What is impossible for man.. Is possible thru Christ
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God has a purpose behind every problem. He uses circumstances to develop our character. The reason is obvious: You face circumstances twenty-four hours a day. All of them are significant in God's growth process for you.
Purpose Driven Life pg 193 "transformed by trouble"
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The GUESTBOOK isnt working.. but you can send us a message at judiarchibald@yahoo.com
April 20, 2012
We have finally finished 2 sessions of IV antibiotics. Tyler got cellulitus (an infection under the skin)at the end of Feb and did 10 days of meds at home. It cleared up and a month later it came back. This time it was a 3 day hospital stay and they put a pik line in his arm and sent him home for 2 wks of IV antibiotics. Because of a small nodule under his armpit the dr. continued the IV's another week. We are waiting now for the dr to ok the removal of the line. Had a wonderful Easter with grandson Harley and all of the family. My nephew Freddie has a baby boy born in January, and it was a thrill to see him also.
Feb 20, 2012
**New Photos*** see link on right
Tyler had a wonderful 24th Birthday at Sali's Pizza. His friends came and he was bright eyeds and all smiles. His friend Sabrina gave him some music *watch the video on the pictures link**. Tyler seems more alert lately. He's still getting computer time. He recently had pnuemonia, but is doing fine now.
Dec 11, 2011
my neice posted this on her facebook on Dec 5th. "8 yrs ago today my life was changed forever. I always wonder what if or what would you be now". I sat for the longest trying to figure out what she was talking about, what happened 8 yrs ago that I didnt know about? She was talking about Tylers suicide attempt!! How is it possible I have forgotten the worst day of my life?? I have forgotten the day for many years now. I guess I choose not to think of things that will make me sad. Has Tyler really been laying in that bed for 8 years? Come on Lord!! I'm ready for that super duper Miracle you're holding back for me!
Dec 8, 2011
The kidney transplant was to keep the kids in Boston 3-6 months, but my son and grandbaby are doing so well...after only 2 months they came home. They arrived Thanksgiving night, giving us MUCH to be thankful for. God's greatness is all about!
Tyler has recovered from 3 days in Nov. in the hospital with cellulitus (infection under the skin). We have someone coming once a week to work with him on the dynavox computer. He has a hard time opening his eyes when he is stimulated, but she works well with him. He looks at the pictures and it says things. We have been decreasing the baclefen in his pump and he seems to be more alert. Especially after computer days, he is very noisy. With the hoidays upon us, I will say....may everyone have a blessed Christmas!!!
October 2011
Wow! Guess I've been too busy to update! The best news is...Harley my grandson now has a working kidney!! My son Jonathan gave his kidney and Harley recieved the transplant in Boston Sept 21st. The kidney was a perfect fit, started working immediately and by the evening had filtered out all his toxins. God is so Awesome!! I've been busy raising money to help with medical expenses. Jonathan and Kristi left their jobs and packed up to go to Boston to enable the transplant to take place so soon.
April 24, 2011
A most blessed Easter to All!! On page 5 (Significant Journal entries) I have moved Easter 2005 to the top! Although written back then, I still think its a very good message. May it help you feel the passion of Easter!
NEW PHOTOS!!! CHECK THE LINK ON SIDE to see pics of tylers 23rd Birthday.
Feb 18, 2011
The 13th was Tylers 23rd Birthday! It's hard to believe, I still think of him as a 15 yr old boy. We took him to a local Italian place where he could see his friends. Just a few came, but they were the ones that were closest to him. He was happy to see them and be out. We found several girls from the high school that are in the nursing program that will babysit. Tyler will enjoy having a girl here talking to him. . Sweet little grandson Harley will be 1 yr old on March 11, 2011. He just got a feeding tube so he can gain more weight and maybe get a kidney transplant sooner. Oh! he is so much fun.
Jan 2, 2011
Happy New year! We had a wonderful Christmas with all of the family here. Tylers room is right next to the living room so we can just turn his bed and sit him up and he's a part of all the action. Sometimes we forget and he can hear the talking and starts making loud noises. I cant believe he's been laying in that bed for 7 yrs now. He likes to look at pictures of his friends that I print off of facebook. And one of his friends, Hannah, came to see him, but he was hardly awake. He loves looking at his nephew Harley and usually gives him a smile. We're looking forward to a great new year!
October 26, 2010
I've been totally consumed with adjusting to teaching 6 classes of Algebra and TAKS Math. Since the move back, we've also had to train a new nurse. She has earned her pay with him lately though since he recently has Bronchitis and needs constant suctioning and attention. We love being in the new house though, so much more space and Tylers room is actually the 2nd livig area right off the living room. Its nice for him to be right in the center of everything. The other bonus of moving back is that Jonathan/Kristi/Harley and Kyle come once a week for dinner. And of course I get to keep Harley(my grandson) every once in a while, he's already getting so big.
July 26, 2010
We're finally back in the city!! Renting a home in Rowlett just around the corner from Jonathan and New grandbaby! I have a new job teachng math at Wylie High. Recent Bone marrow biopsy showed no cancer cells!! Life couldnt be any better right now!! Praise God for seeing me thru the last 6 yrs.
June 12, 2010
Finally!!! NEW PICTURES! go to the PHOTO LINK ON RIGHT!
June 6, 2010
Tyler's school Rains HS has such caring and wonderful people. Since Tyler couldnt go to graduation, they brought it to him! The brought a jambox with the graduation processional music and we wheeled tyler down the ramp and into the front yard. The principal and his teacher were there to award him with his diploma and a tassle 2010. My mom, sister, brother and some friends were there to celebrate. Tyler kept his eyes closed and tongue out as he tried to take it all in, but when confronted by his teacher to say 'goodbye" as she had taught him (2quick blinks)...He did!! .
May 15, 2010
I am so happy to say that Tyler was finally put on Keppra for his seizures and NO seizures in nearly 2 months. His days and nights are mixed up and that gets a little tireing. My Grandbaby harley is finally home from the hospital after over a month and is doing well! They must hook him up to a dialysis machine at night, but otherwise he is a little pistol. Im looking for a new teaching job back in Garland so I can move back to be closer.
March 20, 2010
Jonathan & Kristi had their baby 5 weeks early. He's a beautiful baby boy, Harley Randal 5 lbs 10 oz. 18.5 in. He's stable and healthy except for his kidneys which are not working which is why he was early. He'll stay awhile at Childrens Hosp to receive dialysis. Tyler is doing well except his seizures are more frequently (twice a week). He went to a neurologist, but will go back for EEG and CT Scan of brain before he can get a new seizure med. He got to go see Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp and never took his eyes off screen. He's been smiling alot more and even gave a true laugh, which we hadnt heard before. He turned 22 on feb 13 and had a small celebration at home. He is recieving home schooling twice a week and she is working with him on his dynavox computer.
Dec 26, 2009
A most wonderful christmas to all! All of the family came to my house (12) for a feast of food, gifts, fun, laughter and LOVE. Tyler got alot of new movies to watch. Jonathan sang & played his guitar, Kyle played the electric guitar for Tyler (he's just learning how) and we saw some movies of the boys when they were little. I programed Tylers new computer so that when he went to the area friends "hangin out" he could look at the names of his brothers and cousin. So when everyone came into his room, he looked at the names and said "hi kyle, lets hang out", Hey Jonathan, will you play your guitar?", "Freddie will you exercise my arms", "Grandma, do you have some coffee?" and "merry christmas everyone, I love you". It was so awesome! This computer has a lot of potential to help with his communication. On the other hand, He is still having seizures. Nearly every weekend. I feel like his brain is trying to work more, but hitting roadblocks. The good news is that he has finally been released from the wound dr after 5 months.
Nov 8, 2009
Im very excited that Tyler finally got a Dynavox Eye Gaze computer. I have been slow to get it going, but for now he can look at pictures and they will say what they are! Numbers, animals, months, shapes.. very basic right now. I pray that over time he will realize the connection and can even control his TV, CDs etc with it. My Leukemia is in control, but i have started 5 days of chemo to make sure and will have 3 more rounds.
October 10, 2009
I've been the last 6 weeks in the Hospital. I went to the ER for bruising and was told I have sudden onset Leukemia! (cancer of the bone marrow and blood cells) Just happens out of no where. They did Chemo treatment and it all went well and my blood counts all returned to normal. But the chemo caused a fungus to form in my lungs and that is more of a scare. Im on very strong antibiotics and am finally back home, but will need to continue treatment. I cant return to work until Jan 2010. I was very lucky that Tylers dad was able to come from Dallas and take over his fulltime care and also my family was great help. He has been a handful with a wound back in the same place on his bottom and he had to get a wound vac and he has had several bad seizures. He is very different since Im back home. I think his brain is confused by him wondering what happened to me when i was gone for a over a month.
July 7, 2009
We had the most wonderful 4th of July! For the last few yrs I've been trying to get everyone together to shoot off the big box of leftover fireworks from 4 or 5 yrs ago. Kyle and his girlfriend came down and we put tyler in his chair and went over to my brothers for a fishfry and big fireworks show. Today I finally got enough people together to take him to the pool. He had a gigantic smile as we lowered him into the water.
June 5, 2009
Yea!!I'm off for the summer. The great benefit of being a teacher. Please say a prayer for Bob, he has another DVT (blood clot) in his leg. He had one back around 2000 and it dissolved with medication. I hope this one wont be a problem. Right now its pretty painful and he's trying to stay off of it.
may 15, 2009
Tyler is well and just spends all his time watching TV. He only gets out once a month to see the dr in Dallas.
march 28, 2009
Tyler had 2 trips to the emergency room since last update. The first with a 103 fever which I thought to be pneumonia, but turned out to be cellulitus. The second trip occured when I went in at night and he must have had a seizure and threw up because he had fluid all stuck in his windpipe and his lungs sounded full also. At the ER they gave a shot of antibiotics, a steroid,a presciption for meds & breathing treatments. The homeschool teacher still comes 2 a week and insists he knows the difference between new cars and retro cars. haha He still has the most awesome smile and loves to laugh at me when I act silly.
Feb 5, 2009
I have been busy starting my NEW JOB!! I started last week as a Math teacher in Sulphur Springs. It's been 9 yrs since I had to get up early and go to work, so its been an adjustment. Its been a nighmare changing Tyler over to the adult program since he turned 21.
Feb 15. 2009
Well, God has to kick us in the butt sometimes to get us going. Monday, my kick came in the form of a phone call. The other dispatcher for the phone job that I do let me know "we're cutting back. I immediately got on the computer to search for jobs. God is so good and seems to give me things that I hang on to for yrs until the time of critical importance .... and there it is! In todays economy they say it's usually a yr or more to find another job, so how awesome that I have an unused hidden treasure... a Bachelor of Science in Math and am a Certified Secondary MATH TEACHER. The opening in my area was at the Sulphur Springs High School which is only a 30 min drive. The deep hole on his bottom is HEALED! And also today, the speech therapist, his homeschool teacher, school OT and the rep for the Dynovox, all were here to see if he could calibrate the eye gaze computer. He did well, but still doesnt understand what the pictures mean.
Dec 15, 2008
I just realized, Dec 5 came and went, and I didnt think of the anniversary of Tylers suicide attempt. It's now been 5 YEARS!! It's hard to believe. Tylers has a wound vac on the pressure sore on his bottom and with weekly trips to the dr...its in its final stages of healing and the hole has filled in. The home school teacher is coming twice a week, and he really wants to have no part of answering to yes and no cards. The eye glance computer was also unsuccessful and he would play "wack the mole" by looking at the moles when they would pop up, but when it came time to answer or purposely look at a picture...he would stare straight ahead or close his eyes.
Oct 31, 2008
Happy Halloween !! another one of Tylers favorite holidays. they last one spent with him, I wore my chicken feet slippers to his rehab outpatient group and since he was under close supervision, I had to take my 15yr old trick or treating. I didnt mind, he always shared his candy. haha. Well School didnt last long, the sore on his bottom started getting worse after sitting only a short time in the new chair with a different seat. It was so close to healing and now it is absolutely Horrible!! It now looks like someone dug a deep hole in his bottom. and it's also tunnelling under the skin. We're starting over with 2 types of antibiotics for infection and they will start a wound vac on it next week. The good thing about him not being able to return to school is that they had a trial eye glance response computer and now he can use it at home for a 2 wk trial. He had a seizure the other nite, so this is a new concern.
Sept 28, 2008
At the 1st of the month tyler went to see a Neurologist (another dr we've been wanted to see for a yr or more). We went for monitoring of Tylers seizures, but I, of course, had all kinds of other questions. Basically I knew nothing more than when we went in. He didnt want to change any of his meds (lyrica for seizures, 200mg provigil for alertness, ambien for sleep) and he didnt feel the need to do any brain scans to acess activity areas. Darn!! I am continuing with the goal to keep his brain stimulated, but after no seizures for 5 months, he had one last Saturday and the nurse said he stopped breathing! After CPR, his vitals were ok, but now I have to worry that I'll go in and he wont be breathing. He's back on ambien for sleep and he does sleep with it (I had hoped it would do the opposite and "wake up" his brain as seen in a few people like tyler) but the report on TV stated in showed in that person to cause activity in the frontal lobe. He is very different when he wakes up though, more noisy, stimulated eyes and kinda weirded out. So I think something is happening. He did laugh out loud in his sleep and thats never happened. The pressure wound on his bottom is keeping him home from school. We've had 7 wks of weekly wound clinic visits, I'm happy to say it is nearly healed.
Aug 20, 2008
Well we finally made it to a bone dr!!! Tylers pulled up leg gives him pain in his hip and was suspected to be dislocated. Its not dislocated, but the bone has deformed its shape to the pulled up position. So it rubs the bone into the socket if you try to lower his leg. Unfortunately, the only ways to fix it now would be a very big surgery where his bone would be broken, straightened out and pinned into position. I wouldnt want tyler to have to go thru that so I said NO. He's not in pain unless you try to move his leg down. I was hoping it was something to do with the muscles and we could stretch them back out. The reality of the bones deforming into new positions if not moved has made me focus more on his exercises. Bad news is that the pressure spot on his bottom has opened up and is now a nickle sized wound. ON Sunday Kristi, Jonathans wife, graduated from UT southwestern with her Masters in Physical therapy. So we are very proud of her!
4th of July has been sad for me because again the other boys did not come visit to shoot fireworks. And Tyler LOVED the 4th, because he loved to blow stuff up (HaHa) It was always a family holiday. Also the 4th reminds me that July 7th was Tylers marked "sobriety" date. Its hard to believe but it would be his 5yr clean & sober. But look at what had to happen to achieve it! I'm pretty sure he wouldnt still be under normal circumstances, because its just too hard. I see people still struggling and I wish I could make it easier somehow. Tyler seems to be more aware and smiles alot now.
May 23, 2008
4 NEW PICTURES !!!!!
CLICK ON "PHOTOS"......
The month has been filled with lots of fieldtrips with Tylers school. This week he went to the Special Olympics. He won 1st place in the 10 meter wheelchair race....unfortunately he was asleep the whole time haha. One of the helpers pushed his chair and actually he was the only one in the event, but hey! everyone loves a medal! Last week they went to the zoo in Tyler. I enjoyed going along & remembering taking the boys when they were little to that zoo. They also went to "Farm days" were special kids could ride a mechanical bull, or real horses, take a hayride and listen to a band. Tyler enjoyed seeing it all.
April 24, 2008
Tyler had a normal week this week and was back at school. The week before was another story as tyler was at home because his stomach feeding button had become loose and could have easily slipped out. My frustration mounted as the medical supply insisted it would need a dr authorization and then in 2 weeks I'd have a new one. When I said "I need it NOW!" they said go to the emergency room. After calling every hosp in east Texas, no one had the button in stock and they too would need to order one. Finally, found a new supply co that would bring me one NOW and I got rid of the old co that would not help me!! Then on that Wed. tyler had another seizure. This really upset me because I was convinced that if he didnt have the brain supplement that he was safe. But his brain is still misfiring and tring to make connections, which Im not sure if thats good or bad at this point. He definately has something going on in his brain, you can see it in his eyes, but if his brain cant handle it that really scares me. Just keep praying for a miracle.
april 5, 2008
Last weekend tyler had to stay 5 days in the hospital. He's OK, but on 2 nites the week before he had a seizure. The 1st nite I thought he was chokeing on fluid in his throat since he can't swallow, but he was still breathing so we got through it. The next nite I saw it from the beginning and he tightened up, his eyes went side to side, then rolled up into his head and then he just went limp. Again I could feel him breathing and see his chest rising and there was nothing to suction out of his mouth, so I realized it was a seizure. I think I caused it by giving him a scoop of the glyconutrients which help the cells communicate. I had given them off and on before, but not since he was getting stimulants. I think the brain started sending signals and misfired. I knew I better get him checked though and decided to back my bag and drive to the ER at Medical City hospital in dallas the next day. The neurologist wouldnt believe me that I could have caused his brain to become active and they ran all kinds of tests, cat scan and EEGs. Everything looked ok but they put him on a seizure medicine just in case. Actually I think it made a connection of some sort because he used to tighten up as a response to something going on in his head, but now he is very relaxed. And the day after, he was smiling in his sleep and smiling at everyone that came in. So I think he is even better that he was before. His nutrition and skin all checked out good also.
March 20, 2008
my sister, me and all 3 boys have completed the birthday wave which started jan 21 and ended mar 10. Yes that means a party every other weekend and I must say we Archibalds DO Know How to Party!!!!! I have had so much fun, used up all my nursing hours for overnite stays, and have taken full advantage of my new work hours of 24 hr phone duty all six days and OFF on Saturday. At Kyles 22nd birthday, we went to a club where the band played two of my favorite songs (that nobody else probably even knows) and that you Never hear anymore..30 days in the Hole by Humble Pie and Space Truckin by Deep Purple. It was so great and I sang so loud that I lost my voice for a week. They really shouldn't let me out HAHA Tyler is good and weighed 126 at the last dr visit. After gaining up to 165, he had lost down to 100 last christmas...so he's back at a good weight and is getting 5-6 cans of nutrition each day. His pressure sores for now are healed and he wakes up every morning making all kinds of noises likes he's trying to talk or hear his voice. I love him so much and he has actually been the sunshine in a very life changing 4 yrs.
Feb 24, 2008
I had a wonderful birthday, but it took me a week to recover (haha). Tyler's birthday was uneventfull with just a few showing up. Of course his brothers and Kimmie, but we were really excited to see Christine, a girl who shared his love for motorcycles and came to visit him in Austin.
Usually there is a ton of people tyler knows at Sali's but that night not. I dream often that tyler is talking and the other night dreamt he was sitting up. I hope maybe it a good sign. He keeps getting on and off the pressure sore on his bottom, but is otherwise the same.
I was told this week there needed to be a cut back on my job and out of 5 dispatchers (3 on front and 2 take backup calls) that they could only afford 3 people (each taking a cut in pay and additional hours.) I assumed my brother would not be effected because he has been a main dispatcher and had worked longer than the other one and I readily agreed to work the other backup shift because I desparately needed the job. Well, I was able to keep my job, but they fired my brother! I was so sick, because he was the one that got me this job and I hate keeping it at the expense of him having no income. Then I was also upset thinking that could be ME getting my last check next week. It's a horrible situation either way. Please pray that God has something bigger and better in store for my brother. I now have to be backup to catch calls 24 hrs a day EVERY day except Sat. I said I needed at least a good day off, so I'm happy to be free on saturdays, but I am working 6 days for the same pay i got for 4.
Feb, 5, 2008
NEW PICTURES (Click on Link)
I LOVE tylers school. Here's the difference in a small and a big district. Last week before tyler was to go to school (he goes 3 days a wk), the school calls to tell me "200 kids were out yesterday with the flu and I might want to keep tyler out for the week so he doesnt get sick". I was so grateful because tyler didnt get a flu shot and throwing up could kill him by blocking his wind pipe or turning to pneumonia. I'm keeping him home this week too just to be safe. Here's a school so aware of my sons needs that they call & say "stay home". On the other hand...Garland schools called me last yr at the hospital and said "tyler cant miss any more school and hospital or not, he would need to have a note from the dr faxed to the attendance office saying when he would be able to return to school. It's sad when a school cares more about attendance money and rules than they do about the well being of the child.
Tylers birthday is feb 13th. I cant believe he will be 20 He was just a little boy at 15 anxious to get his drivers licence and now he's a Man. I dont know where the 4 yrs went? He's still my Baby though!! and always will be.
Jan 29, 2008
monthly trips to the dallas dr are something I look forward to. My nephew freddie goes along as tylers attendant and gets Tyler in and out and does all the pushing. How wonderful after I did it by myself for 3 yrs. The fun part is that we always meet up with Kyle for pizza at sali's and there are usually 10 or more of tylers and kyles friends up there. Tyler smiled so big as each one came up to him and was so excited to see his Kimmie. He has been so much more alert lately. I have been giving him 100 mg and somedays 200 mg of Provigil. I'm afraid to up the dose for fear of rapid heartbeat. Twice I caught him smiling that are very significant. Once while watching Rob & Big when they were skateboarding and then again as he was watching Zoolander. This is monumental because it means he really does understand what he sees. I have always believed it, but had no solid proof. Still in the works is his trip to a bone dr about his hip problems. He had a pressure sore break thru and I can only deal with one thing at a time. Its in the healing stages, but now his other hip is red from the continued proping up of the opposite hip. I cant win!! Pray for Tyler to have continued good health.
I googled tylers name and found it listed on the sites of other people with brain injuries. I read thru all their journals and recieved much inspiration. Two people have gone to China for stem cell injections. The cost is about $50,000 and that seems like a lot, but would be nothing if it would restore their brain! I pray they get the miracle of speech and motor movement back. I praise them for taking such a big step in a direction that may give hope to many. What they had to go through just to get someone in tylers condition on a plane and all that had to happen was more than I think I could handle.
Jan 4, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I love all the caring and compassion that comes out at Christmas time and always wished our world would be like that all yr long. In 2007, I did see that compassion come through in so many people. I would not have made in thru such a rough yr had I not had so much love and support! THANK YOU AND GOD'S BLESSING TO ALL! My passion for the new year is to try to reach out to anyone still battling drugs. I am going to set up a new page later, but please for now, pass on to your children if they know friends (and I guarentee they do!!)that are hooked on pills (painkillers seem to be the current addiction)go to Medhelp.org and check out the forums on drug/alcohol abuse. Search words "thomas recipe" and "suboxone" for some ways to kick the habit!! Lets save some lives this year and give some HOPE. Theres lots of great other advice there for all types of medicals problems too.
Dec 19,2007
Yesterday, I realized a most wonderful thing...I have truely "moved on" and am focusing on the future. It dawned on me that it was the 18th and I never even ONCE thought of the day DEC 5 (The day of tylers suicide attempt) I couldnt believe the days had passed and there was absolutely not one sad moment of reflection!But yes it has been 4 years!!! Perhaps because I'm so excited about Christmas this year and that has been my focus. I cant discribe the spirit that is within me, perhaps its from the peace of my new "downsized" life or maybe the excitement of starting over under new circumstances and the hope that comes from feeling like I have some control back over my life. So much has happened in the last 4 yrs with all the changes and the uncertainty and STRESS, I've finally come back to a level of living life and not just trying to survive. Just going back one year... I was trying to sell the big house, had no idea how I would pay the bills and Tyler had to be hospitalized for the 6 weeks including Christmas. This yr Im settled in my new place with the perfect sized 4'tree which seems more beautiful that I ever remember and everyone will come here on Christmas day!!
Tylers life has been also great and very busy. Friday was spent all day at UT southwestern in Dallas as He got his monthly medicine pump refill and went had a bone scan done. The dr is concerned about his straight hip and said the last xray showed more build up of something and an additional bone scan would detect problems or infection. I was more concerned that the xray had showed that the leg that he keeps bent up had now pulled his hip out of socket. I guess I'll need to set something up with a bone specialist in the new yr. But other than that ongoing problem...Tyler has gained weight, looks good and is very responsive and alert. While in Garland, he again was ALL GRINS when he saw all his friends up at the Pizza place. I have started him today on a stimulant (after waiting 3 months to get it) and he was making more noise and being more active with his movements. I've been off and on with the cell nutrients, but feel they may be behind his ability to smile so frequently now. Also his school has been GREAT and they work on making him smile and are always doing crazy things with him. He also had the opportunity to go to a Handicap rodeo where they carried his wheelchair down in the arena and although he couldnt participate, he was able to see the others being led around on horses and ride a mechanical bull. Then last week we went on a field trip to Walmart and he and the other 5 in his class were given $25 to spend (they had made jewelry and sold it earlier. Tomorrow the wheelchair rep will meet me at the school and look at his chair. The headrest has lost screws and is loose, as well as the back of the chair. I hope everyone has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THAT THE TRUE SPIRIT OF GODS LOVE IS ABOUT YOU.
Nov 26. 2007
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! when I moved I chose to keep my jukebox instead of a dining table due to the small space. I also thought I would no longer be responsible for the holiday gatherings due to the fact I didnt have a table!! Well... A wonderful day was celebrated HERE at my small new home and 9 people enjoyed a wonderful meal and we never even missed the table. haha Jonathan, Kristi and Kyle even came down on Wed night and spent the nite here. It was so wonderful to share my new place with them. Another lesson learned... it doesnt matter the size of your space, its the love shared by family and friends thats important. I am so thankful for so many things this year and God's grace, love and comfort tops the list.
As if my life is not already the ultimate example of one day being wonderful and the next tragic, I have to tell you that I AM MOST THANKFUL THAT TYLER DID NOT DIE ON FRIDAY! He is perfectly fine now, but on fri. for some reason, he threw up when I wasn't in the room and it filled his windpipe. Due to his inability to swallow the flap at the top of his throat may open, but the one on the bottom is not strong enough and liquid gets trapped there. Praise the Lord that I was in his room to give him his meds and then came in the living room and Freddie and I went back in cause he was leaving to take Kyle back to Garland. Tyler was shaking his head back and forth and we could see that he had spit up. I started suctioning immediately but nothing was coming out and it had already filled his windpipe. I could tell he couldn't breathe and his tongue was out and his eyes were rolling back in his head. Kyle and Freddie pulled him out of the bed to the floor and Jane called 911. I kept suctioning and trying to get him to gag it out, but he was totally unresponsive and lathargic. Once we got him rolled over on the floor, I could feel air coming slowly out of his nose, but nothing from his mouth. My sister Jane attempted CPR as I looked for a small tube that I could stick down his nose to suction it out that way. The ambulance arrived and said a helicopter was on the way to fly him to Tyler Hosp. By this time I was thinking we dont have time for that I wanted them to somehow get that cleared out NOW. Then they said the helicopter couldnt come and they were taking him to Quitman (15-20 mins) and to not try to keep up with the ambulance. I dont know if our prayers created a miracle, or if Janes CPR forced it on down, or if the trauma made him swallow, but when I found him in the ER, he was fine!! breathing well and nothing at all in his throat. Before when he has asperated, you can hear the gurgling and wheezin where the liquid is trapped....but Nothing!! His oxygen levels were 96-100% and all stats stable. We waited through the xrays and there was not even any evidence of liquid in his lungs, which was the second fear. He was prescribed breathing treatments, started on antibiotics just in case something did go to his lungs and given a nausea med to control sickness if it occured again. Jane went back and got the van & his wheelchair and we took him home that night. Today he stayed home from school, but really seems uneffected from the whole ordeal. It's made me realize that he does still need constant watch and I'm looking for a baby monitor.
Nov 13, 2007
Tyler is doing well with school. They reported that he is starting to pay attention to what is going on (I figured he would sleep the whole time) On Monday they showed him pictures of classic cars and he really checked them out and the teachers were dancing and he smiled and laughed at them. He is doing that more frequently now, which is a definate improvement in facial movement. He seems more alert. I did start the cell nutrition but am only doing it off and on because I was worried he might get sick. But its possible its helping!!! I am so excited and blessed to have a new sidewalk from the end of the ramp to the drive. Thanks to the Bishops (she assists tyler on the Bus and her husband did all the work) and to the Emory Baptist Church who paid for the concrete and Emory True Value for some of the framing boards and supplies. I no longer have to pull up in the grass to load tyler in the van and school bus pulls up in the drive and he can easily be wheeled right over. I'm also so excited to have a nurse who comes in the morning and gets him ready for school, I cant even explain how nice that is!! and I now also have an attendant too!!! Jane's son Freddie took the job and he comes and gets tyler off the bus and helps get him back in bed and cleaned up and ready for the next day. He also exercises him and with the nurse doing range of motion in the morn and he does it in the afternoon, we can already see a difference in his relaxation and movement. After 3 yrs of trying to do everything myself, I didnt realize how much I really needed the help. I'm starting to see the rainbow after the storm. God is so Good and I realize HE IS WHERE EVER YOU ARE !!!! I took pictures looking out all my windows when I left Sachse, thinking I would never see such beauty again as I could from my big house with the open fields around me. I glanced at the sky remembering how I always thought the stars were clearer there. But today I layed in my bedroom and the very thin small window in the bathroom was open and i could see out. I had the perfect view of the open field behind me and there were cows grazing amongst the large rolls of hay. Although my window is much smaller....the world outside is just as grand!! and just the night before I said to my sister, "Look how beautiful the sky is, I think the stars are brighter here". So it doesnt matter where you are in your life...God is there!! and even more grand than you expected.
Oct 24, 2007
Tyler is going back to school!! I was hesitant to send him for fear of pressure sores that always send him back to home schooling and then of course I was worried because the school down here does not have anyone in a wheelchair and needing as much care as tyler does. I must say "they have truely gone out of the way to make accommadations for Tyler!" They have arranged separate pick up times of 10am and bring him home at 2pm so that he does not have an extended bus ride where he would need to be in straight up seating position. They pick him up at my front door and help bring him down the ramp (the ramp just comes down into the yard and they have to go across the grass with him to the drive, but they are trying to get me help to get some kind of surfacing to the ramp). He's only at school 4 hrs and is starting out with only 3 days a week so there shouldnt be a problem with pressure sores hopefully. They had to order a hoyer lift and sectioned of a separate room and ordered a hospital bed and put in a sink with water so they would have a place to change him. They have brought in an additional aid to help with him and they are very excited about tring to teach him to communicate. Everyone is still a little afraid of tyler and his care of suctioning and changing, but I have been going with him and will continue to stay with him until everyone is confident and used to him. What convinced me to let him go was when the speech therapist came over with a talking photo book so that tyler would be prepared for school and the other kids in his class (there are 5) There was a picture of each kid, the teachers, the therapists and the bus drivers and each had a message to tyler when you pressed a button on the picture. It was so nice. I figured if someone would go to that extent, that they would be greatly concerned with tylers learning. Continue to pray that something will be stimulated in tylers brain and that he doesnt get sick from being out and about so much.
OCT 10, 2007
I definately have 16 hrs a week (MDCP) of nursing care finally and the nurse is coming 4 days for 4 hrs. There is another program (PCS) that may pay for some attendant time but not nursing.
The water therapy isnt available where I thought and we're still trying to find a place to take him.
I started the glyconutrients (the 8 essential sugars that cells need to communicate) and have seen changes in his saliva and bowel movements, so something may be going on, but not sure what. I think they may detox you first, because I am also taking them and have gotten a terrible cold (may just be a coincidence?)
On another trip to Garland, Tyler smiled big when he saw Kyle and one of his friends and he smiled real big the next night when he saw Kimmie, so that is really good. I really miss being around Kyle and Jonathan all the time, and enjoy sooooo much going back to town and being with them and their friends. Its easy to take for granted the pleasure of being with your kids. I cried the other day when I got a brochure for Vail-Snow Sking in the mail. I guess they were mixed tears of joy and tears of saddness. I thought of the wonderful times I had taking them snowboarding and tyler would never do that again, but was praising the Lord that he HAD experienced that and seen the beauty of the mountains. I thought of the Christmas that Kyles friend Wes went with us to Vail and that now he was dead from an overdose. Two boys full of life and playing in the snow with excitement!!! I guess we should live every experience and take every opportunity, since we dont know what tomorrow will bring. I see now how important those vacation times were and am so happy that tyler didnt really miss much in life even with only 15 yrs. We are really so much luckier than most, even with our situation now. Just remember theres nothing more important that you can do than to plan as much vacation or quality time with your kids as you can and of course.....dont put off till tomorrow what you can do TODAY !!!
Sept 19, 2007
while waiting for the Van at the hospital with tyler, a woman approached me and asked about tyler and we talked and then she told me about "cellular nutrients" called Ambrotose. I was excited because I keep thinking I must find something that will maybe help his brain heal. I was mad again at myself because when I looked them up on the computer I realized they are gylconutrients which is what a yr ago another person came up to me out of nowhere and said I should start using. Wrapped up in debt and the stress of moving I didnt follow thru then and had since forgotten about it. I am going to find a way to get these for Tyler now (they cost around $130 a month supply) which I dont have, but if God's told me about it twice, I know he'll work out the money. So Keep Praying for us...Great things are happening!
Sept 5, 2007
Its been a great summer and I've enjoyed so much spending time with my mom, sister and brother. Tyler got to get in the pool 5 or 6 times, It only costs $180. to keep my home freezing (unlike the $1200. summer bill of last yr), I got my car inspected for $12 (not $40), the lunch special only 5 mins from my home is only $5 for a meat, 2 vegs, dessert and tea and basically everything IS cheaper in the country !!!
After 3 1/2 yrs Tyler is FINALLY to the top of the waiting list to get help. I have met with the Medically Dependent Childred Program and they can send someone to relieve me with tylers care.
I was excited to get a call from my high school friend Susan Skipper Carroll. She and her husband Dan live in Grand Saline only 15 mins from me !!! She ran into my sister who has taken a new job as special education teacher for the Grand Saline Elem School and Susan is teaching at the High School there.
Aug 17, 2007
CHECK PHOTOS FOR PICTURES OF OUR FRIDAY NITE OUT WITH KYLE & FRIENDS. Last friday, tyler had a dr appt, so we stayed in town to hang out with Kyle. Tyler & I met kyle up at Sali's Pizza which is the current "hang out". Some of the guys there where friends of the boys since they were young and of course there were the beautiful girls that tyler loved! When tylers friend Chelsea came in, tyler's face lit up and a big grin appeared. Chelsea was always wild and crazy and made people laugh and tyler remembered. It was so much fun for me too. I visited with the boys and recalled all the crazy stuff they did growing up and all the fun we had. I was always the mom who took everyone to do stuff and all these kids are like my own. I'm glad I was that kind of mom, who knew all the friends, it has made my life that much sweeter with all the experiences we've had - good and bad (haha). I still have my friends that I went to elem & middle school with and I'm glad to see that Kyle still sees those people too. I know now that friendships are really what defines your life !! And if you have nothing else - you will always have your friends and that is what is most important.
Aug 1, 2007
FINALLY SOME NEW PICTURES! GO TO "PHOTOS" AND See Tyler's smile and our fun at Holly Lake Resort (its also a new Photosite)
July 20, 2007
Tyler really can smile!!!!and I have broken the barrier of thinking that I couldnt stay overnight away from home with tyler. I'll call it a vacation, but we just went to Holly Lake which is 30 mins away. We stayed in a condo in the woods with my Mom and Sister. My friend Jan went with me, and we swam, canoed and played dominoes untill wee hours of the night. Tyler slept well in the bed with pillows propping him up. The night we took him back to bed, there of course was EVERYONE all around him trying to help and squeeze down the hall. Someone said "I think he's smiling" and we all gathered. His face was lit up and his mouth which doesnt usually move much was wider open. My mom came in and was makeing a silly face and we saw it actually get even wider as he attempted to laugh. It was so wonderful to see more than once! I took pictures and will post them as soon as they're developed. Then the second great thing was my sister insisted we attempt to take him in the pool with us. I gave up long ago on attempting it without a lift, because the few times we did it, it took 4+ people and was really hard to get him in and out. I cant believe I didnt think of it before, but we laid him on a long pool chair and like being on a stretcher, with 2 on each side just walked down the steps with him and once in the pool with his life jacket on, he was easy to hold and float him around. I know that had to feel so good on his tight body and afterwards he slept so well his arms could be moved around completely loose. I just cant believe it was so easy. of course there has to be at least 4 people, but no one is really lifting much weight. He does seem to be more alert the last few weeks and even the dr thought so when we went in for his pump refill last week. It renews my HOPE! Keep praying that he will
July 7, 2007
Today is Tylers 4 yr sobriety date of no alcohol or drugs.But look at what he had to do to achieve it! 4 yrs ago i packed him in the car and he didnt know where we were going and I took him and left him for 3 months at a rehab to stop taking drugs. Yes that was very hard, but I knew he might die if I didnt. I didnt know his brain was already messed up and that it would be so hard for him to face the world without them. Dont let addictive behaviors take over your life or the life of your friends. Be the one that cares enough to make a differce and maybe save a life.
I moved the discussion about drinking and driving and also Tylers poem to his good friend Amanda Granlund that was killed in a car wreck to PAGE 4 ABOUT LIFE.
June 15, 2005
I have gone in 2 mornings and found Tyler with his head turned back and looking at the 2 framed posters on the wall behind his bed!! They were from concerts he went to and have the tickets inside the frames, one is the band "Disturbed" and he got to go back stage and meet them and they all signed the poster.
June 8,2007
Despite the constant rain, we are officially living in Alba. population 500!! That's 30-45 mins to Greenville or Tyler. The space is very small, but is starting to feel like home. Tyler has his own room, a roll in shower and a ramp down the front porch so we have all we need.
May 13, 2007 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I could finally tell my mom today... "In 3 weeks, I'll be only 10 minutes away!!" YES - WE'RE REALLY FINALLY MOVING. We'll be down by Lake fork, On Hwy 69 between Emory and Alba. I have to say THANKS to the hundreds of people that got us to this point, kept us from losing the house months ago, helped to pay tylers bills and literally helped us survive the last year!!and this whole life changing experience. There are way too many to list, you know who you are. Many REALLY WENT BEYOND ANYTHING THAT WAS EXPECTED and to them, I am forever indebted. Special thanks to Tylers girlfriend, Kimmie..for coming EVERYDAY for over a year and for Wearing a yellow ribbon of hope for Tyler's recovery to this day ..Thats EVERY SINGLE DAY she puts on that ribbon for 3 1/2 yrs.
April 21, 2006
Tyler has been to the hospital for xrays and blood work to see why it is still so painful for him to move his leg down from bent up position. His knee and his hip have a terrible popping sound when you try to move them and his eyes dialate if you just touch his leg. (anticipating painful movement). There was no dislocation or break seen in the xrays, so he went back for a full day of bone scans. I suspect there's problems with the bones deforming. I'll hear next week.
March 26,2007
God already knows the plans He has for you. You should take each encounter, each experience (good or bad) and think of it as possibly a link to what God has in store for you. Just listen to your heart and know that no matter what happens, its OK, because God can use it in His perfect plan for you!!
We attended ANOTHER funeral and are mourning the loss of Tylers past girlfriend and devoted friend after his injury. A senseless death... A straight road with a little curve on a creek bridge, she was drinking and driving and and clipped that bridge, and her car flipped over into the creek and then caught on fire! It's unexplainable and tragic. We just have to accept that when God decides to take someone, He knows the reason, not us. Her funeral was filled with memories of pictures and friends that proved that she had experienced alot, loved and been loved by many and in only 18 yrs had truely LIVED! That's all we can ask for, that none of the time we have is ever wasted.
So speaking of living life to the fullest.. Kyle survived his 21st birthday and I went along for the ride, just to make sure. Tyler has another red spot that is worring me, not where he had the surgery from the last one, but on a new boney area. I've been working hard to keep him off of it, and I think its starting to heal. Please pray!!
Feb 2, 2007
After a month and a half, we are finally back from the hospital! Tyler only weighed 103 lbs, so his diet was re-evaluated and I am to increase the amount of feedings per day. A nurse came for 4 days for the last doses of his IV antibiotic and now that is done. His knee will now unbend since they cut the tendon underneathe, but for some reason it is very painful to push his upper leg down so straightening his leg is still a problem.
Dec 29, 2006
HO HO HO and Happy Holidays!!
We had a wonderful Christmas eventhough I had to leave tyler at the Hospital. I spent a few days with my mom and sister and although all things were very different this yr, we still found a way to make it special. Tyler is still at Medical City Dallas. Last Wed he had a surgery to clean out the remaining dead tissue from the pressure sore and they found the bone also infected and started him on 6 wks of IV antibiotic. On Sat. a plastic surgeon took some muscle and placed it over the bone and graphed some skin to cover the hole. His butt looks like a baseball with the stitching. They also went ahead and cut the tendon under his knee to release the leg from staying in pulled up position.
Dec 18, 2006
I'll be spending another christmas at the Hospital!
The wound dr admitted tyler to the hospital after his visit today. He had a fever of 102-103 and the wound is getting deeper and they are worried about infection.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY IN THE NEW YEAR.
Dec 14, 2006
Tylers needs are keeping me from moving. At the wound clinic they cut out the dead tissue from the pressure sore on his bottom, and yes! now its a large HOLE. The size of a half dollar and all the way down to the bone.
DEC 5, 2006
The dreaded anniversary date! 3 YRS AGO TODAY! What i didnt want to think about can be read by scrolling down to Dec 5 2005 and dec 5 2004. I Knew the day was near beacause I think about it now on Dec 1 which is my mom's birthday. That was the last time we took family pictures of everybody together, everybody happy, seemingly everything just fine! But the days since then have been busy, Jonathan helped me take 2 van loads to Alba and a realtor was coming to show the house & it wasnt quite ready. Very close though. I didnt know what day it even was until the homeschool teacher made me check the calendar for the next visit. Then it hit me...I cried only because I couldnt believe it has really been 3 yrs. Poor Tyler has been laying in that bed for 3 YEARS!!!! In some ways better, in some ways worse. I scoulded him and told him it's been too long. its time for his brain to start working, he was a man now, the hard part of his life has passed, he can get up now and start a whole new life. His big brown eyes just stare at me, as if to say "mom! i'm trying". And I know he is and I do still believe thats there will be more for tyler than the life he has now. I was exhausted from staying up all night getting the house ready to show, so I took a long nap. I woke again not thinking about it until about 10pm as I was tending to Tyler, I realized the time and told him "3 yrs ago today, at this time, we were at the hospital fighting for your life!" I wanted to relive it all in my mind and immediatedly thought NO I'm not going to go there! So I prayed with him..."Dear Lord thank you for saving Tyler, for getting us thru the last 3 yrs, for keeping him from the turmoil of the last 3 yrs and please heal him now and give him communication". So my advice...if you have unhappy and painful thoughts...Just DON'T GO THERE! REFOCUS! it works.
Nov 21. 2006
The pressure sore on tylers bottom Looks horrible but the wound dr said it is just taking its course of coming to the surface. We are also working on a schedule for homebound schooling since he is not going to be able to spend much time in the wheelchair for quite a while.
I AM SO THANKFUL FOR SUCH LOVING AND WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME TO HELP OR SENT MONEY!! You have saved us and given us new hope. I hope everyone has a truely wonderful Thanksgiving. Love your family and friends and give thanks to the most awesome God who never fails us!!
Nov 9, 2006
Tyler went to the wound specialist on Tues and he's supposed to stay away from sitting for 3 weeks (except dr trips) The medicine dr is going to do botox on Nov 29 and then schedule some physical therapy. Although after the evaluation she said that he will probably need to have the tendons cut to get that leg unbent, but they'll try the botox first. I've also been going since Feb every week to get the pump increased and he's at a high dose. She'll do 2 more increases (up to 1800 mg) and then thinks he should just hold there for awhile.
Nov 2, 2006
This week for me has been Tyler, Tyler, Tyler (as usual). He's home for the second week due to the large pressure sore on his bottom. There are several different issues that go along with this problem. How much school and time in the chair is too much ?? He is stiffer since he's gone back to school, is it the stimulation? or the problem of sitting with all the pressure on one hip due to his bent leg? Now the other leg NOT bending and sticking straight out due to the stiffness is causeing a problem. He has trouble fitting in the shower without bending his leg down. I cant position him in the chair right because of his legs hitting on the bars on the lift. Just keep praying for us, for workers to get the house completed and sold, for money, and especially for health.
October 26, 2006
The dr is starting Tyler on 10mg of ORAL baclefen twice a day to maybe help the pump baclefen.
Well it looks like I have erased the last part of the journals......
To see more go to :
www.tylerarchibald.com/newupdates6.html (copy and paste in browser) all the old entries are /newupdates1 thru 9
***the journal entries on Dec 5 and July 7 of each year focus on what happened to tyler and are worth reading!!! March 8 2007, July 7 2006 and april 16 2005 are dates that reflect on the death of kyles and tylers friends ** you can see these now on the significant journals PAGE**