Answered Prayers

Update for 2/11/12

2012-02-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Lawrence Stone

Yesterday Melissa made a lot of progress. Yesterday she did some more walking. After walking out of the room for a few steps they took an x-ray of her pelvis again just to make sure that everything looks all right. She also no longer has to use any IV lines. She still occasionally has to use a little bit of oxygen when she sleeps. Other than that, she doesn't have any tubes or anything hooked up to her anymore. She says that she is feeling up to seeing a few people, so if you would like to come by and see her, please text or call me first, just to make sure she doesn't get to overwhelmed. My number is 801-889-8019. Edward spends as much time as possible here with us. Now that there aren't any tubes to take out of mommy, he's trying to take off her neck brace. For those of you who haven't heard, the funeral for Ethne will be at the Fort Herriman Stake Center (12737 S 6000 W, HERRIMAN, UTAH) at 11AM. The viewing will be from 9-10:30AM. An obituary will be posted on http://www.warenski.com/ possibly even today. Thanks again for all of your love and support. We love you all and pray that the kindness you have shown us will bring further blessings into your lives as well.

Another Favorite...from the archives...

2012-02-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

A Little Bit about our Little Ones
Thursday - February 10, 2011 (one year ago today)

I should probably be writing a lesson plan or a test of some sort, but I just need a break, so I'll write about Ethne and baby Stone No. 2.

As far as baby no. 2 is concerned there really isn't much going on except that the child is a rather active little bugger-- I have been feeling this baby move since at least week 16 and the further along I get the more the baby wiggles. I had a multiple marker (also known as quadruple) blood test done about a month ago and it came back normal, so there's no concerns as far as spinal defects or down syndrome, about a month ago. I feel really quite good except that my feet have been swelling ever so slightly recently (this may also have something to do with the fact that I'm on them all day). My belly is growing, but I don't have any pictures to share, mostly because I just haven't done it yet, and it should continue to grow a lot over the next few months. The big ultrasound is next Monday, what a fun Valentine's present!! So I'll be sure to post when we have the pictures.

As for Ethne... She is growing and learning like a weed! She loves to read and when I'm home she will bring me books to look at and read to her. She enjoys nightly bedtime stories and we're teaching her about folding her arms and being quiet for prayers. She loves to throw her blocks and legos all over, then clean them all up and start over again. She also LOVES stuffed animals and carries one with her just about everywhere (she sleeps with two). She enjoys spending time at Grandma Humphrey's house and playing with uncles Gabe and Isaac.

I think if Gabe would chase her around the house growling at her all day she would be a pretty happy camper. She also really likes Snoopy (Gabe's dog), but he's not quite as fond of her. She is learning how to eat with a spoon and does pretty well if she 's closely supervised and given a little guidance. She says puppy, mommy, daddy, baby, hi, beep-beep, and moo now, but she says puppy the most. She can show you where someone's nose is, but not by that name, she calls noses "beep-beep." Ethne also has a mouth-full of teeth, 8 to be exact, with more on the way. She is a true girl and loves anything chocolate, but she also enjoys various other sweets, bananas, apples, carbs of all shapes and sizes, cheese, and Lasagna.

Update for 2/10/12

2012-02-10T08:01:00.001-08:00

Lawrence Stone

Quick update for everyone. Melissa was moved out of the ICU last night. She was able to stand up and take a couple of small steps. She is now taking her medicine orally and is feeling much better. Edward is still as happy as can be. He loves coming in and seeing his mommy. Just so everyone knows, Ethne's funeral is set for next week on Saturday, Feb. 18. We would love to see anyone who has been touched by our little girl there. Thanks again for all of your support. It is noticed and appreciated.

Mary Ethne Stone

2012-02-09T22:54:00.000-08:00

Mary Ethne Stone was born November 11, 2009. She died in a tragic accident on February 6, 2012. She was her Mommy’s and Daddy’s princess in every sense of the word, from the pretties in her bright red hair to the flowers or bows on her shoes, although if she could she would go barefoot. She loved watching The Little Mermaid and looked like Ariel. She loved to dance. She leaves behind her playmates who will miss dancing with her, her brother Edward, her cousins Samantha, Zachary, Carter, and Audrey, and her little uncles Gabriel and Isaac.

She is survived by her parents Lawrence Stone and Melissa Humphrey Stone. She is the protector and now guardian angel for Edward. She is also survived by grandparents Larry and Marilyn Stone and Scott and Shauna Humphrey. Aunts and Uncles, Heidi and Mike Robbins, Kathryn Stone, Eliza Stone, Joshua and Jessica Humphrey, Gabriel Humphrey, and Isaac Humphrey along with great-grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, and many more family who love her dearly. Her funeral will be at the Fort Herriman Stake Center, 12737 South 6000 West, Herriman, Utah, at 11:00 a.m. on February 18, 2012 . There will be a viewing from 9:00-10:30am, before the funeral at the Stake Center. Internment in Herriman City Cemetery. An account has been set up in the name of Melissa Stone Charitable Account at America First Credit Union.

Bushels and a Peck Ethne Sue we love you.

Thinking and Driving

2012-02-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

As I headed home from the hospital tonight I was trying not to give into crying. Crying and driving don't mix very well. So I decided to ask myself the question. Self, what are you most sad about when it comes to Ethne being gone? Is it the coulda shouldas, is it the what could have been, or is the plans you had for her that won't be recognized. It isn't the coulda shouldas. When it comes to that I was so blessed to get to watch Ethne almost every day and share her with her parents. I think it is the what could have beens. The things I thought would happen as she grew up. How much fun we would have as I watched her as the oldest child in her family, the oldest sister, the niece to my boys.

The fun she and Isaac would have as she and her uncle grew up together. But then I thought how wonderful it is that Heavenly Father has given us a glimpse into what WILL be. There WILL be a reunion on the other side. There WILL be an eternal family because of the covenants that her parents took before she was born. There WILL be and ARE family on the other side waiting for her with open arms. There WILL be a comforter for us on this side who will take away our pains and sorrows when it is time. There WILL be a time when Lawrence and Melissa have a happy reunion with Ethne. There WILL be the time that they get to raise their daughter. There IS a little girl who is so perfect that she doesn't have to go through the trials that we who are still on this earth have to endure. There ARE 2 people who were so entrusted with this little girl who the Lord knew could handle this heartache, learn from it, and come out better for the experience. Although this is so hard at this time. I am so thankful for knowing what WILL be.

More goodness!

2012-02-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

Melissa continues to improve!! She was able to have some good snuggling time with her little guy and no doubt Edward gave his mommy some extra strength. She was able to take a couple of steps and is once again being moved to a new room. This is a wonderful improvement for many reasons. Lawrence will be able to be with her overnight -- and Gabe is especially excited about the move because it means he will get to visit Melissa and finally see his big sister!! More answered prayers!!

From Dad-Background

2012-02-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Since many of you don't know us, I thought that I would just give a brief introduction.

My name is Scott. My wife's name is Shauna. We have been married nearly 26 years.
We have six children (we consider out children's spouses as our children).
Melissa (24), who is married to Lawrence. They have two beautiful children, Ethne (forever 2) and Edward (7 months).
Josh (23), who is married to Jessica.
Gabriel, our 6 year old.
Isaac, now 2 (two months to the day younger than Ethne).
And a foster child...
Gabriel and Isaac are adopted.

Now some may say, you have two families, kind of. And others may say, you were practically empty nesters, why start over. Let me answer this way, I would not trade any of my children to be an empty nester.

We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So some things we say may be unfamiliar to you. You can click the link if you have questions.

Dad's Perspective- Day 3 Thoughts

2012-02-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today dawned bright, cool and partly-cloudy. It felt good to get a decent night's sleep. Since Melissa was tired after the "Hardest Day", I picked up Shauna after picking up the younger boys. We got home at a decent hour.

We got to sleep a little longer because Gabriel had a field trip for school and did not have to be there until an hour and a half after his regular start time. a tender mercy.

I had some interesting thoughts come as I was preparing for the day.

I still wish that I could take away Melissa's pain. I am sure this will not go away. I got thinking about pain and some interesting thoughts came. We do not have the ability to take away the pain of others. We can try to ease their pain, but that is all we can do. I would imagine if we had this ability, we would abuse it. God however does, if we let him.

The Book of Mormon prophet Alma had this to say,"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11)

There is another side to this pain thing. We have the ability to inflict pain. Sometimes very serious pain. It seem rather ironic that we can't take away pain but we can cause it. I think that we have to learn to control the latter so that in eternity we can earn the right to perform the former.

I am so grateful for so many people this day. We have had such a showing of love and strength from so many people that I could never name them all. The list would contain hundreds of names and maybe more.

However, I would like to name some specifically: those unnamed persons first on the scene, regular, normal people. The man who called Lawrence. The emergency responders. Their invaluable skills saved lives that day. The Doctors and Staff at Primary Children's Medical Center and University Medical Center. Your compassion and consideration has been amazing. I am grateful that PCMC and UMC are connected together, we did not have to split up between facilities in different parts of the valley. To my wonderful wife, Shauna who always seems to keep an eternal perspective. And my six children (yes, this includes Lawrence and Jessica). To Priesthood leaders form both our ward and Melissa and Lawrence's ward. Thank you for being there and doing so much, giving so much comfort. Debbie, thanks for this blog, it is a great way to remember and is therapeutic. The people that I work with, thanks for the time off, and all of the support and wishes. Shawn Warenski-enough said. To all who have e-mailed the county and state about this intersection--changes are coming! Larry and Marilyn, thanks for sharing your son with us. And to all I have forgotten, THANK YOU!

Thank you Heavenly Father for the priesthood, and mostly for your Only Begotten Son.

Finally, Lawrence, thank you for being the man you are and taking care of your little family.

I am amazed at the goodness of people.

Melissa is improving. Sometimes the improvement is dramatic, even hour by hour.

Today has been a good day.

Making a Difference!!

2012-02-09T18:48:00.001-08:00

Scott received this email today!!

Scott,

Thank you for your email. On behalf of our project team, I apologize for loss in your family. I appreciate your effort to reach out to our team so soon after Monday’s events.

I spoke with our Project Manager from Salt Lake County, Andrea Pullos, regarding your email. I understand the County is also in receipt of your correspondence. I have received quite a few emails from neighbors and family friends as well.

Our team has finalized a Corridor Study Report for SR-111. Included in that report, were recommendations for safety improvements at the Old Bingham Highway. The report suggests upgrading the intersection to include a traffic signal with an advanced warning device placed prior to the signal for northbound traffic approaching the intersection.

Representatives from West Jordan and South Jordan City staff have participated in our bi-monthly stakeholder meetings for the last year or so and understand the recommendations made in the report. The Cities and SL County are united in their efforts to expedite the installation of the traffic signal at this intersection.

I appreciate the time taken to reach our team. Our condolences to your family. We wish you the best at this time.

Grandma's Day

2012-02-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Melissa came over that morning (Monday) and watched Isaac while I took our foster child to his therapy. We got home and visited for a minute then it was time for her to go to teach, and time for lunch. Lunch went so smoothly and that is saying a lot when you have 5 kiddos -- 6 and under. Edward was content to play in his bouncy chair and watch the big kids eat. We finished lunch in under 40 minutes. We cleaned up the toys and played Mario Kart with Isaac and Ethne - each with their own controllers. I dont think there was one "No Igaac" which in itself is amazing since he tends to tease Ethne. We then sat and read books. Ethne made sure I knew I missed a page and needed to start over. We read for about a half an hour or so, and I thought what a perfect day it had been. I wondered if I would have more like this and the spirit let me know this was a perfect day. We then got in the car and ran some errands. As we drove the Phineas and Ferb CD was in. Everytime Candace or Perry came on Ethne would say "Candace Candace!" As we headed home Melissa texted me that she was there. The garage door was open when I pulled up, Josh was working on his car and Melissa was sitting on the steps just talking with Josh, I thought again, this is how Family is supposed to be. We then got all the stuff in the car for Ethne and Edward in the car. Ethne asked me for a yogurt so I went and got one, gave it to her, buckled her in, gave her a kiss, I shut the door and I said "grandma loves you" Melissa drove off. I got the call a half hour later.

Grandma loves you Ethne Sue.

Dad's Perspective, The Hardest Day-Day 2

2012-02-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, I awoke early in the morning after maybe a couple of hours sleep. I am not exactly sure of the time, but I think it was around 3:30am. I am not sure words can describe what I experienced but I will try.

Shauna was not home yet.

I felt really odd. I was hot but cold. I felt like microbugs were crawling all over me. I could not get comfortable. I tossed, turned, sat up, layed down, took the covers off, put them back on.
My mind was racing. trying to grasp something at the edge. I finally looked at the time on my phone 3:55am. I tried to lay back down. Toss, turn, hot/cold. Then after a time I began to feel sick to my stomach. Things started to clear in my mind. I was seeing my minds version of the crash. I am going to vomit. I manage to keep it down. I go into the bathroom and sit on the floor. Then I get hit with a wave of emotion. Hurt, sorrow, but no "why".

Shauna came home about 5am. I was still sitting on the bathroom floor holding a box of tissue.
We go back to bed. Got a little more sleep. There is comfort in being together.

I will miss you Ethne-Sue.

Edward is cleared to be checked out. What a brave trooper!
This was a day that I had been dreading for hours. I knew that at some point Melissa would be awake enough for her to receive the news.

Long day. More waiting.

More scan, x-rays, tests. Waiting , waiting, waiting for the breathing tube to be removed and Melissa to be awake enough to tell.

Lawrence had a plan all worked out for the eventual meeting.

Waiting, waiting.
Melissa is getting a little fiesty with her nurse. She keeps signing for the tube to come out.

We think she knows.

Waiting......

Finally at 3:45pm they remove the breathing tube. Shauna and Lawrence are in the room.
Text: they are taking out the tube.
Wait.

Okay, bring Edward back.

Even thought the rule for the ICE is no children, We were given permission to bring Edward in.
There is also a two visitor rule. The staff allows us five adults, Lawrence, Shauna, Larry, Marilyn, and me. They shut the door.

She knows.

Lawrence confirms it to her. Oh how I ache. Why can't I take her pain? Shauna has her hand, issuing words of comfort, "I know baby, I know."

Lawrence tells her his feelings about Ethne's passing. "Would you like a blessing?"

Nod.

"Who would you like to give it?'

She points through her tears, Lawrence. The rock.

Sweet blessing. Wonderful promises and counsel. Precious moment.

I needed to leave. Go get the boys. Dinner with Mom and Dad Edwards at their home.

Text: "Melissa is visitored out."
Call.
"OK, I will come and get you and Edward."
Discussion. Edward can sleep in Isaac's crib. Isaac can sleep in Josh's bed.
Edward sleeps with us.

Aunt Jessica and Edward

Overwhelming feelings of gratitude that we did not lose all three of them...

Facebook Update

2012-02-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

We have been getting a lot of comments about love and support from friends and family on facebook, so yesterday and today frist thing in the morning I've posted updates. This is today's update:

Lawrence Stone

Just to let everyone know what is going on. Melissa Stone continues to improve every day. Yesterday they gave her some liquids, including Jello, so she would have something to eat. She sat up by herself, and they have moved her from the surgical ICU to the regular ICU. The rooms were literally across from each other, but at least we know she's taking steps in the right direction. Edward is still doing great. He's been spending time at his grandparents while I've been here with Melissa. She has been able to see and hold him. Just FYI - we still don't have a date set for Ethne's funeral, but it will be some time next week. I just want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers that have been offered on our behalf. While the pain wont completely go away, that support has blessed our lives to be able to tolerate the pain. We ask that while you are praying for our family, please also remember the driver of the truck. We have been told that he has not sustained any physical injuries, but is very torn up emotionally. Please remember him as well in your prayers. Thank you to everyone, and we love you all!

I will try to remember to copy and past all of the updates I post onto this blog as well. Thank you everyone for your support!

From Lawrence

2012-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

Just to let everyone know what is going on. Melissa continues to improve every day. Yesterday they gave her some liquids, including Jello, so she would have something to eat. She sat up by herself, and they have moved her from the surgical ICU to the regular ICU. The rooms were literally across from each other, but at least we know she's taking steps in the right direction. Edward is still doing great. He's been spending time at his grandparents while I've been here with Melissa. She has been able to see and hold him. Just FYI -we still don't have a date set for Ethne's funeral, but it will be some time next week. I just want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers that have been offered on our behalf. While the pain won't completely go away, that support has blessed our lives to be able to tolerate the pain. We ask that while you are praying for our family, please also remember the driver of the truck. We have been told that he has not sustained any physical injuries, but is very torn up emotionally. Please remember him as well in your prayers. Thank you to everyone, and we love you all!

Bright Spot

2012-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Edward is just one of the miracles that we have all witnessed this week. He got to spend some time in his mommy's arms today. She still has a long road ahead for recovery but she is making progress. The love from all those who have prayed, called, left comments, and sent well wishes is such a strength to the entire family at this time.

Edward is such a bright spot in everyone's day and he doesn't seem to mind, one bit, all the loves and snuggles he gets when he visits his mommy at the hospital.
..reminded me of this post...

Another one of our favorites from Melissa's blog archives.

Mr. Smiley Pants

November 5th, 2011

I am so thankful for my happy, healthy little boy. His smile can light up a room, can make you feel better when you've had a bad day, can make his sister stop crying. This little guy saves some of his best smiles and giggles just for me, and I sure appreciate it. Our neighbors always tell us that they never hear him cry, and it's true, he really doesn't cry that much. It never ceases to amaze me how much he grows and learns each day. He loves to be cuddled, talked to, sang to, tickled, and play peek-a-boo.

He eats like a champ, most of the time, and he sleeps through most nights. He's just about too big for the bassinet he's been sleeping in, so we're working on him sleeping in the crib, but big sister isn't quite so hot on the idea yet. I am so thankful that he tolerates all the lovin' he gets from his sister and uncle Isaac. Those two think that Edward needs constant loving, and loving from them tends to mean a little bit of mauling. I love that he giggles so readily and easily when we tickle or play with him.

He enjoys his bath time and doesn't splash yet, so I don't wind up soaked after his baths.

He makes his daddy super happy and gives him hope for ballgames, catch, cars, and all things manly in the future.

He is my sweet baby boy and I wouldn't trade him for the world!

From the Beginning - Dad's Perspective Day 1

2012-02-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Monday, being the first day of the work week was as full as usual. Being it is our annual audit and January month end (being a beaner, the first two weeks of the month are full of deadlines). The day progressed rather smoothly. Which in itself kind of amazing, lately the days have been filled with "gotta have it nows."

About 4:40ish I went in to discuss some things with my boss. Left my phone on my desk. when I got back to my desk the phone was ringing. It was Shana. She said," she has been hit by a cement truck!". I said, Who?"
"Didn't you see my text?"
"No, I was in Dee's office."
"Melissa had been in an accident."
"OK. I will head home."

I began to get things ready to leave.

I asked a co-worker with a car to drive me home (I take the train to work. Unknown to me at the time the train was delayed.)

Phone rings.
Hysterical voice.
"Calm down, I can't understand you."
more hysterical voice.
"Please calm down, I can't understand you."
"There is a helicopter here!"

Darin and I head to his car.
I text, " Darin is bringing me home."
Reply,"Go to IMC."
"K"
Next text is a picture of the car. I feel sick.
I called Lawrence next. He was at the scene. I listened as he talked to the police. Ethne has been flown to PCMC. The others will go to University Medical."
I said, "I will go to PCMC."
Other things were also happening at this time, but I won't bore you with those.

Text from me (shortly after 5pm), "I am at PCMC"

I was the first to arrive at PCMC. I asked at the desk to see Ethne.
"Who are you."
"Her Grandfather."
"Take a seat and I will check." eternity...(really just a few minutes)
"They said that no can come back right now." dread........

Others arrive.

Me at the Desk, "Has Edward come in?"
"Not yet."
More waiting, more people arrive. more eternity.........
My sister-in-law calls from UMC. Melissa was taken into surgery. She was awake and talking to the the doctors. good sign. needed that.

Other patients in the ER are called back.

Wait.....

A social Worker comes. Takes us back to a room. By this time there were about 10 of us. More coming.
You can wait in this room. Dread. Heaviness.

We ask if we can give blessings.
"Ethne is in being scanned."
"Edward is in a room. Come with us."

Edward's room. Crying as they put in the IV. Blood, cuts all over his head, neck brace.

Blessing. Sweet Spirit. Love.

Staff enters. They tell us Ethne is being scanned. He heart is still beating. Injuries really bad. We are not sure she will make it.

I go back to the consult room to tell every one else. Edward looks really good. They said Ethne is really bad.

Shauna decides to to over to UMC to check on Melissa. My brother Todd goes with her.

Wait. Getting fidgety. Decide to go back to Edward's room to see if they had started his tests. He was not in the room. Lawrence was sitting on a chair. The staff was talking to him. I enter.

"OH NO"

I call Shauna.

"Hello."
"Are you sitting down?"
"NO!!!!!!!!!!!"

I go back to the consult room to tell the others.

Josh calls.
"We are here"
"Josh, Ethne is gone."
"OH!"

More x-rays for Edward.
Staff, someone needs to stay with Lawrence. We are allowed to take Edward to x-ray.

Time passes. Priesthood leaders arrive.

Private room in the ER.
I asked Bishop Smith to come with me. Mom (Grandma-Great Edwards) is sitting in a chair holding that precious little body.
"Do you want to hold her?"
"Not right now."
Sit for a long time. Cry, sniffle, think.
They bring everyone in.
We need to take her.
Can we have a prayer.
Yes.

Good-bye Ethne-Sue.

Edward is checked for observation. He looks great.
To UMC ICU.
Spleen has been removed from Melissa. She is out. CT in the morning.
Long night.
I go home to take care of Gabriel and Isaac.
Longer night..............

....more to come from Dad's perspective.

Tid bit

2012-02-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

Just some tidbits of updates on Melissa. She has been able to hold Edward but has not yet been able to sit up or eat anything. She is in a neck brace to keep her head (tilted back) at an angle that will not aggravate her neck injury. She also has a few broken ribs and a pelvic fracture. Her body has been through a lot but she is beginning to heal and we feel so blessed that the physical injuries are not any more extensive than they are. They are hoping to possibly move her out of the ICU today. Lawrence has been a huge strength to her (and to everyone) and continues to treat her like a queen. She is in good hands.

Thankful

2012-02-07T23:52:00.000-08:00

One thing I have learned from Melissa is no matter where she was in life, she was always so thankful for all that she had...

Melissa is awake, she is no longer intubated and she is breathing on her own. Lawrence gave her a beautiful priesthood blessing helping her feel, even stronger, the love our Heavenly Father has for her. Melissa and Lawrence, their baby boy, and both sets of grandparents are together giving each other the support that is so very much needed right now.

As of right now it is unclear exactly what injuries (physically) Melissa is facing. Until her swelling reduces the doctors won't know exactly the extent of what she will be dealing with. It makes us wish we could all be there to snuggle her and try to ease some of the pain.

In the mean time a sweet story to share... (posted on Melissa's blog December 15, 2011)

"guggles couch daddy's peeow"

I really have gotten terrible about making a thankful post every day things just get busy and crazy and at the end of the day I would rather snuggle in bed with my hubby than post on my blog. And that is what I am thankful for today. A few weeks ago Lawrence was home with the kids and Ethne wasn't feeling particularly like taking a nap. So Lawrence asked her if she'd lay down with a pillow and blanket on the couch, to which she eagerly replied "des." So the little girl raced down the hall and pulled Lawrence's pillow off our bed then half-dragged half-carried it down the hall. She settled herself on the couch with the pillow, her ever present elephant, her new puppy, her Ariel doll, and a blanket then happily fell asleep while watching Phineas and Ferb with daddy.

Ethne and Edward

Ever since then this is one of her favorite activities and if she can get mommy or daddy involved too it's even better. Getting one of us involved isn't ever that difficult because we both love to snuggle our kids, but we just don't have to time we'd like to spend doing it. So yesterday I had a day off and spent some time snuggling on the couch with my little girl, daddy's pillow, and any toys she deemed necessary. I am thankful for the time I have to spend snuggling, holding, playing, and otherwise spending time with my kiddos. I am thankful that they both like to cuddle and like to do it with me and Lawrence. I am also thankful for time i get to snuggle with Lawrence. While it's great to cuddle with Edward and Ethne, they often aren't very good at snuggling back, but Lawrence is an expert. I am thankful for time to spend with my family, and particularly time to spend cuddling.

The beginning....

2012-02-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

The accident happened around 4:30 pm yesterday, February 6th. For Melissa and Lawrence, life will never be the same. Melissa and Ethne were life-flighted to the hospital, and Edward was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Melissa was taken directly into surgery. Edward received the least amount of the impact and as of right now is safe in the loving arms of his daddy and both sets of grandparents. Ethne has returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. There is no doubt that she and many angels are close at hand comforting her family at this time. Her sweet angelic face and voice will be sorely missed...

Melissa has a very long road of recovery ahead. The physical recovery is the obvious, but for Lawrence, Melissa, their parents, and all those who love Ethne with every fiber of their being, the emotional road will be much longer and harder to climb.

This blog has been set up to keep everyone informed (as best we can) on Melissa's recovery and to let everyone know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. In an effort to show our love and support, there has been an account set up to help Melissa and Lawrence. If this is something you would like to do, please click on the link in the right sidebar for more information.

The Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men”

~Elder David A Bednar