Hi everyone, sheldon here. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated the emails and prayers you sent. I was really sick and don't remember much of my stay at the hospital. It was nice having visits, now that Iam feeling better I would like more visits. I would like to thank all the doctors and the nurses for the care that they gave me to get better. On the top of my list I would like to thank God for staying at my side. But most of all I would like to thank my mom and dad because they didn't leave my side. I could feel their love the whole time. Thank you everyone!!
p.s. I kicked my brothers butt on the video game Flatout
p.p.s why do seagulls live by the sea?
because if they lived by the bay, they would be called bagels
Sheldon Swampy
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Keepin' On
As you've likely noticed, the update schedule has fallen off substantially. Sheldon continues to slowly improve, but progress towards gaining strength is slow. He still has periods where he sees double, and will be seeing an ophthalmologist on Tuesday for this reason. Tests are still trickling in, and we're hoping we'll know more about what caused this problem in the coming week or two.
Main complaint from Sheldon: he's very itchy from all the places he's been stuck with needles and probes. Main complaint from his brothers-in-law: he's lost none of his ability to handily defeat them at video game racing.
...and a few jokes for the faithful people still checking this blog:
Q: If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is it naked or homeless ?
Q: What's pink and fluffy
A: Pink fluff
Ok, I'm done.
Main complaint from Sheldon: he's very itchy from all the places he's been stuck with needles and probes. Main complaint from his brothers-in-law: he's lost none of his ability to handily defeat them at video game racing.
...and a few jokes for the faithful people still checking this blog:
Q: If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is it naked or homeless ?
Q: What's pink and fluffy
A: Pink fluff
Ok, I'm done.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Update and Reflection
Don't forget to check out B&V's message below this post. Nothing new to report, but to say that Sheldon is doing okay this evening at home. Everyone had a good sleep last night, and is greatly relieved to be back.
Regarding this blog, I think we'll keep it up for a little while yet, until things stabilize a bit. Updates will probably get less frequent however, which is actually a good thing. Unbelievable stats on this webpage, by the way. Over 4000 unique visits to this page in about 2 weeks. I'm thinking I should start selling banner advertising. (To, um, raise money for Sheldon of course...) I suspect some of those visits may be repeats, though.
A while back, I wrote that we were "watching and waiting" to see what God would do. I have just a few thoughts about prayer - feel free to tune out, as the Sheldon update is done, and I'm feeling the pull of the soapbox.
Prayer is not ever a guaranteed miracle, and it doesn't take much praying to figure that out. We need to pray, because as children we need to talk to the One who has control and loves us. We need to let him know what we want, what we're happy about, what upsets us, and so on. This is totally appropriate, of course. For example, my baby daughter comes to me when she wants a cup of milk, and often I give it to her. But really she has no idea why sometimes I don't (for example, it's been sitting out all night). She asks, though. In this case, there were literally hundreds of people praying for Sheldon, and we're so thankful that God seems to have given us what we asked for. Did all those people praying make a difference? It seems so. But why did it happen to begin with? What about the other kids in PICU who have people praying? The bottom line is, I don't know. God is good, loves us, and knows more than we do.
That said, I do know: Hundreds of people were talking to God when maybe they wouldn't have otherwise. Our family pulled together in a totally unique way, and not just the immediate family. A lot of reflection was done on what is important. Churches had a chance to really demonstrate love. Strangers had a chance to show compassion. We gained a new empathy for families with children in ICU. We feel fortunate in a new way to have Sheldon with us. And who knows what else went on or will happen; we're still watching.
Regarding this blog, I think we'll keep it up for a little while yet, until things stabilize a bit. Updates will probably get less frequent however, which is actually a good thing. Unbelievable stats on this webpage, by the way. Over 4000 unique visits to this page in about 2 weeks. I'm thinking I should start selling banner advertising. (To, um, raise money for Sheldon of course...) I suspect some of those visits may be repeats, though.
A while back, I wrote that we were "watching and waiting" to see what God would do. I have just a few thoughts about prayer - feel free to tune out, as the Sheldon update is done, and I'm feeling the pull of the soapbox.
Prayer is not ever a guaranteed miracle, and it doesn't take much praying to figure that out. We need to pray, because as children we need to talk to the One who has control and loves us. We need to let him know what we want, what we're happy about, what upsets us, and so on. This is totally appropriate, of course. For example, my baby daughter comes to me when she wants a cup of milk, and often I give it to her. But really she has no idea why sometimes I don't (for example, it's been sitting out all night). She asks, though. In this case, there were literally hundreds of people praying for Sheldon, and we're so thankful that God seems to have given us what we asked for. Did all those people praying make a difference? It seems so. But why did it happen to begin with? What about the other kids in PICU who have people praying? The bottom line is, I don't know. God is good, loves us, and knows more than we do.
That said, I do know: Hundreds of people were talking to God when maybe they wouldn't have otherwise. Our family pulled together in a totally unique way, and not just the immediate family. A lot of reflection was done on what is important. Churches had a chance to really demonstrate love. Strangers had a chance to show compassion. We gained a new empathy for families with children in ICU. We feel fortunate in a new way to have Sheldon with us. And who knows what else went on or will happen; we're still watching.
Message from the Harders
It is impossible to express our gratitude to those of you who visited us in the hospital and the many more who provided support, encouragement, offers of help, incredible food, and most importantly prayer!!
Miracle is a word we are hearing a lot these days. Early on in this journey we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive. Then we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive without suffering extensive brain damage. Well, we brought Sheldon home yesterday... he is very weak and tired but the same friendly, caring and smart boy he has always been!! We believe God used the wonderful staff in the PICU, surrounded by your many prayers and good wishes, to perform a miracle for Sheldon.
At a very dark time, when we felt no hope, God spoke to us and said “It is YES, unless and until I say no. LIVE IN MY YES." We both felt a tremendous peace come over us. After that we would say "right now, today, Sheldon is still with us, we will celebrate that." The very next day was the first time there was a slight improvement in his condition. You all know the rest of the story! We expect there will be more bumps along the path, but we continue to trust God as he works His will in Sheldon’s and our lives.
Sheldon is enjoying all the emails! He just can't believe they are all for him. He would love to have a visit, if you'd like to come. We expect he will be ready for visitors early next week, but please call ahead.
Thank-you so very much for everything!!
Love, Ben and Viola
Miracle is a word we are hearing a lot these days. Early on in this journey we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive. Then we were told we would need a miracle for Sheldon to survive without suffering extensive brain damage. Well, we brought Sheldon home yesterday... he is very weak and tired but the same friendly, caring and smart boy he has always been!! We believe God used the wonderful staff in the PICU, surrounded by your many prayers and good wishes, to perform a miracle for Sheldon.
At a very dark time, when we felt no hope, God spoke to us and said “It is YES, unless and until I say no. LIVE IN MY YES." We both felt a tremendous peace come over us. After that we would say "right now, today, Sheldon is still with us, we will celebrate that." The very next day was the first time there was a slight improvement in his condition. You all know the rest of the story! We expect there will be more bumps along the path, but we continue to trust God as he works His will in Sheldon’s and our lives.
Sheldon is enjoying all the emails! He just can't believe they are all for him. He would love to have a visit, if you'd like to come. We expect he will be ready for visitors early next week, but please call ahead.
Thank-you so very much for everything!!
Love, Ben and Viola
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
FAQ: Some Details, or Lack Thereof
Here are a few details for all of the patient, faithful swampfans around the world. We would love to have better answers to many of these questions, but this really is all we know.
Q: Is Sheldon still the same boy we knew?
A: So far, we as a family can't pick out any differences in Sheldon's behaviour, except that he may be a little calmer, for lack of better description. This is truly good news, and so far a great relief. He still loves video games, his family (especially his baby niece), and candy.
Q: What about his memory? short/long term?
A: Short term seems fine, long term seems fine. Really, it remains to be seen.
Q: What about other organs? How are his heart, lungs functioning and at what capacity?
A: This remains to be seen, but they're all working on their own.
Q: Will he require physical therapy for his limbs? How are they working out for Sheldon?
A: Sheldon has taken a few steps at a time, but is very, very weak. We don't know yet about Physio.
Q: Does he require any meds?
A: He's not currently on any medication except his usual asthma stuff. (I think)
Q: How is his breathing?
A: His throat is sore, and his voice is a whisper, but less swollen. He has a bit of a raspy cough.
Q: Can he return to a regular diet?
A: He's been eating ordinary food, but his stomach is a little testy.
Q: What is his long/short term prognosis?
A: We have no idea, since we haven't got a diagnosis. This is in God's hands.
Q: Is Sheldon still the same boy we knew?
A: So far, we as a family can't pick out any differences in Sheldon's behaviour, except that he may be a little calmer, for lack of better description. This is truly good news, and so far a great relief. He still loves video games, his family (especially his baby niece), and candy.
Q: What about his memory? short/long term?
A: Short term seems fine, long term seems fine. Really, it remains to be seen.
Q: What about other organs? How are his heart, lungs functioning and at what capacity?
A: This remains to be seen, but they're all working on their own.
Q: Will he require physical therapy for his limbs? How are they working out for Sheldon?
A: Sheldon has taken a few steps at a time, but is very, very weak. We don't know yet about Physio.
Q: Does he require any meds?
A: He's not currently on any medication except his usual asthma stuff. (I think)
Q: How is his breathing?
A: His throat is sore, and his voice is a whisper, but less swollen. He has a bit of a raspy cough.
Q: Can he return to a regular diet?
A: He's been eating ordinary food, but his stomach is a little testy.
Q: What is his long/short term prognosis?
A: We have no idea, since we haven't got a diagnosis. This is in God's hands.
Q: When will he be able to return to a normal lifestyle? When can he return to school?
A: We don't know when he'll get back to school or a normal lifestyle, but my suspicion is that patience will be in order for him and his family.
A: We don't know when he'll get back to school or a normal lifestyle, but my suspicion is that patience will be in order for him and his family.
The Downs and the Ups
So Sheldon and his parents have been sent home by the emergency staff. They checked his brain pressure and it was normal, presumably ruling out seizures. He will get another CT scan soon, but for now, he's at home with his exhausted, worried parents. Stay tuned...
Please pray fervently
Sheldon is heading back to Children's Hospital emergency. He started having double vision this evening and medical staff advised mom and dad to bring him back immediately. Please pray that the doctors will have wisdom as they evaluate Sheldon.
Also, mom and dad are beyond exhaustion and are having a very difficult time coping with this setback. They will need a dose of supernatural power to sustain them through what looks to be yet another sleepless night at the hospital.
-Crystal
Also, mom and dad are beyond exhaustion and are having a very difficult time coping with this setback. They will need a dose of supernatural power to sustain them through what looks to be yet another sleepless night at the hospital.
-Crystal
Movin' Out
Wednesday February 6, 2008 2:40 pm:
Ben, Viola and Sheldon are racing down Logan Avenue toward Main Street in a Ford pickup truck.
Wednesday February 6, 2008 2:43 pm:
I get a phone call. I almost hang up as I hear "Yippee! Woo Hoo!" in the receiver and think I have won another free trip to Barbados... Mom passes the cell phone to Sheldon who says "I love you. I'm going home!"
-Crystal
Ben, Viola and Sheldon are racing down Logan Avenue toward Main Street in a Ford pickup truck.
Wednesday February 6, 2008 2:43 pm:
I get a phone call. I almost hang up as I hear "Yippee! Woo Hoo!" in the receiver and think I have won another free trip to Barbados... Mom passes the cell phone to Sheldon who says "I love you. I'm going home!"
-Crystal
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Tuesday Evening Post
We're almost there. Unfortunately, Sheldon is spending at least one more night in the hospital. The doctors want to check to make sure he is completely capable of being sent home, testing all his motor skills on the left and right sides, and just monitoring him a little longer. The reality is that there will be some pretty major lifestyle adjustments in the Harder house for the next little while. Ben and Viola are under strict orders to pay very close attention to Sheldon, and he's lost a lot of time from school. Of course, he's still very weak as well.
Viola told me this evening that she and Ben had each slept about 8 hours in total the first week Sheldon was in the hospital, and not more than 6 hours in any night since then. You can only maintain that so long, and now that the immediate crisis seems to be over, the whole situation can suddenly feel overwhelming.
We'll keep this blog going until Sheldon is out of the hospital, at least. It's purpose is nearly done, Lord willing.
Viola told me this evening that she and Ben had each slept about 8 hours in total the first week Sheldon was in the hospital, and not more than 6 hours in any night since then. You can only maintain that so long, and now that the immediate crisis seems to be over, the whole situation can suddenly feel overwhelming.
We'll keep this blog going until Sheldon is out of the hospital, at least. It's purpose is nearly done, Lord willing.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Attention all visitors
I am so pleased and excited to finally be writing this message! Rumour has it that Sheldon is going to be discharged from the hospital very soon. He has a whole pile of doctors and physiotherapists visiting him tomorrow morning to give him a final exam. If he passes the test, he might get to go home as early as tomorrow afternoon.
So, to all of you who have asked about visiting, here is the scoop. You are welcome to visit Sheldon at home once he is released from hospital. But, mom and dad have a few requests...
First, they would like a few days to get Sheldon settled at home before having visitors. Despite Sheldon’s surprisingly rapid recovery (given the severity of his illness, doctors are amazed at his progress), he still gets tired very quickly and is quite weak. Mom and dad also need time to catch up on sleep (Daughter's orders).
Second, please call before coming. We know that many people would love to see Sheldon, but if you all come at the same time it will be overwhelming for Sheldon (and everyone else, no doubt). If you need a phone number, please send an email to getwellsheldon@hotmail.com and I will pass along the information.
Third, Sheldon’s health is still very fragile and we need to guard against him coming down with any other illness. It is very important that Sheldon not be exposed to cold or flu germs (Doctor's orders). So, if you are sick, please wait until you get better to visit.
I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow!
-Crystal
So, to all of you who have asked about visiting, here is the scoop. You are welcome to visit Sheldon at home once he is released from hospital. But, mom and dad have a few requests...
First, they would like a few days to get Sheldon settled at home before having visitors. Despite Sheldon’s surprisingly rapid recovery (given the severity of his illness, doctors are amazed at his progress), he still gets tired very quickly and is quite weak. Mom and dad also need time to catch up on sleep (Daughter's orders).
Second, please call before coming. We know that many people would love to see Sheldon, but if you all come at the same time it will be overwhelming for Sheldon (and everyone else, no doubt). If you need a phone number, please send an email to getwellsheldon@hotmail.com and I will pass along the information.
Third, Sheldon’s health is still very fragile and we need to guard against him coming down with any other illness. It is very important that Sheldon not be exposed to cold or flu germs (Doctor's orders). So, if you are sick, please wait until you get better to visit.
I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow!
-Crystal
Movin' up!
Sheldon is out of the ICU! He moved up to CH5 this afternoon and is doing well. All IV lines, tubes, machines etc. have been removed and Sheldon is walking around (with help). He was treated to his first real meal in over 2 weeks this morning at breakfast.
Things are looking great and we are looking forward to having Sheldon out of the hospital and back at home soon.
Things are looking great and we are looking forward to having Sheldon out of the hospital and back at home soon.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
SAY WHAT??????
Hey everyone, the docs had said that it would be 24 hours at least before he would talk. so Julie and i went to go hang with the little guy all day today while he was sleeping. we took a break and went to have a drink and a washroom break only to find the little guy wide awake when he blew me away when he said "hey Lonnie!!" (first words crystal) we watched our favorite movie cars and he just would not stop talking! About his favorite parts, what cars he liked most, and least. Sheldon did pass a milestone in his illness in the fact that now he is ok with the fact that he is in the hospital with no more tube so he can see he is doing better. So i guess that made him comfortable enough to finally ask Julie what happened to him as he remembers being at our house and then that is it. So Julie told him how he suddenly gotten very ill and he had to go to the hospital. He then asked if anyone was with him and julie told him how she never left his side.
He seemed to be relieved to hear that.
Lonnie
He seemed to be relieved to hear that.
Lonnie
CELEBRATION
We are very excited to say that we just received news that Sheldon is successfully off the ventilator! He is breathing on his own!!! His throat is very sore and he has to cough alot to get out the secretions. He won't be able to talk for at least 24 hours. He still needs iv fluids and nutrition for the next 24 hours and then may be able to start with some oral fluids.
Rough night
Sheldon had a bit of a rough night. He is not tolerating the "food" they are giving him very well and had trouble keeping his meals down. While he was sleeping he managed to pull the feeding tube out of his nose. This earned him a double dose of razipan, and he has been sleeping soundly ever since. The nurses hooked him up to IV nutrients for now to prevent further vomiting episodes.
This morning the doctors found a small amount of leakage around the oxygen tube in Sheldon's throat. This is actually good news, and means that some swelling has gone down in his throat and that Sheldon is getting some air past the tube. There will be a re-assessment at 10:30 this morning and if everything looks good, they will try to remove tube. This is quite scary for Sheldon and the family since it has not gone well in the past.
-Crystal
This morning the doctors found a small amount of leakage around the oxygen tube in Sheldon's throat. This is actually good news, and means that some swelling has gone down in his throat and that Sheldon is getting some air past the tube. There will be a re-assessment at 10:30 this morning and if everything looks good, they will try to remove tube. This is quite scary for Sheldon and the family since it has not gone well in the past.
-Crystal
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Lazy Saturday
Not much happened today... Sheldon is still on the mend, it seems. He is gradually regaining strength, but is still very tired. He slept most of the afternoon.
The medical team has decided to assess Sheldon's airway tomorrow rather than on Monday. Please pray that they will have wisdom as they decide what needs to be done, that Sheldon will have courage (this has been traumatic for him in the past), and that the swelling will have come down enough for the respirator to be removed permanently. Sheldon is looking forward to talking again.
The medical team has decided to assess Sheldon's airway tomorrow rather than on Monday. Please pray that they will have wisdom as they decide what needs to be done, that Sheldon will have courage (this has been traumatic for him in the past), and that the swelling will have come down enough for the respirator to be removed permanently. Sheldon is looking forward to talking again.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Value Added
Tonight, we have an update, a joke, and a thought.
First, the update:
Sheldon seems to be continuing on his path to recovery. There is still no formal diagnosis, and the doctor told Ben today that they still don't really understand what's wrong, or why he's getting better. Ben told the doctor, "Miracle". We're praying for continued improvement, but also protection against the unknown. I feel really bad for Sheldon, because an ICU is not the most dignified place to spend your time, and he's a 13 year old kid. Now that he's awake, it's tough on him. He's poked at all day long by strangers, he's uncomfortable, and he can't really communicate, forcing conversation to be mainly one-sided. If you know Sheldon, you know he'd prefer to talk once in a while...
I know we say thanks a lot on this blog, but to all of you who have sent food, thanks so much. You are amazing cooks, loving Christians, and (I'm sure) peachy dancers.
Second, the joke. Okay, two jokes:
Question: What is the difference between God and an orthopedic surgeon
Answer: God doesn't think he is an orthopedic surgeon.
Doctor: Nurse, how is that little boy doing, the one who swallowed ten quarters?
Nurse: No change yet.
Boy, you give this guy an audience... I'll be here all night!
...and the thought, brought to you by C.S.Lewis.
"The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's "own" or "real" life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life - the life God is sending one day by day: what one calls one's "real life" is a phantom of one's own imagination."
First, the update:
Sheldon seems to be continuing on his path to recovery. There is still no formal diagnosis, and the doctor told Ben today that they still don't really understand what's wrong, or why he's getting better. Ben told the doctor, "Miracle". We're praying for continued improvement, but also protection against the unknown. I feel really bad for Sheldon, because an ICU is not the most dignified place to spend your time, and he's a 13 year old kid. Now that he's awake, it's tough on him. He's poked at all day long by strangers, he's uncomfortable, and he can't really communicate, forcing conversation to be mainly one-sided. If you know Sheldon, you know he'd prefer to talk once in a while...
I know we say thanks a lot on this blog, but to all of you who have sent food, thanks so much. You are amazing cooks, loving Christians, and (I'm sure) peachy dancers.
Second, the joke. Okay, two jokes:
Question: What is the difference between God and an orthopedic surgeon
Answer: God doesn't think he is an orthopedic surgeon.
Doctor: Nurse, how is that little boy doing, the one who swallowed ten quarters?
Nurse: No change yet.
Boy, you give this guy an audience... I'll be here all night!
...and the thought, brought to you by C.S.Lewis.
"The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's "own" or "real" life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life - the life God is sending one day by day: what one calls one's "real life" is a phantom of one's own imagination."
Apologies to our faithful readers...
I am sorry I did not get a chance to post an update this morning. Fortunately, Sheldon is still on the road to recovery. Apparently he "stood" for a short time today with the support of a few nurses surrounding him (Julie says it was more like a "prop"). At any rate, his feet touched the floor. He also spent some time sitting upright and watched a movie.
Mom and dad were able to go home yesterday evening, with the hope of getting a good night's rest. Unfortunately, they arrived home to a freezing house and a broken furnace. Fortunately, Dad is able to fix ANYTHING (and, incidentally, can carry extremely heavy objects for large distances)and managed to get the thing up and running again. Here's hoping tonight will be warmer!
We are awaiting results of Sheldon's Echocardiographic stress test (something to do with his heart). I'll keep you all posted...
-Crystal
Mom and dad were able to go home yesterday evening, with the hope of getting a good night's rest. Unfortunately, they arrived home to a freezing house and a broken furnace. Fortunately, Dad is able to fix ANYTHING (and, incidentally, can carry extremely heavy objects for large distances)and managed to get the thing up and running again. Here's hoping tonight will be warmer!
We are awaiting results of Sheldon's Echocardiographic stress test (something to do with his heart). I'll keep you all posted...
-Crystal
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