Miracles by the Minute

My Ode to Working Moms

2010-01-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

Each day as I come home from work I want to snuggle up on the couch and pull out my Mac, place it on my lap and begin writing down my thoughts of the day. They wouldn't be anything special just some funny stories from my time at recess (I have seen and heard some pretty funny things over the past few months - kids really can say the darndest things)

But instead I walk through the door, take off my working woman coat and hat (it's actually more like a stay puffed marshmallow man coat because it is freezing cold at recess) and I put on my apron, slippers and step into my role as "mom". Homework needs to be done, dinner needs to be made, the house needs to be tidied up (you notice I didn't say cleaned because I have given up on that lofty goal) and the kids need to be washed and put to bed.

As I lay my head on my pillow each night I think to myself - I have an all new respect and appreciation for the working Mom. While I still have a husband who comes home and pitches in on the chores of the night there are some who don't.

This is my ode to those working mothers who try their very best to remember their most important role here on earth - Motherhood. It isn't easy at times to put someone else first (or in my case 3- soon to be 4 small somethings first) but at the end of the day the truth is that no matter how delicious me sitting on the couch cuddled up with a good book, a laptop named Mac or just a nice cup of hot cocoa sounds, it won't compare to the smile I get from Emma when I lay out her clothes for the next day, the thanks I get from Tanner when I help him with that math homework that he (and I) didn't understand, or the hug I get from Marcus after we have just talked about our day. These small brief moments in time fill me with more peace and joy than any 3 hours of pampering myself on the couch ever could.

So to all of you working moms, know that you have a serious fan. One that looks up to the way you make it through the day, one who cheers for you as you head home from a long days work -only to experience a long night of work, one who realizes that the sacrifices you make really are changing the world.

3 cheers for Moms!!!!

Another Miracle

2010-01-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

Over the past 10 years Michael and I have dreamed of having children. We, in that 10 year space, were blessed with one beautiful little angel named Emma. My doctor at that time was stunned that we had gotten pregnant and transferred me to the “high risk” pregnancy doctors in Utah Valley. These doctors called Emma our little miracle and we felt so blessed to have her join our family. After Emma was born we went to several doctors and tried several procedures in order to have another little angel join our family.

After years of failed attempts Michael and I turned our efforts to another source. We felt that if we exerted enough desire, If we fasted enough, if we prayed with enough sincerity, that in the end that would be what was needed – and we would be blessed with yet another miracle. Years past and nothing came. The doctors explained to us yet again that Emma was a miracle and that we would not be blessed to have any more. In October 2007 I sat listening to General Conference when Julie Beck spoke these words:

"Some women are not given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but just as Hannah of the Old Testament prayed fervently for her child, the value women place on motherhood in this life and the attributes of motherhood they attain here will rise with them in the Resurrection. Women who desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality. There is eternal influence and power in motherhood."

I felt at that moment that God was sending me a message that I would again be a mother, just NOT in this mortal life. On that day I stored all of my hopes and dreams of having another child into a little symbolic box, shut the lid and placed it high up on a shelf in my mind. Never to be thought of, never to be hoped for, never to regret.

Well, as of late there have been hundreds of people fasting and praying in our families’ behalf. We thank you for the way that you have sincerely cared for our family. You have shared in our sorrows and rejoiced in our blessings. We have watched with our own eyes as miracles have taken place in Marcus’ recovery. We felt so blessed that God saved our son and that we have him here with us today.

We write this post today to let you know that another miracle has taken place in our family. I am expecting a baby! Though the timing seems questionable considering our current situation, we feel that God is giving us a gift – a beautiful light to focus on in the midst of darkness. We know that we have an uphill battle ahead of us but with Eternity as the end goal we feel so blessed to have this little one join our forever family. We hope that you will continue to keep us in your prayers. We have seen what can happen if we have your faith supporting us. We pray that along with us you will see this baby as a blessing in our lives and that you will share in the joy we feel.

This is the gift that I made for my children to open on Christmas morning.

They were very surprised to see this little addition.

You Rock!

2010-01-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

Nana not only bought the boys guitar hero for christmas but she possibly gave them the best part of that gift . . .

Time to come and play the game with them.

Thanks Nana - YOU ROCK!!!

Christmas Break

2010-01-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

What happens when Emma gets nail polish and makeup for Christmas?

Watch Out!!!

It doesn't matter who you are - boy or girl - you will become one of her projects.

Even Tanner kindly enjoyed a session of having his toenails painted.

What a great big brother!!!

The newest addition to our family (my beautiful sister-in-law Jillian) had to endure a night of being made up by Emma. It is funny to see the absolute pride in Emma's face as she shows off her masterpiece.

Why do all of these people say yes?

Because it is really hard to say No to this face!

Thanks Emma for helping to make this Christmas break BEAUTIFUL!

Murphy

2009-12-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

With only a few days left before Christmas, we woke up one morning to find that Tanner's beloved bird Murphy had passed away. Needless to say that our scripture study that morning focused on death and ressurrection. That afternoon when Tanner came home from school he spent HOURS creating the perfect graveside for his beloved bird.

He carefully dug a hole under his favorite tree in the yard. He wrapped Murphy in a hat that he had just finished crocheting and in a box he laid him to rest.

Tanner brought a bench over to sit under the tree so that this summer he could still have chats with his bird.

Rest in peace Murphy. You were a great friend!

Christmas eve we were surprised by a knock on our door. There stood a woman from Petco holding in her hand a wonderful Christmas gift for Tanner. A new bird! Surprisingly this bird could be a twin to Murphy in color and shape, but due to it's pink spot above it's nose we have detected that this bird is a girl. And so Tanner named his new friend Birdette. (the "ette" stating the feminine version of "Bird")

We aren't the most creative family when it comes to naming pets. We have had

Goldie the Goldfish

Lizzie the Lizard

and now

Birdette the girl bird

A Special thanks to our secret Santa! You have made Tanner a really happy boy.

Our Christmas Nativity

2009-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Funny thing happened. I forgot to hit the post button, so while I wrote this Christmas morning. Oops – it just got posted.

Our Christmas Nativity

It is 6 am on Christmas morning. Not that early unless you take into consideration the fact that I placed the last stitch into the gift for my children at 3:00 this morning. I figured, as I drifted off to sleep that I would be pushed out of bed early due to the excitement of my three children. Yet here I sit on the couch in our living room, surrounded by the sounds of silence and the glow of the Christmas lights that have brightened up this dark room. As I sit here – staring at the Nativity that decorates this room I have felt the warmth of it’s beautiful message speak to my heart.

“For God so loved the World that He sent His only begotten Son…”

This year the Nativity has become not just a beautiful decoration that sits in our room and reminds us of a story from long ago. The nativity has become a tangible part of this Christmas experience as we have felt this tiny Baby’s love, as we have seen these characters and as we have witnessed for ourselves that God not only loves the world but He loves my little family.

The story states that on that glorius night there were angels singing heavenly praises – heralding the words “peace on earth good will towards men.”

THE ANGELS

Over these past few months we have witnessed our angels- everyday kinds of angels that have been sent to help us see peace on earth. Just like these angels that are spoken of on the pages of Luke:2, angels have been a vital part of making our Christmas experience this year worth remembering.

Thanks to the angels who have stopped by bringing with them a spirit of joy and giving. And to the angel children who raised $2,000 for primary children’s hospital we say thanks for showing us that Christmas is a time to give, a time to share.

We have been blessed to have seen so many angels here upon the earth. The characters in the Nativity are alive in each of you as you go about your days blessing those around you.

THE SHEPHERDS

Our family has been blessed this year. We are a small portion of a greater flock- yet the Shepherds that have been assigned to watch over us are a gift and a blessing from above.

From our Bishop -the shepherd of our ward, to our children’s Primary teachers who have loved and cared for them in ways that go above and beyond what they have been asked to do. From Young Men leaders who have helped my son to not only feel welcome in this new ward but to also have a desire to join in, doing his duty and to become his best, to Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers who faithfully come each month to visit.

These shepherds, each in their own individual ways, have shown that they sincerely care about the welfare of the little flock that they have been assigned to watch over.

THE WISEMEN

While each nativity shows only 3 wise men we feel as though we have been blessed by many Wisemen this holiday season.

From Doctors, to my Dad, to Family and Friends we feel completely surrounded by modern day wisemen.

THE BABY JESUS

Never before has this tiny Baby brought such a feeling of gratitude into my heart and into our home. I will forever be grateful for the life He lived. For the sacrifices He made in my little flock’s behalf. He Is Our Savior. In Him we can find peace. In Him we can feel Hope. And through Him we can have miracles be brought to pass in our lives and in the lives of those around us. He is the way. The only way, to everlasting peace and happiness.

This year, I (like Mary), have seen God’s love. I have felt His Grace and I have witnessed the truth that Jesus not only lived but that He lives today. I can take my burdens, my sorrow, my failings, and my dying son and place them at his feet. He can and will make things whole.

Luke 2:

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

As I sit here on the couch surrounded by the symbols of Christmas, my heart is full and I feel blessed to know that the greatest gift this Christmas is that

the nativity lives on today.

Seen in the people around us.

Felt as we use the most valuable gift ever given – The Savior.

For God so loved the world…

I will forever keep the powerful truths that have been embedded into my heart … and I (like Mary) will ponder them in my heart this Christmas and for years to come.

A School Christmas Party

2009-12-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

You tell me - was Marcus Happy to be back at school?

He had the biggest grin on his face the entire time we were there. The Jazz princess is his amazing teacher Miss Lisonbee (whom we LOVE!!)
He loved seeing all of his friends. He has missed being surrounded by these wonderful kids.
Mr. Greene (a 4th grade teacher) even came in to sing the BYU fight song. This was a bet he lost when the Utes folded in the game against BYU. Mr. Greene (a Ute fan) told Andrew that if the Utes lost he would come in and sing this song for Marcus. I am so Glad that the UTES lost!

All in all it was a GREAT day for Marcus! He loved being back and can't wait until Christmas break is over so that he can be back full time.

Penny Wars

2009-12-15T07:52:00.000-08:00

For the next two days a war is on at Marcus' school-Foothill Elementary. Armed with pennies, dimes, quarters and bills, the students will have a competition to see which class can earn the most money for this Foothill fundraiser. The war is played by adding as many pennies and bills to your home room class jar, and then attacking (or as the students call it "bombing") other classrooms with as many silver coins as you can. The silver coins are negative coins and will be subtracted from that classroom's total money earned. The classroom with the highest amount collected wins the penny wars and gets the honor of having the Foothill Phil staff placed in their classroom for the month. This is a favorite at Foothill and has a standing tradition of being a great way to raise money.

This year Foothill chose to donate the penny war money to Primary Children's Hospital. I am thrilled that such an amazing place will be receiving a gift from the students at Foothill. While Marcus is sad that he has to miss the penny wars (the kids just love this game that is played) he finds some happiness knowing that the money will be going to a place that he is forever grateful for. We have seen first hand how this money will be spent in order to bless the children who are experiencing a sad moment in their lives. Thanks to how we were served and loved while at primary children hospital, our brief moments of pain are clouded by the happy memories we have from the hospital. The weekly games of bingo (which Marcus won a blanket), the "all about Marcus" poster that was made, the visits from the dogs, the staff members that come to the rooms to play games and tell stories to the kids in need and the countless other things they do, helps to make your hospital stay a fun experience. I know that the children up in those hospital beds will be forever grateful for the money that our school earns during this fun act of service called "penny wars".

I think it is so amazing that because Marcus was injured and spent time at the hospital, the student council at Foothill decided that this year they wanted in some way to give back to a place that helped save one of their friends. He feels so grateful for the students who are showing him just how much they care. Marcus received some money from friends and family while he was in the hospital. The amount was about $30 but he wants every penny of that money to go to this penny war fundraiser so that it can bless other kids just like him.

Thank you Foothill Elementary for caring enough to start a war. May the best class win!!!

Lessons I've Learned

2009-12-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

This photo is Marcus the morning of the accident. Things have obviously changed quite a bit for my little guy...Sundays are one of those things that feels a little different these days for Marcus. He doesn't get to go to Church, so he and Pratt have their own worship time together. They read scriptures and pray. They read The Friend, and talk. Well last Sunday, they wrote in their journals. I asked Marcus if I could share what he wrote, because I thought it was so insightful and beautiful. Here it is, just as he wrote it with his sweet ten year old perspective...

December 6, 2009

I am ten. Two months ago (Oct 25, 2009) I was in an accident. I don’t know much, but I do know I believe in Jesus and that Thomas S Monson is the prophet. I know there are hard times and easy times. We may like easy times, but we learn more from hard times. We may think things hurt, but Jesus knows what hurts. He felt the cough assist. He felt bruised lungs. He felt getting smashed. He felt tubes getting out. But did we feel getting crucified? Did we feel surgery? Did we feel cancer? Did we hurt so bad blood came out of our pores? Did we? Did we?

There is some of the pain Jesus felt.

Only if we knew what Jesus knows.

For the past two months I have experienced some lung pains, cough assist, and a whole bunch more.

Part Two: Lessons I have Learned.

People are only good friends if they are willing to sacrifice (like Andrew).
We will change, but our memories will not.
Keep the Sabbath Day holy!!
Learn from the past, not just the future. ( I knew the Rhino was top heavy, I shouldn’t have tried to make such a sharp turn… !)
Don’t focus on the past mistakes, it will just make you sad. Focus on happy times coming ahead.
Prayer works. I used to pray for stuff like when I lost my teddy bear, and Heavenly Father helped me find it. This time I prayed for my life, and He gave it to me.
Be thankful.
Take nothing for granted. I learned that earlier this year, but didn’t understand it till now.
We may think we know a lot, but we don’t!

Thanks For Being With Me

2009-12-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

Last night, long after all the kids were down in bed, I sneaked in to check on them. All were asleep and peaceful...I thought. Until I heard a little whisper come from Markie's bed. "Thank you." My boy was not only still awake, but obviously thinking about something pretty deeply. "For what bud?" I responded. "Just for being there with me in the hospital...it would have been scary alone." I had to laugh. It is so fun raising a boy who stays up at night being thankful for me! I kissed him softly, and whispered back how much I love him and then left his room. It wasn't until my own prayer late last night that I felt the significance of what Marcus meant. As I prayed I found myself thinking -and then saying with deep sincerity to my Father, "Thank You for being with me during this experience-both at the hospital, and during this whole crazy earth experience- it would be really scary alone!" I rejoice that even in the darkness of night, we can (like Marcus) know that we don't have to be too scared- we are never alone. :)

Marcus' New Home

2009-12-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

This is Marcus (the puppy) and his new family the Rocha's. The really happy boy with the beaming grin front and center is Marcus' (my Marcus) best friend, Andrew Rocha. Andrew's grandpa adopted this adorable little puppy for Andrew and his family as a Christmas gift. Marcus is so thrilled that he can go and visit this little dog that has become one of his greatest friends. It will be fun to watch this little puppy grow - with each inch we have a visual measurement of the distance we have traveled from the day of the accident. What a wonderful Christmas gift for the Rocha family. What a wonderful Christmas gift for these two best friends.

P.S. After calling the dog Marcus for a day and having to answer over and over the question "which Marcus are we talking about?" They have decided to give him a nickname. While his registered name is Marquistador Miracle (which is what Andrew calls Marcus) , they will lovingly call the dog Max.

We Love You Max!!!

(Thanks Grandpa Miner)

Our First Outing

2009-12-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

We borrowed a wheelchair and took Marcus out for his first outing. This lap around the block was the greatest moment for our 10 year old son. After being stuck inside the house for the past 2 months he found such joy in the crisp air that hit his warm cheeks. The smell of fall that was in the air, the sights and sounds of all of the many wonders that God has created as a gift for us to enjoy. In this moment we recognized that the small and simple things (we so often take for granted) are some of God's greatest gifts. For Marcus this lap around the block was a chance to recognize that he too is one of God's creations. The grin on his face shows just how happy he was to see the sun, to feel the breeze and to recognize his place on this beautiful earth.

Anchor Yourself

2009-11-24T20:20:00.000-08:00

I was in Fast and Testimony meeting this past August, when a wonderful woman in our ward got up and bore her testimony regarding Anchors. She told a story of a stormy night they spent on Lake Powell. Her husband, as a way of preparing for a possible storm, took the necessary steps in order to secure more anchors to the firm ground below them. As the storm broke across their boat they were able to feel safe and secure as their anchors held firm.

This beautiful sister then made the application that related to each of our individual lives. We each will face storms as we sail our boats back to our final destinations. How prepared we are for those storms is solely dependent on us as individuals. As she spoke of throwing down extra spiritual anchors in order to anchor yourself for the storms that may arise, I felt a nudge inside that told me that this is what I needed to do. I couldn't imagine or foresee a distant storm on the horizon. I actually thought that these anchors that I would be attempting to place in firmer ground were to help settle the waves that I was already experiencing.

I will forever be grateful for this sister who, perhaps like myself, may have experienced the fear and trepidation that comes as you sit there in the audience with your heart beating like a wild drum. I wonder if she had those thoughts in her head that I hear so often. "You don't have anything important to say!"

The truth is that by her breaking through that barrier of fear and getting up to share this message, my heart was touched. The Spirit was able to speak to me and through her words I was able to hear a vital message . . . ANCHOR YOURSELF!

I look back to that Sunday meeting as an important moment in preparing me for what was to come. I could never have know then that two months later I would be sitting on a hillside alone. My son in a life flight helicopter headed to one hospital and my husband in an ambulance headed to another. The peace and hope that I felt in that moment came only because my anchors were secure. I knew that our lives were in good hands - God's Hands. I knew that if I trusted in Him all would be made well.

My special thanks to the woman who allowed the Spirit to work through her as she shared with our congregation the beautiful message of the importance of ANCHORING YOURSELF to the ROCK.

Helaman 5:12

Bedtime Prayers

2009-11-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

Each night we gather around Marcus' bed to say our night time prayers. From the first day that Marcus was home he has insisted on doing whatever it takes in order to kneel on his knees and pray. Those first few days I found myself trying to talk him out of getting up and kneeling. I would watch him whince in pain as he would move his body in order to be on his knees. I would suggest that Heavenly Father would understand if he just sat in bed this time for prayer. Each night he would smile at me and then continue to do whatever it takes to get to a spot where he is kneeling in order to pray. At first this frustrated me - why would he add more pain to his already sore body? I have since found this nightly routine of his to be one of the things I admire most in my son. Despite the pain, despite the time or effort it takes, he does what he can in order to PHYSICALLY say to his Father in Heaven - Thank You. This act of kneeling isn't done out of guilt or habit, it is done out of a desire to show His Father how grateful he is.

Tonight after our family prayer Marcus stayed in that position in order to say his personal prayer. As I went back in to tuck him into bed he had this profound message.

"I don't have many pleases in my prayers any more, I mostly just have thank you's. "

There is a beautiful saying that captures the image of what Marcus is attempting to do each night as he prays.

"When life gets too hard to stand - Kneel"

This has been a rough experience for a little 10 year old to have to shoulder and yet under the extreme weight of his worries, fears and pain he finds himself being filled with thanks. He doesn't ask for all of the many things that he could. Please take away the pain or please heal me more quickly. Instead he is filled with an abundant amount of Gratitude. I believe there is a power that comes from our Maker when we place ourselves on our knees, offering up a sincere prayer. Through this Marcus has found a way to see the hope, joy and peace that Father has promised to him. Through Marcus' example I have found a greater desire to give thanks for all of the many things that I have been blessed with. One of which is a remarkable little boy with an amazing desire to give thanks.

Meet Marcus

2009-11-18T06:48:00.000-08:00

This is Marcus!

Not Marcus Pratt but an adorable little puppy that comes to visit every day. This little puppy has been lovingly named Marcus by the family who owns him - that is until he is sold to a new family who might name him Bob or Bruiser or Bandit, but for the time being he is named Marcus and on a daily basis this little guy comes to play. What happens when he comes? The other Marcus (my Marcus) get's a huge smile on his face!!

He is one of 6 little golden retriever puppies born to our neighbors dogs. This sweet family carries over in a box 3 or 4 puppies for Marcus and Emma to cuddle and play with.

I feel like I can relate to what many grandparents say they love about being a grandparent. They can love their grandkids, spoil them rotten and then send them back home. It has been fun watching Marcus love, cuddle, snuggle and spoil these little pups to his hearts content, but at the end of the day they head back home. (which is really good since at the moment I have all the poop I can handle :)

What I love the most about this daily routine is the fact that a kind family steps outside of their busy life and enters ours. Two beautiful girls bring with them not just a box of adorable puppies, but the perfect antidote for a bland day. We hear the stories they share, we laugh along with them and in the end, all of our hearts are opened to a feeling of warmth and caring. The puppies are cute (thats an understatement!) but the real treat is the bonds of friendship that are being made. Marcus loves and looks forward to his time when he gets to play with his new friend Marcus and all of his siblings, which at this moment include two wonderful neighborhood girls.

crying out of fear not pain

2009-11-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to the doctor to see how the healing process is coming along for Marcus. The whole family went, because in addition to his check up, we had the wonderful family bonding opportunity of getting swine flu shots... if you know my family, you know their absolute terror of needles. Tanner was almost hyper-ventillating the night before. Marcus thought that he had heard the shot would make his lungs collapse again. Even our brave little Emma started to panic. The truth is, Marcus' sweet and careful doctor just wanted the precaution, because if Marcus got the swine flu in the state his body is in right now, it could be fatal! Well, the time for the dreaded appointment. Marcus went first, with Tanner and Emma waiting in the hall with Michael. Marcus went through the entire check up, anxiously waiting for the deadly sentence to be pronounced, "now its time for your shot!" At last he could stand it no longer. As the nurse, who would eventually give him his shot walked through the door, he started to cry. Not just tiny tears of fear but the type of cry where the flood gates open and there is no holding back. It was like all the pain and fear of the last three weeks came out in this one little dramatic moment. He cried like his insides were about to be sucked out through this tiny needle. I wanted so badly to comfort him... I told him over and over it would be okay, it wouldn't hurt too bad, he didn't need to cry- but it was like he couldn't even hear my words through his inconsolable fear. It was in that moment of his panic and perceived pain, when the lesson came. "It is all over Marcus! We have already given you your shot! See- the band aid is already on!" He looked down at his arm...it was true. The band aid was on, the shot already given. It only took a moment for his little face to completely change. The thing he had feared so ferociously had been a dud...a total non-event. He hadn't even felt it! In that instant the tears turned to first a chuckle, and then an all-out, from the gut, laugh. He couldn't stop. His face was still wet from crying, and yet the laughter burst forth like an unstoppable river of relief and bliss. As we talked through the experience as a family on the way home, we realized just how often this same experience happens in life. We spend time and energy stressing about all the perceived pain and trauma that could happen. I wonder if we could simply stop and stand still, if we would hear a Parent saying quietly "it will be okay. It wont hurt too bad! You don't need to cry!" In scripture language, it would probably sound more like, " Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me...I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." (John 14:1,18)

I have determined to try harder to stop crying (or stressing) over fear - not pain. To trust my Heavenly Parents voice more...to let not my heart be troubled. I know there are still moments of pain ahead for all of us- Marcus, my family, and all of us. Sometimes the pain (like the shot) is designed to help us. What I learned from this Dr. visit with Marcus, is that often the fear of the experience actually hurts more than the experience itself.

My Therapist Named "Mac"

2009-11-16T15:09:00.001-08:00

The point of this blog began as a way to keep family and friends informed on what was happening with Marcus' recovery. That was what I thought this blog was. But the truth is that this blog became so much more for me than a daily update. This blog became my very own long black couch. Do you know which couch I'm talking about? The one that you always see in the movies - placed perfectly in the therapists office (or in my case our hospital room). Each day I would pick up my little laptop who lovingly became known as my therapist named "Mac" and begin to write. It's amazing how soothing to my soul this little practice became. I look back at my journal entries from the hospital days and think how grateful I am that I have those feelings and experiences written down. Memories that might today be a distant blur are made alive once again as I READ the things that we saw and experienced. We watched a miracle take place in front of our eyes. We witnessed the healing power of the Savior as He restored Marcus' body. We felt His love as we sat at the bedside of our broken son. What a beautiful gift He gave our family. I will forever be grateful for the merciful kindness of the Savior, as He responded to our prayers - yours and mine. In a time when the world is so cynical and un-trusting, we have seen firsthand that we can count on the Savior to be near us in hard times.

My sister in law who came over to my house today helped me to see the importance of writing things down. She shared with me her favorite talk from this past general conference session -Elder Richard G. Scott's talk on how "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance". It was interesting for me to recognize that one of the vital keys to acquiring spiritual guidance is to write down the thoughts and impressions that come to your mind.

As we experienced the miracle that was taking place before our eyes, I had the ability to keep a record of those little messages that crept into my heart. I will cherish the day that Heavenly Father taught me that He is there. He can hear me! I look at life with new eyes as I recognize that sometimes we have to go through hard things in order to help us become better. What a beautiful gift writing these things down has become for me personally. And so today as I seek to learn what I should do and which paths I should take, I have decided to continue my little practice of meeting with my therapist named "Mac Book Pro" each night. I hope that by putting these experiences into words, I will find at the end of my journey I will have an even greater clarity as I can look back and see the hand of God in the daily threads of this patchwork called my life.

To Be Continued?

2009-11-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

We don't really know if we should continue this blog. It's purpose was to keep those, who were unable to visit in the hospital, up to date on Marcus' progress. Well we are now out of the hospital and finishing our recovery in the comforts of our home. Marcus still has a long road before his body is back to anywhere near normal. The doctors told us not to be fooled by the way he looks on the outside. They suggested that if we could visibly see the scars and damage that are hidden under his nice layer of skin that we would be scared to have him at home. We still are taking every precaution that Marcus not get bumped in any way, that he not fall, or even get hugged by those who love him. He is still very fragile on the inside and needs time for things to heal back to their proper order. So our life at home continues to be very much the same as it was in the hospital. Lots of reading, lots of movies, lots of sleeping, etc.

We so appreciate all of the kind messages that have been sent, the visitors who have cheered us, the generous gifts that you have given. You have boosted our spirits and increased our determination to keep smiling. this past January we set a family goal. On my personal family blog I had posted this:

Family Goal:

We decided that this year we needed a family goal. A theme to live by. Well after our family night where we each proposed our ideas we had a deciding vote (Tanner won) and we chose this as our motto to live by.

2009 Pratt Family Theme

Inspired by the conference report from President Thomas S. Monson. "Let us relish life as we LIVE IT, find JOY IN THE JOURNEY, and SHARE OUR LOVE with friends and family." We chose to

FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY!

Little did I know at the time when I posted this blog, how important it would be to have family and friends surrounding us through our journey this year. You have helped us find ways to relish life as much as possible in the struggles of this year as we LIVE IT and do our best to find JOY IN OUR JOURNEY.

Follow Up Visit

2009-11-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today we had our follow up visit back up at Primary Childrens Medical Center.

Marcus and I drove to the hospital in silence. This is unique for the two of us as we both tend to be the talkers in the family. I guess that we each had a load of thoughts jumbling around in our heads and the best way to sort through them was to sit still and focus on the sights and sounds that came rushing past our window.

When we got to the hospital I grabbed Marcus a wheelchair and we began our follow up visit. First we had to take tons of x-rays and then we headed off to the lab where they drew Marcus' blood. I had just assumed that after having experienced two weeks in the hospital with Marcus where he had dime size tubes in his chest, one in his stomach, several needles in his arms, and other tubes going in all sorts of locations that he would be one tough little kiddo. Boy was I suprised when the nurse pulled out the tiniest needle to draw some blood and Marcus froze. He was paralyzed with fear. I quickly jumped to his side as his face turned white and he began to sink into his chair. Who knew that after all that he has experienced and gone through he would still be afraid of needles. It about did me in with laughter. Marcus barely made it back into the wheelchair. He looked up at me and with puppy dog eyes asked "can we please go home now?"

We still had one Doctor left to see - the surgeon who, on the day of the accident, cut Marcus open and repaired what he could. As we sat in the office waiting for the Doctor to come in for our check-up Marcus again looked faint. When I asked him what he was worried about he said
"Is he going to cut me open again today?" I chuckled and explained that he only needed to do that once. I told Marcus that today's visit was to make sure that everything was working properly. His next question caused me to giggle out loud.
"Why?" "Did he take something out of my insides?"

How scary the world can appear when we don't know what is coming - what to expect. In Marcus' case he let his imagination run wild and expected the worse case scenerio. The Doctor was going to cut him open and try to figure out where to put the part he had taken out. I sat there in the Doctors office thinking about how often I do this same thing. Today I was concerned about other issues in my life and on the ride up to the hospital I found myself creating the worst case scenerio. I think it is now time for Marcus and I to turn our lives over to the doctors that know what is best for us. Marcus has his earthly doctor who will help to heal his broken body, and I have my Heavenly Doctor who if I allow Him will heal me in all the areas of my life that arent as strong as I want them to be.

What a great follow up visit for us both!

The Best Medicine

2009-11-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

As Mary Poppins wisely said, "a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down" we have seen a measure of truth to that little adage.

In our case the sugar that has turned into the best medicine has been the cards and visitors that have come into our home and for the time they were here brought rays of sunshine and hope into our son's day. The healing power that a kind word, a heartfelt expression of love or a sincere act of kindness can have on one's body is amazing. We watch it each and every day with Marcus' recovery. Family and friends come over to pay a visit and Marcus is filled with the best kind of medicine a doctor could prescribe - happiness, joy and laughter. The other day a little friend was over and Marcus began to laugh. This is so incredibly painful for a boy who has so many rib fractures. I became concerned and asked the boys not to make Marcus laugh as it was clearly hurting him. He turned to me and said "Mom, sometimes a good laugh is worth some pain."

So thanks to all who have been a wonderful spoon full of sugar during this crazy time.

The Homecoming

2009-11-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

Marcus was greeted at home by two very excited siblings. It was a precious reunion as Tanner and Emma both came running out to the car dressed in their new gear (masks).
We opened the door and were greeted by posters, balloons and cards.

Marcus could feel the love of those who had helped to prepare for his homecoming. He continued to have a permanent smile on his face for the rest of the night.

Emma dressed up in some of the trinkets that we had brought home from the hospital. His neck brace, his leg pumps. We all got a good laugh as he explained how much he hated wearing these two things.

Our EXIT

2009-11-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Today we made our EXIT from the hospital.

While Marcus still has weeks of recovery ahead of him. The doctors felt that he could make that recovery just as easy at home in the comfort of his own bed. So we packed up and left the hospital.
We will miss this place in so many ways. First we feel so blessed to have been in a place where their motto is "The Child First and Always"
The care we received here shows that this statements isn't just something that is engraven on the wall at the entrance and then forgotten about. This statement is engraven on the hearts of each and every person that works here. We felt so loved and cared for.
As we walk out these doors we recognize that we have learned incredible life lessons. Lessons that will change the way we think about pain, trials and happiness. Lessons that have made us look at life with a different set of eyes. We have come to appreciate the simple things in life like - water, breathing, walking, and being surrounded by family and friends.

What a wonderful 2 weeks we have been blessed to experience. We have seen the hand of God healing Marcus' body. Like the story in Mark 9:17-29 we were able to have our very own experience with prayer. We also wanted the Lord to heal our son. The Lord's voice beckoned through time "If thou canst believe, all things are possible..." I was trying to believe with all my heart but like the Dad in the story found myself asking "help Thou my unbelief!" I now have a stronger testimony of the healing power of the Savior. He not only healed my son but increased our faith in the process.

We walk out these doors more firm in our beliefs, secure in our testimony of the Savior and his healing powers both physically and spiritually, and excited to face the future with a willing heart to say "come what may and love it"

Our Parting Gift

2009-11-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

Marcus caused such a stir up here being such an avid BYU cougars fan, that the Doctors decided to present him with a parting gift... his very own U of U hat. Marcus laughed good and hard (which is quite painful) and responded. "Thanks, now I have something fun to burn!" The room errupted in laughter as Marcus once again showed his true colors. BYU BLUE!!!

Life is Like the PICU

2009-11-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

I have realized over these past days sitting here in the pediatric intensive care unit, just how much this place is a microcosm of life. Marcus is in a place designed to make him better- in fact that is the only reason he is here. He experiences some heartache, some real pain, and each day, he has a miracle or two. He has a goal constantly driving him, comforting him, and making all the pain worth it…the goal? Get better. Go Home.

Getting Better:

Have you ever noticed, that getting better comes with a price? I was sitting beside Markie today. He had absolutely HAD IT with the intubation tube. More specifically, he hated the oft repeated procedure of lowering a suction tube down the intubation tube into his lungs to suck out all the blood and muck. It was awful! He would gag, cough, sputter and hate every second of the experience… It scared him, it hurt, and he would grit his teeth and fight against them putting that painful thing down his throat. The important thing to know however is that his breathing improved dramatically every time they did it. He had to get that stuff out of his lungs so he could heal! So today as the doctors came to do the dreaded deed once again, Marcus started to get scared, he was preparing to fight what they were going to do, fight the pain of this hated experience, when I whispered, “Look bud, I know this hurts, I know it is scary, but we would never have you go through this if it didn’t help you so much…you NEED this to get better!” The Spirit whispered to me that going through painful things to get better isn’t just a truth found in the PICU. It is a truth of mortality. We are asked to go through some scary, painful experiences here. But it also occurred to me that a Loving Father doesn’t ask us to go through these experiences for nothing. It is because our goal for coming to Hospital Earth is to get better. To go home - Better.

Going Home:

The other thing that I have been thinking about, is that when Marcus gets home, he will return a very different person then when he left. He has become more aware- both of pain, but also of how many people love him; he knows more fully that he is not alone.

He has been wrapped up in love, in notes and messages from people praying and fasting and loving him. He has learned that suffering is bearable when tempered with love. Marcus will return home with a deep appreciation of being alive, of family, of friends. In the end Marcus will return home better. Physically sure, but in less obvious ways as well.

We were just informed that Marcus is being discharged today. He’s going home. We pulled out the video recorder and asked him some questions. One of them was, “what is a lesson you learned from this experience?” His answer was beautiful, and so wise. He said, “I have learned to look forward…I had to stop looking back at the accident and getting sad and depressed about where I was and what I was missing out on. I had to start looking forward…” This reminded me of two days ago. They were taking out a drain tube from his stomach and one from his lung. He had been through the experience of having tubes removed two days before, and was terrified. He knew how much pain he was about to experience, and with obvious emotion said “I want to die!” Have we all had that experience? Preferring death to the pain and sorrow we know we are called to experience. As a parent I couldn’t help but think, how tragic it would be if he missed out on such a glorious future, because he was terrified of the moment. I told him to look forward. That in a few weeks he would be home, playing with his brother and sister, cousins and family. I invited him to look forward to that time and not on the moments of pain immediately ahead of him. I honestly didn’t think a thing about that conversation once the tubes were removed and all was fine. But then today, to hear the lesson my sweet boy had learned, I couldn’t help but smile. We are going home today. While there was some extreme pain experienced these past few days here in the hospital, we were heading home to that future he had set his eyes on while experiencing those painful moments. Marcus is going home today. Better in so many ways than when he left his house two and a half weeks ago.

The Heart of the Hospital

2009-11-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

It is true that nursing is a work of HEART. We have felt so blessed to have been surrounded by such quality caregivers. These nurses go above and beyond their duty to create a loving atmosphere. We will never be able to thank the people who so lovingly cared for our son.

THANKS!!!

Time

2009-11-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

What do we do to pass time?

We read, read, read. Marcus and Dad have read 3 books so far.

Marcus eats yummy hospital food - yum, yum!

We spend time watching movies and playing on the computer

We tease dad all day about his furry face

And we cuddle in bed until we both drift off to sleep

All in all we sit back and relax, enjoying the fact that Marcus is still here to enjoy the simple things in life like laughing, cuddling and loving each other.

Forever Young

2009-11-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

Why do we love Primary Children's Hospital?

We love the fact that here in this location that is heavily populated with U of U fans, you find the children's center named "Forever Young" after the great BYU quarterback Steve Young! Primary Children's Hospital - You make us Proud!

Quarantine

2009-11-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

There is a large STOP do not enter sign on our door. Marcus has developed some signs that he may have a disease called “C Diff”. He has been tested and we are awaiting the results, but in the meantime we have been placed under a quarantine type status. The doctors and nurses all gown up, with masks and gloves as they enter our room. Because of the quarantine Marcus misses out on a lot of things that he could be enjoying right now. He is still not allowed any visitors. The hospital has pet therapy where dogs come to the room and hang out with the kids. In our case the dogs come and have to stand out in the hallway as Marcus waves. This makes him really sad because Marcus is a very big fan of pets. He is not allowed to begin any physical therapy, he can’t go up to the game room. Basically he is stuck in a room with his two really boring parents.

Count Your Blessings

2009-11-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessing; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Each night as we kneel at Marcus’ bedside we find it so easy to think back through the day that has just passed and count the numerous blessings that we have felt, seen and experienced.

The challenge will come when we walk out these doors and step back into our daily routine. I think its easy to see the blessings when you are standing in the storm, but far more difficult is the challenge to see the blessing in the day by day routines of life. I don’t think that the amount of blessings being poured down upon us changes, just our ability to STEP BACK and take the time to SEE just how blessed we really are.

One Step At A Time

2009-11-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Marcus was asked by his doctor to get out of bed and take a little walk around his room. My eyes bulged open with horror at the thought of the pain that he would experience in those few steps. Why would they have him get up already? Don’t they know that we just got out of the ICU yesterday? He still has two tubes coming out of his chest and one that is coming out of his stomach - aren’t they rushing things? These are all questions that I asked as I looked at my son lying in bed still attached to so many tubes and wires and machines.

There answer was simple.

“It will be uncomfortable but he’s not going to heal just lying in bed.”

And so today Marcus took his first steps. Hopefully, those steps will lead him quickly out of the hospital and back to our home.

Miracles

2009-11-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday Marcus was showing signs that he was struggling to have his body work the way it should.
He lay silent with wires and tubes or gauze covering most of his body. Unable to breath on his own a machine was put in place to do the breathing for him

Today he has a smile on his face. We have witnessed Miracles by the Minute as each day his body is blessed by a Loving Creator to get stronger, to become more himself - our wonderful, healthy, Markie. We wish to let each of you know how much we appreciate you keeping Marcus in your prayers. We have witnessed miracles that medicine cannot explain and we know that it is because of the volume of prayers headed to heaven in his behalf.

Thank you for being a huge part of the reason we have a happy smiling boy here with us today!

The Visit

2009-11-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Tanner and Emma came up to visit Marcus.

While the hospital has a rule that there are to be no children under the age of 14 in the hospital, they made an exception for our other two kids. They recognized what a scary stituation they had been placed in. Tanner held Marcus in his arms that frightful trip back to the cabin and then down to the ambulance. He cupped Marcus’ face and sat crying begging him to breath. The Doctors up here care for the whole family and they recognized that some healing needed to be done on Tanner’s heart and mind as well as for Marcus. So they allowed us to bring in our two children and show them that Marcus was alive and doing well. It was a tender reunion as the kids got to see Marcus for the first time since the accident. While they required it to be a short visit, I think it was just enough to place the perfect sized band aid on what had remained an open wound. Today they got to see first hand how their prayers had been answered in the form of a brother who is making amazing progress. The boys illustrated just how quickly, and beautifully things could return to normal. Suddenly Marcus is inviting Tanner to “come check out my sweet scar!” as he lifted the blanket to reveal his 14 inch beauty!

Emma had decided that Marcus would appreciate a visit from Hannah Montana while he was in the hospital. So she dressed up in her wig and crown. She makes a cute Hannah, but I think she makes an even cuter Emma Pratt.

His Hands

2009-11-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Today I found Marcus just starring at his hand. I got up from the chair I was sitting in and took a cloth to clean off whatever it was that was bugging him. As I got closer to Marcus I could see a tear running down his cheek. As I asked "Markie what's wrong?" He just continued to stare at his hand.

After a moment the words quietly slipped from his lips.
"I'm Alive."
What a wonderful gift to recognize that we are all in God's hands.

Thank You!

2009-11-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

These two simple words have become a source of concern for me over these past few months. I wonder if two words can properly express the way that I feel toward those who have reached out and wrapped us up in such love and generosity.

Two little words...

“Thank You”

Can they really carry the weight of emotion that I feel as I think of the kind things I have seen and experienced in our behalf? Can I put to pen the emotions that I feel? Will the person who reads those words sincerely feel the depths of gratitude I have towards their actions? I wonder at the ability for me to be able to sincerely express my thanks towards all of the many people who have been angels towards our family. How do I properly say “Thank You” to the people who have shared with us in so many different ways? The depths of gratitude I feel towards them and their families seem to be emotions and feelings that just cannot be expressed in those two simple words.

For example how do we say “Thank You” to the 10 year old friend of my son who not only Fasted and prayed but inspired other children, his same age, to skip their lunch and do the same - in order to bless my son?

How do we say “Thank You” to the members of our ward who have opened their hearts, offered their time and offered unthinkable gifts in order to bless us, in those ways, that at this moment we are unable to do for ourselves?

How do we say "Thank You" to the family members and friends that have taken the time to schedule out meals for us on a daily basis. They have watched our 2 children who are at home, and they have continually kept us in their thoughts and prayers.

How do we say “Thank You” to the nurses and doctors that have treated Marcus like their very own son? Caring for him in such tender ways that it has a healing effect on a mother’s wounded heart.

Though I know that words can never express the overwhelming amounts of gratitude I feel I wish to say to each of you

Thank You – from the very bottom of my heart!

Our Miracle of a Day

2009-11-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

Our second day in the ICU Marcus took a turn for the worse. While on the first day in the ICU Marcus seemed to be attempting to fight, his lungs were now showing signs of being too tired to breath, causing them to place him on a breathing mode that meant Marcus was now doing hardly any breathing on his own. The blood within his lungs and chest cavity began to be dangerous, he began to spike a fever and more and more x-rays were being ordered.

We were amazed at how so many of our friends and family responded to this news. The next day we received countless texts and emails stating that so many of the people that we love were now fasting on Marcus’ behalf. His name was placed in Temples all over the world, from Utah to Chile and the amount of prayers going up toward heaven in our son’s behalf were now innumerable.

It was amazing for us as parents to witness the miracle that was about to take place. Within one day Marcus’ fever broke, his vital signs began to raise and by the end of that night his numbers (vital signs) were right where they should be. He began to do more and more breathing on his own. Throughout the rest of the day these numbers remained steady, his lungs continued to fight and his body held strong.

The next morning while the Doctors made their rounds they looked over his charts again and again. Marcus had made so much progress in such little time. One of the Doctors commented on how shocked they were at the speed in which Marcus was beginning to heal. We responded to this with a statement that Marcus has many people praying and fasting for him and this is a sign that our prayers are being answered.

During this conversation they began talking about extubating him during the afternoon (extubating means that they would take the breathing tube out of his throat) For a moment this was a bit of a debate because he had such extensive injuries on the inside, yet due to the fact that his numbers all looked so great they decided they would attempt an extubation with a person standing by ready to place it back in on the chance that his body would not respond.

They began to lower the morphine and sedatives that held him in a coma like state.

Side note that will be an important point for the rest of this story:

Each time Marcus would be brought out of his sleeping state, he would immediately ask for water. Of course this wasn’t asked with words, but with hand signs (hand formed in the shape of holding a cup and then bringing that hand up to the mouth – or the attempt to write the word water in the air.) these motions were repeated immediately every time that Marcus would come too.

Today as they began to lessen the drugs keeping him in a sleep induced state, the hand signs and sign language were a constant movement. We would repeat over and over to Marcus “As soon as we can get you water buddy we will.” Then in a moment of stupidity on my behalf I made the mistake of saying “As soon as the tube is out of your throat you can have a drink.”

Within 3 hours they were prepared to extubate Marcus. With both parents standing on each side of his bed, holding his hands as to help reassure him that everything would be fine, they began the process. Within seconds the tube was out and Marcus was breathing on his own.

The first words uttered from his lips were “water.” I informed Marcus that he would have to wait 6 hours in order to convince the doctors that he would not be needing to be intubated again. Tears welled up in his eyes and he slowly pulled his hands from ours and crossed them over his chest. He sat there with the maddest look on his face. The doctors began asking him questions

“Marcus does it hurt anywhere?”

“How does it feel to breath?”

Marcus just sat in silence- arms still crossed, anger still fuming from his face. The doctors began to get frustrated and continued asking the questions. Marcus uncrossed one of his arms and with his pointer finger he signaled me to come closer. As I put my ear down by his mouth he whispered this sentence.

“I’ll talk if you give me water!”

Laughter erupted and the doctor questioned “Did he just bribe us?”

Marcus received his ice chip, the doctors had their questions answered, and we had received our Miracle. Marcus had come back to us – Prayers were answered and that night we all knelt down to give thanks for the simple fact that our son could have an ice chip.

This is Marcus finally getting that drink of water he had waited a week to have.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T23:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight I ran back down to Orem to take Tanner and Emma out trick or treating. My entire family dressed up so that they could all come and join in the trick or treating fun! The idea of having everyone dressed up definitely helped because I was able to stay hidden allowing me to spend the 3 hours I had, enjoying this wonderful memory with my little ones who I haven’t seen for a week. I loved this night!!!

A physical sign that Tanner and Emma are in such good hands (or being spoiled rotten) is the fact that my mom made this Winnie the Pooh costume for Tanner. This is above and beyond anything that I would have done and the hours spent on this costume are a physical sign of the love that my mom has for her grandkids. Tanner was so excited and proud of his dream costume.

Why Winnie the pooh? Tanner loves that bear – I think it has something to do with them both having a sweet tooth.

Emma wanted to be something scary for Halloween. She wanted to be a mummy, a zombie or a vampire. But we finally settled on a witch and she practiced her witch’s cackle so that she could scare all the neighborhood kids. I didn’t want to burst her bubble and tell her that with a face that cute she would really have a hard time scaring people. So she cackled away and all the neighborhood kids just smiled!

Here is the crew dressed up in there Halloween fashions:

Steve and Sherry as the Mobsters

John as a giant rubics cube and Feen as Abby from NCSI

Nacho and Amber as Chino (which is Nacho's nick name) and a Geisha

Brandon and Jillian as Captain Hook and Tinkerbell

Jeremy as Peter Pan

While Marcus wanted to be Nacho Libre for Halloween he had to settle for the costume that the hospital had on hand. A giant pumpkin!

Oh well the pumpkin definately says

Happy Halloween!!!!

He's Got Style

2009-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

You don't see this very often...

Marcus went down to have a feeding tube put in place and to take some more x-rays.

I love the shoes!

Home Sweet Home

2009-10-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Each night here in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit they announce the winners of the sleep room lottery. It’s really not a lottery but there are moments when it may feel that way. You put in a request for a sleep room. Based on your distance from home, the severity of your child and the condition that the parents are in, you have a chance at being one of the lucky 6 winners that get a chance to sleep in a PICU sleep room. We (Michael and I) must be a sorry sight because we have been given a sleep room each night that we have been here. We feel so blessed to have been able to call this little twin size bed our home sweet home for the past week. The truth is that we are just so grateful that this hospital cares as much for the parents as it does the patients. We continue to be told that we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of our son. So we trade off on shifts and try to get what sleep we can. I feel so blessed to have our PICU bedroom that has lovingly become known as our home sweet home! (Except between the hours of 9am and 9pm when you must vacate the bedrooms and once again be placed on the lottery list.)

A True BYU Fan!

2009-10-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today while the Doctors were making their rounds they were stopped at the base of Marcus’ bed. We had placed on his side table the BYU flag, shirt and poster. The doctors began talking about how they all were UofU fans and they were teasing about the quality of care they should give to a BYU boy. Michael piped in and said well you had better not let Marcus here you talk bad about the cougs, he is a die hard BYU fan. At that moment in his coma like state, with eyes closed, he raised his right hand and pumped it in the air 3 times as if to say “GO COUGS” The Doctor’s all laughed and agreed that here was a true BYU fan!

The Football

2009-10-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today Marcus was given an incredible gift. For those of you who don’t know Marcus is a HUGE BYU fan. He loves that team win or lose!! He shows his support by wearing a BYU shirt each Friday to school. He cheers louder than most men, and he dreams of some day being able to become one of the great athletes that today he so admires.

Well, today some our neighbors came to visit bringing along with them a surprise for Marcus. Marcus is now the incredibly proud owner of a poster and a shirt signed by each of the members on the football team. As we showed this gift to Marcus he became so emotional. We told him that the BYU team members now know of Marcus Pratt. They each have heard his story and this is how they wanted to show their support to one of their biggest fans. This gift was a bit too much for a little 10 year old boy to bare. He smiled the biggest grin and a tear rolled down his cheek.

In the basket that they brought , along with cards from the primary children, was a football from one of his favorite teenage hero’s in our ward. This young man had signed the ball and sent a note to tell Marcus that as soon as he was better the two of them would need to play catch. Marcus reached for the football and held it tight. Ever since it has become a permanent fixture by his side. It has become quite the novelty to the nursing staff that even in his coma induced state he can sense where that football is. If a nurse tries to move the ball (because it is often in the way) he will become unsettled and reach for it. The only way to calm him down is to put the ball back at his side. When the ball is safely resting in his arms he drifts back to his peaceful place – dreaming, I’m sure, of the many touchdowns he will someday make.

It’s amazing for me to see the power of a dream. Marcus dreams of nothing else but becoming a BYU football player, and after today’s gifts his dreams have become even closer. I am amazed at the inner strength and determination Marcus now has at getting up and out of this hospital. Thanks to a dream and a football Marcus has become inspired to “Rise and Shout” because very soon this little wanna be cougar will be up and out!!!!

The Wheelchair

2009-10-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Michael is bound to this wheelchair for most of the day. As we walk through the halls of Primary Children’s Hospital we get comments like
“wow, that’s an awfully big kid.”
Or
“you’re making your wife push you around?”
Well the nurses here in the PICU are a fun group of people to be around. Our two favorite nurses have been Beau and Erica. This team of nurses kept us up to date with everything that was going on with Marcus but they also helped us have some fun in a place that can sometimes suck the happiness right out of you. Today while Michael got up and took his daily lap of walking these two nurses decorated his mode of transportation. I think they did a fine job!!

Can You Hear Me?

2009-10-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Can you hear me?
These are words that have frequently spilled from my lips as I have kneeled at my beside in prayer – pouring out my heart to a loving Father in Heaven.
Can you hear my voice?
Do you know I’m here?
This week as we have sat at the bedside of our son I again find myself asking these same words.
Can you hear me?
Can you hear my voice?
Do you know I’m here?
the difference this time is that the roles are reversed and I am the parent who so desperately wants my child to hear the words that I am telling him.
Marcus, you are loved!
Marcus, I am here for you!
What a unique spot to find my self in. In a moment in my life when I have found myself so desperately needing to know that God is there. He who loves me, and has heard my prayers, has placed me in a spot where I can so clearly see that
HE IS THERE!
He knows me!
And the most important part is that he loves me personally. I am his daughter. I have felt very strongly this week the veil that has thinned. I see with clearer eyes the way that Heavenly Father is sitting at my bedside each and every time I pray. Asking me those same words.
Can you hear me Stacia?
Do you know my voice?
Can you see that I am here?

Vital Signs

2009-10-28T04:12:00.000-07:00

Here in the ICU your vital signs are a critical piece of information for the doctors and nurses.

BP 112/50

Temp 39.6

These little square boxes that rest above Marcus’ bed, are checked every 3-5 minutes. His stats get written down every hour and then these numbers are compared against each other, in order to help the doctors see the past, know what to do in the present and help us predict the future. This information helps the doctors ensure that Marcus is headed in the right direction.

When one of these numbers begins to go in the opposite direction they immediately take preemptive measures to ensure that Marcus stays the course. Yesterday Marcus began to show signs that his body was in distress. His fever spiked, his breathing became nonexistent and therefore he required a breathing machine to stay alive.

I sat up late last night starring at this little black box, listening as it would alarm when his numbers would drop into a dangerous zone, and thinking to myself how wonderful it would be if each of us could walk around with one of these little boxes on our chest.

I would love to look at a little box and based on the numbers that flashed upon the screen I could recognize those areas in mine or my children’s life where they need that added measure of help – emotionally, spiritually.

I wonder if each box could have a number assigned to our different spiritual goals. Emma’s testimony on prayer looks a little low, Let’s do this treatment and see if we can help. Wouldn’t it be great to have a machine “kick in” when my son begins to doubt if there is a God, or when my daughter is faced with questions regarding her self worth.

As I sat here pondering these thoughts I had a little something tell me that what I was hoping for is what I am meant to be in my child’s life. My purpose is to help them gain a stronger testimony and help them see who they are and what they have the ability to become.

When I stand in need and my vital signs are a little low I should plug into my source of strength – the Godhead – and find the direction or medicine that needs to be administered in order to bless or save me so that I have the strength to administer to my children. How do we know what our vital signs are?

When our numbers or vital signs are in good shape the spirit can be felt in our hearts, in our homes, in our thoughts and can be see in our deeds.

My goal after experiencing this night is to keep myself in a place spiritually and emotionally that I in turn can be a source of strength for my precious little treasures – my children.

Bingo and a Blanket

2009-10-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today a woman came by and played a game of Bingo with Marcus. In his induced coma like state he had no idea that she was even there let alone that he was playing a game of bingo but that didn’t stop this wonderful woman from treating my son like he was right there with her – excited about the game they were playing. Well Marcus won and the prize he was awarded is a wonderful new Utah Jazz blanket. This blanket goes very nice with his new pair of high tops he is required to wear for 5 hours each day. Who knows maybe this will inspire him to be a basketball player – oh ya he’s a Pratt and height is definitely not going to be an option.

Oh well, he still looks mighty fashionable with his new get up.

Service

2009-10-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing how out of small and simple things are great things brought to pass. There is a volunteer here at the hospital who comes in and makes a poster for each of the new patients that have been admitted into the PICU. This small and simple act of service brings about so many positive moments in the recovery and treatment of our son. Each nurse that comes to Marcus’ bedside reads these simple statements and then takes this information and has a one sided conversation with our son. They ask questions (knowing that they won’t get any answers) They talk about similarities they may share with our son or the difference they may have (BYU vs..UofU). This simple act of kindness bridges the gaps and barriers that may be in place between a 10 year old boy laying in a hospital bed and an adult caregiver.

I wish to give thanks to the person who made this poster, turning Marcus into more than just a name or a bed number. This one simple act of service turned my son Marcus into a 10 year old boy with a story that needed to be told.

The Gift of Sight

2009-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

As a parent I have hoped to never be placed in a situation where I could see the very thin thread that runs between life and death. Yet after watching the experiences that have unfolded these past few days I hope to never forget this day as I begin to see the miracles that are happening each and every minute.

12:05
I stood in the kitchen of the cabin that we had been staying at for the past week. I was sad to leave this wonderful place. We had found a way to escape from the world for just a moment and it was so peaceful. As I stood at the sink doing the dishes and cleaning up in order for us to head back home I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to go find my family.
Michael had taken the kids out for a ride on the Rhino (an off roading vehicle) so that I could pack up our belongings without the interruption of the little ones.
The prompting that I had felt came with such an urgency that without hesitation I walked straight to the front door, grabbed my car keys with my soapy wet hands and rushed out to my car. In the distance I could hear the purr of the Rhino so I knew exactly what direction I needed to drive. As I got to the top of the hill I saw Michael driving with speed as he raced toward my car. With a fear in his eyes that I have never before seen he waved me to go back to the cabin. The scene I saw as I pulled up to the Rhino in the driveway of the cabin, placed me in that situation that I had hoped never to experience. Marcus lay in Tanners arms white, not breathing …

It is amazing how in those minutes when you are faced with death you have a moment of absolute clarity. In my moment I had three thoughts rush into my mind.
#1 Heavenly Father was getting an amazing force for good to further His work on the other side.
#2 By the way that Marcus had lived his life he would be guaranteed a spot in the Celestial Kingdom. I would do whatever it takes to live a life worthy of being with him again.
#3 How much can one heart take ? Though the thoughts came quickly – they were packed with emotion.

Michael picked up our lifeless son and I raced into the cabin knowing that the only access I would have with help would be in my conversation with 911. I grabbed the phone and for the first time in my life dialed those 3 numbers that have been engraved in my head since the time I started kindergarten - If you need help call 911.
“911 is this an emergency?”
My conversation with the woman on the other end was brief.
“My name is Stacia Pratt. My son who is 10 was in an accident. The Rhino that they were in rolled and it landed on his body. He’s not breathing, he is so white. Please help!!!”
My stomach sunk as the one question she asked I could not answer.
“What is your address?”
I had no idea. We were at a cabin up Timberlake. There are hundreds of cabins up Timberlake! How would they ever find me? My response again was brief.
“You have an ambulance meet me at the gate at the base of Timberlake. I’ll get him there.”
That was it. I rushed out the door dropping the phone on the steps of the front porch and cried silently in my mind that if a miracle could happen – I am begging for one. I knew that as I drove down the mountain I would not have cell phone service and so for that long drive - we would be alone. I jumped in the car and drove faster down the mountain than I have ever driven before. Tanner and Emma sat in the back telling Marcus that they loved him. Michael begged him over and over to breath. I kept my thoughts focused on the road in front of me. A black truck with an EMT waved me to stop. I felt such a sense of relief at the sight of someone who knew what to do. He rushed to our car and after taking one look at Marcus called on his radio that life flight would be our only hope. When he asked me to stand at Marcus’ head to hold it still while he placed oxygen over his mouth I saw, as I stared at my son laying lifeless on the back seat of our car, the very thin thread that runs between life and death.
Marcus’s eyes opened and the depth of pain that I saw in them was almost unbearable. He slowly reached his hands up to cup my face. He pulled me down close to his mouth and whispered “I love you Mom.” He placed my face against his cheek and cried in pain. He then repeated this same statement to each member in his family. He looked at Michael, reached out to grab his hand and pull him close and said those same words. “I love you!” he turned his head toward Tanner and Emma and again repeated “I love you!” He then looked at me and closed his eyes. The kids were crying from all of the emotion but I knew that in order to provide Marcus with any hope of being ok I needed to hold back the tears that I felt flooding to my eyelids. Marcus again opened his eyes and asked
“Can I wake up from this really bad dream?” I smiled at him as I thought. Only Marcus would ask permission to wake up from a nightmare. Again he dosed out of consciousness and again the fear set in my heart.
At that moment I could hear the sirens of the ambulance as it pulled up the dirt road.
Marcus awoke one last time and the words he uttered struck fear to my very core.
“Mom, I’m going to die.” His eyes closed and again he was gone. The medical team came flooding up to the car taking over my spot of holding my sweet son’s head. They asked Michael to quickly get the kids out of the car. They all squished in and began their work. We stood on the dirt road feeling helpless. We could hear life flight on it’s way and I was so anxious for it to land.
It is amazing how slow time can tick as you stand paralyzed with fear. Marcus was placed on a backboard and taken from our car into the ambulance. What may have only been minutes seemed like an eternity. Finally life flight was in sight. They attempted to land but were unable, due to the winds and narrow spaces. After 4 landing attempts and failures it was decided that the ambulance would meet them at the gate. With that Marcus was off.
As Michael began to place the kids back in the car, I ran down to the second ambulance and asked for directions on how to get to Primary Children’s Hospital. As I turned around I saw Michael in agonizing pain struggling to breath. The medics ran to our car and within minutes had him placed on a backboard and loading him into the remaining ambulance. It seems that after the adrenaline had worn off Michael’s injuries from the accident presented themselves. Within minutes I found myself standing alone on a dirt road left to make a decision. Where do I go? What do I do? Marcus was in the air on his way to Primary Children’s while Michael was in an ambulance headed to the nearest hospital. I opened the door of my car to find my two remaining children in tears. What a horrible moment they had just had to witness. Tanner looked and me and asked
“Are they both going to die?”
That was it…I had just heard my son utter the question that determined the person I needed to be for my children. There were to be no tears from me. My kids needed hope and peace and that could only come to them in the form of a mother who was filled with confidence that both Dad and Marcus would be ok. If it took everything I had left to give – that would be the gift I would give them. And so for the next hour as I raced through Parley’s Canyon, driving fast enough to receive a very hefty ticket, we talked of the power of prayer. I shared with the kids how I was recently promised in a blessing that each of my children had and angel assigned to protect and care for them. We found such comfort in knowing that while we couldn’t be with Marcus as he was being flown to the hospital, there would be an angel there helping Marcus to feel comforted and loved. I was able to share with my two young children my testimony that God not only CAN work Miracles – but He WILL work Miracles if we have the faith it takes to make them happen.

For 5 hours we sat in a waiting room listening to the sounds of the clock. I received a phone call from Paul (Michael’s brother whom I had sent to the hospital to be with Pratt) stating that Pratt had basically checked himself out of the hospital - refusing to be treated because he needed to be up with his boy. Michael’s CT scan showed that he has a fracture on the lower lumbar portion of his spine. The Doctors gave him a prescription for pain pills and a paper with their phone numbers on it as they were positive that he would need to be further treated. After that phone call I turned to Tanner and with excitement told him that we had seen our first miracle and Dad was on his way to be with his kids. It seemed strange sitting in a room that was filled with family but missing the usual sounds of laughter and joy you hear when these people all gather together. The Doctor finally came to tell us what had happened to my son and before he spoke I felt an overwhelming peace that everything would turn out just as it should. The doctor told us that Marcus’ injuries are extensive. They had to do an emergency operation on Marcus in order to try and find where the internal bleeding was coming from.
Marcus has 8 fractured ribs on his left side- 4 fractured ribs on his right. His lungs are collapsed and have hemo thorax's on both sides. Due to the ribs being broken in a row down one side he has what is called a flailing lung on the left side of his chest. His spleen has a 2 inch tear in it. His liver has a huge crack down it placing it at a grade 4 level. (at grade 5 they take it out) His pancreas looks like it was flattened and is refusing to work at the moment. They have found 4 broken bones in his back but said that they won't rule out any other broken bones until they can get a better x-ray of his spine. Our shining ray of happiness was that there was no sign of head trauma. Our prayer had been answered. Though Marcus and Dad are badly damaged, they are both alive!!
As we stood at the bedside of our broken son we gave thanks to God for allowing this wonderful angel to continue to be a blessing in our home.
Today, as we experienced our greatest nightmare - we were given the gift of sight. Today we saw the miracles that are happening each and every minute if we will but place our life in God’s hands and have the faith to say “thy will be done.”

Our Escape

2009-10-25T23:48:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday October 20th we decided to take our little family and escape the world. Our destination was a beautiful cabin up Timberlake, which my Uncle and Aunt graciously allowed us to borrow.

We had such a great time exploring the great outdoors! Tanner must have recently watched the parent trap because he wandered around tapping two sticks together to scare off any wild animals.

The kids played twister for hours.

And won dad over and over in checkers

Emma loved to pretend that she was a scary bear

We read books

played many games of catch with the football

And enjoyed many other fun things together as a family.

All in all this was a great week and we certainly did find a way to escape!