February - May 2004

February

February – Dan Biedenbach helping Gwen with MEPS landguideline

Feb – 6-7  Region Wrestles at Ben Lomond.  Landon took second place.  Wrestled Zac Mau for the championship round.

Feb 12-14 State Wrestles

Feb 17 – New Beginnings, Lori London and castle/temple great job !!

Feb 21 – Mom and Dad home from down south

Feb 23-25  Computer meetings in Tooele for Gwen

March

Landon had a good wrestling season.  He qualified for the State Tournament by taking 2^nd in Region.   He didn’t do too well at state, and did not place.   He’s now started baseball.

March 11, 2004

I’ve been going in early to work at 6:30 a.m. when I take Landon to Driver’s Ed.  I have a lot to do at work.  I went to Manda’s last week to pick up her car we bought (1999 Hyundai Accent)   She has bought a 2004 Saturn Ion.  Flew down and drove back to Hurricane and met Rog and Landon who were there with the High School baseball team playing in a tournament.  Landon plays both Varsity and JV.  He has another game tomorrow (Friday).  I got to see Manda’s baby girl Camryn Dee in an ultrasound 3-D  It was so neat.  We are getting ready to give her a baby shower when she comes into Utah in a couple of weeks. 

Zac and CJ are buying a home in Morgan.  Scott and Kim Dawson’s old home.  It will be so good for them not to be throwing away rent  money.  They will be moving in with us for a little while, while they get it fixed up. 

March 12, 2004

I think I’ll go into work at the regular time today.  Rog is off work today.  He’s got a lot to do.  He’s got to run to Ogden and get Landon some new sliding shorts because the others he had were stolen.  I was really upset about this, and had hateful hateful feelings towards the thief – who ever that is, I guess we’ll never know.  I don’t like to feel that way.  I felt ashamed about myself afterwards, because of some of the thoughts and feelings and things I said.  I need to learn to control my feelings better, and try to be more like the Savior at all times.  Usually, I am pretty good at this, and have been better, but I really flew off the handle yesterday. 

Rog also needs to move the tractor from over at the shop so that Zac and CJ might have room to move some of their things out of their apartment in preparation for moving into their apartment.  I hope all goes well, with them moving in here.   Landon has “graciously” consented to move out of his room so that they can have the bedroom adjoining the bathroom. 

When Manda comes on the 25^th – I guess we’ll have the kids all home again – at least for a few days.  Hope we can keep the peace !!

March 15, 2004

Landon played a great ball game (JV) today.  He went 2 for 2 with an RBI and a double.  He is an awesome catcher.  We played Box Elder, and the kid that was in the hospital with Landon who had his appendix out at the same time, played first base and pitched.  His name is Ryan McArtor.  Mark and Carrie and Mom and Dad and LuAnn came and watched.

Zac and Chip Covill came and installed a new water heater for us.  Our other one was leaking

Manda and Jim are doing fine.  I’ve been going into work at 6;30 in the mornings.  I’ve got so much to do it makes my head spin.

March 17, 2004

We are having a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon at work today.  I guess I’ll have to wear something green.  I also have to go to Ogden for a meeting on the Snowbasin issue at work.  Landon and Roger head to Wasatch for a baseball game.  I won’t be going because I need to get a bunch of work done at work.  If I go in at 6:30 and stay until 7-8 tonight I should be able to get a lot done.  We went to a ward party last night, me and Landon.  It was great.  Several people performed Cowboy Poetry.  Stan Pentz, Dave Streadbeck, and Jason VanTassell.

March 24^th 2004

This past weekend we got Zac and CJ moved into our house.  They were supposed to close this week on their new house.  Haven’t heard anything yet!  I still have this fear in the back of my mind that something is going to mess up and it won’t happen.  And here they are – out of an apartment………….  I don’t mind them living with us though.  It’s been good.  Manda comes tomorrow for 5 days.  We’ll have a houseful !!  I have a surprise luncheon/shower planned for her on Friday at Taggarts, and then we’ll have the family shower Rich/Dickson, which she is aware of on Saturday.  On Friday night we’ll go see Savior of the World, on Thursday night Landon has a baseball game.  We’ll be really busy !!! 

Work is going well.  I’ve got the land guideline applied to all of the properties EXCEPT the ones with homes on them.  I’ll start on that today.  I’ve been going in at 6:30 or 7 a.m. and working until 7-8 p.m. at night. 

Landon had a baseball game last night at Granger High School.  He played ¾ of the Varsity Game in the outfield.  We think Wade Murdock likes his hustle.  He fielded the ball really well – no errors.  BUT – when he came up for bat in the 10^th inning (score was tied) they pulled him (he had previous gone 0 for 1) and put Keysto in to bat.  Why didn’t Stan pull Derick who had gone 0 or 4, or Scooter, who had gone 0 for 3?  It is really disheartening when he is not given a chance to prove himself. 

Zac has been working on the Willys.  Got the two front doors on.  He’s having a hard time trying to find someone to put the glass in the windows on the two side sliding windows and the front windshield.  On Sunday he hammered a piece of metal through his finger !  It hurt really bad.  It’s kind of hard to explain, but it was a thin, clean, piece and it hurt really really bad.  He was shaking and white.  It hurt him, but it’s getting better. 

May

May 2, 2004

I need to write in this journal better.  Manda’s trip here was good.  The two showers went great !!  Zac and CJ living here is going good also.  They closed on their house on March 31^st and have been working the whole month of April.  We have helped out a lot, and so have my dad and Bret Kimbal.  They had a dumpster ordered up for 2 weeks, and we filled it full !!  The upstairs is not too bad, only need to replace carpet and paint.  But downstairs, they completely gutted the bathroom, right down to the crawlspace under it.  They dug all of the junk, wood, etc. out from under the whole house, and have replaced all the heat ducts.  They have stripped out all of the old plumbing, and installed new.  They have redone a lot of the electrical, and all of the phone lines on the main floor.  They have replaced all of the windows, except the kitchen window, and they put in a new back door with a window.  The electrical (redo) on the main is almost done, and then they will be ready to redo the floor on the back porch (for tile).  Also almost ready for sheetrock.   Landon has been a big help to them.  He is almost always ready and willing to help Zac when needed. 

Manda goes to the doctor tomorrow, and we’ll probably get a baby this week, or at least within the next 8 days.  We are really excited.  Manda and Jim are READY for this baby to be here !!!

Landon is through with Driver’s Ed, and is now driving with us in the vehicle.  He is almost through with baseball, and it has been a good season.  Only one more week of it.

May 3, 2004 (Monday)

Well I’m back on the Pepsi, and I feel rotten.  Why can’t I learn??  Manda called tonight after her doctor’s appointment, and she’s pretty bummed.  I guess she’s not dilating, and is only 50% effaced, and so no going today…..  She has another appointment on Friday, and the doctor will see if there is any more progress at that time.  She told Manda to walk, walk, walk, among other things……. So Manda is heading to the mall (can’t walk outside in 100 degree weather).  I hope she can get things started.  I know she is pretty miserable.

Zac is sure onry lately.  Don’t know if the house if wearing on him or not.  I guess he got the dryer vent put in, and also the window well.  All the windows are in now.  He now has to worry about the floor in the back room.  It needs to be cemented up some how for the tile.  Also, the electrical in the back room needs to be finished and he needs my dad’s help for this.  It’s almost ready to sheetrock, but he seems bummed about something……….

May 7, 2004 (Friday)

Today Manda had her doctor’s appointment, and they are going to induce her tomorrow night (May 8^th) a 10 p.m., so hopefully little Camryn will be born on May 9^th – Mother’s Day.  What a nice present for Manda and Me.  I was born on Jan 9^th, Manda on April 9^th, and maybe little Camryn will be born on May 9^th !!  Manda is sure ready.  I’m going to fly out tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. 

Tonight we got the back cement floor in Zac’s back porch (enclosed) cleaned and ready to be cemented tomorrow. He and my dad got all the electrical done the other day.  Zac seems more happy.   CJ is with her mom and sister up to Park City to a scrapbooking party.  Landon is sleeping over night at Mikey Eddy’s.  Landon played in the last baseball game of Morgan’s season on Thursday at Carbon High School in Price.  Roger drove down for the game.  It’s about a 2 ½ hour drive.

I only worked about 3 hours today, I was waiting for Manda’s call, and then I’m too excited !!!  I’ve got to get up at 5 a.m. (6 a.m.?) tomorrow morning so I’m ready to leave by 8 a.m.  I’ll just leave the car in long term parking. (ended up costing me $60.00 – won’t do THAT again !)   My stomach’s been giving me fits the last couple of days.  It seems all I have is gas (burping).  I worry because that is what Colleen Wiggill had – and it turned out to be cancer and she died in 5 weeks.  Something just doesn’t feel right in my stomach……….  Or maybe it’s just nerves with this baby.  I need to make me a doctor’s appointment when I get back from the baby.  Until then, only Rog and I know there seems to be a problem. My gut is so big, it look like I’M the one having a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (turned out to be nothing !!  Must have been nerves)

May 20, 2004

Well I’m a grandma now.  I wish I had taken my journal to Phoenix with me, to record my thought ant impressions, but I didn’t and so now here 8 days later I’ll attempt to recapture the moments.  

I traveled down on Saturday morning, May 8^th.  Manda I went shopping (for me some clothes, since I have NONE).  Then we just relaxed around the house.  Jim was very emotional tonight.  He’s really excited for this little one to come – with all the emotions of being a daddy that come with it.  He is such a great guy, and it’s obvious he loves Manda and Camryn very much.  Amanda was scheduled to go into the hospital that night (May 8^th) at 10 p.m., and they gave her a pill, both vaginally and orally that was supposed to soften, thin, and open her cervix.  If and when her cervix had reached a “2” – then they would start her on Pitocin to induce the contractions.  Well this never worked, and so about 9 p.m. Sunday night we came back home.  It was sure disappointing.  During the night, Amanda awoke with contractions that were very painful.  These lasted throughout the day (Monday) and about 6 p.m. we headed BACK to the hospital, just knowing that this was IT !!  She was still just a “1”.  Talk about disappointment !!!  AGAIN !!!.  So back home we went, we some Ambien (sleep aid) and Tylenol to help her make it through the night, and all the next day (Tuesday), and through the night until Wednesday morning when she had another doctor’s appointment.  At this point, Amanda was pretty upset, depressed, and feeling like she was not going to be able to make it through two more days of hard contractions without going out of her mind.  By Tuesday, the pains had eased a little, and were only about 10 minutes apart.  She had been able to get a “little” sleep Monday and Tuesday night, but was READY to head to the doctor on Wednesday morning.  At this time, Dr. Reynolds checked her and she was almost a “2” !!  Happy day !!  The doctor stripped her membranes, and checked with the hospital, and told her to go right over, so she would get a bed for sure !!!  I think her water must have been leaking a little, and the contractions started up BIG TIME, when we got to the hospital, and she was in quite a bit of pain.  They doctor came over and said that she could have her epidural, even though she was only dilated to a “2”.  After she got this – she was feeling much better.  Four hours later she was at a “4”, and four hours after this she was at a “9” !!! It looked like we were going to have a BABY !!!  At 11:35 p.m. little Camryn Dee Schutt was born into this world.  She weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces, and was 21 inches long.  Manda was such a trooper, and did so well with the delivery.  She’s a great pusher !  Little Camryn popped out (her head) as the doctor literally walked into the room. And the doctor barely had enough time to get her gloves on to catch the rest of her !!  She’s a beautiful little girl – of course grandmas are prejudiced.  It’s amazing the love that you can feel for such a tiny little thing, and the tears of joy you can shed.  I have a lot of mixed emotions about this little one.  I hope I can be an example and influence in her life, but living 750 miles away it is going to be hard.  It was really hard to leave them and come home, even though I was missing home a lot.  I stayed down in Arizona for a few days.  We brought Manda and Camryn home from the hospital on Friday, and they settled in really well.  It looks like Camryn is going to be the great little nurser that her mom was.  Breast feeding is going great.  I came home on Monday afternoon, and was able to help a little “Mormon mom” with two kids (3 years and 9 months) on the plane, as she was coming home from San Antonio after visiting her parents there. 

I made a Photo Show (slideshow) of Camryn, and Manda and Jim.  It is beautiful, wonderful, and I just love it.  I watch it daily, and show it to anyone who’ll watch.  I love them so much and am so proud of all of them.  The music that goes with the slide show is Billy Joel’s  “She’s got a way about her”.  It brings tears to my eyes just watching it.

Monday, May 24, 2004

Yesterday I taught a lesson for Young Womens.  It was on Family History, and the importance of binding past and future generations together through temple ordinances.  Amanda Thackeray is no longer going to be in Mia Maids with us. I’m sorry to see her go on to a different job.  

Landon had a “feast” at Sister Burwell’s home last night.  All of those who “feasted” on the scriptures were invited.  He had a great time.  

Zac has found someone to “tape” the sheetrock, and so the work is coming along on their “new” old home.  

Roger is probably going to be getting that new job at work, and he will be the Supervisor over Transportation/Shipping for the Ogden and Salt Lake Bakeries.  It should be about an $8,000/year raise, along with a car and gas card and cell phone.  He is not really that excited about it, because of the responsibility.  But it is one of those things you HAVE to do.  He’s worried about the farm, and getting all of the farm work done.  

Zac is so into his new house that he is not interested in helping out there at all.  We’ll just have to see how things go.  

I’m still missing my grandbaby.  I love her so.  I wish they were closer, but I can’t do anything about that.  We are going down there in June, and they are coming back in July for a visit, and I’ll go down in August/September and Manda will come home for Thanksgiving in November.  It sounds like they are getting along just fine.

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Tonight I went visiting teaching with Megan Porter Wilkinson to Penny Porter and Liz Wiscombe.  Linda and Bruce came up and saw the photo slide show of Camryn, and visited for a little while.  CJ is down to school, and Zac ran to Ogden to pick up some mortar mix (for his foundation).  Landon and Roger are at baseball practice.  I got all my wash done today, and also vacuumed the whole house, and mopped the floor, dishes done, a beef stew made for supper.  I did great!  Also went to a meeting in Ogden concerning the values at Snowbasin.  Talked to Manda today and yesterday.  Camryn’s belly button (cord) fell off yesterday, and she is getting her first “real” bath tonight.  I just checked on prices for plane fares to get Manda and Jim and Camryn here in July, and it will cost about $203.40.  I hope we can swing it !!

January 2004

January 2, 2004

Stayed home from work today.   It snowed again last night.  We’ve got probably 2 feet on the ground.  Landon is at wrestling practice.  We had a good Christmas,  and then went to Pinedale snowmobiling and in my opinion it was bad.  It snowed and the roads weren’t that great.  We left the day after Christmas and the weather was bad so we didn’t ride that day, then we rode Saturday, and it was so cold and the wind was blowing hard, and a lot of us got frostbite on our faces.  I stayed at the hotel with Annette and Karly on Sunday, and was very glad I didn’t go that day.  Me and Landon came home Sunday night with Prescott’s and Gaylene and Chase Kimbal because Landon and Chase had sport commitments on Monday morning.  The rest of the gang was supposed to ride Monday and Tuesday and come home Tuesday night, but the weather was so poor, they just came home on Monday.  For Christmas, Roger got 3 pair of pants, and 2 hats and some socks from Landon and Manda.  A rock that says, #1 Grandpa in 2004 for his desk at work, and Zac and CJ got him a motion sensor light for the little shop out front.  I got a couple of charms for my charm bracelet from Landon and Zac and CJ.  A griddle from Zac and CJ, and a necklace from Mandy that says “Grandma” with a place to put little baby charms with birthstones.  Mandy and Jim found out on December 19^th that they will be having a little girl!!  As of that date she was about 10 oz. And 10 inches long.

On Christmas Eve, Jim gave Manda a diamond engagement ring.  .  A simple solitaire, that is so beautiful.  No wedding date as of yet !!

On Wednesday,  December 31^st she called, and said they had a name picked out – Camryn Dee Schutt.  They both love it – and we do too……………… unless they pick another one !!!!!

Roger also got me a crock pot and some silverware for Christmas.  His mom and dad gave us a picnic table, and my mom and dad gave us some money.  I crocheted names for Erika and Mark.  I don’t know if they’ll get them matted and framed or not.  I think Aaron appreciated it, he’s artistic, so he knows the work involved in it. 

We had a fun day yesterday at the property.  Mark and Carrie and boys, and Carrie’s family and us and Zac and CJ and Landon, and CJ’s family had a fun “COLD” day riding snowmobiles and 4-wheelers around the field, pulling kids and adults on sleds, building a fire and roasting hot dogs, drinking hot cocoa, and warming up in the shop.  Afterwards our family went over the Shirlee and Jim’s and played “Nines” – a new card game.  It was fun.

  

Friday, January 02, 2004 – As of this date, things are going well.  Landon has resumed wrestling, and other than not regaining the 18-20 pounds he lost during his ordeal, he is doing okay.  His strength and endurance needs to be built back up, and he is working with trainers at Weber State College and the Human Performance Center to help with this.  He still has a couple of stitches that didn’t dissolve, and they tend to “weep”, but they don’t pain him, and after wrestling if they are still giving him problems, we’ll have to take him back to Dr. Alder and he’ll be given a local, and they will have to be cut out.  We’ll cross that bridge when we have to.  We are so thankful for everyone’s prayers in our behalf.

I know my Heavenly Father lives, and that he loves me.  I am so grateful for my family and for the blessing of the gospel in my life.  I will try hard to live my life as I should.  I pray that my kids will gain their own testimony, and lives their lives accordingly so that we may all be together in the eternities.

January 3, 2004

Today is Sunday and we started back at the 9 a.m. timeslot.  Change is good.  I know next year we’ll be ready to go back to 11 a.m.  Sherrie Rich taught a good lesson about learning more about Heavenly Father and Jesus and trying to bring our lives closer to theirs through study and prayer.  That is my new year’s resolution.  We are studying the Book of Mormon in Sunday School, so that is good.  That is my favorite.   Landon and I have been reading as many mornings as we can, and we are half-way through the book and it’s taken the past year.  We’ll just keep plugging on and we’ll finish it this year.  Sometimes I get discouraged, with all there is to do, and what seems as though my lack of will-power, to get things done. 

Here is a definition of  Character:  Character is the ability to carry out a worthy decision AFTER the emotion of making that decision has stopped.

I’m hoping and having faith that if I can improve spiritually, I will receive the necessary “character” to improve my body physically.  I will definitely need the Lord’s help.  I cannot do this on my own.

I like Alma, Chapter 32, Verse 27 where it talks about experimenting on the Lord, and exercising a particle of faith – even if you only want to believe, work on this until you do believe.   I will try this.

Yesterday we went snowmobiling up on the dryfarms and to the Cathedrals with Kyle and Kolby Kimbal, Terry Bybee and his sons, McKay and Devin, and Todd Markham.  We is – Roger, Gwen, Landon, Zac and CJ.  We had a good time.  Friday was a beautiful day, and today is a beautiful day, but yesterday was overcast.  It’s always better to go when it’s a bright sunny day with lots of fresh powder.   Last night Zac and CJ came up after snowmobiling and at homemade pizza and no-bake cookies, and watched a couple of movies.  Today I made funeral potatoes and meatloaf, and hopefully they’ll come up and eat some of that too.  I’ve finally got all of Landon’s appendix stuff typed up.  Now I just need to get it printed out. 

January 11, 2004

Today is Sunday – I teach a lesson in young women’s on spiritual gifts.  I have prepared well, and feel good about it – but as always, will be glad when it’s over.  I love my Heavenly Father so much – our family is so blessed.  These past two days we’ve been in Logan watching Landon participate in the Bobcat Brawls.  It was great.  He ended up taking 5^th out of 8 teams.  He won 3 and lost 4.  He did really good, you can see he is getting some of his strength back.  It is good to have some wins, and it bolsters his confidence so much.  This is a glorious time in our lives, supporting him in all he does.  Zac and CJ went snowmobiling, and had a great time.  Manda and Jim are doing well.  He’s applying for a new job with Mesa City.  We pray this goes well for him.  It was my birthday (43) on Friday.  I am doing what is right, and I’m so happy.  Landon gave me a charm for my bracelet that says “Best Mom”.  Roger got me some silverware.  LuAnn gave me a table runner.  Mom and Dad gave me $20.00.  Annette gave me a beautiful antique silver frame.  Manda sent me a picture frame, with my baby granddaughter (Camryn Dee) in an ultrasound.  I am so looking forward to this – being a grandmother !!!  Life is Beautiful !!

January - Landon has be going to physical therapy down at the Human Performance Center.

Wrestling continues also.

17-19     Went to St. George for the annual Baseball Clinic.  Had a good time.  Landon, Derick Roskelley, Jake Blomquist, and Travis Brown went.

27-29 – Holcim Cement Plant court hearings at the State Tax Commission.  Gwen had to testify.  It was scary !!!

October, November, December 2003

October

October 4 Went to Saturday session General Conference with my mom.

Landon did not play anymore football for the rest of the season, but was able to stand on the sidelines (dressed) for the playoff games

Oct 28 – YW/YM Hoe Down

November

November 7 – Went to quarterfinal football playoffs in St. George at Pine View HS

November 11 – Went BACK to St. George for UAC meetings, drove down with a friends, Helen Hansen,  rented a car while I was down there. – went to St. George temple this evening.

November 14 (Friday) Landon and Rog came down and picked me up and we went on to Phoenix to visit Manda and Jim 

Mark my brother is in Nauvoo with Carrie and Jaden for a couple of days at this point

November 24 – Football Banquet 

November 25 – Wrestling at Olympus HS – Landon wrestling 125 AGAIN as a Sophomore  I didn’t go – had YW video presentation

Thursday, November 27, 2003  - Thanksgiving Day

We ate up at LuAnn’s today.  It was good.  Only Joni and her kids (including Johnny and Megan) and Kelly and his family were there.   Zac and CJ came up before CJ had to go to work.  Kelly and Michelle announced they are having another baby !!  This is surely a surprise !!  I think we all thought Ben and LuAnn wouldn’t have any more grandchildren (only greats !!)  But here comes another one !  She is due in June.  My Manda is going to have a baby in May !!  I guess I hadn’t mentioned that yet.  She called us on Sept 14^th.  It is sure a surprise for her and Jim.  Kinda of a shock.  She is being stubborn and doesn’t want to get married until after the baby is born.    Jim would get married tomorrow, but she’s being obstinate. *In hindsight, it is a good thing they didn't get married.   (Michelle ended up having a miscarriage on Dec 8)

Friday November 28, 2003

I had to work today.  Rog and Landon and Zac hung around home getting the sleds ready for tomorrow’s ride.  CJ had to work also.  It’s supposed to snow tomorrow, and be stormy.  So I decided I wouldn’t go.  I’m a party poop I guess.  Manda was in a car accident 4 days ago (November 24)  A car ahead of her was cut off, and stopped quick, she stopped, and a car behind her plowed into her and pushed her into the car in front.  Her head hit the windshield and broke it. (the windshield.)  She’s okay and so is the baby thank goodness.  

My Photoshow presentation to the Young Women went good last Tuesday night.  Everyone was really impressed.  I have almost got all of LuAnn’s scrapbook pages done for the brothers and sisters for Christmas.  I’ll probably put them together tomorrow.  Also balance the check book.  Christmas is coming up, and I can’t seem to get in the spirit.  At least not decorating, or present wise.  I would like to get Roger a new vest.  We’ll probably get Zac and CJ an avalanche beacon, and Manda and Jim a digital camera.  Don’t know about Landon Lee………………  He doesn’t ever ask for much.  I love him so.  He’s out with his friends again tonight.  It’s Mitch’s birthday and they were watching movies down at his house.  Me and Roger have just been vegging in front of the TV.  I’m working on another “Dickson” crochet (Wall hanging) for Mark and Carrie for Christmas. 

December

December  5-6  - Evanston Tournament (wrestling)

10 – Savior of the World (Front Row Seats)

13 – Friends party as Annette’s

18 – Manda found out she’s having a little baby GIRL !!! Yeah!!!!!

21 – YW Christmas Devotional at Carol Brooks

26-30 Pinedale !!  YUCKY WEATHER !!!

Landon's Not So Excellent Adventure

Landon underwent surgery for a burst appendix

It was quite the ordeal.

They left his incision open for a few days.......



......before finally pulling it together. 
 Notice they went around his belly button :)



Some of his closest friends, Byron, Mikey, and Cody



Grandma Rich, and Grandpa and Grandma "D"

Clicky Clicky - Mikey helped administer the "self-dosing" pain meds :)

The Porter Family came to visit too.



Roger D -  hating his pic taken.



Young Love - just married a month ago !

About a month? after - healed pretty nicely.

“That which does not kill us ~ makes us stronger”

Thursday, September 4, 2003 – Landon first noticed pain after the Mtn. Crest football game. He had taken a helmet to the gut the day before in practice. When he felt the twinge of pain in his lower right belly, he attributed it to the hit. It bothered him for a few days, mostly when he was going up and down stairs, and at the beginning of football practice. We thought we had better get it checked out to make sure it wasn’t appendicitis.



Thursday, September 11, 2003 – In the morning we took Landon down to the South Ogden Clinic where Physician’s Assistant Alan Bybee examined him. After pressing and pushing on Landon’s stomach, he didn’t think it was appendicitis, but wanted blood drawn to check his white cell count just to be sure. The white cell count came back normal, so he said it was most probably a pulled muscle due to the football helmet, and to just take Ibuprofen as needed. Landon played a great game against Roy that afternoon.



The week of September 14th – 19th, Landon never complained about his stomach at all. I saw him take Ibuprofen a couple of times here and there, but he didn’t complain at all. He played another great game against Tooele on Thursday the 18th, and stood on the sidelines at Tooele on Friday night the 19th as we watched the Varsity football team play a spectacular game, winning in the final 20 seconds! We talked to Landon after the game, he was in good spirits, he was going to be riding the bus home with the other players, and then have a few of them over to spend the night. We went home and went to bed.



Saturday, September 20, 2003 – Landon woke me early this morning complaining of terrible pain in his stomach. It was not located in the lower right region, but rather all over. He was in pretty bad pain for an hour or so, then threw up and felt some better as far as the pain in his stomach. He said they had eaten at Carl’s Jr. the night before on the way home, and it was terrible. We thought it might be food poisoning. Landon also had really bad diarrhea throughout the day. He slept most of the day in the recliner, not throwing up again, but having terrible chills now and then. His face would feel cold and clammy, while his legs would be burning hot. All he would drink was water and Alka-Seltzer, and a spoonful or two of chicken noodle soup. His diarrhea was really bad, but he didn’t throw up again. We thought he maybe had a bad case of stomach flu. Later in the evening about 9 p.m. his stomach started hurting again, and he called me in the bedroom, and wanted me to call Scott Harris to come and give him a priesthood blessing. I was a little hesitant – a priesthood blessing for stomach flu?? But I did as he asked, and Scott and Jim Wiscombe were gracious enough to come down and administer to him. He felt a little better, and had a relatively good night, mostly sleeping and only getting up to go to the bathroom.



Sunday, September 21, 2003 – Today was our ward conference but Landon was much too sick to go. I did not want to leave him, and so stayed home also. I was sitting at the computer, and he walked in and sat down beside me. As I looked at him, he looked as though he had dipped his face in a basin of water. Cold sweat had literally broken out all over his face. I had read about this term before in books, but had never seen it personally.


I might mention at this point, that Landon is NEVER sick. I cannot remember the last time he had either a cold or flu. It has been years and years. He is just one healthy kid. You would think that I would maybe think that this was something serious at this point, but no, we still just thought it was the stomach flu – a really really bad case. He slept again most of the day, and it was basically a repeat of the day before. It didn’t appear he would be getting well anytime soon, so I planned to run him over to the clinic the next day.



Monday, September 22, 2003 - I made an appointment for 10:30 a.m., and Dr. Challburg looked Landon over. He had him give a urine sample, which turned out to have traces of blood in it. Dr. Challburg probed Landon’s abdomen quite a bit, and this was VERY painful for him. His stomach was swollen, hot, and hard. His temperature was 98.6 though – very weird. After doing this, he stood there with his chin in his hand, looking at Landon very seriously. He then said he wanted him taken to the hospital for an ultra-sound and lab work. Landon and I had to go home and switch the Metro for the truck. Every bump we would hit, hurt Landon’s stomach really bad. Landon asked me what I thought was going to happen, and I said that probably it would turn out to be nothing, and not to worry about it. I called Roger on the cell phone, and he arranged to meet us at McKay-Dee Hospital. As we were pulling out of town, Jason Lee the school cop saw us turn at the Chicken Inn. He could tell that something was wrong, and followed us for a ways, and flipped his lights on for us to stop, but I was busy talking on the cell phone, and Landon was too sick, and we didn’t even notice.


As we pulled into McKay’s parking lot, Roger had parked clear out in the boonies. I pulled up next to him, and said that Landon couldn’t walk that far, and for him to come down to the door and get the truck while I helped Landon in. As we pulled up in front of the main doors, Shirlee Wilkerson, CJ’s mom happened to see us pull up. At this point, Landon was having a really hard time walking because of the pain. Shirlee helped us in to the Lab, and every seat in the room was taken. We ended up sitting Landon in the main corridor of the hospital. It became obvious that we would be waiting a LONG time. Shirlee took matters in hand, and expedited our paperwork, and got us into radiology for the ultrasound in 20 minutes. Her friend Nancy was the one doing the procedure. As she rubbed the device over Landon’s stomach and the pictures came up on the monitor, it was hard to tell what was what. There were these BIG black areas, and I didn’t think anything of them, but when she stopped and started “mapping” them, I looked over at Roger and whispered, “Something’s wrong”. I didn’t think she would tell us anything, but I asked her anyway, “What are those black areas?” She said that it was blood and fluid, and that it shouldn’t be there. These black areas were located all around his liver, appendix, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and stomach. At this point she said she needed to talk to call Dr. Challburg, and she left the room.


Landon was lying very quietly. He was so sick that he didn’t talk much. When Nancy came back in, she said that Dr. Challburg wanted Landon admitted to the emergency room for a CAT Scan, and that the doctor there would take over his case. CAT SCAN (Computerized Axial Tomography Scan): A type of X-ray that yields a three-dimensional picture of the body that is about 100 times more sensitive than a standard X-ray. It can be given with or without contrast (medication given by drink or injection to enhance X-ray pictures). Landon’s CAT scan was given WITH contrast, by injection, which was Iodine. He turned out to be allergic to this, and developed a hive (which he was given Benedryl for). Landon was wheeled down to the ER on the table. Thank goodness he didn’t have to walk at this point. He was put in exactly the same cubicle that CJ was put in after the car crash, exactly a year ago to the day. The CAT scan showed the same thing as the ultrasound, but in more detail. Dr. Lane, the ER doctor said there was definitely something wrong, and they would be calling in the surgeon on call. At this point I requested Dr. Richard Alder. Shirlee had said that he would be the best one, and Stephanie, whom I work with and Gaylene Kimbal, our good friend had always spoken very highly of him. As it happened, Dr. Alder was just finishing up with surgery upstairs, and would be down shortly.


Dr. Richard Alder examined Landon, and said he definitely had a “surgical abdomen”. Landon was bleeding internally, and they would need to go in and take a look to see what was the matter. We had mentioned the football injury, and Dr. Alder wondered if he had a perforated bowel that was “not viable” at this point. Only surgery would tell. It would not be a “scope” surgery, but an OPEN incision. Landon was hooked up to two different IV’s as he was prepped for surgery. Shirlee came and found us in the ER, and we arranged for two men she knew and worked with, to give Landon a blessing. Dave Ferrin and Keith Johns did this, and we were very grateful.




Landon was lying very quietly, and didn’t have much to say. I remembered a couple of weeks ago on the way to the other doctor, him saying, “I’m NOT having surgery! – it will foul up my football season!” – but now he wasn’t saying anything at all, football was the last thing on his mind. At one point he pulled me down close and whispered in my ear, “Just make sure I’m asleep – I don’t want to feel anything!” I assured him that he would be OUT, and later expressed these same feelings to the anesthesiologist.


 Landon was taken into surgery about 4 p.m. At about 4:30 p.m. they let us know that it definitely was a “burst” appendix. Another hour, and the surgery was complete. Landon was moved to recovery, and we were taken into a consultation room to wait for Dr. Alder. The first words out of the doctor’s mouth were, “What a mess!!” “I’m sorry to put it that way, …. But WHAT a mess!”


 He then proceeded to tell us that Landon had one of the worst cases of peritonitis that he had ever worked on. (Inflammation of the peritoneum (membrane) which lines the inside of the abdominal cavity and all of the internal organs) When he got in there, the appendix was no place to be found, apparently it had disintegrated and all that was left was a bloody mass where it was supposed to have been. The doctor stapled the bowel and cut off the mass, and proceeded to flush his intestines. The bowels were so very swollen and infected.


I was feeling really bad that we had waited to bring him into the hospital, and that the two days of lying at home had made this situation so much worse. Dr. Alder then said, “Oh, Mrs. Rich, this has been going on MUCH longer than two days. For it to be as bad as it was, it had to have been going on for 1-2 weeks!”


Then Dr. Alder told us about the many complications that might result from this “poisoning”. Multiple Organ Failure - which is when the major organs in the body shut down, Abdominal Compartment Syndrome – when the bowels swell and additional surgery is needed to relieve pressure, and also some other kind of Bowel Syndrome, where the bowels stick together and kink and become obstructed. We were speechless. Dr. Alder told us the first 48 hours were the most critical, and that Landon would be monitored very closely, and given strong antibiotics to combat the infection. Needless to say we were very concerned. Dr. Alder said that he had left Landon’s outer incision “open” so that any swelling that might occur would be able to have room to do so, and also that it would heal from the inside out. Landon was moved to Room 2210 on HOBBS (High Observation Unit) not ICU, and I was wishing he was in ICU, just so he would get more closely watched.


 Landon was closely monitored Monday night, and I (Gwen) stayed down at the hospital with him. He has a catheter (to keep his bladder drained), and an NG (Nasal/Gastric) tube down his nose to his stomach to drain his stomach, in order to provide room for his intestines to move, swell, etc. Stake President Bott and Bishop Fisher came down tonight (Monday) and a special prayer and blessing was offered. Landon was told that from this moment forward his internal organs would begin to heal and he would be made whole !! Also that he had a special mission to perform and that his work on this earth was not finished and that he would be a “comfort” to his parents and others. This word “comfort” and the aspect of “caring” is the same wording that was mentioned in my patriarchal blessing as it pertained to Landon. I do not think this is a coincidence. Landon has brought so much joy into our lives, there are no words to describe our life and relationship with him, maybe special, wonderful, fun, enjoyable, are some that come close.


Grandpa and Grandma Dickson were with temple friends up in the Uintahs since early this morning, and I tried to leave “non-worrying” messages on their answering machine to let them know what was going on. When they got home at about 11 p.m., they were pretty upset and concerned.





Tuesday, September 23rd - Landon is a very very special person. He has had so many people concerned about him. Adults, young adults, and kids alike. The football team, his young men group, friends, teachers, coaches, advisors, you name it !! Prayers and fasting have been offered in his behalf by so many people. Scott Harris, his old Teacher’s Quorum Advisor, who went through this same ordeal when he was 19 years old (in 1983) said it best when he said “Up until I met Landon, I could not say I had ever met a special valiant son of God, but I know that he is one of the Lord’s valiant sons – absolutely – sent down to earth to love and be an example to others. Landon has had so many visitors today, as the word got around about what had happened to him. He’s in pretty good spirits, considering.


Wednesday, September 24th - Matthius Rupp’s wife Michelle has been a good nurse and Big Al’s oldest brother Kenny Tucker is Landon’s CNA today. Landon’s fever, or lack there of has been good. It is now 39-40 hours since surgery, so we are doing okay. The tube in the back of his throat is bugging him most of all. His incision has not bothered him at all. Changing gears a little – football this season is over for Landon. He is feeling a little blue about this, but has resigned himself. He had members of the football team, including coaches and his close friends come down to visit last night. He is worn out today, and doesn’t seem as perky. Dr. Alder seems cautiously optimistic. He came in and said his bowel sounds were good, so the stomach draining tube and catheter could be removed. They came out okay, and Landon was trooper, but said afterwards that it hurt. He has slept a lot today. I don’t know of all the visitors wore him out or what. He’s pretty punk (my grandpa Dickson’s word) tonight, we had them put a sign on the door saying “check in with office” so he won’t be disturbed.


They still haven’t “sewed’ him up completely, and I forgot to ask the doctor about it. The nurse says it is to let him heal from the inside out. Landon is on two different kids of antibiotics to fight the infection. Genamicin (given once a day) is very strong, and Landon’s blood must be drawn before and after the administration so that the toxin levels can be checked. He was also given Unasyn every 6 hours. Landon’s dressing is changed at 9 am and 9 pm (approximately) He is still on Morphine, self administered by the PCA pump (Patient controlled analgesic). He can press the button every second if he wants to, but the dose is only allowed and administered every 10-½ minutes. As his friend Mike Eddy would say…. Clicky clicky clicky !!!



Thursday, September 25th - Last night (Wednesday) was pretty good. Landon and I only woke up 2 times (1 a.m. and 4 a.m. when he had to urinate). His nurse for today is Cody and Caid Evans Uncle. Landon’s incision is hurting him because when he’s asleep he can’t remember to hit the PAC button; also his left IV is hurting and stinging, so they switched it to the right tube. Dr. Alder came in and you could tell he was pleased with Landon’s condition and said he was going “pretty good”. His blood count came back good and his temperature is good. The doctor said he would probably close the stitches tomorrow or Saturday. He also said that Landon might be moved to the general surgical floor (5th floor) today or tomorrow. Landon looks to be out of the woods as far as multiple organ failure and abdominal compartment syndrome. Roger asked how long it would take to recover from all of this, and the doctor said probably 3 months until he was completely over it. After 6 weeks he’ll feel pretty good, but still be tender, etc. Wrestling looks to be in jeopardy. Oh well, we hope he will just be okay. Sports can wait !!!


Landon was moved to room 5207 on the 5th floor pediatric surgery unit at 11:30 a.m. today. He is sleeping a lot. It has me worried. We’ve got his room all decorated up with his cards and posters and balloons and gifts. Kresta is his RN for this afternoon. Landon has been very very sleepy. About 5 p.m. they hooked up a play station, but the games were so stupid he didn’t even play them. Back to sleep he goes. Brenda Crossley brought us prime rib from the Timbermine for dinner tonight. It was great !! Of course Landon only gets ice chips, so we go out in the hall so we won’t have to eat in front of him. He’s sleeping again, and doesn’t seem to mind. Tonight ended up not going so good. I had been worried about Landon sleeping so much, and not walking around, and then he developed a rattle and a cough and I was worried about pneumonia setting in, and I asked the nurse to check him, and sure enough, he has diminished lung capacity. So now they have the Respiratory Department involved, and he is doing breathing exercises. I was pretty upset. Also, the Junior Varity football team got creamed by Bear River, and the Sophomore team ended up playing a whole game and won 31-30 with Jared Olsen kicking a game winning field goal in the last 20 seconds.. All the kids started chanting Landon, Landon, Landon, afterwards. I think they all miss him.



Friday, September 26th - Today is better but I’m still so worried. My emotions are really high. I worry so. They sewed him up this morning, or I should say “closed” his wound with sutures that were already in place. It is quite the scar, or will be, I guess. Rog has been here all day and I went home for 2-3 hours. Rog made him cough and suck air though the respirator thing and walk a bunch to help his lungs and get his bowels going. His lungs have much improved, thank goodness !!, but his lower bowel still is not making very many sounds. This is so worrying to me. Landon has been without food for a week now (Last meal was Carl Jr’s, last Friday night).


September 27th - Dr. Alder came in this morning and in the course of our conversation said that Landon was progressing about where he thought he would be. He wasn’t surprised that his bowels hadn’t woken up yet, and that with the trauma they had sustained, that it might take up to a week, so still nothing more than ice chips. He also said the Landon was not behind schedule. That made me feel ALOT better. He ordered some Pro-Cal (Protein and Calories) for Landon’s IV. Today was a good day for the most part. Landon walked 5-6 times and was awake more, playing X-box with Roger. He had a bunch of visitors, and Brittney Brown came down and sat with us for 3-4 hours and watched “Holes”. The “boyos” and girls came in during their Homecoming date, dressed in all their finery. What a bunch of good lookin’ kids.



Sunday, September 28th - Happy Birthday to Zac. 22 years old !! It was a year ago that we were down here with he and CJ and their accident. Now they are just an old married couple !! CJ works at the hospital, and it’s been great having her around everyday to pop in for a visit. We love them both so much !! Last night at the hospital went well, Landon was just up two times to urinate. Still no bowel sounds. I’m praying that they’ll start. Today is Fast Sunday in our ward. I hope people will be fasting and praying for Landon. This morning we walked at 7:30 a.m. and noticed his IV in the right arm had failed. The nurse is putting in a new one right now. It didn’t go too easy. They say he has really tough veins and it took 2-3 times of poking and he didn’t like it one little bit. The Elders from the church stopped by and they’ll be bringing us the sacrament later. It makes me so emotional, and I’m really looking forward to this. Landon will only be able to partake of the water, as he is still on ice chips only, poor kid. We are so…….. tired of this place. Landon has had SO many visitors tonight, and it is really wearing on him - and us. Landon’s attitude and demeanor is low.


Monday, September 29th - One week, and still no passing gas. The doctor has not been in because of surgery. Landon took a shower this morning and the IV dressing got wet and when the nurse tried to change it the IV accidentally pulled out. Putting in a new one was pure hell. Finally in……thank goodness! Rog came over from work and after a few games of X-box baseball, Landon was smiling and believe it or not, trying NOT to laugh because it hurts his stitches! Rog went and got a couple of movies.


Hurray !! - The doctor just called and Landon can go on Clear Liquids. After 10 days – finally !! Even though he has not passed gas yet, we’ll proceed and hope that all works out well !! Roger has gone to Megan Porter and Johnny Wilkinson’s wedding dinner up Hardscrabble tonight. My mom and dad came down and we put Landon in a wheel chair and walked him outside and around the pond. It was a LONG HOT walk. Landon “ate” orange jello, chicken broth, and apple juice tonight for supper. He savored them !! Lisa and Clay Carrigan are coming down tonight for family home evening. Also Mark and Sherrie Rich and kids. Landon is very special to them.


Tuesday, September 30th - Rog came down at 7 a.m. so I could leave and go home and go to work for a little while. The doctor came in at mid morning, and still no passing of gas. He said to put Landon on a FULL liquid diet, which is tomato soup, milk, and pudding. He also said to take him off the morphine and put him on Lortab “tablets’ and also get a suppository in him. I asked Landon if he knew what that was, and he said NO. I explained it, and he said he’d insert it HIMSELF !!! He’s a goof. I love him. Rog and Landon are watching 2 Fast 2 Furious. Rog will go back home to Johnny and Megan’s wedding ceremony this afternoon. I think both Rog and I will skip the reception. Landon’s spirits are good !! The suppository worked !! Three times !!! Yahoo!! During the night he was “tootin’” up a storm. Hallelujah!!


Wednesday, October 1st - Happy Day !!! Dr. Alder came in about 7:30 a.m. and said that Landon was free to go home after breakfast !!! The smile on Landon’s face was worth a million dollars. He immediately wanted the IV out that had been hurting him (he hadn’t mentioned it because he didn’t want to get poked again). He is now “unhooked’ from all of the tubes for the first time in 10 days. Roger is to work this morning until about noon. Then he’ll come and get us. I have a prescription for Lortab that I need to get filled and we need to run by Walmart and pick up one those “ear’ thermometers. Dr. Alder said the things we need to watch for are fever and pain. “Pain”, not from the incision, but from his bowels, which would indicate an obstruction. This is something he is going to have to be aware of, for the rest of his life, because there will be TONS of pelvic adhesions going on inside of him that “could” cause bowel obstructions. Dr. Alder said there is nothing that can be done to “fix” this, nothing he can eat, etc. It’s something he’ll have to live with, and hopefully it won’t give him problems.


 We will be going back to see Dr. Alder in one week – then if everything has gone good up to that point, Dr. Alder said he’ll (Dr. Alder) feel good. He says that in 6 weeks Landon should be able to resume all activities, including sports, etc. Thank you Heavenly Father for our many many blessings. Aunt Lynette Hartman, who was down for Megan’s wedding came in this morning on her way back to Idaho Falls. She just barely caught us, as we were just ready to leave the hospital. She brought Landon a BIG Tweety Bird Balloon and some candy – she’s the best !!



Friday, January 02, 2004 – As of this date, things are going well. Landon has resumed wrestling, and other than not regaining the 18-20 pounds he lost during his ordeal, he is doing okay. His strength and endurance needs to be built back up, and he is working with trainers at Weber State College and the Human Performance Center to help with this. He still has a couple of stitches that haven’t dissolved yet, and they tend to “weep”, but they don’t pain him. After wrestling if they are still giving him problems we’ll have to take him back to Dr. Alder and he’ll be given a local, and they will have to be cut out. We’ll cross that bridge if and when we have to. We are so thankful for everyone’s prayers in our behalf.



Ultrasound Technician Notes There are large loculated (divided into compartments) fluid collections throughout the abdomen. The largest is present in the left lower quadrant measuring 7.5 cm in greatest dimension. Multiples of these fluids collections demonstrate a strandy echogenic material which is consistent with prior hemorrhage Fluid is seen surrounding the liver and spleen. A large collection in the pelvis measures 10.9 x 5.6 cm in size. The liver and spleen demonstrate a homogeneous (normal) echotexture. There is no evidence of hydronephrosis (abnormal enlargement). Kidneys are grossly intact. There are no blind-ending loops of bowel within the right lower quadrant to suggest appendicitis.


Impression: Given the patients history of a football injury, injury to a solid abdominal viscera (any large organ in the abdomen) is suspected. A CAT scan may be helpful in further evaluation. CAT Scan notes Axial CT performed through the abdomen, from above the diaphragm (thin muscle below the lungs which separates the chest from the abdomen), to the pubic symphysis. The base of the lungs are clear. The visualized portion of the heart and pericardium appears normal. There are large fluid collections throughout the abdomen. These fluid collections are loculated and demonstrate mild rim enhancement. There is fluid surrounding the inferior aspect of the liver and spleen, also loculated in appearance. The small bowel demonstrates increased enhancement and is fluid filled throughout a majority of the loops. Multiple air-fluid levels are present throughout numerous small bowel loops. These findings are consistent with severe ileus or obstruction. No definite transition point is identified. The liver, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands appear normal. Impression: Multiple loculated fluid collections throughout the abdomen and pelvis. No solid abdominal injury can be identified. This raises the possibility of a mesenteric or bowel injury.
 

Doctor’s notes (from emergency room) The patient is a 15 year old healthy white male who on about the 4th of September while playing football was struck on the right side with a helmet in the abdomen. He had pain and discomfort at that point, but it seemed to get somewhat better. He was seen somewhere around the 11th of September with a normal white count (of blood) and from that point on he seemed to do fairly well until the last two days when he became ill with increasing pain, some vomiting, and general malaise (bodily discomfort). He was brought into the emergency room and was noted to have an ultrasound with fluid and a CT scan showed marked fluid in the abdomen, some of which was loculated (divided into compartments). There was not any specific inflammatory mass that could be picked out, however. I was asked to see the patient at this point. Past medical history: Medical in unremarkable. Surgical is none. Medication: He takes no medications


Physical Examination General: This is a very ill young man, lying very quietly with flushed cheeks , with his hips flexed and knees flexed. Vital signs: Normal Lung: Clear Heart: Regular rhythm Abdomen: Rigid and diffusely (not localized) tender, clearly a surgical abdomen.


Impression: Acute surgical abdomen, etiology (cause) unknown. Possibilities include: 1. Trauma with delayed injury to bowel, resulting in a questionable bowel viability (being alive; functioning, working, etc.) 2. Perforated (pierced with holes) appendicitis with generalized peritonitis. Disposition: The patient clearly has an acute surgical abdomen and needs urgent exploration. We started him on IV’s and he will receive some antibiotics and we will go to the operating room as soon as one is available.


Doctor’s surgical notes The patient was placed on the operating table, general anesthesia was induced, the operative site was prepped and draped sterilely and a midline incision extending two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus (belly button) down to the pubis symphysis (cartilage) was made and the abdomen was entered in the midline. All bleeding points were controlled with cauterization (heat). Upon entrance into the abdomen, there was a large amount of purulent (puss) fluid, which was cultured for aerobes and anaerobes (types of organisms). The majority of the reaction appeared to be in the pelvis. The loops (intestinal) were stuck together and multiple inter-loop abscesses. I began my surgery by removing the loops of small bowel stuck down to the pelvis, and then tracing back to the terminal ileum (the last portion of the small intestine which communicates with the large intestine). At the point there was an inflammatory (irritated) mass, which was stuck to the right abdominal wall, just at the lateral (side) pelvis area. I was able to bluntly break that down and then free up the cecum (a pouch at the end of the small intestine – the appendix extends off of the cecum) by dividing the lateral peritoneal attachment. After having done this it became apparent that we were dealing with a ruptured appendicitis of some time in happening, as manifested by the marked amount of inflammatory peel. The omentum (a free fold of the peritoneum) was stuck and it was impossible to get off the appendix, hence, I clamped, divided, and ligated (tied) that omentum which was stuck to the appendix. I took down whatever mesentery (membrane that connects intestines to the back wall of the abdomen) there was there, freed up the cecum so I could mobilize it, and once I had done that, I was able to get the TA-30 stapling device across the tip of the cecum and I stapled and then amputated (cut out) the appendix and tip of the cecum. I then checked the staple line and it was intact and in good shape. I then from the terminal ileum, traced the small bowel all the way back to the ligament of Treitz (a flat band of muscle attached to the right side of the diaphragm), debriding the fibrinous exudates (removing the blood clots), which covered many sections of the bowel. The intestine, other than being beefy red and inflamed, was otherwise uninvolved. The colon likewise was the same as the small intestine. There did not appear to be any reaction going on in the upper abdomen. We then copiously (profusely) irrigated (washed/flushed) with liters (quarts) of saline (salt water) and debrided off the fibrinous exudates as mention. I then aspirated (sucked out) all the free fluid and placed the bowel back within the abdominal cavity. We then closed the abdominal wall with a single layer of double stranded #1 PDS. I placed a few 3-0 Vicryl sutures (stitches) over the PDS knot, and then loosely approximated the skin edges with interrupted 3-0 Nurolon. I placed several (12) Nurolon stitches in, but did not tie them and will treat the wound with a wet-to-dry dressing change.


The patient was then transported to the recovery room in stable, but very serious condition.


 

Doctor’s Notes - final This young man presented to the emergency room extremely ill with probably a week to maybe even two weeks history of abdominal pain, which was difficult to sort out, but on exam he clearly had an acute (severe) surgical abdomen. He was explored, feeling that he most likely had ruptured appendicitis. Indeed, that is what he had with extensive peritoneal fibrinous exudates (blood clots), multiple inter-loop abscesses (localized collections of pus). I removed his appendix, and broke down all of the adhesions between the loops of small bowel and drained those abscesses and irrigated copiously (washed out thoroughly). The patients postoperative course was surprisingly not complicated. It took him several days to resolve his ileus (obstruction in intestine), which is not unusual, but he did not have a picture of real sepsis (presence of infectious organisms in the blood) after the first day or two. Once his bowels worked, he was started on liquids and advanced to a regular diet, which he is tolerating at discharge. I closed his wound secondarily, placing sutures at the time of the operation and then closing them when the wound looked good. At discharge the wound is healing without any evidence of suppuration (formation of pus). I will see him in my office in a week. We will make disposition at that point in time as to when he can return to school. The mother is to call if there are any problems between now and then.



Charges associated with Landon’s appendectomy Hospital Bill $26,493 Surgery – Dr. Alder $ 1,885 ER physician $ 336 Anesthesia $ 1,604 Dr. Challburg $ 113 Xrays $ 393 Totals $30,922 All we had to pay was the $1,500 co-pay. Thank goodness for good insurance!!

June - July 2003

June 5 – Tiana play   - King and I ??

June 7 – Landon plays baseball at Lindquist Field

June 9 – Email from Shirlee to Gwen

If  9 pm is not too late tonight lets shoot for that.  CJ gets off at

about 7:30 so she should be home.  she will probably be ornery but what

is new....I have 5 peach dresses and I will bring them also to see if

what I am thinking is totally out of the question..... 

 We talked with Mark and Carrie on Sat and told them that we

would be glad to help with anything for their yard that they need.  I

know how stressful it can be when it is your yard.  I had my wedding at

my sisters (Claudia) and they really had to jump through hoops to get

everything ready.....it is coming fast.  I need to get her committed to

the decorations as I can.  We just need to sit and talk about things

together so we all know what is happening.....I wonder if Robyn does

decorating also or just flowers.....you really don't need much

decoration with an outdoor wedding....I also know of a lady in North

Ogden I can call...oh well let me know about tonight. Thanks a lot

see ya  Shirlee

June 10 – Email from Gwen To Shirlee

How's work today??  Those were cute Mothers Day/Father's day gifts, huh? What's your schedule for going to Lynelle's and having her look at that wedding dress?  Lynelle had mentioned that Monday or Tuesday of this week  was good for her. I know CJ has to work till later, and I've got baseball EVERY night this week, but tonight we might be home by 9 -  I can call Lynelle.  Just let me know.  Also - what about the peach dresses?  How many do you have now??

Gwen

June 12 – Hydroseed at property and our back yard

June 17, 2003

Landon leaves on the Stake Trek tomorrow.  He is happy and excited to go.  I hope all goes well, and that he gains a greater testimony of the gospel and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  We talked about attitude, and how that will make or break the experience. I want to write him a little note and put inside an envelope that he can read when things get tough. 

Dear Landon,

What words of encouragement can I offer you?  PRAY PRAY PRAY.  Our Heavenly Father will NEVER forsake you, and is there to lift you up when you are down.  Don’t be afraid to say a silent prayer to him and ask for help.

I could say – “Hang in there” – “It’s always darkest before the dawn” “Remember ATTITUDE !!! it makes the difference”, but I think Heavenly Father said it best to our prophet Joseph Smith when he was imprisoned in Liberty Jail, and called out to the Lord in prayer, “Why hath thou forsaken me?”  (see – prophets have problems too) and the Lord replied, “Be patient in thine afflictions my son, they should be but for a small moment, and if you endure them well you will receive all that I have”. 

Be patient Landon, be a leader, be an example, be your usual happy self, and lift others up when they are down.  Help the ones who are weaker than you (in strength).  Use your hard working abilities you have learned through sports and work (mink farm) to physically help others along that aren’t as strong as you – girls and boys as well.  Help others who are “weaker” than you in Spirit.  Encourage them, joke with them, SING with them, be a “brother” and “son” that everyone would like to have. 

Remember we talked about the two kind of people that would be on the trek, and the one that you would want to be remembered for.  Now at this point, don’t say, “But it’s too hard”, or “I didn’t think it would be like this!”, or “I just can’t do it !!”.  I KNOW you CAN do it !!  You are one of the choicest people I know !!  And it’s not just because you are my son.  There really is something special about you.  I KNOW you are a chosen son of God.  It has been demonstrated to me SO MANY TIMES.  I kneel and thank my Heavenly Father EVERY night for sending such a wonderful, valiant, strong, happy, loving, fun, son to me.  You are the light of our family’s life, and you can be this same light to your TREK family.

We love you so much, and are praying for you as you are on this TREK.  With Heavenly Father’s help, you can accomplish ANYTHING !!! 

Love mom

June 19, 2003

I prayed yesterday more than I have ever in my life.  I don’t know why I was so nervous, anxious, and concerned about Landon on the hike.  It seemed like I was saying a small “Heavenly Father please bless my boy” prayer probably like 20-30 times.  Well now at least the “hard” day is over.  Now all I have to worry about is getting him picked up at the right spot on Saturday morning at 6 am.  Just call me Grandma Dickson !!!

30^th – Landon goes to Sting game with Jake Blomquist – Did this happen?

July

July 7, 2003

Landon’s 15^th birthday was Saturday and we went boating on East Canyon in Mark’s boat.  Landon invited four of his friends, Cody Watkins, Kaycee Wall, Mitch Clark, and Mike Eddy.  They had a FANTASTIC time. 

I wanted to write down my feelings about the sacrament.  I have tried really had to listed to the prayers, and think about Jesus during this sacred time.  I think of the atonement, and how he suffered for my sins, so that if I repent, mercy will be given to me, and I won’t have to pay the price of justice.  I am so grateful that I can go every week and partake of this special remembrance of my savior.  I want to remember him, and I think of things I need to work on, and pledge to do better in the coming week.  

I am working on my Young Woman’s Personal Progress.  It helps me grow and be stronger in learning the principles of the gospel.  I love the gospel, and feel so fortunate to have had the ancestors that accepted it many years ago in England, and came to America.  I know I am so blessed to have been born into the church.  I pray that my children will ALL come to realize the important of this in their lives.  I haven’t done my job as a mother and parent during their formative years, especially Mandy and Zac.  This is something I will always regret.  My only hope is that they, especially Manda, will somehow come to the knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel, and the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus have for her.  I love her so much, and the thought of her not being with our family forever is so sad and empty feeling.  I worry about her children, and the fact that they won’t be brought up in the true gospel.  It makes me so scared.  It was up to me and Roger, and we have failed miserably in this respect.  The only thing I can do now is go on.  My Patriarchal blessing states that my journal will be a road map for my posterity to follow to bring them back to the presence of our Heavenly Father.  This is my hope and prayer.  I know that gospel, our gospel, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the ONLY true church upon the face of the earth today.  We have the ONLY living prophet, and Gordon B. Hinckley, is just as real as Noah, Moses, Adam, Enoch, and Joseph Smith were in earlier days.  I know he speaks with God directly, and receives revelation from him.  I know this.  I believe this with every fiber of my being.  I am so grateful for my membership in this great gospel.  I am so thankful to Pacome and Landon’s Sunday School class for bringing Landon and I back into the fold.  May God’s choicest blessings be we them for all time.  I hope and pray that I can remain strong and moving forward in my testimony.

July 11, 2003 (Friday) or should I say Saturday morning (12^th) at 1 a.m. ????

Well another week is done.  I love the weekends, but they go too fast.  I will be giving the lesson on Sunday in Young Women’s.  It is on the Sabbath Day.  Tomorrow afternoon and evening we will be baseballing it again, after almost a week and a half of no baseball.  It either pours (12 games in 10 days) or drought !!!  Landon is at scout camp, but he’ll be back tomorrow morning early. On the way up there with the Bishop, he called and said that the Bishop had shanghaied him to Paris!!!  I knew he was kidding, but he swore it was true.  I finally realized that he meant, Paris, IDAHO !!!  What a kid.  Roger and I went down to the Pizzeria tonight.  My stomach is upset now, so I got back up and am scrap booking, trying to get caught up.  I’m pretty close !! Just need to get Landon’s St. Joe baseball put together.  Zac and Roger worked on the bridge for the wedding today, and I finished sewing the beads back on CJ’s wedding dress.  Zac and CJ went to the drive in movie tonight.  They aren’t home yet.  It’s almost 1 a.m.  Didn’t read the scriptures today, and I can tell a difference.  I need to try harder.  I’ll just keep on going.  I love my Heavenly Father and I know he loves me. 

July 30 – CJ Shower