Dear Family and Friends,
This is Brittney. Today was another difficult day but we are trying hard to stay positive and look for the blessings in everyday we have with our mother. She received her tracheostomy today and is looking much better. It is so nice to see her beautiful face without all of the tubes and bandages! In addition, this will help mom be a little more comfortable and will help with any infection. She started the day with a little fever but we were able to get that back down to normal and continue to watch carefully for any signs of infection. She continues to move when she hears us talk, or rub her cheek, or if we bug her too much. Mom always told us when we were young dad would constantly be testing our reflexes; snapping in our ear to see if we turned, placing his finger in front of our eyes and making sure we would follow. We are doing those types of things now and continue to watch for baby steps.
Each day is difficult and each day we wake up to a harsh realization, but through your prayers and your kind words we feel strengthened. The other day I talked with a friend who expressed concern, asking "who is taking care of you?" I thought about that comment for awhile and then quickly realized the answer is each of you! The strength to face each day comes from our spouses that are at home working extremely hard to hold down the fort, from the neighbors near each of our homes that are watering flowers, watching kids, bringing food, and offering support, and from countless messages and posts from friends across the world. We are especially grateful for the prayers being offered throughout the day on her behalf. I have never needed the prayers of others more in my life and to know that they are being voiced all over the world brings comfort and peace that can not be explained in words.
As we continue to try to work at bringing mom home we ask that you continue to pray for her, that she might stay healthy and that the progress will move forward. I know that the Lord is blessing us each day with his tender mercies and we will hold tight as we move closer to recovery. I know that each of you are being blessed for your goodness. Watch for those tender mercies and feel the peace that He will bring to each of your lives.
I love you all very much and can't wait for the day that we can all stand as a witness of this wonderful miracle!
Love,
Brittney
This is Brittney. Today was another difficult day but we are trying hard to stay positive and look for the blessings in everyday we have with our mother. She received her tracheostomy today and is looking much better. It is so nice to see her beautiful face without all of the tubes and bandages! In addition, this will help mom be a little more comfortable and will help with any infection. She started the day with a little fever but we were able to get that back down to normal and continue to watch carefully for any signs of infection. She continues to move when she hears us talk, or rub her cheek, or if we bug her too much. Mom always told us when we were young dad would constantly be testing our reflexes; snapping in our ear to see if we turned, placing his finger in front of our eyes and making sure we would follow. We are doing those types of things now and continue to watch for baby steps.
Each day is difficult and each day we wake up to a harsh realization, but through your prayers and your kind words we feel strengthened. The other day I talked with a friend who expressed concern, asking "who is taking care of you?" I thought about that comment for awhile and then quickly realized the answer is each of you! The strength to face each day comes from our spouses that are at home working extremely hard to hold down the fort, from the neighbors near each of our homes that are watering flowers, watching kids, bringing food, and offering support, and from countless messages and posts from friends across the world. We are especially grateful for the prayers being offered throughout the day on her behalf. I have never needed the prayers of others more in my life and to know that they are being voiced all over the world brings comfort and peace that can not be explained in words.
As we continue to try to work at bringing mom home we ask that you continue to pray for her, that she might stay healthy and that the progress will move forward. I know that the Lord is blessing us each day with his tender mercies and we will hold tight as we move closer to recovery. I know that each of you are being blessed for your goodness. Watch for those tender mercies and feel the peace that He will bring to each of your lives.
I love you all very much and can't wait for the day that we can all stand as a witness of this wonderful miracle!
Love,
Brittney
Brittney,
ReplyDeleteYour comment about the toes, ears and eyes reminded me of when we first brought the babies home and in those first few weeks had to train them to know when it was night time (bedtime) and daytime. In order to keep them awake, we would hold them up and move them left and right and even occassionally upside down to help them keep their eyes open. Maybe that would work for your mom! Just keep moving her and hold her upside down occassionally. =o} Just kidding! Just threaten her that you might and maybe she'll give us a smile or a peek out of one eye at the thought of it!
We're still prayin' in Texas! My mom remembers your mother very well and they headed to the St. Louis temple to work this weekend and will put your family's name on the temple prayer rolls again there.
We wish you all well and can only imagine the multitudes of angels here on earth coming to the assistance of all of your little families. God bless those angels too!
Love you all,
Regina DeDominicis and Family
As I read so many other posts, I realize that others might take this as me being a bit curt, but I know Sherrie would laugh and you guys have mentioned that you are trying to find humor in little ways. Hopefully I brought a smile to your face and I hope if you read this to her that she had a little laugh inside. You all know I meant no disrespect, just trying to give you a smile where I know they are hard to come by in the current situation.
DeleteMy family and I are praying continually for your mom and for the whole family. So good to hear of the progress she is making. May the Lord keep blessing and strengthening your family and especially your mom.
ReplyDeleteBrittany - I mentioned your family in our weekly email home to our families and received a reply from my niece, Cheryl Arrington, that you are in their ward in Utah - what an amazingly small world. Perhaps my sister, her mother, is also in your ward. She lives across the court from Cheryl, but in Utah that doesn't mean much, does it? My sister is Vivian Garrett Cummings. Constantly in mind is "Sherrie, please open your eyes". Each day we pray, This will be the Day. We love you - Last night I was thinking of the Pancake and Pophets sleep over your Mom held at your house when she was YW President - I must have taken something over to your house one day when this as hapening at Conference time and was touhed with all he YW dressed in their pajamas, pens and papers ready to listen to the words of the Prophets. She always made things fun. We love you all dearly. Gaye Breillatt
ReplyDeleteHi Brittney,
ReplyDeleteThis is Brody & Jace's (Skyler's class) mom, Kelly. I stumbled upon this blog from another one and was shocked to see you in one of the photos and learn that this was your sweet mom. I lost my sweet mom 9 years ago and just wanted you to know I've been thinking of you every day and praying you get to hang onto your mom for years to come, but it sounds like whatever happens you know Heavenly Father will be right there to help you through it.
Brittney,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you and your brothers know how remarkable I think you all are. To have FIVE children that turned out so kind and strong is truly a reflection of great parents. I met most of you when Jack and I were living in Chicago. We always felt so welcome at the Labrum home, and loved spending time up there. Brandon and Wendy are still two of our best friends. I pray that beautiful home may soon be graced by Sherrie's smiling face again. We think about you all constantly and pray that she makes it to Northwestern soon.
Cameron Schwieger
Brittney,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update. I think of the countless hours you are devoting to your mother now & know that her heavenly angels are so relieved for the earthly hands to touch her, snap in her ears:) & care for her.
Since becoming a mother my appreciation for the immense sacrifices made by my mom in caring for me (& each of her children) has increased tremendously. You now are able to care for your mother's ody & spirit in a ways similar to how she cared for you as a baby & for that she will be eternally grateful.
Carol has told me snipetts about your time reading to her, playing music for her, and talking to her. The heavens smile down on you in those moments, of that I am sure. We pray everyday that Sherrie will be able to open her eyes. I hope very soon that petition offered by so many at this time will be granted by the lord!
Love,
Jenny Ludlow
Ron, Brit, and Brandon,
ReplyDeleteStill thinking and praying for you all. It was so nice to hug Tyler and Zach but the hugs were not without deep sadness. You all would have been so proud of Zach and the way he played his last lacrosse game, the courage he mustered was remarkable. He didn't just show up but you could obviously see how he led his team throughout. We miss you all...we are expectantly awaiting your return to Chicago with Sherrie. Until that day comes we will continue to stand with you! Love you all
Dear Labrum Family,
ReplyDeleteWe look forward each day to your updates and are praying constantly that Sherrie will wake up. Even though you may not have much to share each day, like Brandon said her progress might just be inches, the spirit felt in your messages is wonderful and gives us all strength, members and nonmembers alike.
I remember the first time Sherrie met my 2nd son, he was a couple of weeks old and we were at a Ward activity, she was adoring him and asked what his name was, I told her Helaman Taylor. Sherrie then said "that is such a great name", then she called Ron over and said "did you hear what his name is, isn't that a great name!" When Helaman was 6 months old I was called to teach Primary (I taught Zach when he was 10 and can't believe he is graduating from High School). Dave would take Helaman to Sunday School and sit him on a chair, his head would start bobbing up and down but Dave would leave him there, but if Sherrie saw Helaman she would take him and hold him while he slept on her shoulder. Last Monday night we were reading in the Book of Mormon: 1 Ne 9:6 "But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning: wherefore he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men". I asked Helaman, do you think Heavenly Father knew Sherrie would have an accident and he had a surgeon there on vacation so he could operate on her and save her life, and he said yes. I then told my kids that Sherrie was on her way to Florida and Helaman asked "Can we go visit her?"
I know Heavenly Father has a plan for Sherrie and will help your whole family through this difficult time. It ia amazing all of the people of so many faiths all over the world that have been brought together to pray and lend support for your family. We will continue to pray for all of you and wait daily for news no matter how small it might be.
LOve Molly, Dave, Ammon, Helaman and Emma Arrigo
I dont think We have been able to actually meet but I wanted to let the whole family know that me and my family are keeping Sherrie and the whole family in our prayers. I am your cousin Lucy's youngest daughter Beth and wanted to send all the love, hugs, and prayers for you all. Sherrie (when I got to meet her) showed she is a wonderful person and I pray with all my heart for her to get well and that the good lord keeps you all wrapped in his loving arms during this time.
ReplyDeleteWith lots of love, Bethaney Beach and family
Sherrie and family:
ReplyDeletePrayer and connectedness of spirit does in deed, bring miracles to our lives. Please know that we think of you daily and pray for your continue strength and healing. Please whisper our message to your beautiful mom.
Love, Lynn Moosman ad family
Labrum updaters,
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Have all tubes and life support been removed at this point? Is she just connected to monitors at this point but breathing all on her own? Sorry, not clear on that but wanted to know where we stood on that.
Thanks,
Regina DeDominicis
Someone correct me if I am wrong, but Brittney mentioned that she now had a tracheostomy tube put in. Those are the tubes that are hooked up through the neck, allowing them to breath that way without the use of their mouth or nose. So, I'm assuming that she is also hooked up to a machine that is helping her breath. This way she isn't covered in tubes over her face.
DeleteOH! Okay. Thank you for the clarification. Not sure on all the medical terms but when she said no more tubes, I thought she was off all of those. We keep prayer for them all. Thanks for your help!
DeleteRegina
Dear Labrums,
ReplyDeleteWe are keeping the candle lit for Sherrie (and you all too) at church. Also, I have a friend and former high school classmate who is the Chief of Neurosurgery at Northwestern in Chicago. His name is Dr. Rick Fessler and he saved Senator Mark Kirk's life after his stroke. I hope you will have a chance to speak with him as he is a very talented, warm, brilliant doctor. Perhaps he has already been consulted about Sherrie. In any case, the Norcia family will continue to pray for daily miracles for Sherrie.
God bless you!
Roberta, Jerry, Nick, and Matt Norcia
Roberta, Jerry Nick and Matt Norcia