Just a Note

One more thing that we wanted to tell you but had previously forgotten to write. The day of the accident (Monday) while Heidi was still in surgery President Clark, the president of BYU Idaho came along with Elder Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve to see everyone. After a brief visit they left.

A couple of days later President Clark came over again and asked to give Heidi a blessing. It was a beautiful blessing, in it he said that she may have to struggle like the pioneers did when crossing the plains, but that this would strengthen her and that because of it she would be able to strengthen and others, he also said that she would be ok.

Elder Christofferson also called and said that it was great that Heidi has such a great family and so many loved ones, he also said that she will be ok.

We just thought it was so great that these very special general authorities would take time out of their schedules to come and bless Heidi and to give comfort, they truly are called of God.

Good Progress

Heidi had her breathing tube removed this morning around noon. She was having a little difficulty at first, hyperventilating for a few minutes. After a little bit of work and encouragement from the doctors she was able to breath on her own.

She does have on an oxygen mask that gives her 100% oxygen. They doctors are hoping to drop the amount of oxygen needed until Heidi gets strong enough to breath normal air unassisted.

We are all still praying and are grateful for the many miracles that have already taken place. We invite everyone to join us in a fast for Heidi. We know that it has been the Lord's hand that has helped Heidi to progress so well.

Today is Saturday the 31st. Heidi is doing very well, she was able to get a lot of much needed sleep last night. She has a big day today. She will be getting her breathing tube out today. The doctors and nurses think that she is ready, they asked Craig and Jennifer if they would agree. The doctors are feeling positive about doing it. They said that she getting stronger.

Earlier this morning when Craig and Jennifer were in visiting Heidi she was trying to communicate with them by signing letters. The nurse knew sign language and was able to understand what Heidi was asking. Heidi asked if her roommate Kelsie was ok. This is a positive think because she is doing well enough to be aware of the well being of others.

We will let everyone know how her procedure for removing the breathing tube goes.

Good News

Heidi has been making some remarkable progress the last couple of days. When she first came into the hospital she was in a very deep coma, she was not responding to any sort of stimulus.

The surgery went well, although the doctor did have to remove some of the cerebellum that was damaged from the bleeding. The doctor told us after the surgery that recovery would be very difficult. Heidi began fighting for her life.

She is continually fighting, and with many prayers, faith, and priesthood blessing she has been recovering well. Now she can respond to questions, answering though gestures and she can now even write a few things (she cannot speak because she has a breathing tube in her mouth).

It is quite remarkable that she can write her responses. And just to note, that the first thing she wrote came in true Heidi fashion: she wrote "I want my ipod." then she wrote that she wanted food (since she only gets liquid from a feeding tube).

She can sit up, though the doctors quickly have her lay back down. Heidi is wanting to speak, and she gets frustrated with the fact that she is stuck in the bed and can't do what she wants. She is doing a lot better everyday and is progressing well. She still has a lot of obstacles to overcome and will need to continue fighting. The prayers are working and we are grateful for them.

Heidi with her sisters

from left: Heidi, Marie, Rachel, Sarah, & Aubrey.

Dear friends and family,

Thank you for your concern for dear sweet Heidi,

she is making progress. for those of you who don't know what happened to Heidi, on Monday January 26, 2009 Heidi suffered a vein burst in her head and it bled onto her brain. She was in her dance class at BYU Idaho when this happened.

She was then life flighted to the Idaho Falls Eastern Medical Center. Right away they performed surgery on her brain. They had to drain the blood and remove the vain that was causing the bleeding and clear up any areas causing problems.

This was a very serious operation and with very little hope of a good outcome. But because of the faith and prayers from everyone and also the priesthood power has helped her make very good progress so far, but has a lot of work ahead of her to be able to recover. She has a strong will and we know she is anxious to recover.

Heidi can open her eyes now for only a few minutes at a time now and she is receiving physical therapy a little bit at a time.

Heidi's ward, the BYU Idaho 30th ward is holding a fast this Sunday for Heidi. Everyone who would like to join with them in this fast is invited to do so. Heidi's bishop as his wife (the Sevey family) have been very good to our family, visiting constantly and helping in every imaginable way.

We are very aware of the many prayer from everyone, and we are very grateful for this. We
hope that you will all continue to pray for her. She still needs to make a lot of progress.

We would like to thank all the family, near and far, and also Heidi's roommates, friends, classmates and ward member who have been praying for her, and also all those who have been praying for her without even knowing her.

We love you all, thank you so much.