Rough Go

This has been a rough go for both Craig and I,  By Sunday July 18th my oxygen level was very low.  We were not improving.  Eric Towner called when he heard from Stacy we had covid and told us we needed to take Ivermectin right away it will help to keep it from progressing and help us to recover.  I called our doctor in Salt lake and the Bear Lake Clinic and neither were familiar and would not prescribe the drug.  I was very frustrated.  I wanted to do what we could to prevent us going into the hospital.  Going to the hospital is the last thing I wanted to happen.  Eric told us we could get it in a paste form at the IFA intermountain famers feed store and supply.  We laughed- this was used to treat animals.  I called Tally Johnson in our Bear lake ward who I know has horses.  She was so sweet and was working in Logon on Wednesday and said she would pick us up some.  She was very familiar with it.  She said her and Andy, her husband had a bad respiratory illness for about three weeks and just getting over it.  They were never tested, but were doing good now.  Andy and her both had taken the Ivermectin.   Craig was very skeptical about until Eric called and told him he needed take it.  He explained to him and how it works.  We were both very sick and willing to try anything. I knew there is early prevention of this illness. By the weekend we both were going down.  It had taken a change of direction.  I was not getting better. Craig did call for our ministering brethren to come give us a blessing Sunday morning.  He had borrowed an oxygen tester to gauge our level of saturation.  Mine was very low.  He called around and found an oxygen tank for me from the medical paramedic in town,  I used it all and still my levels were to low.  He insisted we go to the hospital so Craig ended up taking me to the hospital. it was a long and painful ride there every winding curve in the road my entire body hurt all over.   I was at 80 saturation for my oxygen level so they kept me.  I knew Craig was just as sick as me and felt he needed to be in the hospital too. I stayed for two days. I received an IV treatment and just laid in bed and watch TV. Worried about Craig the whole time too, he wasn’t much better than me. It was hard for him to come even pick me up and bring me home on Wednesday morning. It was brutal driving back to the lake in the car and just felt so sick. We both fight spells of nausea. By Thursday Craig and reach the end of his rope and we decided to take him to the ER in Salt Lake. I managed to drive to Salt Lake and I dropped him off at the Intermountain hospital in Murray. They checked him out and said he was going to be OK just takes time to get over this virus going on two weeks now and it seems like an eternity.  Stay and her family were staying at draper home.  The entire family was sick and had tested positive also.  The kids were only sick for a few days and then up playing.  Stacy was struggling.  Chad was really sick and went to the ER the same day we drove down.  They did send him home with some oxygen.  Stacy had to keep things going with her and the kids and not feeling well herself.  Craig was at the ER for 5 hours and then called to say they were sending him home.  I was too sick to go, so Stacy picked him up.  We had Chad downstairs sick in bed and us upstairs.   We stayed a couple days at our Draper home.  Friday night Buck our son-law made us chicken and wild rice soup.  Trisha was in the heat of decorating for the parade of home and told Buck he was on his own in making us some soup.  I so appreciated his efforts.  He did a great job.  All we wanted to eat was soup and even that was hard to eat anything. While there our car had a flat tire and we had to get it fixed.  The last thing we wanted to be dealing with us both flat in bed.  Buck was able to help us that which was very helpful. He is the best son-in-law.    By Saturday I wanted to go back to the lake it’s a little more quieter there. Our place is small in Draper and it was hard not to be on top of each other. I didn’t want Stacy to feel like she had take care of us too. Trisha is in the heat of getting ready for the Salt Lake parade of homes she had to have her home all decorated by Monday night 25 August. We stopped by their house to fix our flat tire I wanted to go see what she’s done but I didn’t wanna make anybody sick. We had a Fast leak in the back right tire, Buck was able to help plug it. After we got that fixed we just packed up and drove back up to the lake to rest here. My brother Tommy went in the hospital last week too he stayed five days, he came home on Monday this week. Each day just blends together.  We sleep and move from the bed to the couch. I have been fighting a bad headache the last two days.  Our Bear Lake friends and neighbors have been so good to us in dropping food off.  I was able to fix us some breakfast this morning. Hard not to get discouraged !! This has really knocked us down.  Craig’s cousin called to visit with us.  She told us that her mother Aunt Donna age 92 and her husband that is 101 years old both both have covi-19 now.  They had received the vaccine.  So even that is not a sure thing.  The ER doctor, told Craig he is seeing both vaccinated and non at the ER right now coming in sick with covid-19.  It is half and half.  The news media is saying it is the non-vaccinated filling the hospitals when this is really not the case.  Crazy that there are vaccinated contracting this illness when that was the purpose of getting vaccinated to prevent contracting the illness.  The vaccination is not stopping the spread.  All I know is I do not wish to spread this to anyone.  I'm counting my blessing I was able to come home from the hospital.  

Covid-19 Tested Positive

Monday I was able to do a few things- like washing some towels from all the family being here and tidy up a little.  Craig was getting the kayaks ready for the young men's river trip.  He came in to rest and said he had no energy.  He felt he was having a hard time catching his air.  He had to lay down a take a nap.  He did go play pickleball that evening with his car wash buddy Rich.  They went to Dale's and Denise home to play.  Craig wanted me to come but I just didn't feel well enough to go anywhere.  When got home he said I think we need to get tested for Covid.  I thought wow!  Really.  I was so caught of guard.  I didn't even think about. Tuesday morning I called the Bear Lake clinic they couldn't get us in until 3;30 pm.  Craig got the young men's off early for their river trip and came home.  He knew he was not feeling well enough to go.  I did have a lot of congestion in my nose and sneezing by now.  When they tested us- they placed a long stick cotton swab far up my nose, I was begging for the nurse to stop.  in about 20 minutes came back and said my test was positive right off. Craig's came back negative.  But he was having the same symptoms, he was a few days behind me in contracting the illness. The nurse did another test to send in and would let us know in 24 hours.    Yes he  tested positive for covid19-, Craig has low Oxygen right round 80- it should be in the 90’s- mines good, I think I’m through the worst of it.  Craig’s just a few days behind me but it is affecting his oxygen level so having to keep a close watch on him.  I have slept most of the time since last Friday.  Today I was able to get up and mange to clean the kitchen.   So that is an improvement.  We had a long discussion and I felt we would conquer this. I thought I was starting to improve.  This was such a surprise to me.  Why did I not even think about it?  Wow I couldn't believe I had the dreaded illness, yet I felt peace we would be ok.

I’m So Sick

I have been flat in bed the past three days.  I drove back to the lake Wednesday afternoon after dropping my Mom off at the airport Tuesday evening.  It has been a whirlwind of four days. I was so exhausted from it all.  Wednesday I did sleep in and then went to get a pedicure. My feet were so dry felt good to have my feet massaged. I Had to stop at 5:30pm before leaving town to meet up with the pro-dent repairman that could repair my car. Tommy was hit by somebody in the parking lot on Monday and it dent the car to where it was catching- when opening the door on the passenger side. It’s always something. Tommy was rough on my car. he drives rough and it was filthy when it came back and then the dent in the car, I was not real happy about it. I won’t be loaning my car to him anymore, he’s going to have to rent a car when he comes in town.  The pro-dent man was able to repair it well enough that I can open my car door. He only charge me $40 which was not too bad. I just need to call the girl that backed into the car to have her contribute to the expense of the repair. I drove back up at the lake Wednesday evening. Stacy and her family were still here they were staying at the lake the entire week they left this morning.  I was able to go boating with them on Thursday and enjoy our time out in the boat.  Thursday night I could tell I was fighting something I’m not feeling very well. and have a sore throat.  I got out my vitamin C to help build my immune system.  I felt run down.  The stress of all the family here did take a toll on me physically.  By Friday I was flat in bed, sleeping most of the day. Saturday and Sunday the same.  I just crashed.  I had body aches setting in and just not feeling well.  I stayed in my bedroom not wanting to infect Stacy and her family.  I’ve been flat in bed, I’ve just been hiding out,  I started having body aches and a headache and congestion in my throat.  I have just felt terrible. I have been able to sleep most of the time which is good and taking lots of ibuprofen for the aches. It feels so nice to have some peace and quiet since the Towner family left, six grandkids running around all week wore on my nerves. Natasha left Winston and Lincoln here too for the week. They’re all good grandkids it’s just extra noisy which is normal,  being sick just made it hard,  I just had to put air plugs in to drown out the sound and then the noise from the highway, it’s been so bad, it’s been like a freeway  of cars going up and down all day long it wears on my nerves too.  Not feeling good it just makes me anxious with all the noise. This just hit me out of no where. I’m sure it was from all the stress of having all the family here it’s been a whirlwind of a week. Last Monday I woke up with a bad case of vertigo, my brain was spinning around inside it made so nauseous I threw up a couple of times as the day went by it slowly got better,  I had to take the day off just laid around most of the day. I think having my mom here and taking care of her it was very stressful on me. And having all the family here is a lot of work. The cabin needs a good cleaning now- it’s so dirty from 33 family members and I’m too sick to do anything. it’s going to have to wait. I wish I had my T-girl here to help me she’s so good at cleaning and organizing things. Being sick I just feel very vulnerable right now not able to do much- going to just have to wait till I feel better.  This has indeed been a whirlwind of a week for me and my body has suffered from it all.  Pray to regain my strength soon so I can be up doing what needs to be done. Towner family left this afternoon and will be staying at our Draper home for the week.  They are staying in town till after the 24th of July.  Hope I get to feeling better so I can spend some more time with their family before they head back to California.  

Driving To the Airport

Monday morning after the 4th, I woke up with vertigo.  It was so bad I started throwing up.  I just laid around all day Monday not feeling well. Couldn't explain why.  I have never experience anything like this before.  My brain felt like it was just spinning inside.  I had to keep my eyes closed and rest.  I’m so tired today I’m sleeping in and resting at our Draper home. It has been a whirlwind the past four days from the time mom, Tom and Richele arrived till the time they left. Feeling a little sad at the same time wishing Mom could’ve stayed longer. She’s just getting old and not going to be here much longer. She can hardly walk or get around anymore only a few steps, she needs her walker and even then it’s a struggle getting around. She was packed to come stay at least a month, she’s just so attached to Tommy she doesn’t want anybody taking care of her but him,- it’s actually very annoying. She said she had a hard time breathing which could be the case but I know she was just very anxious as well. She did get to see everyone and that was the most important thing, everyone was able to gather at the cabin we were only missing Alec and Cole, so she was able to give them all hugs and kisses and visit with them the past four days. It was crazy at the cabin with all the grandkids running around, just had to let go with all the chaos. My mom is a lot of work- it was exhausting, she slept with me in my bedroom and Craig on the couch because she needed to be on the main level - she can’t do stairs. She had a hard time sleeping on her last night it was 4 AM before I got her finally down and resting I was dragging yesterday,  I got her packed up. Tommy and Rochelle drove back from Logan to pick us up.  They left Sunday afternoon to attend the his brother Lucas wedding events and stayed in Logan two nights.  They then drove back up Logan Canyon to pick up Mother and I and then driving back down Logan canyon.  It is a beautiful drive.  We were heading toward the airport their flight was at 8:30 PM they needed to be at the airport by 7 PM.   We met up with Randy my Nephew about 5;30pm.  Mother wanted to see him before leaving town.  We only had one hour to visit with him, his sweet wife Cassie and see their new little baby boy, it was a quick visit before going to the airport.  It was so special to to see Mom with Randy and his new baby.  Randy was very emotional.  Wish we could have spent more time with them. Randy had not since his grandmother in about 10 years.   

Saying good by is so hard,  this could be the last time we all see our Gaga- she is living on borrow time.

I was able to drop them off in time.  Hugging and saying our good byes is hard.  I tried really hard to not get emotional.  I wanted Mom to stay yet knew it would be very difficult caring for her.  It was going to greatly alter my lifestyle.  I wasn't going to push her to stay.  I told her if she felt unsure she was more that welcome to go back.  She got to see all the family in her short visit and that was the important thing.  Mission accomplished.  After I dropped them off I went to our Draper home so very tired and fell asleep on the couch by 8pm.  This has been a whirlwind of a 4 day weekend.    

4th of July 2021

This has been an eventful 4th of July this year.  I thought we weren’t having any family and then they all decided to come.   I had to drive down Friday late afternoon to pick up my mother, Tommy and Richelle from the airport.  Their flight was late coming in didn’t arrive until 10;45 pm.  By the time we got to our Draper home and in bed it was 1pm.  I was beat. We packed up and  headed for the lake by 11am Saturday. We didn’t arrive at the lake until 3pm.  Everyone was at the lake waiting for Gaga to arrive all 30 in our family branch.  We were just missing Cole on his mission and Alec had to work.  We walked into the cabin with all the little Grandkids squirting us with their  mini water guns.  I told Tommy welcome to the the chaos.  We had 33 of us for our 4th of July dinner.  After dinner we went and saw the Fireworks at the Park.  We didn't do our family fireworks this year, they have been banned due to the drought and very dry condition.  The city provided a great firework show for us. I was beat by the end of the night.  My back was killing me I stood to much and by evening it had flared up,  I just have to go to bed.  It always feels better the next day.  I woke up early Sunday morning to finishing preparing for our gospel  doctrine lesson.  I’m teaching this week.  I haven't had as much time to prepare this week working hard doing chores around the cabin, cleaning and getting ready for all the family to arrive. driving back and forth to Draper to pick up my mother.  So I felt nervous.  I prayed for the spirit to guide me.  I did have some inspiration as to how the lesson should go.  We talked about defending our religion, that no weapon used against the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ will not be stopped. The gospel message is to fill the earth.  We have to have the courage to open our mouths and learn how to defend the  church.   I invited my mother to share her testimony which fit perfectly in the lesson .  She did such a great job.  She has not been to church since the virus out break last year when everything shut down.  She really enjoyed being there and feeling the spirit of the Saints.  She was going on two years of not being able at attend church because of her illnesses and being in isolation from this virus.  She is a high risk level.  She was so Happy to be in church and share her testimony.  The lesson went well.  Thank you Heavenly Father!! It is always a sigh of relief for me when it is over.  I’m very much enjoying my study time in the Doctrine and covenants.  Learning so very much.  I love immersing myself is the scriptures.  This has been blessed Sunday and 4th of July. Lots going on with all the family.  I fixed a yummy dinner for everyone.  Hawaiian haystacks.  Everyone loved it.  It is now a family favorite. We all have enjoyed our day of eating good food and visiting with one another.  My mother is loving her time with the family.