Saturday, December 22, 2007

SLC Christmas: Loving one another.

Sometimes life throws you a curve.
Or an unexpected bump when you ski.


I took this picture because I was touched watching my kids caring for their father when he was in so much pain.

Jeff and Bernie had a great time skiing Brighton together on nice squeaky powder snow this morning.
Bernie just wanted to get a half day of skiing in with Jeff to start the holidays.
Laura and I were happy to stay home while they went.

Bernie and Jeff were coming down a green run, an easy slope compared to what they usually ski, when Bernie went over an uncharacteristic hump in the run.
He wasn't expecting it, but he got great air, according to all who witnessed it.
He really didn't have any choice; it was just there.
And then he fell.
Jeff was skiing right behind him, and was able to get him help right away.
The snow rescue team had to sled B. down the mountain.
X-rays say the bones are fine, but the ACL (and/or other ligaments) are torn.
It was an excruciating injury. Jeff had broken his ACL a few years ago himself so he knew what it was like.
LauraRN was called into action once they got home, and Jeff helped him with icing his leg splint.
Morphine, and other drugs are keeping him comfortable now....
Bernie is just going to have to basically lay low for the rest of our time in SLC.

We just hope and pray that Bernie will be well enough to travel in eight days.
I can't imagine how he could possible fly with his leg like this.
He will probably need surgery once we get home; maybe therapy can address it.
Either way, we are so thankful Laura will be moving to Houston in January, and will living with us for awhile.
She's the best nurse in the world, especially when you need post surgical care and pain management.
The four of us are just huddling downstairs, watching a little TV.
Bernie is alternately sleeping and waking on the couch.
He won't be able to go upstairs to bed.
We got a heated blanket and an air mattress for him to use as he camps out downstairs.
At least the view out the sliding glass door as seen above is pretty for him to enjoy.





I am so sorry Bernie had this happen to him.
I am so grateful to have two kids that know how to offer their care.
And that the four of us are together during this time.

6 comments:

Dawn said...

Jill,
I am so sorry about Bernie's injury...
Have a nice Christmas together. I just hope that Bernie will be comfortable enough..
All the best,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

I just knew something bad was going to happen with you away! I know Meowsie is God's chosen, cat, but that means I'm The Prophet! I read it in the toilet-paper-barf! I knew this would happen! Oh Bernie! I wish I were there to purr you back to health! Purrrrrr!!!!! Till you get back, I still worship you! Tigs

Anonymous said...

Oh, poor Bernie! I know that pain is close to intolerable. I'll be praying for his comfort, as well as for a non-surgical healing.

The snow and the lights together look so beautiful and peaceful.

Lovella ♥ said...

Admittedly I'm teary now anyways but seeing your kids love on their dad opened up the floodgates once again.
Knowing that God is good all the time and that He makes no mistakes, I'm praying that this will be a special Christmas time for all of you together.

Jane Carlstrom said...

Awww poor Bernie. Bummer. On the other hand, Yay! Bernie, for having a wonderful competent loving family who is there for you when you are down.

Bring on the board games.

Wishing Bernie fast healing, great pain control, and a good though more quiet time than previously planned.

Hugs to you all, Jane

Anonymous said...

Ouch! That doesn't sound like fun for Bernie or for his wife, who gets to tend to him. I'll be praying for you all and for a speedy recovery. Merry Christmas!