Alex at Cub Country Day Camp - Ft Frontier

Alex said he is having fun and he just got here.

Todd's Stroke

On Tuesday, July 15th, my brother Todd experienced a stroke. We understand that in the morning at work, his co-workers heard him vomit at his desk. When they arrived, they saw him sitting with his head in his hands. He was unresponsive to any questions, but was breathing normally. They called 911 immediately and he was rushed to the Jordan Valley Hospital.

At the hospital, he was responsive, but had slurred speech and would not open his eyes. His mouth drooped to one side for a little while and he talked about taking care of his work responsibilities. He also had convulsions where his arms and legs flailed in the air, but were not full-body seizures (his tongue was not out of his mouth, it was only certain parts of his body, and he seemed to keep some degree of control).

They ran a bevy of tests including a CT scan, chest x-rays, an EKG, and an MRI. After all but the MRI they ruled out a stroke and from x-rays and a doctor listening to his lungs, diagnosed him with pneumonia. The admitting doctor said that pneumonia had commonality with things like meningitis and could cause brain injury symptoms. This didn't make sense to us and we said as much and continued to emphasize our opinion that it was a stroke and the reasons why we thought it was a stroke (slurred speech, drooped side of lip, and obvious mental impairment). I even asked the emergency room doctor after looking they looked at the CT scan if they were sure this was not a stroke. They said they were sure it was not a stroke, especially after looking at the CT scan which she said was "clean."

The next morning, they finally agreed with us (probably after the MRI showed some indications) and wisely determined they would send him to the University of Utah Medical Center where they have a stroke center and a stroke team.

The biggest problem in my mind is that along with the large number of drugs they pumped into him during the first two hours he was there to combat viral, bacterial, and other possible problems, they did not administer any stroke medications, despite our constant admonitions that we believed he had a stroke. Therefore, the vital three hours passed without the key help he needed despite being in an emergency room.

Todd has been sleeping most of the time. I have learned that this is good. Jill Taylor, a neuroanatomist was recently on Fresh Air on NPR and talked about what it was like to have a stroke and map its progress as it was happening, but more importantly, what key elements are most important for recovery. Instead of keeping the brain engaged as much as possible, Dr. Taylor argues that sleep allows the brain to heal more fully. A link to the site so you can listen is here.

Regular updates on Todd's recovery are posted at toddstroke.blogspot.com.

Todd Loses Nut, Tries to Find It

This is a funny post just becasue of the header. It's true. When Todd was cutting the cherry tree with the chainsaw, he vibrated one of the nuts for a guard loose and it fell off. When it happened, he proclaimed loudly, "I lost a nut." None of us argued with that statement.

Cutting the Cherry Tree

Todd and my dad figuring out how to use the chainsaw to cut down the last few parts of the cherry tree.

When my sister called and asked if all the family wanted to get together one last time before she left for California, I said sure. I should have asked what she had in mind before being so agreeable. Jody said that she thought cutting down the dead cherry tree in my grandma's back yard would be a great way to spend this time. What can I say to that. It's that trap I often spring on my children. You don't want to because you have plans for the weekend, but you know it's the right things to do. So after muttering an "Oh crap," I gathered my family and we went off to chop down a cherry tree. And no, I am not telling a lie.

Grandpa's Wake

I have never been one for funerals. They compel me to dwell on my own thoughts of loss instead of the transition and celebration. Wallowing in feelings of loss is okay, but if it goes unchecked it is nothing but a waste of time and can seriously mess with your mind and heart. Plus, I highly doubt those who have left want us to sit around and cry. I don't think crying is much of a way to show how much I feel for someone. Instead, I choose to party.

A party for someone who is died is called a wake and since this is someone special to almost everyone in my family, no ordinary wake would do. So instead of just a one-evening wake, we stretched it out over four evenings interrupted by a viewing and a funeral. Stories were told, feelings expressed, and while big band music blared and fantastic food was consumed, our hearts were bonded and patched. Now, instead of focusing on all the places and ways in which we will miss our grandfather and father, we have a brighter recollection of who he is and are ready to valiantly live our lives with purpose to honor him and prepare ourselves to greet him once again.

See You Soon Grandpa

The morning of July 3rd, my grandfather, Roy Drexl passed away. Even as I write this, it is hard for me to realize. I don't know how close most people are to their grandparents, but these grandparents have been a key part of my development and a lot of who I am I owe to them. In other words, I have been extremely close to my grandparents, and especially my grandpa.

He was 88, a wonderfully old age. For 40 years of my life I have had the privilege of his company, wit, knowledge, and friendship. I feel very blessed to have had this much time with him. So while it is a sad moment because I no longer have this dear friend with me, I know he is having a much better time and when I see him again we'll have much to talk about.