Wesley’s Weekend update

 

Friday, March 30

Where do I begin? This has been a very busy few days. On Friday Wes stood up for 15 min. in the stand up support. Most of the weight is now resting on his feet, which is supported by this device. This is only the third time Wes has been up like this and the last time he was on his feet for five minutes.

We received delivery of his minivan today, which is truly a great blessing. This will allow Wes and us the mobility we need to easily transport him to outpatient rehab starting in about 4 weeks. At the proper time it will also allow him to drive himself and it is easy for him to get in and out of the vehicle. The driver’s seat in the van is removable and Wesley can put his wheelchair in that position to drive.

Wes got a two hour massage today which helped work out a lot of knots he has in his shoulders and arms. Afterwards, he slept very well.

I forgot to mention that our nephew and Wesley’s cousin, Craig Lazenby, came by the hospital on his way home from the airport. Craig just returned from a a two year mission in Africa. He has some great experiences to share. It was so nice of them to come and see us.

Saturday

We did not have therapy so Karen and I worked him hard this morning and let him rest a little in the afternoon.

We got permission from his doctor to take him to our old Stake center, in the Paradise Valley Stake (a church building) to attend the Priesthood session of General Conference. We went to the front of the building and sat up front like we always do, so that we had a great view of the screen and so I could hear well. We were surrounded by family: Wesley’s Grandpa Greene, Nate, Dallin, and all of the Lazenby Clan. We were sure missing our son, Trevor, who was attending in Rexburg, and our son-in-law, Ben, who also went to the meeting in Louisiana.

As I sat there next to Wes during conference, I could not help but get a little sentimental. It was only a few moments, I thought of how just six months ago, he sat next to me with his journal in hand, as we both took notes. I could sit close to him then and our shoulders always touched. I thought I just can’t get close enough to him in this metal chair. As I put my arm on his shoulder it was like the spirit was reminding me you have plenty of opportunities to be close to your son, don’t spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself. You pick him up several times each day and move him from his wheelchair to his bed, and in doing so you are always holding and hugging him. We wake up with him and we got to bed with him. Every two to three hours each night Karen and I turn him from side to side so he does not get bed sores. We get a chance every night to hug and kiss him and tell him how much we love him. We have family family prayer with him often. Please don’t feel sorry for us, we don’t have it too bad. This is an interesting opportunity and challenge that I think we are up to with everyone’s support and prayers.

After conference, Wes, Dallin, Nate, and I went to Chick-Fil-A at Tatum and Cactus. The new van made it easy to go where we wanted to go. It was so nice to go in and let Wes order and sit and enjoy talking to each other. Wes ate really well and we all had a great time.

Sunday

This was our lucky day. We slept in because he was tired from the night before. We got up and got him ready to go to Grandma Benson’s house to watch the afternoon session of conference and enjoy one of Grandma’s great meals. We were surrounded with family and Wesley especially enjoyed our grandkids. It was a day that made you think everything was almost back to normal. Wes got around easily in Grandma’s house and was very confortable. This was just an amazing day for all of us. At 6:00 PM we loaded up and had to go back to the hospital.

Just as we were starting to feel sorry for ourselves, Grandma Connie called and said she was on her way to give Wes a massage. He was tired because it had been a long day for him, a long, amazing day. It was nice for him to get relaxed and go to sleep. Connie even gave Karen and me a massage, so we were all relaxed.

Monday

We left the hospital at 10:00AM and went to the special gym we went to a few weeks ago. Wes’ physical therapist, Barb, worked him out on several pieces of equipment. It was great to see him work on so many things, but it sure tired him out. It was also inspiriting to see some of the people there working out. We saw a young man who looked like he had been injured in battle. He had no legs and his hands and wrists looked like they had been blown off. He was in a non motorized wheelchair. He was strong and got around very easily, or so he made it look. He fed himself with no hands, and drank by bringing both arms together. He was truly amazing, he was so independent. It is truly amazing how God helps people to become equal to their tasks. He makes them strong to bear their burdens. This man was one of these people. It was so nice to be around these people because just seeing what they overcome, makes us all realize what is most important and to stop feeling for ourselves, and to go out and do something.

Life is not fair, things don’t always go our way, sometimes we have to adjust, get over it, and move on with the challenges that await us and remember to thank our Heavenly father for all he is doing for us and all he is blessing us with. This was a good day all of us, especially Wes. With General conference our batteries have been re-charged and we are anxious for what awaits us. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, they really do sustain us. We love you.

 

From Ry:

This weekend was an amazing one for Ben and me as well. Conference weekend is one of my favorite weekends. For those of you who do not know what General Conference is, let me explain. General Conference is a semi annual gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In a series of two hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday we receive inspiration and instruction from Prophet, Apostles and other church leaders. It is always on the first weekend in October and April.

If you are interested in watching a few of these talks. You can find them here: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/04?lang=eng

The texts of each talk will be available at the same web address on Thursday.

By the way, my little brother, Trevor, drew this picture and I love it so I have to post it.