Summer Races

I am not sure that anyone follows this blog anymore - but if they do... I am going to start giving more updates on Dan, our family and what has been going on in our lives. It has been a busy year with many things going on since our trip to China. Dan has re-engaged in active therapy and spends the majority of his time trying to make improvements. I think there is some improvement, but it is slow in coming. He keeps working at it, and hopefully someday we will chip a piece off this block that seems to be standing in our way.

He is now going to therapy at LDS hospital (for occupational therapy) and also at Neuroworx (physical therapy). Our insurance decided to quit paying for physical therapy due to a "lack of medical necessity". This really bothers me that I have a rehab physican and therapists that work with Dan closely, and are supportive of his desire to improve, but then some committee from the insurance company decides that the progress is not fast enough, and so they stop paying. I am working to ask for a review and reconsideration, but we will see how it goes. In the meantime, Dan continues to work out on his own and does the best that he can.

This weekend we bought him a "Jazzy" wheelchair. This is an electric wheelchair that will help him get around a bit better as he travels to and from his therapy in SLC (Salt Lake City). He is quite independent... and so this chair will help him get around a little better as he navigates the downtown traffic of SLC when he has to transfer from the bus to the TRAX train system. We only have a manual wheelchair, and to make it go, Dan pushes it backwards with his one good foot. This is ok for closer to home, but when he is trying to navigate through city traffic, he needs a bit more control... thus the "Jazzy".

This weekend we ALSO went to another 5K race! These races have been inspired by our good friends at Neuroworx. Remember our good friend Casey? What a cool dude...



He got this "5K race" thing going by running in a race this spring wearing his "see Dan" shirt.

My sister, Ruth Ann, also ran a race in the hot Texas sun this summer -- she was a trooper and wore her "See Dan Talk" shirt in support of Dan...



Here is Ruth Ann with the winning medalists - I think she took second place! You go, girl!


Then Dan decided to join in the fun and rode his bike with the Neuroworx team in July. As I recall, he came in second in his age class... good job, Dan!



Then -- he convinced me to sign up for the last race of the season... a 5K for the Independent Living Center. We went to support Mark Christiansen, a fellow Neuroworx friend that has been a quadraplegic for 47 years... it is amazing that we meet so many stellar individuals as we cross paths in life, and Mark is certainly one of them! He always is cheerful and has a smile on his face... I wonder why we even complain sometimes and I am grateful to know people that are such an inspiration to us.

Here is a picture of the team getting lined up and ready to race! Those guys on the hand cycles are FAST! The first place guy came in at just over 11 minutes! Dan and I came in at 18:07 and 18:10 respectively...


Here is a little proof that I was there and did ride my recumbant bike in the race along side Dan... ;-)



Here is Dan's therapist director (Jan) and her son, Casey (the cool dude) coming through the finish line... way to go team!



Casey took first place in the hand powered wheelchair division -- I am sure his arms are WAY tired today, but the first place status should make it feel all worth while!





Here is Dan, Jan and Casey just chillin' after the big race! It was a fun time, and I am glad that we got to be a part of it.



I will post more of our summer adventures later... but know for now that we are "keeping on" and continuing to work towards "a better life for Dan".

The 22 mile "5K"

I have been meaning to update the blog – but life has been a little crazy around here. It has been a time of reflection through all the chaos, if that could really happen.

First – the chaos.... work projects, corporate politics and pressures, Girl's Camp with the Young Women, 5K races, a trip to Idaho and a family reunion back in Utah. What does this all mean? Well – I am not going to go into the details of work, but just know that the project that I am working on has had its fair share of challenges. I hope to have it back on track now and able to hit the original target set, so we will see. We just keep going, even when we hit bumps in the road, but I am confident that we can correct our course and go the distance.

I had one especially frustrating day on Wednesday this last week. The funny thing was the song that I heard on the radio that seemed to say it all...

Bring on the Rain
Another day has almost come and gone
Can't imagine what else could wrong
Sometimes I'd like to hide away somewhere and lock the door
A single battle lost but not the war ('cause)

Tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain

It's almost like the hard times circle 'round
A couple drops and they all start coming down
Yeah, I might feel defeated, and
I might hang my head
I might be barely breathing - but I'm not dead ('cause)

Tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain

No, I'm not gonna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
And I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight
'Cause tomorrow's another day and I am not afraid
so bring on the rain.

Tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain

I had to laugh... it was sooooo appropriate! I went back to work and had to look up the lyrics on the internet and save them off. I printed it and posted it on my refrigerator so it would remind me to take a deep breath and move on. Tomorrow is another day – and so when we get feeling down, we should put things in perspective and know that we can face whatever comes our way. Don't let it get you down... there is hope just around the corner. This is my new theme song-- call me up and I will sing it to you! ;-)

OK – now on to the FUN stuff!
Mid-July is Girls Camp week! I work with the Young Women (ages 12-18) in my church, and Girl's Camp is the big week in the summer when we escape to the mountains to clear our heads and have an opportunity to feel closer to our Heavenly Father. I was not able to participate the full week (due to the lovely work project!) but did get away on Thursday-Saturday. It was a great break and I had a wonderful time with the girls. We even went on an early morning hike to see the sunrise! It was awesome!!

This is the "lone pine" that we hiked up to see the sunrise!


The beautiful view from the top of the mountain...


The BRAVE souls that got up at 4:30 AM to go on this hike!!


Angie on top of the mountain with Mom! This is the first year that I have gotten up early for the hike... (3 years running at Girl's Camp) This is Angie's last year as she is now ALL GROWN UP and moving on to college! It was nice to have this memory!



On the way home from Girl's Camp, I called Dan as soon as I got out of the canyon and had cell coverage. We were scheduled to leave for Idaho to visit family and hear a nephew talk in church about his mission experiences, and I wanted Dan to know that I was on my way and that I would be there shortly. He answered the phone, and said that he was on his way home from a 5K event that he had participated in that morning (he was on his bike). He was on Geneva Road which is TOTALLY on the other side of town – and down a steep hill – and he had been out to Vinyard (I don't even know where this is...) to bike in a 5K race with his Neuroworx buddies! Hello?! I didn't even know he was planning on doing this..... anyway, by the time he got home, he had clocked 22 miles on his bike!! I had to look this up, but 5K is a little over 3 miles, so Dan road 19 miles round trip to get to and from the race and 3 miles for the race! He is an amazing man... he is not afraid to go or do anything.

I got off the cell phone and my friend in the car commented that you would never know from listening to the phone conversation that he is disabled. “Hi Honey... oh you have been out riding in a 5K this morning?! Cool...! Well, I will be home in just a bit... love you – bye!”

Dan with his 5K racing buddies... Ashley, Abby and Sandra.
(This was a fundraiser for Sandra)



Here is Dan with his medal – he took 2nd place in his division (the over 50 crowd!). I know he wasn't pushing it because he was just keeping pace with his Neuroworx friends who were running.


I guess they have another 5K coming up in September that he wants me to run in with him... (can't I ride my bike?!) Dan likes to ride his bike with me – because is it so easy for him to keep pace with me! Kudos to Dan-the-Man and his amazing spirit that keeps us all going!


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Welcome Home Elder Brady Jardine!


This is our nephew, Brady Jardine that just returned from an LDS mission to Texas. He is 6'7" tall and is standing two steps below Dan and I and one step below everyone else! Brady will be playing basketball at Utah State University this fall -- We wish him the best in his future endeavors!

We look up to you - Brady - in more ways than one! We are so proud of you!

Sand Dunes... "See Dan Drive!"

Have you been waiting to "See Dan Drive?!" Well - here is the proof - he did it!


Did you know that we have a place in Utah called "Little Sahara"? I have lived here a long time and have never taken the time to go to this National Park, and it is only about 90 minutes from our home! For one thing, you have to own an off-road vehicle to have any fun, and we (Dan and I) don't have such toys, so we have never bothered to go check it out. Nathan (our son) bought an ATV from his brother-in-law, so they invited us to go with them for a fun weekend getaway...

Here is Nate helping his Dad get situated on the four-wheeler...


And off Dan goes... !!


Bye bye, Daddio!


Dan is kickin' up a little dirt.... better slow it down, Dan!


Dan has gone the "full circle" and is now coming back to the camp site!


As you can tell, Dan is pretty happy about his ride! (Did you notice, he just happened to be wearing his "See Dan Drive" shirt!) He did rub the skin off his right thumb as he had to press on the gas more with the outside of this thumb/ palm to get acceleration. He said it was good motivation to get his thumb working better on his right hand!



Now for some shots of the pros...!

Jeff "catchin' some air" at the top of a dune...



Watch out! Here comes Nate...


Hey! Nate can do the "air" thing too!!



Here is our beautiful daughter, Angie!



Angie is doing some jumps too.... what are those brothers teaching her!



And here goes LaNae...!


Just a little proof that I did get on the four wheeler! The only problem was that I got stuck and had to be rescued from the top of the sand dune...!

I thought - I will just go down the trail a bit where I thought the sand dunes were smaller. I will take a nice little ride over a few dunes, circle back and then I can claim that I "drove it"! So-- up the hill I went... only when I got up there, I found that I was on a rather large dune... and the top of it was very steep, like a tent top! One side of the dune was a big bowl and it was very steep... I was trying to see how I was going to navigate this thing... it was a lot larger than I was expecting, so I slowed the vehicle down a little. (Bad move... the engine cut out!) So there I am about three feet from the top of this dune on a very steep incline! I thought... I can do this... (ha ha) ... so I turned the wheel a bit up hill and got back on and tried to start the thing. Well - it kicked me in the shin (ouch!) but I got it going again...

My success didn't last too long as when I let out the clutch, the ATV decided to dig in deeper into the sand, rather than go up over the top! So -- there I am -- stranded up on the top of a sand dune. I was lucky that I could see see the camp site and so I just went to the top of the hill, waved my arms wildly and waited for my sons to come get me! Poor guys -- they jumped in their 4-wheel drive vehicle and drove as far as they could, and then they had to hike up the sand mountain to rescue the vehicle! I just said -- I have nothing to prove -- you go ahead and just bring it down! ;-) So I walked down the mountain and they got to have an extra ride as a benefit for "saving Mom".

It's time to head for home! Here are the boys working together to take the tents down....


Everyone was pretty worn out by then... here is Gentry sleeping on the camp chairs!



We had a great time! Thanks to Nate and Heather for letting us join in on this fun family weekend!!

Our Buddy Casey!

I waited to share this story because I wanted Casey to have his own recognition day on the blog. Casey is Jan's son (Dan's therapist director at Neuroworx). He ran in a marathon in Salt Lake City, but rather than wear the marathon shirt -- he chose to wear his "See Dan Run" shirt!





This is a message we got from Jan with the picture...

Here you go!! Casey is so proud that you asked for these. I can tell you that this is the second year that Casey and his Dad ran the 5K together (remember that my husband is NOT a runner). The runners get a Salt Lake City Marathon participant shirt each year (in fact, it is under your "See Dan Run" shirt). Casey decided to wear yours with his number on it and was surprised by how many people thought he was Dan. He thought is was "cool" to be "running" with your shirt and ran in anticipation of someone asking him about it so that he could tell them about YOU!! Enjoy!

We are glad to have such awesome people supporting us! Thanks to Jan and Casey! You guys ROCK!!!

Waxing Philosophical... and Kung Fu Panda?!

Dan and I go to the movies almost every Friday night. The local theater in our town allows people with disabilities in for free – and so Dan and I like to go to a lot of movies. Last night we saw “Kung Fu Panda” and I thought it was awesome... it was funny and had an underlying message that has caused me to ponder.... (how can one ponder over a cartoon.... hmmm) Even though the scenery was hand drawn, it reminded me of China, the big tall temple buildings, the rope bridges, the noodle shop and the dumplings... It was fun for me to think of the wonderful people that we met in China that we grew to love. We wish that we could go back and see them all.... There were so many good people there from the nurses, therapists and doctors to the people that we met in the hospital. Going to China was a rich experience for us and the experience has forever changed us.

For many years we have not had association with others that have had serious accidents in their lives. I didn't really gain much strength from the early support groups that we were encouraged to participate in. I was expecting Dan to get better and every one else was trying to face the reality of never getting better, so needless to say, we ended up not participating. I am sure that I missed a wonderful opportunity to meet many really great people.

Those of you who know us may know that Dan is much more social than I am. He treasures his relationships with so many people and it means a lot to him to go visit and know how they are doing. I, on the other hand, get dragged into my work-day living and really only associate with family and close friends. I do enjoy my friendships and relationships – I just find it harder to reach out because of the other pressures that are in my life. Much of “keeping in touch” with others comes through Dan's emails, texts and communications than with my own.

I have been thinking a lot about our friends that we met as a result of our China adventure and Dan's stem cell treatments. Many new friendships have developed that we cherish. We think of Tori – who was the first inspiration to us all as we watched their courageous story, Missy and Travis that we have come to know since to Chris and Koo, Ty and Renee, Glen and Monnie, Jack and Dorene, Gary, Lorraine and Gary Jr (the wonderful young man that helped Dan climb the Great Wall!), Norm and Marlene, Stephen from Florida, our Aussie friends (Judy, Nichole, Maria, Dennis, Diana, Nathan) to all the doctors (Dr. Wisdom), therapists (Lily – the slave driver!) Nancy, nurses (Esther, Shirlene, Sunny, Kelly, Tina, Jingjing...) to the wonderful hospital staff (Diana, Wendy, Kamee, Kotan, Suzie, Isabelle) to the wonderful people we met at church (Mac & Janet Coleman, Phil & Donna Coleman, Steve & Kristie Hendrix, Donya Harvey and family... ). The list could go on – but these are a few that we think of when we reminisce on our wonderful adventure to China....

Dan is doing just great – he is working out and trying hard to improve. He goes up to Sandy three times a week and spends the full day at a therapy center called Neuroworx. Many who have seen him since the China trip may wonder if there is any progress... (and back to my pondering from Kung Fu Panda... where we learn that there is no secret ingredient to become the great Kung Fu master – it is only found in one's beliefs and perceptions of what their potential is...) Some may say – why hasn't the secret ingredient (the stem cells) worked already?! That was sure a long journey and a lot of money and time – where is the benefit?? ... and all we can answer is that we are trying our best to make an improvement come to pass – but it may take time, and perhaps the greatest secret ingredient we have is our belief that God will bless us as we make the effort on our own.

I am not sure what the end of this story will be... I can say that I feel good about the journey and that we trust in God enough to know that the outcome will be a blessing in our lives. We know that we have been blessed already by the wonderful people we have met. Out hearts go out to them in each of their situations and we pray that they might have some of the wonderful blessings that we have experienced. We have a desire to share our faith and beliefs with them in a hope that their lives may be blessed as ours have been. There is no doubt that life could be better – but let us not always be looking so hard for a better life that we forget to stop and count the blessings of the life we already have. There can be joy and peace, even in the midst of great challenge and sometimes it is the greatest challenges that drive us to find the anchor and the peace that we need so desperately.

So – my recommendation for the day – go see the movie (Kung Fu Panda)! I hope it will help you to believe in your potential – and also that you will have a good laugh and release any tension from the week you may have just had! Dan and I send our love and best wishes to all – we so appreciate your support and continued prayers in our behalf. It is because of you that our burdens are light, and we appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers in our behalf.

Angie's Graduation!

Way to go Angie -- it was a great day!

We are so proud of our daughter Angela! She graduated from Seminary AND High School this last month. Seminary graduation was held on Sunday, May 18th and Angie sang with two other girls from our ward at the event. Seminary is a weekday program of religious study that is sponsored by our church... Angie attended for four years and the graduation is a recognition of successfully completing this course of study. We are very proud of her for this great accomplishment!

Angie also graduated from Orem High School on May 30th. It was a beautiful day and we all had a great time. Here are some pictures from the event for you to enjoy!

The big moment has arrived! Angie is on her way to get the diploma!


Angie did a dance as she came through the Orem "O" -- of course -- we thought she was the cutest one there!


A more serious moment... getting the diploma!


Angie sees her family through the crowd -- is she excited or what?!


Angie with her niece - Gentry!


Angie with her sister, Heather! (we don't know how we got such good looking children!!)


A pretty good shot of the family -- (I think Grandma Balls is checking out the great grandkids...)


Jeff and Dan wanted to play "dominoes" - they are trying to tip us all over!


The graduation line up--


We have NO IDEA what Jeff is doing in the background! ;-)


Angie with her cute nieces, Gentry and Riley (aren't they just adorable?!)


... apparently Dan and Jeff wanted to get in on some of the picture taking action!


Dorothy (Dan's sister) and Tony join us for the big celebration. Angie threw her cap up into the air and we caught it on camera! Dan, HeatherJ and Riley are in the background...


Angie with her sister Heather!


Angie getting a congratulation hug from one of her best friends... Sili Latu


... at least we think they are best friends! Angie will be rooming with Sili in the fall and living at Heather Cove (an apartment complex that Jeff and Kallie manage). She will be attending college at Utah Valley University here in Orem.


The beautiful graduate on her BIG day!!


Proud Mama and Grandma with Angie on her big day! (the three generation picture!)


Angie and her friend Melissa


Here we are at home enjoying the "graduation feast"!


Angie - we are so proud of YOU!!

What Mother's Want...

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! Dan and I have been busy (crazy level busy) the last month or so. Dan is doing well and continues his therapy at Neuroworx in Salt Lake City. I continue to work and as of late have been re-arranging my entire house to accommodate the move-in of my son, his wife and two granddaughters. They will be living in our basement for the next year or so while Nathan is going to school. He returned to school and is working towards a Pharmacy degree. We are happy for them, and it will be fun to have them here... but it has been a task to clear out a basement (furniture and all) so that they could have an apartment down there. It is apparent we need to have a "garage sale" as I have accumulated way to much stuff in the time living here (fifteen years...)


This is my beautiful granddaughter Riley and her stuffed animal friends...

So -- now for a "mother story". The routine is that I take Dan to the bus stop on my way to work, get him on the bus which he rides to the Sandy TRAX station. He is then met by the Paratransit bus that takes him to Neuroworx for the day. At the end of the day, the routine is reversed - Paratransit picks him up and takes him to the bus stop and he rides the bus back to Orem, where I pick him up on my way home from work...

One day we were running a little late, and so instead of taking him to the main transit center, I headed to the bus stop at UVU (Utah Valley Univeristy) which is the last bus stop in Orem before the bus gets on the freeway. I pulled up and there was a line up of buses. I was going to pull in behind them, but Dan prompted me to whip in front of them and 'cut them off' so that they would not leave without him. So -- I did -- I pulled right up in front of the entire line-up and jumped out, got the wheel chair out of the back hatch, quickly loaded Dan into it and whipped up the bus ramp in record time!

I thought we were doing pretty good, but then I went to get off the bus and noticed a police officer parked next to my vehicle with the lights on... I started to say "Officer.... I was just..." and I recognized him as a previous neighbor. He just wanted to say hello -- so there we were catching up on old times and the bus line-up just had to go around the both of us... I am sure the driver was not too happy, but I was thankful that at least he thought I was getting a ticket! The next day when Dan got on the bus - the driver gave Dan a detailed booklet of all the bus stops on this route, and said.. "Here... will you give this to your mother?!!" I don't get how I get mixed up as Dan's mama - but it has happened on more occasions that I want to admit!

So-- leading into what do mothers want anyway... it is Mother's Day today and I know that all I want is for my children to be happy -- and most importantly that they will find the anchor in their lives that will bring them the happiness and peace that I have had over the years. It is not what happens to you in life, but rather knowing that there is a Power greater than us all that we can lean on in times of need. I hope my children learn to rely on the powers of Heaven.

What do I want as a wife? --I would be wrong if I didn't say I would like to see the day that Dan has his full abilities. It is so hard on him - especially when there is so much work to be done around the house -- to watch and not be able to help out like he wants to. I would like him to work side by side with me... that would be awesome! We are determined to do all that we can to help him -- what I have come to realize is that some of the goals and dreams that we have take more than we originally estimate to make them come true. I still believe that Dan can improve - I just think it will not come without a lot of hard work -- and some time. We need to not give up on our dreams, just because the road is hard to get there. That is a great lesson that I have learned this past year.

Wishing you and your family all the best! Don't give up on us... we are still working our tails off!
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(...later) We just got back from relaxing with the family at a time-share condo in Midway. We went up for a family dinner and get together, and then Nate and his family stayed over. It is only about 20 minutes from our home, but is up a canyon in some beautiful country, so it is a nice get-away. The children and Dan have all been so good to me the last few days. Yesterday they came over and had a big "work party" at our house where the boys put in a new sink, did some electrical work and then the girls worked in the yard, cleaned the hot tub and sanded the front porch railing in preparation for painting. It was a BIG day and we got a lot accomplished.. and I am so glad that I have such wonderful children (and their spouses) that are so helpful to me!

Chillin' at the condo...

We played games together and ate a wonderful turkey / cheesy potato dinner with all the trimmings... and then topped it of with some rhubarb cake and ice cream. Thanks to Angie for cooking such a great dinner for all!



Dan gave me a sweet card - and with his permission I share his message...
"Always remember that you are my one and only. I appreciate your unending acts of Love from putting my shirt and socks on or rushing me to the bus in the morning to telling me to come to bed at night. Thank you for bearing and teaching our beautiful children. You are a Super Mom and wife!!! I can't wait till when I can take care of you. :-) Love, Dan"

It was hand written -- now you know why I think he is such a great guy! He makes up for his disability with his love and cheerful countenance. -- oh - and by the way -- he WON the UNO game! He was pretty proud of that!

Take care friends.