/Nauvoo reunion. All the cousins look like they're having fun except Michael. Jeanette, if you are getting this...could you give us some more details yet about our next reunion?
Linda, you looked great on your Nuar video. It's a little fuzzy and your voice sounds raspy but what an improvement from the ICU! That was not a good way to lose weight.
Ron, you are amazing and we laughed so hard at your Nuar family! How in the world do you make all those weird looks?
Love to you all, Jeri

"Take me to your leader"

We (Deana, mom and I) are sitting here at Deana's house having our weekly Wednesday visits. We are so happy to have her with us again. Mom wanted to express her gratitude for all of the balloons, cards, flowers, and prayers from everyone. (Yes, she did receive your card and cd Jeri)
She wanted to tell Grandma and Grandpa thank you for the valentine's and that she loves you. I read all of the posts to her and we laughed and cried. She says, "Thank you!!!" She also said, "All of my tubular descrepancies (sp?) have been resolved!" (Ronnie, she thinks that she looks like Nuar the Wacky Alien.) She thinks she has lost about 60 pounds. She is really weak and lays on the couch but still is able to joke, laugh and cry. Her voice is still not 100% but we are just so happy that she can talk to us.
We (I am speaking for all of the Conway kids) would like to thank everyone for being so supportive and for your prayers, pictures, and love.

Would love an update

Linda has been home 3 days now. How is she progressing? Is her strength getting back? Does she need anything? We would love to hear an update.

Happy Birthday to Kristina, Courtney, and Ben this month. Jeanette, I hope you read the blog. How are the two expecting mothers, Kristina and Angela? When are they due? How is expecting mother, Lora? Are there any others I forgot about? I find it hard to keep up with our family sometimes. I love the blogs and am finally getting back to them more often.

Just a Note

Its's great Linda could go home. I've tried to call her but a recording just says that she is away from her phone and can't be reached. I would love to hear her voice and know how she felt about everything going on with her. Maybe her voice isn't up to talking and it's best to let her rest. And how did her brain scan turn out? Beth your blog won't let me make comments on it. Love, Jeri

Thank you, all who are there to help Linda

The ones we need to thank are all of you, THERE and close by, that could be there to encourage Linda's recovery. It meant so much to Linda and Rashadd. It would have been insurmountable without YOUR presence. We are so grateful for you. June and I were commenting that we are grateful also that Linda did not need any cutting operations, although it did prick her vanity, for sure. Knowing Linda's personality. But that is what makes Linda. She has always been very sensitive to her pride and position reletivity. We can't take that away from her, unless you want a fight. As her daddy, that has been my observation. Regardless, Linda honey, we love you very much and accept you for every little thing that makes you LINDA. We don't want you to change, we love you like you are. That is your daddy's little secret and now everyone knows. We are so thankful that you have returned home where you are happy and comfortable with your good husband Rashadd. Thankyou Rashadd for being there.
Susan, thank you for your comments and insights. You are probably right about Deana holding Stacey in the picture. Kim is not there then and somehow we missed her. We tried to phone also and we used each phone# that we have, but to no avail. Hope you have better luck than us-nnn. Ron your impression of the wacky alien is funny. I like the one where you asked, "when are we going to grow down to a baby?" Sounds like a good idea, ha. That may not be so far fetched, because were we not adults in the first estate before becoming mortal in the second estate? Think about it.
Well...I would surmise that copies of these BLOG events eventually reach our sweet Linda, so let us all say adeux for now, then add that we love you all very much. Mom & Dad, G&G

What a Miracle!

Having Linda home now is a testimony to the power of prayer! Her recovery is such a miracle in every way! I would call Linda but I don't think she could speak too well yet. I'll give her some time to get her voice back before I call. I hope the hospital sends you my card and Kathy's flowers, and whatever else was sent to her. I can hardly wait to see Linda again and give her such a big hug and kiss!

I remember when that picture "Younger Days" was taken near the boats. We decided to go for a ride and see a new resort/restaurant in Alabama. I can't remember if we took a picnic or not, but we had fun looking around at the boats and touring inside the restaurant. Shane and Kelly are wearing their soccer team outfits. Deana is holding Stacey and that's Beth who's wearing boy clothes (hand me downs from her brothers). Cute.

I hope you all had a nice Valentines Day with your sweetie. I know Linda and Rashadd are so relieved to happier days ahead. We love you so much. Susan

Flowers for Linda

Synthetic flowers but with real meaning for Linda's miraculous recovery. Love you all, Mom & Dad

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Mom is now Home!!

Can you believe it...mom went home today about 6 :30 pm. Chris and I took the girls to see her at the hospital. She was back to her self again, besides being weak and her voice not really being there. It was so nice to have some good laughs and actually talk to her. They brought her lunch and she ate it with no problems, although she ate some fruit and salad and was stuffed. Makayla and Karissa cut out paper hearts and decorated her room for Valentine's Day and she is not even going to be there. I am so happy that she is feeling well and is at home to get some good sleep and be with her husband. She will need help getting around her house and she is not strong enough to drive or eat. Deana and I fed her her lunch today. Our prayers have been answered.

Jeri, I love the picture you posted...Kelly and Shane you have some killer shorts and socks on.
Ron, I love Nuar the Wacky Alien...everytime I watch it I laugh. Hopefully Nuar will be coming back again soon.

Archive Picture

We think Linda is pregnant with Jesse Tyler (In the picture, that is). That must be Kim that Deana is holding and Beth is in front, Kelly behind alittle to her left. Every one else is familier. That is an amazing picture. Thanks Jeri for your insights and glad that Linda is out of ICU and doing much better. Sorry Susan, I cant answer any of your questions past what is given by Beth and Shane and others. Though, thanks for your realistic concern. Linda must be conversing now, with tubes out and we would like to know what the talk is about. If Rashadd could give us a little dialog, that would be nice too. That funny guy that showed up on the YOU-TUBE, who wanted to be taken to YOUR LEADER is our Ron, and is out of this world. We never know what he will come up with next. Thinking of all of you and praying for our sweet Linda as ever.
Bless you Linda and continue on your miraculous recovery. We love each of you, Mom&Dad, G&G

Younger Days

This is an old picture I found. I was behind the camera. It looks like we're in Alabama at a boat dock. Does anyone remember anything about it? Look how young everyone is. I think Linda is pregnant with Beth. We're all happy to hear of Linda's progress. I know our prayers have been answered and that she has more on this earth to do. I put her name upon the Choir's prayer list. I wish that Rashadd had internet and that he could tell us how he is feeling on this blog and see how we all have been concerned and love our Linda. I saw what a heavy load he bore when I visited the hospital last week. I also witnessed what love Linda's children have for their mother and how they'll/you'll continue to look after her.
One more thing. Did you all look at Ron's funny Nuar, the Whacky Alien? I think we're all due for a smile. Click on this, and thank you, Ron. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSHGqUucP-0 It makes me laugh every time I see it!
Love to you all! Jeri

Hospital Address and New Room

Hi. I decided to go ahead and call the hospital. I got the phone number of the nurses station where Linda has been moved to. That number is 253-403-1142. She told me that Linda is now in room 620 of the J Wing. I imagine we could call and get connected to her room, but I was not sure if she could take calls.

The mailing address is:
Tacoma General Hospital
315 South Martin Luther King Junior Way
Tacoma, WA 98405

Linda Mayes, Room 620-JWing

Out of the ICU!!

Deana and I visited with mom today and we left there feeling so much better...
First of all when we got there she was very upset and did not want the nurse to come in. We could not figure out why she was so concerned about the nurse coming in...well come to find out he (Ken, the nurse) had made some comment, "Oh you are one of those Mormons?" I am not sure what else he said but he hurt mom's feelings. She kept saying he was mean to her. So Deana called the floor director and we told her the situation and she assured us that Ken would not be working with mom anymore. She was relieved.
We kept pushing the eating issue. She kept saying, "I want to go home. Take me home." We found out she was actually mad at us for leaving her there. We let her know that we would never do anything to hurt her and we want what is best for her and eating right now is what is important. She was complaining about her stomach hurting and her back hurting. She even told us to STOP talking about eating. It hurt my feelings and she could see that. So she eventually said she would try an ice chip. She ate it just fine. The nurse let us try water and that worked just fine and then the nurse let us try cranberry juice which mom was excited about. The ice and water tasted awful to her and the juice burned her throat but hey, her swallowing muscles are working. YEAH!
The nurse took off a lot of the stuff that mom was hooked up to and said she was getting her own room. We were elated. Being in the ICU has been really hard for mom, not only is it extremely loud (beeping, nurses laughing, doors opening and closing ,moo cow's next door, ducks quacking and people on the intercom) but mom has also been very concerned when the nurses and doctors are talking outside her room, she is worried it is about her. She was relieved every time we informed her it was not about her but another patient. (mom said the man next door sounded like a moo cow and her IV pump sounded like a duck. We had some good laughs with mom today.)
So now we need her to get strong and to be able to eat food, which I think will happen soon. She still has the tube going into her stomach but they will take that out as soon as she can eat solid foods with no problems. Working with the physical therapist is hard work, she says, but she will get stronger.
As far as the sepsis and the acute tubular injury - those were treated with antibiotics. They still do not know where the sepsis came from. That is frustrating.
So hopefully tonight she will get some good sleep being in her own room!!

I Still Have Questions

I'm so happy Linda has been able to get up, walk, and sit in a chair! What wonderful improvements! We're overjoyed that her body is starting to heal.

I'm still a little confused as to what is happening. I'm sorry I have to trouble you with more questions. I bet you (Linda's children) feel confused about things yourselves. But we feel helpless being so far away that we can't help, and we need to ask lots of questions.

Do we know what the acute tubular injury was caused by? What are the doctors doing about that, and is that where Linda's body started the viral infection that caused the sepsis? Are they going to repair the tubular injury in her kidneys at some point?

Now they are doing tests on her heart and brain. Is this just a precautionary measure to make sure everything is functioning properly?

I know we just need to wait and see how Linda's body is healing. Is the sepsis going away because of the antibiotics? I know that prayers and faith work too. So we continue to wait and pray a lot.

Love, Susan

She stands!

Rashad and the nurses told me that mom stood on her own and sat in a chair for 10 min. So small improvements! I guess the doctors and nurses felt it would be best to put a feeding tube into her stomach so that was done yesterday. They will begin feeding her today. She is still a bit blank in the eyes and not responding to every question. They did an ecogram (I think that was what it was called) on the heart and it looks good. I really like Dr Nicohls, the heart surgen. He seems to be a spiritial man as he talked with me regarding some things medicine just cant seem to explain and he then turns to the human spirit to explain some of those things. They Also did a scan on the brain, Should have results soon on that. Love you all.

Thanks Beth

That was very good and refreshing news for these old eyes to read. Thank you Beth for your diligence and persistence. Your mother does know who you are and that you are there with her. She depends on you and Deana to keep watch for her. Thanks again. By the way, that is a nice picture of Beth and Linda. Love you all, G&G

Kidneys are up and running!!

YEAH! No Dialysis. The chest tube comes out tomorrow, which mom can't wait for. She complains about that hurting more than anything else. We are hoping she improves even quicker once that is out because right now she is refusing the feeding tube (well she pulled that out on Saturday and does not want it back in) and she won't eat ice chips. She has to strengthen her swallowing muscles first with ice chips but refuses. So she has had no nutrition since Saturday. They don't want to sedate her again because she needs to get strong but she needs to eat. Pray that she will want to eat after that chest tube is out. She is very weak. She moves her legs and was scratching her head today. She will smile every now and then and I asked her who I was today and she said my name. That made me happy. She told Deana that she is confused. Poor mom, she has no clue what is going on. It breaks my heart when she looks at me with a confused look and then just closes her eyes. Tomorrow there will be more improvements.

The Fasting and Prayer

I was thankful to have the family fasting and praying together yesterday. I felt the love of the family and the spirit all day. I know Heavenly Father heard our pleas on behalf of Linda, and He knows what is in our hearts.
Over the weekend Stacey and Kimberly came over and wanted to write in the family blog. I'm so grateful for my sweet loving daughters. They both know what it's like to have trials in their lives and praying to over come them. I enjoy seeing all our children in the family now becoming adults and having sweet families of their own. Our children/Mom & Dad's grandchildren, are the adults now that we rely on and look up to with admiration and respect. Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of Linda and our big beautiful family. I love you all very much, Aunt Susan

kim

Dear Aunt Linda and everyone, my prayers are with you and I know that Linda is strong and that she will be doing aerobics and yoga again soon. I don't get to read all of the family letters very much but we will be getting a computer soon. I think about you all every day and my thoughts and prayers are especially with Aunt Linda and Rashaad, and my cousins and their families. I know Heavenly Father will bless Linda's body to heal. Love and miss everybody, Love, Kim

Where Is My Joy?

This is Sunday morning and we are back home again. Some additional thoughts occured in the interlude that we would like to add. June and I agree that it sounds as if Linda will get well and we are so thankful for that. We do miss you all very much and with all that has happened, we miss Linda and Rashadd more. That doesn't mean that you should get sick in order to be missed. Well, when Linda was here with us (AL)before she moved to Washington, she was reflecting on some of the many difficulties that were evolving in her life at that time and she said, "Where Is My Joy?" You know, she has found her joy in her children and her grand-children. The biggest joy of her life is in her grand-children and her family, brothers and sisters. Welcome to the joy of your life for eternity Linda and we always will Love You Too. Get well! Mom and Dad

Linda feels your love

Thank you each for your love and concern. Thank you Jesse for responding to your mother and treating your mother's dry lips. She knows that her children are there in love and faith for her recovery. Her siblings also are so wonderful to respond to her needs. It is marvelous to feel the family's prayers and love. We all there in spirit with you all. Mucho, much, thanks and love to each of you in our sweet Linda's dire needs. Thank you, thank you all. We will continue to pray for her and give her our abundant love. We have a real and wonderful family that shows who they are when the chips are down. Love you all very much. Mom and Dad

No more breathing machine!!!

Perfect timing...Deana, Jesse and I went to visit mom. The nurse came in and said they were going to take the breathing tube out and to step out for a few minutes. We were so pumped. Of course, we wanted to chat away when we went back in but that won't happen for a day or two. It was nice to see mom's face without a bunch of tubes everywhere. Jesse was sweet and got a swab and some water to moisten her lips because they looked dry. We could tell she tried to make some noise but that wasn't going to happen. A couple of times a loud beeping sound went off and the nurse came in and told mom to just take deep breaths, that must have been the machine that is keeping track of the amount of oxygen she is getting. It was wonderful to see her smile.
Shane and Shila tried to visit later in the day and the nurse turned them away. Mom was needing rest. I guess she also was getting agitated and tried taking out her feeding tube...woops!

Prayers and Visits

We (Keith and Kathy) are in Mobile at a Softball Tournament, but I'm logging on to the Internet to get updates. Thank you for the family fasting and prayer information. I'm glad to know the doctors have a closer idea of how to treat Linda. I sure hope she can start to go without the breather and breath on her own before too long. I was wondering if any of my siblings plan on flying out to be with Linda next. I'm trying to decide what I should do and if anyone is going, should we go at alternate times or the same? Thank you for the updates - they sure help when we aren't there. I love you all. Kathy

Back in Utah

Diane and I got back home yesterday evening. We're so happy we could be with Linda, Rashadd, and the Conway, Wright, and Dolan families for a couple of days. It was important to us to see first hand how Linda was doing and just thankful we could because of Spencer's airline passes. Spencer says there is just one buddy pass left for the year until Jane goes back to work in April or May, so whoever calls him first can have it. I am having a hard time sleeping all night as probably you all are, so I'm up early and decided to catch up on the blog updates. Thank you to all who are adding comments to keep us informed. I guess Shane wasn't at the hospital when Lee and Emily came for a visit also. But thanks to them for coming as well as Spencer and Jane. Wyatt is growing bigger and cuter every time I see him.
Anyway, about Linda...I don't think the acute tubular injury was bronchial, Dad. I think it was the tubes by the kidneys, wasn't it Shane? I think a fast on Sunday (tomorrow) would be perfect and I will be joining in. I am thankful that Linda is responsive and she would be more so if she could get off so much sedation. Thank you to Shane and Shila for taking care of us at your home, and thank you to Deana for driving us around. I loved being with all of you and will have all of you in my prayers as well as your mother. Rashadd, I can tell that you are a big comfort to Linda when you are there. She really needs you by her. Hang in there. We love you. I'm confident that each day she will get a little stronger. Love to you all, Jeri.

Sunday Fast

If we all could fast for mom this Sunday I am sure I can speak for the family and say thank you!
To add a few comments to Beth's remarks; Its been a long week and stress has been on the higher end of things to say the least. We have felt your prayers and thank you for them. Kelly, Diane, Jeri all left today. Thank you to Spencer and Jane for their visit and for the blessing your buddy passes have meant to this family. There has been some progress as Beth pointed out. I will be more relaxed when the time comes in which she is moved out of ICU and into another hospital wing (recovery). Results from many tests have come back negative and they are beginning to think this was a virus or so stated the nurse I spoke with tonight. From the beginning they called this Sepsis from which she went into septic shock. They have attempted to identify if it was viral or bacteria caused sepsis. There have been comments of lymphoma and perhaps other immune diseases. Still no conclusive results and if it was viral then we just have to wait things out for her body to heal. How many more days or weeks really depend on how moms body heals. In any case she is stable and small improvements seem to be one day at a time.

Thank you Beth for the updates and your info on your Mom. We were not familiar with
the term, "Acute Tubular Bronchial Injury", so we referred to our old but reliable 1988 Medical Book. What causes lung abcess? It says, "It is usually caused by blockage of a bronchial tube, with the development of infection beyond the point of obstruction." Then here is an encouragement, "Must lung abscess always be operated upon?" It says, "No, many clear up completely with antibiotics, especially if bronchial obstructions can be relieved or removed." So, Linda is getting antibiotics and hopefully, improving, that is getting rid of the infection. The Bronchial Injury we assume is something that was caused by the initial infection and not from the insertion of treatment tubes. Is this true? Now, tell us how her kidneys are doing? We don't have the latest phone numbers for Deana and Rashadd. Could some one give us their numbers? Love you all, Mom & Dad

Update #3 on Mom

So the past two mornings they have tried to see if mom can breathe on her own and she has not passed. She panics and takes short breaths and would not get enough oxygen. We hope she will be able to do that on her own soon. The results from the kidney biopsy came back and the doctor said, "This is the best result we could have gotten." She has acute tubular injury. It is treatable and she is now on antibiotics. Just taking it one day at a time.

Aunt Linda

I'm so glad to be hearing that Linda is doing better and I'm praying with everyone else that her condition continues to improve. I know that Heavenly Father has literally held me up when I didn't think that I could bare it and I know He is holding Linda and her family up like that right now. I love you!
Stacey

Dear Linda:

According to the reports from family (thank-you all) Linda is improving, but at the same time a guarded condition with many things and tests going on. Thankful she has such good care there. We here in AL have been unsettled as to where we should be, here or there. The consideration of our loving family there, is consoling to us beyond measure. You each have been OUR HAND-TOOL. So we have just stayed put, waiting for word. Your concern has meant so much to us and to Linda also. They still have not given the results of the Biopsey, so we are waiting for any word. We continue to love you all and pray for our sweet Linda to improve. We put Linda'a name on the BHM Temple Prayer-roll. Love, Mom and Dad

Pictures to Cheer Us Up

Beth, thank you for the update on Linda. I wish I could be there to hold her hand along with all of you. I was looking at family pictures I had and wanted to cheer us up a little. So if you want to see some pictures of Linda, I put seven on the MyFamily site.
How are you all holding up? I know you are trying to be strong. I'm thankful that each day we seem to have small improvements. Heavenly Father is with Linda and our family, and is listening to our prayers.
I'm so glad we can talk on this family blog. I'm checking any news every chance I get.
Love, Susan

Update #2 on Mom

Mom was a lot more responsive today. She could nod her head yes and shake her head no. She would open her eyes and they looked clear (yesterday they looked cloudy). She even smiled a few times and it seems as if she is trying to talk to us. A couple of times she would cry. As much as I love having her respond to us it is very hard at the same time. She really listened to Shane explain everything to Aunt Jeri. She wanted to know what was going on, but she seems scared. We try to reassure her everything will be fine. They tried taking her off of the breathing machine this morning and it didn't go so well so she is still intubated (sp?). She had a kidney biopsy yesterday and we will get the results from that on Friday.

Happier Days

I agree with Kelly that Linda always tries to make sure everyone else is taken care of and having a good time. Now it is our turn to take care or our Linda. Rashadd, we love you and pray that God will strengthen you and your sweet wife. Love to all the cute Conway kids! Thanks for keeping us informed.
Diane and I will be there in Tacoma area with you Wednesday afternoon. We really feel we need to come even if it is for a short 2 days. It has been encouraging to hear about even the little progress she makes. Thanks to Shane for letting us stay at his house. See you soon. Jeri

ICU request

Just a foot note for those looking to send a card or flowers. The ICU does not accept flowers so it might be best to hold off on those. We should have some more updates later today (Tuesday).

Praying For Linda

We are still hoping and praying for Linda's recovery. Thank you for calling us Shane. I did call Jeanette and she already knew because Kathy had called her before. It has helped to talk with several family members, I know we can't all be together. Just know that our hearts are with you. Could someone write what the address and room number at the hospital is? Thank you for keeping us updated on Linda's condition. She would be so proud of her children and how you are helping comfort the whole family. I'm so happy that there are signs of improvement and that Linda is responding to her children being in the room. If you haven't already done this, could we all have a family fast and pray for her together? We could set aside a day you choose. I love you all so much. Aunt Susan

Update on Mom

They have taken her off of the blood pressure medicine and lowered the amount of sedative (sp?). So as soon as we walked in the room she started moving her arms and legs. She tried opening her eyes and would nod her head yes/no. It was nice to know that she knew we were there. She will have a kidney biopsy done either tomorrow or Wednesday. We are still waiting...don't know where the infection originated. Thank you for your prayers.

My Mom is Sick

My mom is in the ICU and really sick. Her kidneys are not functioning, her left lung has fluid but her right lung is full of puss and they are currently draining it. This infection from her lung has traveled intravaneously (sp?) throughout the rest of her body. Her blood pressure is very low. Right now she is sedated and on a breathing machine. They have put a feeding tube in her to give her nutrients. We are waiting to see how things go. It could take 2-4 days before we know anything. The doctor is going to do a CT Scan on her abdomen to look at her pancreas and gall bladder. Please pray for her.

Linda's Health

Linda went to the emergency room yesterday and is now in intensive care. She has been put under and has a breathing tube down her throat. She is getting multiple antibiotics and fluids intravenously. She has pneumonia which has worsened to the point of one lung is being drained of infection and her kidneys are failing. The doctors have called it Sepsis. Many forms of testing have begun and test results will not come for at least 48 hrs. The nurse informed us that she will be under for at least another two days and perhaps longer depending on how her body reacts to the medication and how the test results come back. I am sure your hearts and prayers are with us on her recovery. We will keep you posted on more news.