I Like You

Happy Valentines babe.

Not only do I lurv you, but I liiike you too!

So glad we're both here to share it.

Sprout Beginnings

It's true! The Craftsman and I are having a baby! We can't stop smiling.

5 Years

"you get to me like old time religion did
in my heart when I was a kid
you're sweet gospel music to my ears
you know how to ease all my fears
and from my heart to yours all I can say is
hey baby hey baby hey baby hey"

-Greg Brown

Just Another Reason

Why do I love the Craftsman so? Two words...


"Car Math"

Can you solve the equation?

A Loss For Words

Remember this?


Today is a huge deal. In my wildest dreams I didn't even know if we would make it this far. What a ride. I only have one person to thank.

The Only List That Matters

The new year is hot on our heels- where did 2008 go? "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Better words were never said, and what's more appropriate this time of year than to list my top tens for the year?

Top Ten People-
1. Professor Kate McPherson- Made my last semester at UVU well worth it- great class discussions and a fantastic woman in general.
2. The Gibb Family- For giving me a spare key and letting me sleep in your bed, eat your food, and use your shower for eight weeks straight. Big shout out!
3. My mom (aka, The Folklorist)- It's true, she's actually my best friend. Of course she makes the list every year, but this year she put in the extra mile. If you want to hear about hospital waiting rooms, ask her.
4. The entire staff at the University of Utah's Burn Trauma ICU and Rehabilitation Blue Team- I have utmost respect for these people and their devotion to their cause.
5. Everyone from WCF and Rehab Without Walls that we've worked with. Their services and knowledge have been superior.
6. My extended family- Each time I ask them to jump, they say, "How high?"
7. Heidi Bauer- For being in tune with the Spirit- your words were inspired and the most powerful I heard all year.
8. My In-Laws- For respecting mine and Cliff's privacy.
9. Presidential-elect Barack Obama- I am not preaching, just simply saying that I'm ecstatic to have a new mind on board for the country.
10. Clifford (aka, The Craftsman)- For having the will to live. Your desire to learn and change despite the challenges are contagious. Thank you.

Top Ten Events-
1. January 2008- Exclusive storytelling workshop with Donald Davis.
2. March 2008- Finishing and passing my last math class ever! It made me sick to my stomach from the day I started college. What a relief!
3. April 24, 2008- College graduation- Bachelor of Arts in English Literary Studies. (Anybody hiring?!)
4. May 7, 2008- A phone call. A husband in critical condition. This was only the beginning.
5. July 1, 2008- Cliff is released from the hospital. This was only the beginning also!
6. Summer 2008- Outpouring of kindness and love from family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers.
7. September 4, 2008- Cliff turns 30!
8. September 29, 2008- 4 year wedding anniversary.
9. October 2008- National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Bliss.
10. Christmas 2008- Wonderful gifts from Cliff, including a new lens and butt-kicking flash for my camera. Woo-hoo!

Top Ten Inspirations-
1. "The Dog Says How"- Storytelling and writing of Kevin Kling.
2. "Volume One"- She & Him
3. "Little Honey"- Lucinda Williams
4. This song sung by these girls.
5. "The Cosby Show"- This is the only show Cliff would willingly watch while in the hospital.
6. c jane's musings.
7. Modern medicine- Acyclovir, Morphine, Keppra, Propranolol, Nexium, Oxycodone, Silver Nitrate... the list slowly but surely gets shorter.
8. The human body, especially the brain. Altough we cannot grow back appendages like some animals, our bodies have incredible abilities to heal.
9. My trustworthy camera.
10. Wifehood- and someday motherhood.

Altough I will be jumping into 2009 with both feet, I will always look back on 2008 with a pecuilar fondness. I would not trade my experiences for the world-

"If any one year of my entire existence holds more sweet and sour than did 2008, I will be mortally surprised. I'm young though, and who knows what God will ask of me in years to come. He asks me to endure and then sends angels of every degree to help in the task. It is the definition of surreal. Try it sometime. (Or don't.)"

It's as if the words were taken out of my own mouth and I agree wholeheartedly. So thank you 2008 and nice to meet you 2009.

Poster Child

The University of Utah Rehabilitation Staff featured Cliff in their yearly Christmas card success story. His recovery story was baffling to many, considering he had five traumatic brain injuries, and he was the ideal candidate to spread holiday hope and cheer. Thanks to Larry Orr for his photography skills, his storytelling skills, and new-found friendship.

Sentimental Journey

The past few months have been a rough, yet, incredible journey. A journey centered around redefining "normal," thus trying to create a new "normal." I worry that my words will fail me, but my feelings of gratitude on this day are too strong to ignore. This is my attempt.

Only a few will experience such life altering events in their lifetime, therefore I consider it a privilege. Our story starts here. I would not trade my many hours of darkness for the world, because of this. . .

Today was a shining reminder of something I've always believed, but have never openly expressed. I know, without a doubt, that my Father leads me and guides me- the outstanding people, the generous acts, the new places, and the humbling stories that have come into my life have not just been coincidence, but manifestations of the Spirit. Today I was lead and I was guided and oh! what a beautiful day it was! So thank you, you know who you are- we are both so very blessed, simply because we're here to share our stories.

My Gratitude

It's been six months, and he's still here. I am so very grateful.

Sunday School vs The Sketchbook

Every Sunday during church, without fail, Cliff shamelessly breaks out his sketchbook. Whether it's a list of all the cars he's ever owned, a drawing of some dude peeling out, or the latest- the car quiz, that little black book always finds its way onto his lap. Ever since marrying this guy, I know more about cars than I ever thought possible. It's actually a little ridiculous, and obviously biased. I couldn't tell you anything about any Ford made after 1930, and don't ask me to identify body styles made after 1970. My specialty is "The Originals." Last Sunday I scored 100%, go ahead and see for yourself! I have just one question, should I be worried about my salvation?

Overheard

Speech Therapist:
"You have verbal diarrhea."

Clifford:
"Oh, you mean word turd?!"

Four Years

I'm sticking with you, 'Cos I'm made out of glue
Anything that you might do, I'm gonna do too.
-Velvet Underground

Happy Birthday Clifford!

Today is Cliff's 30th birthday... I know, I can't believe it either! So here's a small offering for you Cliff, not just because you're my husband, but because you're my loyal friend.

Cliff is an old-world craftsman, able-minded and naturally gifted with his hands. As a young boy with a twig and some yarn, Cliff is a self-taught and mastered fly-fisherman.

Cliff is also outstanding on the guitar, always blowing my mind with his steady solos and creative riffs. To top this off, Cliff unknowingly makes me jealous when he "scribbles" in his notebook. His talent for drawing is unbelievable and I'm always speechless.

And yes, I couldn't leave out his obsession for cars. Actually, a more fitting word would be passion. What I've learned about the relationship between Cliff and classic cars is that they provide a respite from an overwhelming and oftentimes scary world. Needless to say, I'm proud of you Cliff. Proud of who you really are.

My Heart Is Full

He asked me if I liked rubies, and four years ago today he gave me one set in a band of gold. "Will you marry me?" Yes, I'll marry you sweet Clifford. A thousand times over.

Message From Cliff

I'm home and I'm alive! It's been quite the tough time, but dear Jenna has literally given me constant care for 80 some-odd days, averaging 10-12 hours a day. She saved my life again after the first week by not backing down when the doctors didn't know something was up- She and wonderful Ronda (Jenna's mom) told the doctors to get in and check again, and they found the hardcore diseases and the results of seizure. Jenna is honestly my lifeblood and my strength. It is long and slow at home, but I am slightly improving my endurance and trying to be "smart like I used to be", i.e. work on the affected areas of brain injury. Thanks for you guys. And yes, even though my brain is fried I still love old cars. And think about 'em. And look at 'em. And can't wait to get the '27 Roadster on the road. And I think I'm gonna paint the '62 Olds red with a white top (Probably use Valspar base/clear). And I still need to mess with the trans and Lokar shifter adjustment on the '54 Bel Air. And... And... And...!

Homeward Bound

Clifford will be arriving home shortly, one day shy of eight weeks spent in the hospital. We will continue outpatient rehabilitation and be going for lots of strolls around the neighborhood to build up his endurance. This photo was taken on June 24th at the Bees baseball game, our first outing, courtesy of the recreational therapy folks. A quick thought upon bringing my teeny home...

"Good timber does not grow with ease;
the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees."
-J. Willard Marriott

Man's Best Friend

Well folks, surgery went smooth. Big toe and one next to it had to be taken and skin was taken from his right thigh and grafted onto some places on both hands. Cliff has been running a fever post surgery and him and I are patiently waiting for it to break. Once this happens I think we'll begin to see some major strides. If there's one thing I can request of you good people, it's the prayers for his fever to permanently subside. The doctor says we'll be out by Memorial Day, but I'm crossing my fingers extra tight that it will be sooner. Bandages come off for the first time tomorrow and Cliff is anxious to see what lies beneath. He's been looking down at his foot and hands with awe. Again today I told him about what happened and he said, "Really? How come I didn't know this?" Thanks for your love and prayers, please don't forget about us!

Time After Time

During shift changes in the Intensive Care Unit, visitors have to leave for an hour. As I reminded Cliff of this, he pleaded with me not to be late coming back and reminded me that he would be watching the clock!

To anyone who may be reading this, thank you time and time again for your prayers and well-wishes. We're still in the hospital- Burn Trauma ICU- surgery is tomorrow. This will include amputation of his big toe, possibly the second, removal of dead skin, and skin grafts on left foot and both hands. He is not quite out of the woods yet, this may take several months, please be patient with him when you do see him again. He is in absolute awe of his role in the entire story. "Wow," and "No kidding?" are phrases I've heard a lot the past couple of days. The doctors and nurses are stellar- the pureed food and thickened drinks are not. The homecoming will be grand and I promise I will take all of you up on your offers!

I've Got the Blues

Dear family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances...
Cliff was electrocuted Wednesday, May 7th, at work. A crane was moving a concrete block, Cliff was guiding it and electricity arced from the power line to the tip of the crane and through the concrete block and into Cliff. There is an entrance and exit- his right hand and right foot. There's really no way to see the extent of the damage done internally, but it's likely that the electricity bounced back and forth throughout his body as it moved towards the ground. Cliff's heart stopped and he received mouth-to-mouth by co-workers and was life-flighted to the Burn Trauma ICU at the University of Utah Hospital. He is now breathing on his own, but still has an oxygen tube in his nose for backup. They just barely cleared his neck and took off his neck brace. They are keeping a close watch on his brain contusion- two CT scans- one on Wednesday and one on Thursday. Thursday's scan shows that the contusion grew slightly. They are concerned about swelling. He also has a major laceration on the back of his head- required about three layers of stitches and then staples. His hands are burned badly, but they seem functional. His right foot, the exit wound, is also burned badly and his big toe, possibly the next one, will most likely have to be amputated. Overall though, he's been making major strides. He's doing tasks on command and knows his name, who I am, and that he's in the hospital. He does not remember the accident although I've told him about it several times. This is probably a combination of the sedatives, pain medication, the accident itself, and brain bruising which the doctor said will take a couple of months to dissolve.
So, there you have it. Thanks for your kind thoughts. We're very blessed.

Prayers For Clifford

Dear friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances... my sweet husband Cliff was seriously injured today while at work. We're calling it an electrical injury- he was shocked and his heart stopped for a period of time. As of right now he's in the burn unit at the University of Utah Hospital in a somewhat stable condition. Please- whether you believe in God or not, keep Cliff in your prayers.