When the World Disappears

I have had several pivotal moments in my life when, for some compelling reason, the world seems to disappear. One such moment happened before Kristin and I started dating. I was invited to Kristin’s surprise birthday party by her roommates. I arrived a little early and the roommates invited me to help make a banana split for the birthday girl. The split included all of Kristin’s favorites, including gummy bears. After Kristin joined us, we sang happy birthday then we all proceeded to eat our banana splits. After I finished mine, I noticed Kristin was struggling to eat her rather large banana split. I offered to help. As soon as Kristin and I started our conversation, the world around us melted into oblivion and there were just two of us in the room. By the end of the conversation, I had invited her to go to a BYU football game with me. The rest is history. Another moment, which fits the theme for the week, happened when Derek was a young lad. Derek had just turned 3 when he and I attended a Father and Son campout. The evening festivities were fun. We enjoyed the typical campfire dinner and conversation. The next morning after breakfast, Derek and I had some free time and debated what we should do. We brought baseball gear, a soccer ball and a few other miscellaneous toys. Derek wanted to try out his new butterfly catching kit that he got for his birthday. Through adult eyes, the kit was rather flimsy and the butterfly population was unspectacular. My expectations were low, but I couldn’t resist Derek’s request. We armed ourselves with various butterfly catching equipment and struck out on our quest. Somewhere along the way, the world disappeared around us and it was just Derek and me enjoying the moment. Derek’s enthusiasm and vigor was infectious and I found myself wishing the moment would never end. These moments, along with hundreds of others, are why I cherish the titles of husband and father above all else.

Overdue Update

Jared had an MRI today. Following the MRI, Kristin and Jared were able to visit with the doctor to review test results. The doctors suspect the infection began in the bones in his pelvis. The infection likely leaked from the pelvis and migrated to two abysses areas as well as to the hip. The place where the infection originated isn’t as sensitive as the hip area, so the infection was able to flourish before it was discovered. The MRI revealed there is still some infection in the pelvis. The area can be surgically drained, but the doctors are hopeful the infection can be dealt with through antibiotics. The doctor reset our expectations as follows: Jared will stay in the hospital at least through the weekend. Jared will be on antibiotics for 3 months, intravenously for 2 more weeks, orally for the rest. Jared will be on crutches beyond 6 weeks and he won’t be able to play sports for up to 6 months. A full recovery is still possible. The doctors are being very cautious. The reason for the crutches is to eliminate pressure on the hip joint and cartilage, which will allow maximum healing time. Jared is definitely headed in the right direction. His pain levels are greatly reduced. His fever is gone at the moment. His latest blood sample didn’t grow a culture, meaning the infection wasn’t present in the blood sample. Apparently, there are several strains of staph infection. The strain Jared is dealing with is NOT the strain that is drug resistant, for which we are very grateful. Jared has had many visitors and well wishers. He is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support. The school principal called today and told Jared his number one priority is to get better. He said school will be dealt with at the appropriate time. We have had dinners delivered to our house every day this week, which certainly eases the stress level in our household. Kristin is now staying with Jared full time, including sleeping at the hospital. It is much easier for Jared to have a parent there to help him during the night and to talk to the doctors in the morning. Jared’s appetite is slowly returning. His color is back to normal. His dimples can be seen more frequently. We are grateful to have the Jared we know and love return to us. Thanks again for all the love and support.