Team Tami

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Sunday, October 21, 2012

A visit from a cousin....and FRENCH FRIES

Hi everyone.....
I went to moms tonight and Tim and Tami were there.  Tami looked really good I thought and she said she went to one meeting today....that was a first......at least for a long time.  She wanted to stay longer and visit with friends but all the excitement upset her stomach and she had to leave sooner than later.  Her trying to heal is all unpredictable and making plans is a little stressful for her.  That should all change given some time.  Our cousin Lynn Kirkman came to visit and check on mom.  When he came into the living room, Tami immediately remembered a time 24 years ago last month that he came and gave our Dad a special blessing.  He was so sick and Lynn's blessing helped Dad along his way.  Lynn stayed and gave Tami a blessing and we enjoyed our visit and then Marsha set to making homemade french fries from our brother's own spuds from Corrinne.  When I left she was enjoying her share and looked great to me.  Her stomach was a little up and down, but by this evening it had calmed down.  We look forward to better days ahead.

Judy

Friday, October 19, 2012

More good days than bad....and Detroit won!

Hi Everyone.....
It's late, I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would write a couple of things about Tami.  The past couple of weeks seem better to me than the 2 before that.  She has more good days than bad and she got on the scale today with all her clothes on of course and the scale read 100 lbs........We were excited although I think part of that is water weight from steroids, but what the heck.....it said 100 lbs.  Mom and I were at her house for the bulk of the afternoon and she looked good and was up and moving about and eating.  It just seemed good to see her thinking about a few other things than being sick.  Tim and Tam were watching the American League final with Detroit (Tim's home town) and New York.  Tim was excited that his team won. He was waiting for phone calls concerning some work applications he had submitted and he received 2 while we were there.   Tim had made clam chowder and chicken and dumplings that we all shared.  He's been good to Tami and worried and taken the care that she has needed,  for that I am grateful.  Mom made a fresh strawberry pie (Tami's favorite) while we were there and it was half gone by the time we left.  (Of course we shared:)).  We also shared some homemade bread that a friend had made, along with some fresh raspberry jam made by Abby.  All in all it was a good day. 

She still has some trouble and pain with all her tubing and can't wait for the time that she can have those removed and press forward to heal better.  She hopes that can be done sometime in November, but that will be up to Dr. Lambert.  She wanted Tami to weigh at least 105 before she thought of going in to fix her colon and bladder more completely.  She said the weight will actually aid in the healing process.

Well, it's been a year and 2 months since we were told she would only make it six, so for me, mom, family, friends and Tim & girls......what a blessing.  None of us know from day to day when our number is up, but it seems we have all had enough of a blessing in Tami to appreciate, love and relish the time we have.  Each minute is a precious gift that we might lift each other along this road of life.  I have been lifted just by having the opportunity to share in her recovery, if only just a little bit.  I hope many of you feel the same way.

We realize that many of you have paved your own road with struggles and tears....I guess it's just universal that we become lifted by the struggles of others.  We hope that all is going well for you and I'll try to post when Tami may be going back to Boston to have that other surgery.  We'd sure like to get her better for the holidays.

Love,
Judy

Monday, October 8, 2012

Enjoying the Temple

Hi Everyone....
We got up at 5:00 this morning to make it to the temple.  I kept praying in my heart that Tami would have the strength and stamina to do this.  I was amazed as we all loaded in the car that she really was going.  When we walked into the 1st room with Tami, Dr. Lambert had tears streaming down her eyes.....She said she was doing OK until Tami came in the room.  Dr. Lambert had probably 20 people there to support her.  John, the resident who impressed her and gave her a Book of Mormon while he served with her on a humanitarian mission to Haiti.....His wife and mom were also there.  The two missionaries who baptized her, Nate and Natalie and his mom, Tami and Tim and Randy and I, a fellow she operated on 3 years ago with his family and some others I didn't know.  It was really amazing to be there with her.  Tami is still having some trouble with tubes.....If she can but endure until those can come out.  What a day that will be.  We hope all is well with everyone and Tim and Tami are continually being blessed by those who have helped them out during this difficult time.  They know they are not alone and that so many others also need help, but they are thankful, none the less.   Enoy this Autumn time and hug all those around you.
Love,
Judy

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Marathon Milestone

St. George marathon photos. More to come.  I am so proud of my brother, Rick. His first marathon beat mine from last year by at least 30 minutes..Yea for my Aunt Tami we pushed her in a wheelchair the last mile of the St. George marathon.  Then she got out and ran the last .2 it was an awesome and inspiring moment.

Just a short update about our Tami......The past month has been up and down.....it seems mostly down for her but she has been planning to go to St. George to somehow get across the finish line at the marathon.  We wrote letters and got special permission to use a wheelchair at the finish line and those who ran the race would help push her through.....Well.....She had two daughters run the race, also nephews, friends and supporters.  They walked back to the aid station to pick up Tami and help her across.  They just had to wait for out dear Madison and then I went back to find them and to get a couple of pictures.....Well, to my surprise, I couldn't find the wheelchair, but there was Tami.....jogging along slowly with a group of those who loved her. You have to understand that she has had very few days where she wasn't nauseated and to have 3 in a row as of today is just short of a miracle.  Tomorrow Dr. Lambert goes throught the temple and as of tonight she is planning to go.  Tami wanted to get the medal at the marathon that said "finisher".  Because she had qualified for the marathon by finishing her other races and simply to have the realization that she could be there after all the problems she's had since last April.  This is a real milestone for our Tami.....She wondered last year if the Lord would allow her to stay and live and run the race of life.....She ran over the finish line supported by many family and friends who love her and I think that is symbolic of the future for her.....Live and Love and Run!!!!
There are several small stories we'll try to include in the future.....
Love
Judy