The Pearson Project

Monday, September 21

What a day! We found out that Kenny would indeed have to have surgery. His duodenum was not functioning and would have to be removed. We didn't know if more of his small intestine would need to be removed. The doctor said he'd make that determination when he got in there. The kids and I rushed up to the hospital after a dentist appointment I had but we didn't make it before they took him down to the surgical floor. I asked if there was any way I could still see him and they broke a few rules to allow me to go down and be with him and mom. Mom captured this special moment between him and I. I wrote the following on Instagram. I was in the moment at that time so I will share exactly what I wrote:
 This is an extremely personal moment I shared with my baby brother right before they took him to surgery. I have a similar picture like this with my sister before her life-altering surgery. As I told him "I'll see you on the other side", I fully meant the other side of surgery. But the pain of facing the other side of the veil instead did come into my mind and for the first time throughout this whole ordeal, I was truly scared that these would be the last words I would say to my brother on Earth. I am so thankful that I still have him here tonight. I'm also humbled at how precious life is and how much I value each of my siblings. I am feeling so blessed that Kenny is still with us and has another chance. 
 

Tuesday, September 22

Still so thankful the surgery went well, our family went to visit Kenny. The doctor didn't have to remove nearly as much of the intestine as they had feared but he still isn't digesting well at all. They are still pumping his stomach and just waiting for things to start flowing. He is in excruciating pain and it is kind of difficult to be there with him watching him go through all of this. He LOVES seeing the kids and has told us that they are the reason he survived. 

Wednesday, September 23

Kendra's school called today saying that I needed to come get her because she threw up in the hall. I was in West Valley with Grandma Howard so Erin (again) came to my rescue, picked her up, and took her home. She even gave her a popsicle and Sprite to make her feel better - so sweet! Her breathing was really bad and she's just miserable. Poor girl!

 

Thursday, September 24

Simon called during the day today and said that he got free tickets from the Sandy Chamber for the circus. I already had plans with the girls from the ward to go to The Chocolate to celebrate Jenny Nyholm's birthday. Simon took Nick, Kendra, and Zack to the circus and Ricki went to Dave & Viv's. It was a very fun evening for all of us...we just weren't together. :)

Friday, September 25

Simon's last day at the Sandy Branch. *Tear* He really loved his branch and all of his co-workers but with the recent problems he's had, it was time for a change. Notice that everyone wore black in honor of his last day. Goodbye Sandy Branch!

Saturday, September 26

Nick is getting old enough that we feel like we can leave him for just a bit to go on a date. We had a quick dinner at Panda Express then ran over to Cold Stone for some yummy ice cream. Date night is my favorite night of the week!!!

Sunday, September 27

We had the privileged of watching the primary program today. My parents and Simon's parents both came and joined us. The kids did a wonderful job and I was a proud mama as they all recited their lines without having to be prompted. Good job kiddos!