Are you kidding me?

This photo was from last weekend.  Parker took it.  I love it.

On Monday I took Parker up to the University of Utah Orthopedic Hospital for a check-up with Dr. Burks.  He thought Parker was doing very well and that he could return to any activities that did not cause pain.  Of course all Parker heard was "You can do any crazy thing your 17 year old mind thinks up."  On the way home he wanted to stop at Scheel's to get a shooting sleeve and some head gear.  I honestly think he was planning on wrestling this weekend.  As it turned out, his knee is still sore- especially after a practice!

On Tuesday they got home from practice around 5:00.  Reed had tears streaming down his face and was dragging himself.  He got to the couch and then I took a look at him.  His knee was HUGE.  I immediately got some Advil into him and got some ice on the knee and he started to calm down.  I called the doctor's office and to my amazement I got to talk to someone who scheduled us an appointment at the urgent care.  Although that was a nightmare, I was grateful to get in so quickly.  Reed had x-rays that didn't really show anything, but the doctor told him that he was pretty sure that something was torn.  Poor Reed fell apart.  He's watched Parker and Dania, so he knows what the deal is.

On Wednesday we got in for an MRI.  I am still stunned at how quickly everything happened.  

 On Thursday the doc called with the results- torn medial femoral ligament and patellar tendon.  Patella has a slight fracture.  And the best part?  They mentioned that the cup that holds his femur in place is pretty shallow and that predisposes him to a dislocation.  LIKE I HAVEN"T HEARD THAT BEFORE???? After giving Ed and DiAnna the news, I kinda fell apart.  Parker called while I was bawling, so I think he gave Reed a heads up, because Reed took the news remarkably well.

Parker was recognized that evening as one of the senior wrestlers.  Colby and Danaca made the effort to come for that which meant a lot to me.  

On Friday Ed and I decided to go up to the wrestling tournament at Highland to support the team even though our boys weren't wrestling.  All of our kids were doing really well.  Garrett Batley was decisively beating his opponent when his knee went.  He was on the mat screaming.  It was WAY too much for me.  I did not see Parker or Reed get hurt, but when I saw Batley it all came crashing down on me.  I grabbed a bunch of trash and headed for a trash can that I knew was kind of under the bleachers.  I lost it.  Could not pull it together for a couple of minutes.  All of a sudden I had big strong arms around me telling me that Batley was going to be ok.  That Reed would be ok.  I have never been so grateful for those arms on my son Parker.  He was so sweet and so caring.  I have really noticed a difference in him lately, but I tear up every time I think about him hugging me on Friday night.  I did finally calm down but was weepy all evening.  Heavenly Father really blessed me with a tender heart, I guess.

Reed went back up to the tourney with the team yesterday, but Parker stayed home for his day date for Lone Peak's Preference Dance.  Reed is being a trooper.  His knee is huge but he is not complaining.  He just keeps plugging along.  He'll ice or take Advil if I give it to him, but not on his own.  What a blessing.

Here's a funny- while Parker was on his day date with Ashley, Cheyenne came over and left an invitation to Westlake's Sweetheart's Dance.  Oh my heck.  The boy is a playa.  

This was about the happiest event of the week.  

Parker had fun with Ashley Klingonsmith at Lone Peak's Preference.  

He was actually scootching down in the photo above!

What a Blow

One of the young men in my Sunday School class has been very excited to serve a mission.  When the age changed to 18 he started making arrangements to graduate early so that he could leave before the big rush.  About 2.5 months ago he put in his papers and he will graduate next Monday.  He had been studying and preparing for years and is much more of a scriptorian than I will ever be!  Today during Fast and Testimony he announced that he will not be able to serve a mission but has been given an honorable exemption.

What a horrible moment.  Of all the young men I know, this young man is the most willing and most prepared to serve.  Tears immediately sprung to my eyes for his loss. And His loss.  What amazed me was the testimony that this young man bore.  He is accepting the Lord's will.  He has no idea what to do or where to turn but he has faith that things are in Heavenly Father's hands.

During Sunday School he taught part of the lesson and discussed how we can hear the voice of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the scriptures.  He was totally composed and taught concepts that I had never even thought of before.  I am humbled.  I know he will do great things, but I am sad that he will not have the blessings of serving a full time mission.

Still Troubled

Last year at this time I had a concern.  I hardly dared to think about it- never mind write about it.  I truly hoped that the events of the year would solve and alleviate my fears.

Unfortunately, things are far worse than I even imagined.  I feel like everything I have wanted and worked for for the last 20 years is being ripped apart and I have no idea how to fix it.  I have prayed.  I have read articles.  I have cried.  But I have not found an answer.

At this point I think there are two options:  one that I don't know that I can live with and another that I'm not sure anyone else can live with.  And so I will do nothing.  Except continue to pray, ponder, and cry.  And hope that my heart will be softened and I will be able to accept whatever the Lord has for a plan.

It isn't easy, but I don't know what else to do.

Maybe in a year things will look better.

2014 Resolutions?

We didn't set a bunch of resolutions that we couldn't keep.  We each set one goal.

Ed- Put the phone down.

Kaye- Focus on hands.

Parker- Be kinder.

Reed- Be more friendly.