It's Trauma Time

Well Becky is off to trauma camp to help her former patients have a good time. It's a great little weekend getaway the hospital puts on for its long term trauma patients. Becky goes as a camp counselor. She was real excited and looking forward to it.

That leaves me alone so I can get some uninterrupted studying in. I will take one big break to spend some time with my parents, as the memorial marker has arrived and been installed (picture to follow as soon as I can get out there), my parents and I will be going to see it tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing my parents again so soon.

The playoffs have started for my hockey teams, the Komets finished in the middle of the pack, so the best we can finish is in 5th place. As for the Grave Diggers we had a perfect record of zero wins (not the perfect you had in mind). The Komets game is at 8pm on Saturday and the Grave
Diggers are at 10:15pm.

A fond farewell to Nick and Julie. They have helped out in so many ways that there is never enough ways to ever thank them. I wish we could have spent more time with them prior to their move, but I now know someone else we need to visit when we go to New York. I hope your move goes well and keep in touch.

Need a Prayer

Well the past couple of weeks have not been too wonderful. After the passing of Becky's co-workers son in Iraq we found out this week that one of my teammates father in-law passed away. Please pray for Ryan and Lana as they grieve the loss of Lana's Dad. A great colleague of mine once told me that you never realize how big the world is until once a parent passes away. If there is anything we can do to make that world not so much bigger we are here for you guys.

A prayer for my friend Mike who has gone through some tough times lately. Mike, I can already tell that you are emerging from this a stronger and better man. I'm here for you every step of the way.

A prayer for David. After his layoff he has landed back on his feet with a new job. Unfortunately it is quite a drive to his new work. I can tell that his family is quite proud that he makes such a sacrifice for them every day. Brother I am here any time you need help. Keep strong.

A prayer for Carly. As tough as she is, life has hit her hard lately. Becky and I still treat you like a sister and we are always there to offer a kind ear and support. Everything will work out in the end as their is always a master plan, whether we understand it or not.

Everyone listed here sent so many prayers for Becky, Johnathon, and I that it is with honor that we offer you our prayers, support, and time. Please do not hesitate to call on us. We love you all and we wish for better times.

In Memory of Dustin

I learned today that the son of Ina (a close co-worker of mine) was killed in Iraq. He was 21 years old serving in the Army as a soldier when he died serving our country.

My heart goes out to you Ina for your loss. I know this is the hardest thing you will ever have to go through. The loss of a child is hard to bear and I do not understand why it has to happen. Hearing of this has opened fresh wounds of hurt. I wish this upon no one to lose their only son. I know God works in many different ways and I know we do not know his plan for us. The grief for you goes deeper then I can explain. People ask me how I am doing and how I handle what has happened. This is what I will tell you. Each day is hard to wake up in the morning not seeing your son’s face and not being able to hold him in your arms. Each week you feel like it is all a dream and that you will wake up and it all never happened. Each month his memory grows stronger in your heart to where you know no matter what happens he is always with you where ever you go. Our boys are together in a better place and I know one day we will see them again.

Johnathon, mommy does miss you very much and you have shown me how to be a better person and nurse. You have given me a gift of compassion towards the families I care for and the understanding of how I need to live my life. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and you will never be replaced in my heart. You are my Angle that goes with me on my day by day adventures of life and I know I will hold you again in my arms. Thank you for making me a better person and showing me how true unconditional love feels.

Stephen thank you for all that you have done for me over the past few months. I know I have been a bit not myself. I thank God every day for you and the love you show me. You are the best thing to come into my life and help open my eyes to the world. I love you for that.

Please everyone let’s keep my friend Ina in your prayers as she goes through this hard time. I will keep everyone posted on how she is doing. Please pray for Luke as he is due home from Iraq next month and for all of the other men and women serving over there to keep them safe.

Thank you to everyone who reads this blog, you all are the best support during this time and Stephen and myself love hearing from you all.

-Living life day by day, with my eyes open, no longer closed. Love, Becky

Snow Pictures

Snow Was Fun!!

Well our crazy weather hit a new high (or low). We followed a day of 70 degree weather with snow. Then for kicks we did it one more time this week. So twice in one week we had snow. The big headlines made for some welcome relief of a winter that was lacking snow.

Of course Becky loves a snow day that occurs right before she goes back to work, as it becomes a free stay at the Hilton Anatole. Something about 600 thread count sheets on a special bed that they will sell you at the end of your stay makes going to work the next day a little more enjoyable. Ahh the perks of working for a hospital that wants to make sure its nurses are there the next day. They even drive her to work and give her free breakfast. Don't worry I was safe and warm with my hockey dog.

By the way the Komets and Grave Diggers both lost with valiant efforts. The Komets played an undefeated team and took them to a shoot out before losing. Then the Grave Diggers played their best game of the year before losing 2-1 (I had 4 shots on goal and was involved on 2 other strong scoring opportunities). Next week will be a real showdown as the Komets will be playing against the Grave Diggers. It was easy for me to pick sides since I bleed Komet orange (sorry Grave Diggers you will need to find a replacement for me). See you at the game.

What a Week!

Well my week started off wrong. I awoke Sunday morning sore and tired after the loss of both my hockey teams (except my Dallas Stars what a win streak they are on). Both games turned into real sore experiences. In the first game I had someone step on my skate and I twisted my ankle. I was skeptical about playing in the second game, but when it loosened up in warm-ups I took that as a good sign. Unfortunately I should have quit while I was ahead. In the second game I got clobbered. One of the most important rules of hockey is keep your knees bent and don't stand straight up. In doing so you make yourself an open target, as you are unable to protect yourself or move quick enough to get out of the way. I failed that lesson. After being helped off of the ice from my collision with another player I was told to take the rest of the night off. Which was good as I now had a terrible headache and I wanted to go rest somewhere while I got my faculties back? My body told me how bad the night before was when I awoke Sunday. So I vegetated most of the day.

My week continued with a headache that finally broke on Wed. On Wed. I also discovered double red cell donation at the blood bank. I had received a call from the blood bank saying they needed more donations of my blood type. I decided it was a good time to give as I was not going to be working out any this week so I would not have any conflicts in scheduling or down time to worry about (you must take it easy for 24 hours after any blood donation). When I was done qualifying they said I qualified to be a double red donor. This is a process that takes 20 minutes. During the process they only keep the red blood cells and send plasma, IV fluids, everything else back to you. Since they can take twice as much it works better for the blood supply without harming you. I also found that this same procedure is banned by cyclist organizations as it can help with improved performances in races (I figure I would forego the Tour De France this year anyways). I actually felt better after giving this blood than I did when I walked in the door. If you get a chance to give blood I would highly recommend the double red, however there are many other ways to donate(http://www.carterbloodcare.org/typesofdonations.aspx).

My week came to a close on Friday with a trip to Houston to train some of my colleagues on some of their new duties. I was greeted at the rental car center with a brand new Chrysler Sebring convertible (I even asked the attendant if they gave me the wrong car). It was a free upgrade that was quite enjoyable as it was 70 degrees in Houston when I arrived. Of course I drove with the top down, even though I did get hit with rain showers twice (luckily it was very light and very short rain). No matter what it was a refreshing end to a long week.

As for Becky she was back at boot camp this week. She is doing so good she out did her record time on the 2 mile run by 7 minutes and increased her pushups by 9. However she was able to do one thing this week that I still cannot figure out how she did it. When driving home the other night she ran over a key. Someone’s house key. I would think that a flat object like a key, which can be easily broken off in a door lock, would not have the capacity to puncture a tire. I can attest (along with the guys at Firestone) that it happened. The funniest part of all was the key was still sticking out from the tire when I changed it. So if you drive somewhere watch out for keys in the road they really bite.

Becky's grandparents will be joining us on our cruise to Alaska. It turns out Mary Bob's father always wanted to go to Alaska before he passed away. His desire to see Alaska now lives on in Mary Bob and so she snapped at the chance to go on this trip with us. We are looking forward to our cruising adventure with them. Only 2 1/2 months away. I am already getting excited.

Well I'm off to study for another test, until next week go Stars!