We got invited to Gus’s 6th Birthday Party! Gus is such a fun dude!

And that was the day that we all got the info about dad…. Michael called me on our way to Joel and Megans house. He wanted to let me know that Dad was not doing good. The Dr.s said that they need mom to make some long term difficult decisions about how she wants things to go if/when he makes the turn for the worse. They were not seeing any improvement. His oxygen levels are low. He can’t turn over or move or go to the bathroom without major assistance. If his numbers drop too low or If he stops breathing, do we want to intubate? If there is no progress he will need to go to ICU and most people his age and size don’t come back from that…. This was a difficult phone call and Michael had to make it eleven times that evening…. before he went to work and left mom to think and ponder for the evening.

Joel received his call while picking up the pizza for the party. And then we waiited for Sean’s phone to ring cause we knew he was up soon.

After the party, at least mostly after, all of us siblings got together to talk things over. Sean actually called and got a hold of Dad on the phone and dad asked him to get him out of the hospital and get the family all together so that he could see everyone and die at home! At this point we were all ANXIOUS and decided to plan a family zoom meeting to discuss dads options. With this being the year of Covid – no one had been able to see dad all month and we were all feeling worried and all missing him.

We had the zoom family meeting around 8:00 that night. (the Beames family stayed and cleaned up the party while we worried) We all shared information and mom said that she did not want to bring dad home and watch him suffer at home. Then we all realized that if anyone deserved a miracle it was Dad, all he wanted to do was serve this mission to Korea – – so we decided to fast and pray and ask God to heal him. We reached out to all of our friends and family and started fasting right then. We fasted all day Saturday and all day Sunday and hundreds of people joined us! By Sunday night we got word that dad was doing better!! Our prayers were answered and dad started improving right there and then.

Dad is still in the hospital and not doing good. Here is the latest update:

1/17/21 – found blood clot near lungs. Painful. He is in a lot of pain and not answering his phone.
1/18/21 – Michael just talked to Dad’s dr. She said he’s still hanging in there, same as he was yesterday. He still has that blood clot on his right side, but still only that one, he hasn’t developed any more. They have him on a lot of pain meds because pain makes people work harder to breathe so he needs to be comfortable. But that’s why he’s on groupme less, because he’s doped up. I asked her to dial back the pain meds because he’s very naïve and she said she would (sorry Dad😉). His oxygen requirement is the same today as yesterday. So down from 2 days ago, but no improvement today.

We are tying to find a way to get in and give dad a blessing because he is in so much pain and these blood clots have us worried. Joel and Josh tried to go in but got denied. Joel made lots of phone calls until one of the ladies called the COO of the hospital. We still got denied access to dad – BUT – he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and said he would give Dad a blessing!

1/18 – evening from mom: Wow! Just got to listen in on the blessing- couldn’t hear every word, but am so grateful to Heavenly Father for the comfort and hope that I could feel in Dad’s voice- please all add a thank you to your prayers tonight for that good brother who was willing and worthy to serve as the Lord’s mouthpiece❤️
We stalked him online: Devan Johnson, Vice President and COO. Many people at that level in a company wouldn’t stop to give you the time of day. Let alone go in after hours on their own time on a holiday. What a good man. So grateful for the gospel and for righteous people who are willing to serve. Get better dad!