The Road to Recovery

The Way We Were

Prior to the illness I was in great health, or so I supposed.  This photo was taken two months before I crashed.

Sister Erickson and I at Ponto do Sol (Point of the Sun) on the Island of Santo Antão.  This is the northern most tip of Cape Verde.

Our Arrival Home

This photo was taken on the Sunday after we returned home.

We are standing in front of our home.

For the first time in almost six weeks, I feel that I am finally on the road to recovery.  I have been diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in my left calf.  I also have a pretty serious ulcer in my duodenum.  In addition I have lost 20 pounds.  On Monday I rocked the scales at 145 pounds.  I haven't weighed that little since junior high school when I was six inches shorter.

Send this Boy to Camp

Unfortunately I lost muscle in my arms, chest and legs.

You can see my left leg and ankle are still slightly swollen from the blood clot which is still there and will probably last for at least three more months.  I am taking a blood thinner to prevent another clot.

For the ulcer, I am taking omeprazole.  However we are walking a fine line between taking the blood thinner for the blood clot and the potentially bleeding ulcer.

I can't help but be reminded of that classic movie of yesteryear, "Muscle Beach Party".

A Big Thank You

Many of you have sent expressions of love, concern, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.  Thank you so much for your love and support during this trial.  Your thoughts and comments have been uplifting and inspiring.  As a particular note of appreciation, we are very grateful for those of you who have placed my name on the prayer rolls of the temples literally throughout the world.

For those of you who live close to us, we are open for and would certainly enjoy any visits.

My Eternal Companion

During the mission, I prayed fervently that the relationship between my wife and I would grow stronger.  Throughout this trial, my wife, Diane, has stood by my side through thick and thin.  She was scared to death during those first few weeks as I teetered back and forth.  Yet she kept the faith and diligently cared for me.  In Cape Verde I received blood thinner by injection.  Diane, not having given a shot before in her life, gave me those injections, sometimes up to three times before the needle went all the way in.  I did not like being a Guinea pig.  She also researched my illness and made many special drinks and meals to assist with my care.  Often I was frustrated and discouraged and did not appreciate that care.  We talked a lot, we disagreed, we argued, we cried, and we prayed together.  But through it all we grew closer one to another.  I am not perfect and still have a long way to go.  But through her patience, love, and longsuffering I am a better person.  I am eternally grateful for my wife and love her with all my heart.

We Shall Return

"For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods..., are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." D&C 84:33