Hey Everyone :)

This is Raydene :)

We obviously made it home.  Discharged June 13 and then back to Rexburg. My dad was kind enough to let us live in one of his rental units on 4th West and we have made a nice little home.  Although we have some mobility issues here, it has definitely been a God send.   Daily life at home compared to daily life in a hospital is obviously different and has been a definite adjustment.  Therapies come to our home twice a week and we get some daily help from an aid.  My job wasn't held for me but we are making do.  I am home helping Danny and raising the kids...funny how life works.  You spend your days wishing "if I only had this one thing everything would be ok" and then when you have what you prayed for you wish you had those things that you inherently had to give up for the answer to the last prayer...I hope I get a small reprieve from the lesson learning soon...

Paul told us on his first visit in June that our goal was for Danny to be standing for  30 seconds with the walker within 6 weeks and walking with it by October.  We reached the first within 3 weeks and are  now standing for 5 minutes and stepping.  None of it is without assistance but it is ALL an improvement from what we were told back in March by the doctors...they were talking nursing homes back then...

We have enjoyed being home even with the challenges and especially enjoy the visits...sometimes friends to say hi or help with a plumbing, carpet, or moving problem, but we appreciate and enjoy each visit and would love to see more of you....going out to visit can become an issue when most homes aren't wheelchair accessible.

Daily life now consists of playing with the kids, personal issues related to the accident, doctor visits, LAUNDRY, and cleaning...BUT how can we complain...how many of us get to spend this amount of time with our spouse and kids?   There's a trade off for everything.  We are broke and humbled but more content with each other than ever before...

BBQ at my parents's (Danny) Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm.  We would LOVE for everyone to come.Although I haven't been able to respond to everyone's notes and posts, I am very grateful for the support and look forward to being back home.  We'll be having burgers and hotdogs.

111 North Center, Rexburg (by the library).

 The standing chair :)  He starts in a seated position and then they pump it up slowly over 5 or 10 minutes, taking his blood pressure every couple minutes.  I asked today how they decide who uses the standing chair and they said they put everyone in one in it to help promote bone and muscle growth.

Danny says, "Don't take anything for granted.  You never know what may be taken from you...even if it's just standing up."

We're gonna have a party :)

So Danny is obviously slacking since he told me he would take over the blog :)  He gets discharged from the hospital on June 13 and we are heading back to Rexburg.  Our plan is for him to continue out paitient rehab at EIRMC for the next year...or as long as we can afford.  He can do board transfers now on his own.  (Sliding across a board from chair to bed or seat).  His upper strength is getting better.  He still has limited motor skills in his fingers.

His trach hole has healed nicely and just a small scar remains.  The bed sore he has had should be completely healed by the time we leave.  We got results from a CT scan today and he will be in the neck brace for at least another month :( He was not pleased with that news.

We will be living in Rexburg thanks to help from my Dad and I will be returning to work at the hotel thanks to the patience and support of the Wilcox family.  Danny and I have spent the last week trying to be completely self sufficient within the hospital and figuring out what things we still need to learn and figure out.

Our life will be completely different but I'm not sure that either one of us would trade this experience for the knowledge we have gained.  We have learned so much about what is important in life, who is important, and what we want for our life together.

They started Danny on the FES bike a couple weeks ago.  They hook him up to electrodes that stimulate his lower muscles. 

ALSO, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY BBQ ON SATURDAY, JUNE 16 FOR DANNY!  WE ARE NOT FOR SURE WHERE WE WILL DO IT, BUT IT'LL BE 5PM TO 7PM IN REXBURG...SO CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR IF YOU CAN AND COME SAY HI.  DANNY WOULD LOVE TO SEE EVERYONE.

We are also going to have a garage sale at Danny's parents (111 N Center, Rexburg) on the 16th from 9am to 2pm :)  Pass the news on so we can clear out the house!  We are coming home with a manual wheelchair, which is way better than having to have the electric wheelchair that is SO heavy and big and would require a van...

Danny is doing the standing chair this afternoon for the 3rd or 4th time so I'll post pics.  He can make it to fully standing, with the chair doing the standing, without passing out now and they have been able to cut back the dose of his medication for his low blood pressure.  Yeah!

I'm taking over the blog.  I just want to tell everyone thank you so much for all the help and support.  I'm starting to have movement in both my legs.  My discharge date at this point is still set for June 13. 

Thank you to everyone who has come to visit, sent us messages here, sent us cards and financial support.  We could not have done any of this without your help and it is truly appreciated.

It's official!!  Movement in the left leg documented by the therapists!  Wahoo :)

Danny is doing amazing with rehab.  Last week when he was sitting up with Shannon it was a struggle to situp like that for 30 seconds.  This week he can do it for minutes at a time without issue.  He rolled right and left by himself this week.  He can raise his behind up off the mat using his arms and arching his back (learning how to do transfers)...

He is getting additional movement in his fingers back :)  There has been some movement in his legs and feet.  The doctors and therapists sat it is all likely to be involuntary muscle spasms.  Danny and I truly believe that he is regaining some control.  Many of the "involuntary" movements seem to be a natural movement that he has been trying to do that it just delayed.  On more than one occasion he has concentrated on moving his legs/feet together in bed and then moments later the "involuntary" spasm does it.  These spasms just started in the last week or so.  Nurses say they are common in spinal cord injuries but we believe they are sign of Danny's improved pathways.

The trach hole :) Healing up and uncovered for good!

Last day with the trach!!  It came out on Friday at noon.  Wahoo!!

Beautiful Gracie :)

Amy, Robyn, Candace, Mom, Nicole, Jamie, Jessica

Danny, me, Davis (my princess and maid of honor), Billie, Grace (Grace LOVES Billie!!)

Christian, Dad, Troy, Justin, Jeremy

Cody, Danny, Lynn (the best man)

Cutting the cake.  Danny suprised me and had his thereapists help him bake the cake for the wedding!!

Our Care Coordinator, Jody, decorated, bought us a cake, and drinks.  She is AMAZING!

We love you Nicole.  You have been a lifesaver.

Danny got a little too much sun!

Danny and I will be getting married at 1pm on Saturday, April 28 at the University of Utah Medical Center in the Rehab Commons on the 2nd floor.  You can park in the valet section at the hospital lobby entrance (it's been approved)...in the front lobby entrance, up the right hall to elevators labeled A, up to the second floor, right out of the elevator straight down that hall to the end where it then turns right, to the end of that hall, turn left, past the elevators and then right :)  There are signs and lots of people to ask for directions of you get lost.  Everyone and anyone is welcome to come.  It won't be anything fancy or lavish, just Danny and I expressing our love and commitment to each other and we would love to have anyone who would like to share this special day with us and the kids.

No more catheter!!  The trach will hopefully be removed on Friday...the doctor is being extra cautious with that as they do not want to have to put another in if he does have anymore issues with secretions in his lungs.

Danny working with Shannon, his amazing physical therapist!!  Sitting up on his own.  His strength and endurance are getting better everyday.  We are so happy to be here.

Danny has started a regular rehab schedule each day and this has been his first day off :)  He is very excited and motivated as are his therapists.  They are all very optimistic about his potential.  He gains more control of his muscles each day.  Still no movement below the waist but we are still optimistic as each day is better than the last :)  Danny still gets pretty dizzy with quick movements but with some adjustments to his blood pressure medications to help keep it higher he is doing well.  Dealing with Danny's injury on top of the narcolepsy has been a learning experience for the staff here.  He no longer has any infections, fevers, or pneumonia.  We are hoping the trach will be removed tomorrow and the Foley by the end of the week.  No more tubes and wires!!

We went to church today and wedding ring shopping (all here at the hospital).  We are getting married here at the hospital on Saturday.  It has been so nice to be close to Danny's family now and have that support.  We had the kids here with us this weekend and it was awesome.  This experience has sure helped Danny and I realize what things in life are truly important.  And although the experience at the hospital in Meridian was not very positive, we did learn to trust each other and we did meet some amazing people.  I believe that Danny and I needed that time alone to understand each other.

I also added some new pictures to the picture page today.

We transfered to the University of Utah yesterday.  Danny went via ambulance; I followed in the car.  This hospital is very nice and all the staff has been very kind.  They ask Danny how he wants to do everything rather just telling.  The doctors we have been very welcoming, thorough in their explanations, and very caring.  We are very happy to be here.

This morning was VERY scary as Danny coded after being transferred to a chair.  His blood pressure dropped and he quit breathing.  Everything is good now.  Will post more later.

We found out today that the rehab at EIRMC cannot accept Danny based on the level of his spinal cord injury.  We need everyone's prayers that we will be accepted tomorrow at the University of Utah's spine center.  The hospital we are currently in is definitely not for us and we hope to be leaving here tomorrow.

Because we pushed and caused a lot of waves (surprise coming from Danny and I!!)  He is now off the vent and had the ng tube removed (feeding tube inserted through his nose and into his small intestine) and is on solid food today.  He was so happy to eat meat :) (and ketchup)...

The process of dealing with all of these different doctors and staff has definitely been a challenge and we have learned a lot through the process.  It is definitely important to do your own research and not just trust blindly...money definitely makes the world go round for a lot of people.  This experience has brought Danny and I closer together and taught us to trust each other so much more.  I can't believe the issues that we used to think were so big and insurmountable.  The amount of personal growth and knowledge we have each experienced/gained during this time certainly makes coping with the realities more manageable.

Danny says that you for your support to all those who have helped us, loved us, and prayed for us.  He is talking up a storm now!! 

We have learned so much over the past couple of days.

• Sensory and Motor systems in the spinal cord are grouped together, therefore you can easily lose one or the other during an injury.  Danny obviosly still has sensory in his lower half but we are still very unsure if he will have any motor.  If one where to have to chose one or the other, sensory is the better one to have as individuals with paralysis do not die from not be able to move or walk but rather other health issues that may not be aware of because of the lack of feeling. 
• Danny will have the speaking for 4 to 6 hours tomorrow in two hour increments.
• He will start swallow tests on Monday with the tube fooding to hopefully end by the end of the week and back on normal food! 
• New rehab by the end of next week or beginning of the next assuming all goes well with trials this weekend and next week.  Idaho Falls is sounding somewhat promising...we'll see :)

Everyday has it's ups and downs but overall every week has been better than the last.  Danny has been very touched by all the kind words and help.  We are SO thankful to all of our family, friends (present and past) who have helped us, both financially and with their service and open homes/lives.  THANK YOU does not explain the gratitude we feel.  You are each amazing and may your blessings be 100 fold.

Danny left his room for the first time since the accident today! It was a wheel around the hospital and it sure felt like a HUGE step.  No vent, no tubes, no alarms...He was off the vent for most of the day today, only on tonight to rest.  Saturday will be another 12 hours off the vent with the hope of being completely wiened by Monday.  Danny is VERY eager and pushes the doctors and nurses everyday.   He is staying very strong, hopeful, grateful, and positive despite all the variables we do not know.  We have each other and the kids no matter what happens.  What else matters?

Today turned out to be pretty awesome.  We met Michelle, who is charge of respiratory therapy here.  She is an amazing woman and so full of knowledge.  I believe that she is the reason we ended up at this place.  We needed her to appreciate the medical services available now vs 10 or 20 years ago.  Her medical career began in California where she helped invent many of the devices that Danny is currently using to help with his lung issues.  She explained her story and a 10 year old girl who had been paralyzed after a hit and run in a crosswalk and how it all came to be.  Her ideas and inventions were not based on the desire to get rich but make this girl's life better.  It makes us appreciate the sacrifices that others have made.  As our son told me a few weeks ago, the answer to our prayers may be someone else's crisis or our crisis maybe someone else's answer to their prayers.  Good does come from EVERY situation.  It may not always be good for us, but someone's life is somehow made better at some point.  Life truly does have such a ripple effect.

Thank you to EVERYONE who has EVER touched our lives...good and bad.  Our experiences in the past have helped prepare us for the present.  If Danny hadn't spent the time away that he did, I'm not sure he could handle the situation he is in now.  If we didn't have John, we couldn't be where we are now.  So seriously, everything does happen for a reason.  Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and knows what we need to learn during our time here, so just be thankful for whatever you do have at this very moment.  We are just here to learn to be grateful, understanding, loving, empathetic...

The nights are hard.  Danny and I have come up with a little bit of a schedule.  He'd rather not be alone at night as he has had a very hard time sleeping and getting comfortable.  He is exhausted as am I.  I typically stay with him until 5 or 6 am and then I go stay at the Bishop Foote House (owned by St. Lukes Hospital) for a few hours where I have a room.  It is only $15/night and it is a normal house with kitchen and 3 baths.  It is so nice that they let me come stay here, otherwise I'm not sure what we would do.  Things are getting super tight as we still have kids, rent, utilities, car payment, plus travel and stay costs.  I have been working as much as I can via my laptop and the phone but we could use help if anyone has even an extra $20 sometime.  I set up a link on the blog to donate via paypal (<a href="http://iamtotallydesperate.com/?q=user/1537">Make a Donation</a> and also setup an account on Wells Fargo  under Raydene Morgan for donations.  I had to setup under my name as Danny can't write or go to the bank and that was our only option.  We would appreciate any help we can get...

If anyone is coming to town to visit, the Candlewood Suites only charges $59.99 + tax per night if you tell them you are with someone at the Complex Care Hospital.  It is SUPER nice with all rooms having kitchenettes, free breakfast, free laundry, exercise room, spa, good priced food options, and awesome staff.

Danny would LOVE some visitors here in Boise.  I know it is hard for those who come because he doesn't have a voice...but I am pretty good at reading lips and will make sure I am here.  Call me at 208.709.5528 and let me know when you are coming and I will be here to translate :)  The only time I am usually gone is from 5 or 6 am to noon....

Thank you all for your good wishes, love, and support.  It truly is appreciated.

It is hard to stay positive when surrounded by people who are just doing their job.  Like it is anywhere, some of the nurses and doctors seem sincere in their caring but others are obviously not and it is SO frustrating.  I have a hard time sometimes holding my tongue :)  Imagine that!  I just need to remember that they each have lives outside of here and I have no idea what they are going through either...

Danny sat up on the edge of the bed today for a few minutes which is the first time he has sat up without a chair or the bed supporting him.  He got really light headed...said he feels like he got his bum handed to him today. (paraphrased)  He is getting more coordinated everyday with his movements and the breathing without the vent is going well.  Saturday is still the plan for the speaking valve.  We both just want out of this place and somewhere closer to home.  We are ready to get back to life and closer to the people we love.

I'll start posting more pics.  I told Danny today that just because this is going on, it is still our life and we should have memories of it.  There have been a lot of positives in this experience too and Danny and I have each grown so much.  This has definitely changed our perception of life, what's important, and our love for each other and the kids.