Stomach flu and CT Scan

Jon wrote this morning with this news. Please pray that Jon will stay healthy and that the Marines with this bug will recovery quickly.

"You might want to pray for my health, there is a pretty bad stomach flu going around, it’s taken some folks down in my shop HARD, like at the aid station with IV’s in them hard, so pray that I don’t get it. We had something similar going around in August/September, and also something a little milder back in April time frame. It seems each time it comes back, it gets a little stronger. Semperfi, Jarhedjon"

I was able to get the CT Scan of my elbow on Thursday and have an appointment with my orthopedic doctor on Tuesday. At that time I hope we will have a better idea of exactly what is broken and what should be done about it.

Joshua and I had a great time with my family over Christmas. We ate, talked, ate, played games, ate, opened gifts, ate and went geocaching. Then we had a slumber party. My siblings and I stayed up till 2:00 am playing a game of Lord of the Rings Risk. We used to have wild games of Risk as kids and I am happy to report that we are much better sports now. Tuesday the entire clan -- 13 in all -- visited the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I was hoping to post our family picture, but need to get an electronic copy from Sonny, one of the excellent photographers in our family.

Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!

Sheryl

Joshua Turns 7

Yesterday Joshua celebrated his 7th birthday with my family (my Mom, Sandy, Sonny, Steve, Sandi, Elena, Emma and Evan). We have a party with his friends in the Spring to celebrate his May 14 baptism and his "half birthday."

Jon was able to send Joshua some short video messages via e-mail and then he called in the morning and Joshua and I both had a long talk with him. Here Joshua is on the phone with his Dad next to the partially decorated cake. Thanks to Cyndi for loaning us the castle cake pan. The final version is shown below in all its glory.

After a simple lunch (pizza and McDonalds happy meals), Joshua opened his gifts and then we enjoyed the cake and ice cream. Then we were off on a family geocache adventure. We found 5 in the San Juan creek area east of the freeway. It was great to be outside on a gorgeous California "winter" day.

After my family headed home Joshua and I spent about two hour building his new 445 piece Lego Sponge Bob (Thanks, Aunt Lori).

We are looking forward to being with my entire family (my brother Scott and his wife Renee are coming down from Seattle) Christmas day followed by a family slumber party and a trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park on Tuesday. May you all have a wonderful Christmas celebration as you remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Sheryl

Of geese and heron

When we got here, we could have killed them--but we nurtured them. Some of them died, despite our best intentions, but the rest flourished. We could have restricted them, but they were given autonomy. We could have abandoned them to fend for themselves; instead we offered them sumptuous fare. Now, we have provided them shelter against the elements and the opportunity for a new and better way of life--they just have to accept what we've provided, and start living in it. I'm talking about the geese, of course, who have yet to step inside their new home, which has adorned the side of their spacious "duck pond" for almost a week now.

A blue heron has been observed hanging out at the pond for the last few days now, a beautiful bird that is still somewhat more skittish than the geese, and probably always will be. I tried twice to get close enough for a decent picture, but each time just when I was getting set to take the picture, it flew off. There was a blue heron that Sheryl, Joshua and I observed a year ago back at Casper's Park near San Juan Capistrano. Though normally they hang out around water and eat fish (I've been told), this one patrolled brushy fields and meadows and ate gophers and other varmints. Though we didn't see it catch one, the Ranger said it was quite a thing to see the heron struggling to gulp down a gopher--but the heron has apparently decided that the struggle is worth it--it has become a pretty permanent fixture there at Casper's. It's amazing the severities of the changes that can be endured, eventually incorporated, and ultimately lead to a preferred way of life. I'm talking about the heron, of course.

Semper Fi,
Jarhedjon

Visit to the orthopedic doctor

Today I saw the orthopedic doctor. He showed me the x-rays from last week and explained that it is hard to see exactly what is broken. He said it looks like small bone fragments could have been smashed down into the bone (ulna I think) from the impact of the car hitting my arm. He has ordered a CT Scan of my elbow to get a clearer picture, so I am waiting for insurance authorization and then we'll go from there. The doctor said that my options could include surgery to repair the bones but that would involve pins which might be too hard to use with such small bones. He also said that by keeping my elbow immobile long enough for the pins to set, the joint could completely freeze up on me and I would lose freedom of movement. He said that if this were a "load-baring" joint, like the hip or knee, he would say surgery is necessary, but it's different with the elbow. He did take off my split and replaced the wrap with a removable one so I can shower (being careful with my arm) and then find someone to replace the wrap. I am so excited about that. So for now I am waiting for the okay to get the CT Scan. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the many cards, e-mails, phone calls, meals, transportation and loving care. I know that I am very blessed.

Sheryl

First Outing

With the help of friends Lisa and Rhonda, I was able to provide goodie bags for Joshua's class Christmas part and I was able to go with clean hair -- Ah! Thanks, ladies. The party was fun and as you can see, the kids had plenty of candy.

Rhonda drove Joshua and me to his pediatrician after school and the doctor confirmed that Joshua is just fine. My mom met us at the doctor's office and drove us home. Dinner came from Kris and her family. What a blessing to be surrounded by so many loving, generous and caring friends and family.

The best thing about last night was a good night's sleep. I did not take Vicodin and that seemed to do the trick. I feel much better today, although I am realizing that I need to take it slow as I recover.

Sheryl

48 hours later

I am still having trouble sleeping through the night, but at least my body is resting even if my mind is not.

Last night I finally understood what happened to Joshua in the accident. He has insisted the whole time that the car hit him on the back, but that didn't make sense the way we were running and since an adult witness said she saw Joshua running away from the car, I assumed her eyes were right and Joshua was imagining things. Well I was wrong. We kind of replayed the accident at dinner and he explained that he was doing his "side running" through the crosswalk. That means that he was leading with his left foot and his back was to the car. He didn't see the car hit me, but the car's head light or something with an edge did scratched his back -- 3 inch abrasion -- and sent him flying forward away from the me and the car. He landed on all fours and since he had mitten and long pants on he didn't get scratched up by the asphalt. He has described the hit "like jumping off the monkey bars or a table." So the witness saw what looked like running, but was really Joshua being bumped by the car. Fortunately I took most of the impact, but Joshua is right, he got hit by the car too.

Joshua is doing fine -- talking in his sleep, but sleeping through the night. Last night our good friend Brad and his sons Bradley and Justin came over to put up a ton of Chistmas lights on our house. Joshua had a great time "helping" him.

I'm hoping to make it to Joshua's class Christmas party today -- will post pictures when I can. Thanks for the many e-mails and calls I have gotten.

Sheryl

A broken arm at 45

I would not recommend trying to stop a car as a pedestrian while crossing a street, but a mother's got to do what a mother's got to do. It has been 24 hours since the accident. Joshua is off to school feeling fine except for an abrasion on his back He took the copy of my x-ray to show his friends. I could hear him talking in his sleep during the night, but he didn't remember his dreams this morning, so I hope his subconscious did a good job of processing his fears while he slept.

I did not sleep well, even with the Vicodin. I kept waking up every hour or so throughout the night. I'm very sore this morning and feeling my age. :) A broken arm at 45 is not a great idea. Well, that's about all the typing I can do for now.

I have been able to talk to Jon (thanks to the phone card Chris and Carolyn sent). We are both so grateful for your prayers and support.

Sheryl

Please Pray for Sheryl

This is Sheryl's sister, Sandy. She asked me to put up a quick post for her. As she and Joshua were walking to school (a block from school) this morning Sheryl was hit by a car. They saw the car coming and Joshua was able to move back but she took the full brunt of the hit. Her left arm, upper ulna just below the elbow is broken. She's in a splint and will see an orthopedic surgeon next week for a full cast. She also hit her head (although that checked out OK) and of course, has bruises all over. She is very thankful that Joshua was not hit and is OK.

Friends from school and church were with her in the hospital, and at home, and will be bringing her food tonight. She has sent word to Jon, but hasn't heard directly from him yet. All 3 of them would appreciate your prayers.

thanks
Sandy

More thanks

We continue to be blessed by so many of you. Thank you to those who have let me know that you continue to pray for Jon, Joshua and me. We greatly appreciate it during this season of the year. Here’s the latest on how you have been blessing Jon.

“Greetings, All:

I'm beginning to wonder if I'll be able to walk down the steps to the flight line apron when departing the aircraft when I land in the States--I'll probably have to roll or be carried (this is not a morbid joke on losing my ambulatory capability, but a remark on the quantity and quality of rich provisions I am being sent). Since my last note on 03 December, I've received a greeting card and a phone card from Natalie F. (thanks so much for thinking of me, I'd run out of phone card minutes--which I can use from a phone in my office--and have been trekking down to the MWR Phone Center, which I won't have to do any more); a care package from the San Juan Seniors (thanks, guys, all the stuff was great, particularly the peanut butter--I'd been out for about three weeks, and I'd been missing my daily banana with peanut butter snack [which brings up the question of where in the world they grow bananas in December, and how do they get them to this base in reasonable condition?]--and the bean dip, which I haven't had any of for the whole time I've been here); and, as if that first package wasn't enough, ANOTHER package from the San Juan Seniors (with another much needed phone card, Triscuits, Cheeze-Its, Multi-Grain Crackers, and a whole slew of other items that were all immediately--almost--consumed). I also received a package from Joe & Helen filled with Christmas cheer (in the form of a stocking and some Christmas decorations, some awesome
home-made chocolate brownie caramel nut things, and among other delectable items, some cherry-&-liquid filled chocolate candies that were truly delightful).

I also received a very special folder of drawings and letters that had been compiled and sent to me by a 1st Grade class. This was a very special treat, as Joshua was a member of the class--but the next week, I received a HUGE LETTER from a 2nd Grade class. I feel very
loved and supported, and would like to visit each of the classes after I return.

Thanks so much for your love, your prayers, your support, and your care. You are making SUCH A DIFFERENCE.

Semper Fi, Jon G.”

One of my best days ever

Saturday, December 2, 2006, will definitely go down as one of my best days ever! This is due to gifts given to me by many people. First, Ken, Alex's dad invited Joshua to go with him and his children Alex and Alyssa to a Mighty Ducks game in Los Angeles, followed by an overnight stay at their house. Ken picked Joshua up at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday and I didn't go get Joshua until 9:45 a.m. on Sunday. I was able to enjoy those 25 1/2 hours thanks to other gifts. But of course Joshua was not suffering in the least. He got to ride the train to LA, have lunch, take the subway to the Staples Center, watch the Ducks beat the Kings 4-3, and then have a sleep-over at Alex's house. Here is a picture of Alyssa, Alex and Joshua at the stadium.

My goal for Saturday was to not do anything that came to mind as something I "should do." I went for my jog/walk, which was great on a beautiful California winter morning where the sky was clear, the the air was crisp and it warmed up to the low 80s in the afternoon. Then I was off to a day spa to enjoy a massage given via a gift certificate for my birthday from my mom Helen, sister Sandy, sister-in-laws Sandi and Renee and good friend Lauri. Now that is a great way to spend an hour! I followed that by cashing in my free frozen yogurt card and ate it outside as I read my People magazine without any interruptions or guilt. I relaxed in a bath when I got home and then headed to my good friend Sherry's shop in Fullerton for an overdue hair cut. With my new hair style, I went home, picked up the Christmas cookies I had baked during the week and headed to our Mission Committee Christmas party. It was so fun to enjoy the company of good friends without worrying about running home to pay the babysitter or chasing Joshua around Pat's lovely home. That evening I relaxed with tea while watching a Christmas movie. But my relaxation wasn't over. After an undisturbed night, I worshiped at church in my favorite 8:00 a.m. service.

The really nice thing is that my wonderful day turned into a fabulous weekend. Joshua and I baked gingerbread and sugar cookies and decorated them together while listening to Christmas music. We then started our Advent Tradition of lighting the Hope Candle, reading a devotional, singing a carol and praying together. Following that we were off to a birthday party for one of Joshua's church friends, which meant many of my friends were there too and we were able to catch up on each other's lives while our kids played. Sunday evening I had a babysitter for Joshua and so I was able to enjoy my time with our Small Group discussing the morning's sermon and then feasting on delicious food together.

Now that is not just a great day but an awesome weekend. Thank you to the many of you who had a hand in making my day and weekend so wonderful. I hope you are able to slow down and enjoy the Advent Season as we meditate on "waiting for Jesus." We are also waiting for Joshua's birthday (December 23rd), so there is a lot of anticipation in our household. Blessings.

Sheryl

Many, Many Thanks

Jon and I both continue to be overwhelmed by the love and care you, our friends and family pour over us. I'll up date you on my pampered-day in a couple days. Here's the latest from Jon's end. Sheryl

Hello, All:

When I started this blog, I thought the primary purpose would be to keep you updated as to what is happening with me over here. That was certainly the case at the beginning. However, as time has progressed, the support and care I've received from you has crescendoed to an almost overwhelming avalanche, almost in inverse proportion to the decreasing noteworthiness of events worth relating on this base. In the last week I've received care packages from: David K. (thanks for the popcorn, Dude); Dave & Kris M. (very thoughtful of you, I look forward to hooking up with you when I get back); some folks at the 1st Baptist Church in Patchogue (thanks for the great mix of stuff, even a double shot Starbucks!); SSEEE, you guys are the greatest (I'm saving the peanut butter Kisses for a special occasion, and having the mouthpiece is cool); and I was totally amazed by Ken and Deanne N. (believe it or not, we--the few folks in my shop--polished off 6 lbs 8 oz of M&Ms in less than 18 hours. We also combined all the trail mix, peanuts and yogurt raisins in a big bin, and all are now addicted to the 'community nut mix,' which we haven't finished off yet, as it is constantly changing composition due to the continuing contributions by all in the shop whenever the level of the bowl drops below 50%). I also recently received some personal letters from the girls of Troop 1258 (Marblehead School), and a whole beautifully decorated "Thank You" loose leaf letter book from a 1st grade class at San Juan Elementary (perhaps the fact that Joshua is a member of the class had something to do with it, but that only increases the meaning vice diminishing it).

According to RUMINT, I have less than three months left to this deployment, which means I am more than 3/4ths of the way done!! Time seems to be flying by (I am always busy, and there never seems to be enough time in the day to accomplish what needs to be done), except when I note the calendar every day to see how many days left there are--then it seems to be dragging. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers, your care, and your support--I know I actually 'see' only a small portion of your gifts to me (the most important ways you support me is by taking care of Sheryl and Joshua and through prayer). My health and safety, though not reported on except in the negative (like, my tooth problem, or low grade cold/flu symptoms, etc.), are very important to me, and things I do not take for granted.

Ok, I've done it again (written a long boring blog vice a short interesting one), but I want you to know how meaningful you are to me!

Semper Fi, Jon G.