Christmas Memories

 

Christmas is all about anticipation and we sure felt this as we were waiting for the Doctor to call on Christmas Eve to give us the go ahead to leave.  We had the car packed and were pacing around the apartment just holding our breath.  Then the call came and we couldn't help but all have huge smiles as we left. 

 

Headed for Home.....

 

What a great greeting Liss had prepared when we got home, a snowman and notes around the house and decorating her bedroom door.  I remember before this happened I had been complaining about things that needed to be fixed or updated in the house.  But I have to say as I walked through the front door my house was the most beautiful place I have ever been.  The tree lights were on, a candle was warming, the Christmas decorations all around and the Nativity on the piano.  I just couldn't stop looking at everything it just felt like my heart was finally at rest and content. 

 

Abbey was thrilled to see her room!  While she was away Randy had taken out the old carpet and replaced it with a healthy pad and carpet and also a new memory foam bed.  He also had the ducts and carpets cleaned.  Anything that he could do to make it a clean environment he did.  It was his way of using his extra energy when it was just a waiting game during the hospital stay.  

My parents and sister and her family from Preston were soon at our doorstep with Christmas Eve dinner.  They all gathered outside our front window and sang Christmas carols to Abbey.  It was so fun to see the pure joy on their faces as they looked in at Abbey and saw how well she was doing.

  

As soon as we had been released to the apartment Abbey had been concerned about getting her friends Christmas presents.  I told her I'm sure they will understand and not to be worried about it, but then I thought she needs to be able to do this and feel the Christmas spirit.  With a present given back to Abbey that night her friend had a card that said, "this year for Kyleigh's birthday instead of birthday presents she asked for donations to her good friend Abbey.  We love her and your family and are so glad that Abbey is doing better.  We will keep praying for her and your family. Thank you for your friendship.  Merry Christmas Love, The Traveller's"

Abbey's friends have been so amazing and she has felt their love and concern.  The first day we arrived at the apartment there was a package waiting from her friend this made the day even brighter.  I have heard of their fasts and prayers for Abbey and it is just amazing to think that young girls at this age are so in tune with the spirit, they are all going to do wonderful things!
She wants me to tell you all that she loves and misses you too!

I want to share a part of a letter written by Sister Abbott the Primary President in our ward to Abbey. 

"It doesn't seem fair to say this, however to ignore it would be a shame.  You have given each one of us a special gift through this trial you and your family are enduring at this time.  I have seen testimonies strengthened, faith increased, prayers answered, and charitable service given.  All this in our little primary and throughout our ward.  It has happened in other wards as well and in many members of the community.  It is amazing to see and feel the love of our Savior all around us.  We are grateful for your sacrifice in helping to build our Father's kingdom.  It is unfathomable the love He has for each one of His children.  We know He has a special place in His heart for you because you are still here with us.  It is truly miraculous! "

To say our Christmas was different than they usually are would be an understatement.  I only went shopping two times and I had no shopping done before we came here on November 25.  But it was the best!  We played games, laughed and talked about our feelings over what had happened in the last month.  We just can't say enough how we have been blessed by our Heavenly Father but we also know that often his blessings are given through promptings acted upon by others.  We are so thankful to all of you who have listened and been our angels.

As we were preparing to leave yesterday we were trying to stay positive knowing that each day that passes we are one more closer to being able to stay home.  It was still so sad to have to leave.  We knew of one last Christmas surprise from Abbey's friend Maddie.  During the time in the hospital we had encouraged Abbey to call her friend but she had been reluctant.  When they finally started talking to each other they just giggled and talked like no time had passed.  After she got off the phone she just started to cry and said that it was so good to talk to her best friend.  As Maddie gave Abbey her present it was just so fun to see how excited they were to see each other even if it was only for a few seconds.  As Abbey sat down to open the present I started to record it on my phone.  There was candy and socks in the bag and then a card.  As she opened the card and read what it said you can see pure joy, excitement and emotion overwhelm her.  The Jensen's had given Abbey a ticket to go with Maddie to see her favorite artist Taylor Swift!  

 

I have about wore out the recording watching it so many times!   Every few minutes she just keeps saying can you believe it, I'm going to see Taylor Swift!!! 
 Thanks Jennifer & Branden.

 

Love,
The Owens

   Merry Christmas !!




We have settled into our apartment and things are going well for Abbey.  One of the main reasons that we have to stay close is for the three times per week blood draws and weekly Clinic visits with her liver team.  It is important right now to be able to have quick turnaround of the blood tests so that changes can be made to her medications.  We are having home health care do this so we are glad that we are not having to travel back to the hospital early in the morning when these need to be completed. 

Our first clinic visit was Friday and Abbey was relieved to have the 42 staples from her incision removed.  I did ask her first if she wanted me to share this information and she said it was okay.  Things are healing well and she will surely have a story to tell as she gets older.  Today has been a month since she was flown here by helicopter and she only remembers the flight and a few hours after that before she woke up nearly 5 days later.  We asked her what was the first thing she remembered when she woke up and she said she saw me, Alyssa and her dad and our eyes looked like we had been crying a lot. 



This week Abbey had been looking forward to having Alyssa come down and stay for the weekend.  But Liss had a cold and thought it would be better if her and Ty didn't come down.  Abbey covered her head with a blanket and just cried and cried.  She sure loves her sister and said that she just needed her yesterday.  Liss has been such a great help to our little family through this.  She never left Abbey in the hospital and would come down even if she could just stay for the day to paint her nails, wash her hair, feed her lunch or just hold her hand a watch a movie.  She spent the day yesterday cleaning and getting ready for us to hopefully come home tomorrow. Thanks Liss we love and appreciate all you have done.

We took Abbey for a ride around Temple Square tonight to see the Christmas lights and had Christmas music playing in the car.  We sang a few of the carols and I just couldn't quit thinking about "HOME".   As we talk with other families here at the Ronald McDonald House and at the hospital we are in awe at the trials that others are facing and the courage that they have.  Sometimes it has just helped them and us to be able to share what we are going through.  Of course everyone's goal right now is to be able to go home for Christmas and be with their families and have that sense of normalcy.  Nothing can replace the comfort and peace that your own home can bring.  I hope that you can find some quiet time this holiday season to feel the spirit you have in your "home" and to cherish the memories and joy that fill each room. 

We again want to thank you all for the love you have brought to our home and hearts this Christmas season.  We love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.  We hope to leave tomorrow and be able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas home before returning to Salt Lake.

Merry Christmas,

The Owen Family



       Today marks 3 weeks since Abbey's liver transplant.  I had one of those go to the other room and cry my eyes out moments yesterday.  I just don't think I have really begun to process all that we have went through for the last 25 days.  I feel overwhelmed as I look back and see how so many things have just "happened".  I know that this was just not luck I can see the hand of our Heavenly Father at each step. 

      One thing that I would like to share is the experience that we have had with our liver doctor.  The other day before he left for vacation he visited Abbey.  As they were talking he handed her a Christmas present that he said his children had also helped in picking out because they had heard her story.  His young son was so glad that Abbey was able to "put on her new liver".  He has been the type of doctor that has just sat at Abbey's bedside and talked to her.  He has answered her questions and just listened to her concerns.  They have become fast friends.  As he gave her the present he said Abbey I want to thank you for teaching me.  She looked at him like what could I have possibly taught a doctor.  He said that the Sunday that we arrived he had to tell your parents that you would need a liver transplant.  There was no hesitation as he said your dad looked me straight in the eyes and said she has had a priesthood blessing that angels would watch over her and we have faith in this blessing.  As he went home that night he related to us that he only slept about 20 minutes and was watching your vitals through the night.  As you were put on the liver transplant list he was told that your ward, family and community were holding a special fast on Tuesday.  That night he had the most profound feeling come over him that everything would be alright.  And then the next morning he was informed that a donor liver had been found.  He said Abbey I want to thank you for reminding me that I am only a doctor and that I need to listen to the spirit and have faith in our Heavenly Father. 

     As we were being discharged from Primary Children's Hospital on Tuesday one thing Abbey had wanted was to have music therapy visit her.  Right after her transplant they had been in her room singing to her and she had opened her eyes and smiled.  As they were removing her last surgery drain they came in and sang her favorite artist Taylor Swift songs to her.  As they sang "White Horse" tears just ran down my face as she laid there relaxed and smiling after the trial that she had endured. 

  

    We are now at the Ronald McDonald House in an apartment that is used for long term immunosuppressed patients.  We are so grateful for this place to come to while we wait for the release to go home. 

           I can't express in words how thankful I am for everything that has been done both seen and unseen on our behalf.  Randy has kept the road busy between home and SLC trying to help the kids at home and have things ready for Abbey.  It seems like each night one of the kids or he will call and tell me what a great meal was brought in or that someone had brought a card by with money or just stopped them to ask about Abbey and to let us know they are praying for us.  It makes me even more homesick because I realize now more than ever what a great community we live in.  Like Alyssa said tonight on the phone she just can't stop thinking about how these acts of kindness help so much and that she will take the example of all of you to make herself a more compassionate person.  I couldn't agree more.

We love you all,

The Owen's 

Wow, what a week!

As we went through this week, Abbey and I decided to name each day so that we would remember the things that happened and we wanted to share it with everyone. 

So we had Terrific Tuesday - Abbey has had a feeding tube in her nose to give her added nutrients that her restricted diet couldn't give her.  The feeding tube would pull as she would swallow and  was also causing bloody noses that lasted sometimes for an hour or more.  They gave her the option of drinking the protein drink and she jumped at the chance.  So out came her feeding tube.  It seemed like even the limited diet tasted better now that she didn't have to fight the feeding tube.

Next came Wild Wednesday - Physical Therapy is scheduled for 2:00 so we tried to plan lunch before this but for some reason it never came.  So it was big out of the room walking day to the hallway and back.  This was Abbey's first adventure out of her room.  Still no lunch....then just as lunch came the technician was at the door to take her to x-ray.  A stint was put in the bile duct during surgery, so they wanted to see if this had passed yet.  We were leaving the 4th floor and I felt like I could see the germs.  At the imaging department they wanted her to get onto a flat metal table and "I said I don't think so."  The technician actually called me a "mother bear" because I was wiping down the wheelchair and asking for the x-ray to be taken sitting down.  It is amazing how you can find your voice and speak up!

Onto Thrilling Thursday - The kidney doctors couldn't be more excited about the way her kidneys are recovering.  All of her tests are showing improvement and she is getting stronger each day.  She is working on word searches, coloring, making snowflakes and painting.  Alyssa washed her hair and painted her fingernails and Randy is in charge of the foot massages.  She was able to start wearing pajama pants and a shirt instead of the hospital gown.  Every little thing is a step to her independence and going home.  Bishop and Sister Pratt sent a treasure box full of hair supplies and she chooses a new headband to wear each day. 

Fantastic Friday - The words she had been waiting for were finally said, you can eat anything you want no more diet restrictions.  Her first choice was a bag of Doritos and a root beer!   

Super Saturday - Today she was able to have the catheter removed from her neck that was used for the kidney dialysis.  She also has 2 drains on each side of her incision and one of those was removed today. 

What amazes me each day as I think back is her acceptance of each step in this process and her calmness.  Today as her grandparents visited along with Alyssa and Tyler, we were all just looking at her, and she said "why are you all just staring at me" and I thought to myself we just can't take our eyes off of you because it is such a miracle to see you doing so well we don't want to miss a thing!

Thank you so much for all of the prayers and wonderful acts of service to our family.  We have been so blessed receiving your generosity and I hope that you have felt the Christmas spirit in your service. 

Love,

The Owen's

Abbey conquered a major milestone today,

she was able to walk! 

She had been very hesitant about it,

but once she was up, she had a big smile on her face and 

made the comment "I can't believe I'm walking!"

The volunteer staff bring around art & crafts

each day for the children to do.
Today, Abbey made this *snowman!*

One of the gifts that Abbey was most excited about,

was a blanket that her 5th grade class made her.
She has shown it to about every nurse she's had!

Abbey has made such improvements in just
the small time from the last update.

Her kidney's are starting to function as they
are supposed to, 
which was one of the major concerns.

Her liver is working just as they had hoped! 
We are feeling more and more blessed with each
passing day.
We know that without help from our Heavenly Father,
we would be far from where we are today.

Thank you again for all of your love and support.

- The Owen's

Today marks one week since Abbey's Transplant took place.

It has been amazing to see the progress that she has made within such a small amount time.

We still have a hard time believing that just two weeks ago it was Thanksgiving and she was running around playing with cousins. 

The Physical Therapist comes in three times a day to get Abbey up and moving around, which she totally hates.  It takes so much energy and strength for her to simply sit on the side of her bed, but she knows that with each passing day it will become easier and she will become stronger.

 

On Monday, Abbey was moved from the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) to the ICS (Immunocompromised Services Unit.)
The ICS cares for patients with blood disorders, cancers, and those going through transplants. 

On Tuesday, the Utah Jazz visited the kids at the hospital and they loved our Abbey!

Yesterday, Abbey played Bingo and WON! 

Today, we painted her nails.  About every doctor that came in pointed out the fact that she needed her nails done!  Who would have thought that a week after transplant surgery her nails would be such a topic of discussion with the doctors!

We are so thankful for all of the prayers, concern, and kind gestures. 

We are truly blessed.

P.S. Abbey says "hello!" 

Please continue to keep her in your prayers! 

We love you all,

The Owen's

A friend of our family sent the movie "Brave" to Abbey.

This movie couldn't be a more perfect fit. 

Throughout all of the poking and prodding, 

she continues to be an example of strength and bravery to us all.

 

 We never thought we would be so excited about her wanting to watch TV/movies,

(she has already about gone through our whole movie collection.) 

 Last night she was able to drink water and eat pudding, 

which was exciting for her because she had been asking for water 
ever since she arrived at Primary Children's.  

She is still very weak, but has been such a good sport 
about having the physical therapists come and move her all around.

During the time that her liver was failing, her kidneys suffered.  

The kidney's are very resilient and strong, so the doctors are confident that

 they will just take time to start back up again.

Unfortunately, they are not allowing visitors right now, 

due to her suppressed immune system.  

We will update as soon as they are allowing them, 
because we know that she sure is missing her cute friends and family.

We ask you to please continue to keep 
Abbey in your thoughts and prayers.  

  Once again, thank you for the kindness you have shown us.  

We are truly blessed with the greatest family and friends.

Love,
The Owen's

Friday, November 30th 2012

We have been able to see Abbey's big brown eyes a lot today.

She has been waking up a lot more, which has been exciting because we have been able to tell her about all of the visitors that have stopped by and all of the fun cards that her classmates and friends made her.

family

neighbors

friends

co-workers

Abbey is doing very well, considering how sick she was before the transplant.

They will be taking her breathing tube out, and we CAN'T WAIT!

We are looking forward to the nurses and doctors getting to know Abbey's sweet and fun personality.  

Thank you for all of your love and support.

The Owen's

Yesterday morning we heard of a possible donor for Abbey, but because of the extensive process required, we didn't know for sure until midnight.

At 1:00 am this morning, the 9 hour surgery began and Abbey received the greatest gift that anyone could give, a chance at life.  We are forever grateful to this person and their family that gave life to our sweet, fun, strong, brave, and optimistic 11 year old girl. 

Seems as though we can't say enough how blessed and thankful we are to have such great surgeons, doctors, and nurses that have been so kind.

Although we know that the journey for our little Abbey has just begun, we couldn't be more happy and grateful that she has a fighting chance.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers as we know this is just the start. 

Love,

The Owens

We just wanted to start off by saying thank you for all of the love, support, and prayers.  We have truly felt the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father through your prayers and fasting.  As much as we appreciate all of the texts, Facebook messages, and phone calls we have received our focus right now is on Abbey's health, and thought it would be best if we had one source where everyone could be updated on Abbey. 

Abbey was diagnosed with Wilson's Disease, which is a rare genetic liver disease.  Wilson's disease is a build up of copper in the liver that cannot be metabolized.  Most of the food in our diets have traces of copper, but are easily eliminated.  The disease cannot be diagnosed until signs of liver failure are manifested, usually in the early teens.

On Friday, Nov. 23rd Abbey was treated for a bladder infection with an antibiotic which is assumed now to have triggered the acute liver failure associated with the disease.  

Abbey was taken to Cache Valley Specialty Hospital on Sunday, Nov. 25th and was quickly flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. 

She is being cared for by the best doctors and nurses we could ever hope for.  Abbey is very sick and is remaining strong to receive her much needed liver transplant.  The nurses and doctors have been amazed by her strength and bravery.  We know that there are angels helping her through this. 

We will periodically update as new information becomes available.  Please continue to pray for our Abbey. 

Once again, thank you for all of your support through this terrible time.

Love, 

The Owen's