Tuesday, December 27, 2011

December 28 - Quick Update

I haven't been online much in the last few days as we've been trying to spend as much time as we can with Oliver and our family. I just can't keep up with everything right now, so if I don't call you back or email you, I apologize, but I just can't seem to juggle everything right now.

Oliver is on oxygen all the time now. He's fallen several times today as he's tried to walk to the restroom. We have a hospital bed in the living room for him which provides an incline for him to sleep more comfortably. He likes having the Christmas tree as a night light and wants to keep it up all year. I'd like to have more room in our small living room, but I'll do whatever makes him happy. It's sad that he only had a few weeks in his Harry Potter bedroom. I should have done it sooner for him, but I can't dwell on things I can't change. I still have a few things to finish in the room. I just can't seem to find the time to get everything done.

We've been getting lots of blankets delivered to our home from so many wonderful people. There have been deliveries made to the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City, Covenant Hospital Pediatric Ward in Waterloo, St. Vincent De Paul in Waterloo (there have been a large number of Burmese people coming to the area that have NOTHING. The nuns cried at the sight of clean blankets for them to use.) We still want to deliver some more to other hospitals around the area and Iowa City. We have been able to bless so many people because of all of you. THANK YOU.

We've also been keeping the local post office busy this Christmas with loads of boxes and letters for Oliver to open. We've all had to help out with opening the letters as there have been SO MANY! One day we came home and couldn't get to our front door because of all the boxes and letters on the front porch! It's been nice to see his face as he reads the cards. It's been a good distraction for me as well - keeping my mind on other things. So many people shared their love and support for Oliver as well as personal stories and I have found myself in tears so many times. Life is hard. One thing I've learned through this ordeal is that we have to bear one anothers burdens. We can't get through these hard times alone. So, thank you for helping support us and lift us up in your prayers. I KNOW that is why I can continue to get up each day.

Ollie wants to go to Iowa City in the next couple of days to visit some people at the hospital, make blanket deliveries and go to the mall down there. I hope he will be able to travel that long in the car. I'm hesitant about the whole thing. He also wants to go to Chuck E. Cheese to play games and I'm planning a Harry Potter themed New Year's Eve. I've learned that some things just can't wait. We have to keep moving forward even though the future is unknown.

So... I'll try to keep people posted in the moments when Ollie is asleep and I feel as if I can take some time to jot my feelings down. Please keep Tiara's family in your prayers as she passed away a few days before Christmas. Also... pray for Robbie and Brandon as they are both having difficulties as well. Pray for the families that have recently lost loved ones, especially during Christmastime when families are all together and a piece of the family is missing. My grandmother passed away on Christmas Eve day, but we aren't able to go to the funeral as we are dealing with Oliver's illness right now. Life does not slow down. I know I've said that before... but wow... it really doesn't slow down. I feel like I'm living life in fast forward, constantly moving and doing something for someone at all times of the day. I barely get to sit down for 5 minutes at a time, uninterrupted. My own physical pain (back, kidney, heel) is starting to get the better of me and slowing me down. I need to take more care of myself, but there just isn't time. At least... it doesn't feel like there is time to squeeze one more thing in. Oh well... such is life. At least there is no more pain in the next life. I certainly can't wait for that day to come. I've been more aware of my complaining about my physical pain since Ollie never complains. I'm so grateful that he isn't in any pain. That is certainly a blessing. Anyways... We are constantly grateful for your support, love and prayers. I can't seem to say THANK YOU enough. *LOVE*

9 comments:

Jennifer said...

Happy New Year's Ollie. Thanks for being an amazing person and influence.

bpilko said...

you are such an amazing mother. I'm so sorry for everything you are going through and I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. You get prayers from Pennsylvania every day. Love that you are keeping the tree up for Oliver. Hang in there. Climb into bed with Oliver and rest for a bit. You deserve it.

Amy Halterman said...

Love to you Stacy. You are always in our prayers. I know you're enjoying every single second with your precious Ollie. As difficult as this time is, the memories you all are making are beautiful. May Heavenly Father wrap His loving arms around you. Be blessed.

Piepee said...

love and much hugs at this time.

smiliesar said...

Thanks for the update! I've been thinking a lot about your family the past few days. I'm glad you're still making some wonderful memories.

MomOfAllTrades said...

My dear Stacy, your strength amazes me, and I am buoyed up by you. The journey I have watched Oliver and your family go down just amazes me, and I can scarcely believe that two years has passed since his diagnosis. I have stood by on the sidelines, watching as things happened, waiting for the miracle. I think *this* is the miracle. Know that you are loved, that people you don't even know have been touched by Ollie's story. And that someone, somewhere has you and your family in their prayers. Love you.

MHefelKramer said...

As always thinking of you all every day! Thank you for the update! Love, hugs, and prayers for Ollie, and his wonderful Mom and family!

Anonymous said...

I hope Oliver had a great Christmas and New Year! My daughter's school made Christmas cards for him but the principal didn't send them out before school let out for vacation so I am going to get them sent out tomorrow, hopefully! I figure better late than never and that will maybe make for a good day for him to be able to read them! Hold your head high and don't give up guys!!

Anonymous said...

I hadn't visited your site since before Christmas break. I am thrilled to see how Ollie received so many Christmas cards. The students in my classroom signed cards for Ollie and my daughter invited her husband's military FRG group to mail cards as well. I am embarrassed to say that in all the excitement to have my students sign cards, I forgot to do one for myself. Please know that I will pray for Ollie and your family. What an amazing young man! God bless you all!