Hi again!
I wanted to extend my deepest and most sincere gratitude to all who attended Jimmy's memorial service and/or reached out to our family with condolensces and support. Obviously, this has been a very difficult time for the kids and myself, but we are all getting through it with the outpouring of love that we have received.
I miss my Jimmy more than I ever imagined possible. He was my very best friend, and I will love him always. This was a very long and difficult journey, and the ending was not what I had hoped for, but I appreciated not having to go through it all alone. Thank you for being there with us.
I am trying to begin handling the daunting task of thank you notes. Please have patience, as this was a much bigger event than our wedding of 500! If you do not receive the appropriate acknowledgement from me, please accept my apologies as a few things are bound to have slipped through the cracks, and I may have some issues with addresses. I promise to do my best, and please accept this also as an expression of my family's gratitude.
For those who sent floral arrangements, they were absolutely beautiful. My house is overflowing with those special reminders, and I was able to donate quite a few arrangements to be distributed to local nursing homes and hospitals by the church.
The monetary donations that were directed to me or the Barrow Neurological Foundation will all be forwarded appropriately. The funds will be used to go toward neurological and endovascular research and also toward the ICU nurses training program. We have received an incredible amount, and I am proud to be able to make such a generous donation in Jimmy's name. For those that requested or sent their own donations to other programs, I will also handle those correctly, and I thank you for your generosity.
I would also like to thank all who sent or expressed kind words of sympathy to my family. Every card was read, and I hope we made ourselves appropriately available at Jimmy's Celebration. Thank you, also, for all the memorial gifts and the meals that were prepared or groceries that were provided. The emotional, spiritual, and physical support has helped to sustain us though this painful process.
Thank you, again, for all your kindness and support!
With Love and Blessings,
Krissy, Michael, Rick, and Jenna (Jimmy too)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Kris and Family,
The memorial service and celebration on Friday was perfect. We are sure Jim was smiling down and happy to have so many people celebrating his life. While there we realized that it was exactly 10 years ago that we worked all weekend on the end of the year basketball slideshow and our first date. If Jim hadn't taken a chance to hire my mom fresh off a move from IL, and had not contracted with Tim and company for IT support, who knows what strange turns our lives would have taken and if we would be married right now. We are grateful he did and that we were able to meet him and get to know him. From Sneakers to JRA get-togethers to catching the MLC at the Lookout, Jim will always be someone we recall with great fondness and a smile.
Love, Melissa and Scott Weigand
The memorial service and celebration on Friday was perfect. We are sure Jim was smiling down and happy to have so many people celebrating his life. While there we realized that it was exactly 10 years ago that we worked all weekend on the end of the year basketball slideshow and our first date. If Jim hadn't taken a chance to hire my mom fresh off a move from IL, and had not contracted with Tim and company for IT support, who knows what strange turns our lives would have taken and if we would be married right now. We are grateful he did and that we were able to meet him and get to know him. From Sneakers to JRA get-togethers to catching the MLC at the Lookout, Jim will always be someone we recall with great fondness and a smile.
Love, Melissa and Scott Weigand
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
My Best Man
August 1986 Wedding, Jimmy, my best man
New York Subway 1987, Greg Krissy & Jimmy
Jimmy and Julie's sister Jenny
"Mr. Microphone" 
Bachelor Party Limo 
Heights boys bachelor party Larry, Van, Chap, Jeff, Greg, Tom & Jimmy
Jimmy, Krissy & Tommy When I learned of Jimmy's passing I was out of the country with some buddies, I was at a loss for words on how to describe Jimmy to my friends who hadn't had the privelege of meeting him, a story my son's football coach told at his T-G athletic banquet this fall immediately came to mind. The coach talked about the Monks at St. John's University who's job it was to teach everyone they came into contact with that every breath is a gift, to be enjoyed and not taken for granted, as if it was your last. I know some of Jimmy's high school and college buddies may find it a bit of a stretch to compare Jimmy to a Monk, but the point I'm was making is that Jimmy seemed to, for as long as I had known him to understand this secret. Jimmy always found joy in each breath and you couldn't help too either when you where around him. Always positive, fun and complimentary who couldn't find joy being in his presence.
I first met Jimmy in the fall of 1978 we were both fresh out of high school attending a junior college and trying to extend our basketball careers, we hit it off right away. I just wanted to play college ball but Jimmy always the dreamer thought of it as just a stepping stone to the NBA. We both soon realized that the reason we ended up in a junior college is because we didn't have a future in basketball. We decided to transfer the following year to St. Cloud State, Jimmy roomed with Tommy Pesek his high school buddy and I ended up on the same floor as Jimmy in Shoemaker hall.
It was in Shoemaker hall that I realized Jimmy's knack for business. Like most dorms in the 70's parties were the norm and we threw some great ones, Tommy provided the tunes and Jimmy the beer. Jimmy would purchase a couple of 16 gallon kegs of beer for the party and sell cups for $5 a head, but to improve his margins he would purchase one good keg of beer and then a second keg called Keggelbrau (taste like swamp water) at less than half the price, he reasoned that by the time we got the the second keg no one would notice or care and he was right and thus he always managed turned a profit at these parties. For Jimmy making money always seemed to come easy, what he really struggled with was his other two careers, basketball star and rock and roll star, they never quite came as natural.
Jimmy and I loved to play pickup basketball at an old gym on campus called Eastman Hall although he always called it Clint Eastwood Hall, we played hoops their for hours several times a week. There was a basket mounted about a foot off the wall at one end of the gym and Jimmy realized that with a running start he could push off the wall with one foot and elevate himself high enough to dunk the ball, I can still hear the trash talking that came out of his mouth after each dunk, this maybe as close to basketball stardom as he got.
One of the greatest gifts Jimmy ever gave me was introducing me to and ingratiating me in with his Heights buddy's, who are still my friends today. I had a gal that worked for me a few years ago that graduated from Heights in the early eighty's and when I mentioned to her some of the guys I knew from Heights, Jimmy, Tommy, Van, Chap, Deano, Larry, Ricky, Joe, Mark, Tim, to name a few, she said "wow" that's the class of "78", she went on to explain that to this day they still consider that the greatest and most successful group of guys to ever graduate from Heights and Jimmy was certainly at the top of that list, it was an honor to hang with these guys.
In 1986 I got married and asked Jimmy to be the best man in my wedding. I've added above some wedding and bachelor party photo's. I particularily like the one with Jimmy in front of the microphone, as you maybe are already aware that this was one of his favorite places to be, "Mr. Microphone" as he enjoyed being called, and he made sure everyone at the wedding was entertained and had a great time. Jimmy by this time was already married to the beautiful Kris and we both went on to raise three great kids.
I've never been a huge believer that when our time is up it's up or that God calls us to be with him for a reason, but I'm becoming and believer and if God did have a purpose for Jimmy I'm sure it's to help spread the secret that the monks have been teaching for centuries and Jimmy already knew and that is each breath is a gift to be enjoyed and not taken for granted. I love you Jimmy and will miss you dearly but take comfort in the fact the someday we will see each other again.
Love, Greg, Julie, Paige, Nick & Holly
Kris, Michael, Rick, & Jenna,
I have tried a few different ways to get to you (unsuccessfully) so was very happy to see your instructions when I went to the blog today.
I want to express my family's sincere, heartfelt condolences to all of you. Although we haven't seen you as much as we'd have liked to in the past couple of years, your family has been in our thoughts alot. We loved Jim. He was one of the most generous, big hearted guys we've ever known. He had such a passion for life! We will treasure our great memories of him and his (your family's) hospitality, whether it be at your home, CrossLake, or our trips together to watch Steve's shows. He was such a huge supporter of Steve, we will never forget his kindness.
Kris, thank you for the blog. You are an amazing person and I admire your strength. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us.
I know your faith will keep you and your family strong and Jim will be watching over you until you are together again.
God Bless,
Dianna, Ken, Steve Kincade
I have tried a few different ways to get to you (unsuccessfully) so was very happy to see your instructions when I went to the blog today.
I want to express my family's sincere, heartfelt condolences to all of you. Although we haven't seen you as much as we'd have liked to in the past couple of years, your family has been in our thoughts alot. We loved Jim. He was one of the most generous, big hearted guys we've ever known. He had such a passion for life! We will treasure our great memories of him and his (your family's) hospitality, whether it be at your home, CrossLake, or our trips together to watch Steve's shows. He was such a huge supporter of Steve, we will never forget his kindness.
Kris, thank you for the blog. You are an amazing person and I admire your strength. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us.
I know your faith will keep you and your family strong and Jim will be watching over you until you are together again.
God Bless,
Dianna, Ken, Steve Kincade
Dear Kris, Michael, Rick and Jenna,
It's difficult to express the depth our our sorrow over Jim's death. He was such a vital part of our Sandy Shores family and we'll miss him terribly. We'll always treasure the memories of his laughter, his wonderfully uplifting spirit and his music! Our family is truly blessed to have had Jim be a part of our lives. May God's grace be with you.
Love,
Gerry, Mary, Emma, Paul, Erin and Robert
It's difficult to express the depth our our sorrow over Jim's death. He was such a vital part of our Sandy Shores family and we'll miss him terribly. We'll always treasure the memories of his laughter, his wonderfully uplifting spirit and his music! Our family is truly blessed to have had Jim be a part of our lives. May God's grace be with you.
Love,
Gerry, Mary, Emma, Paul, Erin and Robert
Monday, March 9, 2009
Krissy,
We were so sadden by Jim leaving us, he was a true friend and I often thought of him as part of the Family. That's the effect he had on me and my kids, he would always make you feel like you were part of his Family, that's the gift that Jim had. His generosity and friendship will never be forgotten. Remembering the BB Days and the fun we had and the way that Michael and Chelsea matured by taking part in those years makes one say that Jim was a true Champion to our Family. Our prayers are with you and the Kids and know that Jim will always be in our Hearts!!!
Thanks so much for your Frienship,
Dave, Michael and Chelsea
We were so sadden by Jim leaving us, he was a true friend and I often thought of him as part of the Family. That's the effect he had on me and my kids, he would always make you feel like you were part of his Family, that's the gift that Jim had. His generosity and friendship will never be forgotten. Remembering the BB Days and the fun we had and the way that Michael and Chelsea matured by taking part in those years makes one say that Jim was a true Champion to our Family. Our prayers are with you and the Kids and know that Jim will always be in our Hearts!!!
Thanks so much for your Frienship,
Dave, Michael and Chelsea
Kris and family,
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Jim. Our family lived at 4920 Monroe Street in Columbia Heights, right next door to the Reynolds family. We all grew up with Jim and his two brothers.
Back in the 60s, being a kid in our neighborhood was the best. In our block alone there were over forty children our age, and it was like being surrounded by a huge extended family. We played hard, we learned the value of friendship, and we all shared whatever we had. Jim certainly brought these qualities into his adult life. We will always remember him fondly in our minds and in our hearts.
The Kukielka family
Joe & Beverley
Diane, Donna, Dale, Denise
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Jim. Our family lived at 4920 Monroe Street in Columbia Heights, right next door to the Reynolds family. We all grew up with Jim and his two brothers.
Back in the 60s, being a kid in our neighborhood was the best. In our block alone there were over forty children our age, and it was like being surrounded by a huge extended family. We played hard, we learned the value of friendship, and we all shared whatever we had. Jim certainly brought these qualities into his adult life. We will always remember him fondly in our minds and in our hearts.
The Kukielka family
Joe & Beverley
Diane, Donna, Dale, Denise
There's never been a time that I didn't know Jim. That was one of the benefits of being family. We spent every summer in Minnesota, initially staying with my grandma, and visiting Aunt Joann and Uncle Jerry, then later, staying solely with Joann and Jerry and Steve, Bob, and Jim. The memories are too numerous to relay...everything from playing Capture the Flag throughout the neighbors yards, whiffle ball in the front yard, to camping with Jim and my brothers. We spent nearly an hour wandering around the campgrounds trying to find the boyscout camp to scare them, only to realize that there were no boyscouts, nor any other campers. And of course, how could I forget "helping" him with his Spanish homework, so he could pass his foreign language requirment in college.
His family was truly an extension of my own. With the tears and sadness, are great memories of a boy, then a man who loved life. He had a zest and a determination for whatever he focused on that was truly amazing. He loved much, and was loved even more. These past five years, I witnessed his faith grow stronger and stronger. Although, he was not ready to leave us, he was confident where he would be going when his time came.
My family and I shall miss so much, just as we continue to miss his mom and dad. However, we are confident that one day we shall see all of them again.
With love, peace, and comfort,
Judy (Bagot) Chudek and the whole Bagot family
His family was truly an extension of my own. With the tears and sadness, are great memories of a boy, then a man who loved life. He had a zest and a determination for whatever he focused on that was truly amazing. He loved much, and was loved even more. These past five years, I witnessed his faith grow stronger and stronger. Although, he was not ready to leave us, he was confident where he would be going when his time came.
My family and I shall miss so much, just as we continue to miss his mom and dad. However, we are confident that one day we shall see all of them again.
With love, peace, and comfort,
Judy (Bagot) Chudek and the whole Bagot family
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Dear Krissy, Mike, Ricky and Jenna,
This is all I can say, God bless you all. I will miss Jim for all the imformation that he always had for us from BB to Business. My son Pat will always remember his leadership and his fun loving ways and in busniess Jim and I would talk on and on. He never lost his positive ways no matter what the situation was. What I respected him the most for was he lived that way all the time from begining to end. We all will miss him! Kissy if there is any at all that I can do please call. Again GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
The Winnery's,
Dick, Lori, Susan, Eric and Pat.
This is all I can say, God bless you all. I will miss Jim for all the imformation that he always had for us from BB to Business. My son Pat will always remember his leadership and his fun loving ways and in busniess Jim and I would talk on and on. He never lost his positive ways no matter what the situation was. What I respected him the most for was he lived that way all the time from begining to end. We all will miss him! Kissy if there is any at all that I can do please call. Again GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
The Winnery's,
Dick, Lori, Susan, Eric and Pat.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Kris,
How very sad we were to hear of Jim's passing. We followed your blog so carefully and felt the pain that you were feeling. It brought back very clear memories of my mom's death from an anureysm nearly 30 years ago. I have experienced the pain and agony that you are feeling.
Jim was such a great neighbor and friend. We appreciate knowing him and having him be a part of our lives. We will always remember all he gave to Cedar Island Lake Association. The Association would not be where it is today if it were not for him and the hard work that he put into developing it.
We look forward to celebrating his life on Friday with you and know that he will be there with all of us. Look for a sign from him that night as I know he will let you know he is there for you and will always be.
Love,
Cindy, Dave, John,and Jenny Kaldor
To Jim
Jim, it is a testament to your vibrant spirit that so many folks have posted here. I think the foundation you have laid for your wife and kids will see them through, you have done well. I for one, will remember you cruising Cedar Island Lake, always happy to say hello and offer a beer or a brat. A "hale fellow well met", as they say. And yet, you are gone from our limited sight.
If we were given a thousand lives to live, we wouldn't want each and every one to be perfect, that would be perfectly dull. We'd choose lives of adventure, trial, action and adversity. But to be sure, we would want great successes and people who loved us. And we would like to be admired not only our accomplishments but our character. You definitely have all of that and will forever.
Here is how I will remember you, my friend.
To kris, and family
Kris, We feel very blessed to have met you and Jim, We were really hoping to build that ralationship even more and hope to still do that with you and your family, From the few times we got to spend with you we had more laughs and always talked about Jimmy flipping the songs he had recorded on your screen and how many hours it must have taken him to compile all that music, and the Karaoke stage. And his sneaking wine and you filling it with water when he wasn't looking. He touched us in that short time and we will miss him. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Julie and Loni Voigt
Love,
Julie and Loni Voigt
To Krissy and Kids
My husband grew up across the alley from the Reynolds. Steve was in our wedding, we went to your wedding in 1982. The love between you and Jimmy was so obvious that day. I read your whole story about Jimmy I was moved by the love that lasted all these years and your love of the Lord by you both. We did not know Jimmy was going through this. We moved away from MN in 1987. We are so very sad for you all. May God Bless and strengthen Krissy, Michael, Rick and Jenna. Your story about Jimmy was just so sweet and sad and inspiring....
Dear Kris, Michael, Rick and Jenna,
Jimmy will always be in our hearts. He added so much to our lives, from BB to Jim's famous last minute get togethers. I consider it an honor to be one of the original "Loser" friends. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. We will miss him very much.
Love Randy, Pam, Ryan & Katie Schulz
Jimmy will always be in our hearts. He added so much to our lives, from BB to Jim's famous last minute get togethers. I consider it an honor to be one of the original "Loser" friends. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. We will miss him very much.
Love Randy, Pam, Ryan & Katie Schulz
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Jimmy's Memorial Service Update
I wanted to get this information out as quickly as possible regarding Jimmy's Memorial:
Service will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove on Friday, March 13, at 5:00pm. The church is located at the intersection of Bass Lake Road and County Road 101. We will be having a "Celebration of Jimmy" following the service at Rush Creek Golf Club, which is just a couple of blocks north on County Road 101. We hope to see you there!
I want to extend a 'thank you' to everyone who has offered their support and condolences. Because my wonderful sister has been faithfully printing out each page and comment posted on this blog as a keepsake for our family, I am extending an opportunity for whoever wishes to post something on the blog but can't figure out how to do the 'comments' part. It's actually really easy, so I am including directions on how to 'post' on my blog:
From Google, type in 'blogger.com'
Click on 'Blogger..Create your free blog'
Sign in at the top using my account info which is:
Username: krisreynolds@comcast.net
Password: krissykrissy
Now click on 'New Post' and you can write your comments that you would like posted on the blog. You may also add pictures by clicking on the 'add image' icon at the top.
Please do not misuse this "confidential information". I just thought it would be a nice way to share thoughts and pictures regarding Jimmy to be served as a legacy by his family. My hope is that his future grandchildren will have the opportunity to "know" the grandpa that they will never get to meet. Thank you again for all of the support that has been extended to our family.
Lovingly,
Krissy
Service will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove on Friday, March 13, at 5:00pm. The church is located at the intersection of Bass Lake Road and County Road 101. We will be having a "Celebration of Jimmy" following the service at Rush Creek Golf Club, which is just a couple of blocks north on County Road 101. We hope to see you there!
I want to extend a 'thank you' to everyone who has offered their support and condolences. Because my wonderful sister has been faithfully printing out each page and comment posted on this blog as a keepsake for our family, I am extending an opportunity for whoever wishes to post something on the blog but can't figure out how to do the 'comments' part. It's actually really easy, so I am including directions on how to 'post' on my blog:
From Google, type in 'blogger.com'
Click on 'Blogger..Create your free blog'
Sign in at the top using my account info which is:
Username: krisreynolds@comcast.net
Password: krissykrissy
Now click on 'New Post' and you can write your comments that you would like posted on the blog. You may also add pictures by clicking on the 'add image' icon at the top.
Please do not misuse this "confidential information". I just thought it would be a nice way to share thoughts and pictures regarding Jimmy to be served as a legacy by his family. My hope is that his future grandchildren will have the opportunity to "know" the grandpa that they will never get to meet. Thank you again for all of the support that has been extended to our family.
Lovingly,
Krissy
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Good-Bye Jimmy!
My beloved Jimmy passed away this morning just after 11:04 this morning, Phoenix time. He, fourtunately, went peacefully. The kids and I were with him, as we had stayed the night. My Superman's amazing heart just kept on beating for as long as it was able. The nurses did a wonderful job of keeping him comfortable, and he looked just like my precious baby sleeping. We received so many texts and emails during the duration, and I was able to pass all the hugs and messages that were sent directly to him during this last phase of his incredible journey.
I am still feeling so much pain and emptiness, that I find it difficult to write anything right now. I hope you will excuse me and give me a little time to express myself. I do want you to know that no husband or father was ever loved more!
We made the family decision, per Jim's request, that he be cremated. I will be picking out a companion urn so that we may be together again when my time has come. I asked him to save me a place in Heaven too. The kids and I decided that we were not going to do an open casket reviewal before the cremation, as our Jimmy was just too full of life to try to have him displayed as he was when we had to leave him. So I hope that you will keep him alive in your memories. Please feel free to bring any pictures that you would like to display to the memorial. Also, if anyone would care to share a few words during the service, please contact me, and I will make sure that you have the opportunity to do so during the program. We haven't picked a date or time yet, but we plan to have Jim's memorial at our church, Lord of Life, in Maple Grove. It will most likely be scheduled next week, possibly into the weekend. Watch for information in the newspaper and also on this blog.
For now, please say one more prayer for Jimmy, and ask God to watch over me and the kids. I know that Jim will take very good care of us from up above and have no doubt that he has already talked God into his angel wings.
Love and blessings to you all,
Krissy, Michael, Ricky, and Jennabelle
I am still feeling so much pain and emptiness, that I find it difficult to write anything right now. I hope you will excuse me and give me a little time to express myself. I do want you to know that no husband or father was ever loved more!
We made the family decision, per Jim's request, that he be cremated. I will be picking out a companion urn so that we may be together again when my time has come. I asked him to save me a place in Heaven too. The kids and I decided that we were not going to do an open casket reviewal before the cremation, as our Jimmy was just too full of life to try to have him displayed as he was when we had to leave him. So I hope that you will keep him alive in your memories. Please feel free to bring any pictures that you would like to display to the memorial. Also, if anyone would care to share a few words during the service, please contact me, and I will make sure that you have the opportunity to do so during the program. We haven't picked a date or time yet, but we plan to have Jim's memorial at our church, Lord of Life, in Maple Grove. It will most likely be scheduled next week, possibly into the weekend. Watch for information in the newspaper and also on this blog.
For now, please say one more prayer for Jimmy, and ask God to watch over me and the kids. I know that Jim will take very good care of us from up above and have no doubt that he has already talked God into his angel wings.
Love and blessings to you all,
Krissy, Michael, Ricky, and Jennabelle
Monday, March 2, 2009
? ? ?
I'm sorry, but I can't even come up with a title for today's blog entry. This is the hardest thing for me to write, but I feel that I owe you all an explanation and to not leave you hanging.
Obviously, I do not have good news. The doctors were able to get the MRI done today and confirmed my worst fear. Dr. Fiorella came and took me and Diane to his office to show us the pictures. There, he explained the extent and location of the stroke that Jimmy suffered in his brain stem. Although the bypass still looks good and the coiling is fine, his body just couldn't handle the trauma, and he clotted off in an area that has taken away all his brain function except for basic reflexes. That is why his eyes were able to open and he would 'extend' in response to pain. They don't feel that Jimmy ever regained any form of consciousness after his last surgery, which means that he has not suffered any discomfort, for which I am so grateful.
Based on this prognosis and the lack of possibility for any kind of improvement or recovery, I have to make the incredibly painful decision of letting my Jimmy go. I can never put into words how my heart is breaking.
I have had to tell my children this horrible news without the comfort of being able to hold them in my arms. They have all chosen to fly out here to say their "good-byes" to their Dad before we take him off life support. I am so glad that we will have the opportunity to be together and to comfort each other.
I am praying for God's strength and comfort to help us all through this grieving process. No husband or father was ever loved more, and I thank you for loving him too. It was Jimmy's wishes that, should this happen, we would let him go to Heaven to find comfort with his parents who are waiting with loving arms to receive him.
I will try to follow up with this in a few days to let you know of our plans. Right now I am a little too muddled to think ahead that far. I do want to take this opportunity to thank every one of you for all of the love and support you have shown Jimmy and our family. He will be so very missed, but his love and faith will help us to continue on as he would want us to.
With love and gratitude,
Krissy, Michael, Rick, and Jenna
Obviously, I do not have good news. The doctors were able to get the MRI done today and confirmed my worst fear. Dr. Fiorella came and took me and Diane to his office to show us the pictures. There, he explained the extent and location of the stroke that Jimmy suffered in his brain stem. Although the bypass still looks good and the coiling is fine, his body just couldn't handle the trauma, and he clotted off in an area that has taken away all his brain function except for basic reflexes. That is why his eyes were able to open and he would 'extend' in response to pain. They don't feel that Jimmy ever regained any form of consciousness after his last surgery, which means that he has not suffered any discomfort, for which I am so grateful.
Based on this prognosis and the lack of possibility for any kind of improvement or recovery, I have to make the incredibly painful decision of letting my Jimmy go. I can never put into words how my heart is breaking.
I have had to tell my children this horrible news without the comfort of being able to hold them in my arms. They have all chosen to fly out here to say their "good-byes" to their Dad before we take him off life support. I am so glad that we will have the opportunity to be together and to comfort each other.
I am praying for God's strength and comfort to help us all through this grieving process. No husband or father was ever loved more, and I thank you for loving him too. It was Jimmy's wishes that, should this happen, we would let him go to Heaven to find comfort with his parents who are waiting with loving arms to receive him.
I will try to follow up with this in a few days to let you know of our plans. Right now I am a little too muddled to think ahead that far. I do want to take this opportunity to thank every one of you for all of the love and support you have shown Jimmy and our family. He will be so very missed, but his love and faith will help us to continue on as he would want us to.
With love and gratitude,
Krissy, Michael, Rick, and Jenna
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Day 3 - Post Coiling Surgery
Hi!
Today was kind of a stressful day. Jimmy looked nice and awake when I came in, so I was hoping for a good day. There was a little bleeding coming from his right EVD (brain drain), but the doctor didn't seem overly concerned about it because it hasn't really been working right anyway. Then Jim had another high fever spike, which was challenging for the nurse to try to bring down, and she was having difficulty getting him to respond to pain on his right side, so the doctor decided to go ahead and order a CT scan because his ICPs (brain pressure levels) were too high. The good thing is that Jimmy is getting lots of special attention, so the scan got read right away. It looked fine, except for a little bleeding around the site of the catheter, which wasn't really a concern. Shortly after that, he did begin responding to pain on both sides, so it might have been the fever spike that was causing that.
Poor Jimmy has bruises all over his chest area because they have to pinch him to get him to show them that his body can react to the pain reflex, which they call extending. They always apologize to him, so I hope he understands, but until he can move on his own accord, it's the only way they have to measure how he's doing.
I wish I had better news about his progress, but he's still not able to respond to any commands other than opening his eyes. They did another follow-up CT scan this evening, and everything still looks okay, and his fever and vitals were looking good when I left, but he'll probably have more of the same stuff to deal with again tomorrow. Nothing is showing up in regard to any infections, so they feel that it is a brain fever from the trauma. He slept through the whole afternoon, but at least he appeared to be comfortable. I keep trying to talk to him when his eyes are open, and I think he hears me, but it's hard to know what to talk about because I'm not sure how much he's comprehending or is aware of. I just keep trying to explain everything to him, and telling him who he is, and who I am, and where he is, and who his kids are, and what day it is, and so on ... I'm hoping that if he gets sick of me repeating myself enough he'll try to reach up and strangle me or mouth at me to 'shut up'. I would gladly take that kind of abuse!!
I'm not sure when they will try to do another MRI, but it will probably be sometime this week. I'm thinking that, with the little bit of bleeding that he had today, they might put it off until later this week. They can't do an MRI without removing his butterfly needle that is tapped into his shunt, and they don't want to risk that yet because the EVD on the other side is being so temperamental. As the doctor explained to me, they have to treat him the way that they are doing right now with the brain drains and the heparin blood thinner anyway, so the MRI isn't going to make them do anything differently. All the MRI will do is allow them to see if Jim has had any strokes that would explain his inability to move. If they can't find any evidence of that, then we can expect that it is more likely due to compression on the brain stem, which should be a temporary condition. Obviously, I am hoping that the compression is the issue and not a stroke. This make the MRI a double edged sword -- it can either give us very good news or very bad news. Therefore, I will not push the issue and just let it get done when the doctors decide to get it done.
Other than the relief I felt from the results of Jimmy's two CT scans, the highlight of the day was that one of my best friends, Diane Estes, surprised me this evening by showing up at the hospital! I was so surprised that I almost fell off the chair!! She came all the way from Florida just to hold my hand for the next few days. She'll be here until Wednesday. Poor Jimmy was so wiped out that he couldn't keep his eyes open for long to say 'hi', but I'm hoping he is feeling well enough to enjoy her company tomorrow. We chatted at the hotel and got caught up on some girl talk this evening, so I've been able to enjoy her already. I haven't seen Di-Di since December 2007, so this is a REALLY big treat -- thanks to Jon, Jessie, and Erica for sharing her with me! I treated her to a wonderful dinner at the hospital cafeteria, so I'm pretty sure that she will be successful at dragging me to some local restaurants for the rest of the time that she is here. I hope the nice weather holds.
Anyway, I'm going to drop off to bed again -- I haven't been sleeping all that well lately. I hope that I can have some wonderful news for all of us at some point during this week. I just want to know that Jimmy is expected to get better ... then I can be the most patient person in the world. Everytime that Jim has a test, I hold my breath, and so far, so good! The MRI will be a big one, but I will have faith that God won't let me down on that one either. So, please keep praying for our happy ending. This whole experience has been such a wonderful faith strengthener, that I can never regret going through it ... not that I won't be happy when it's behind us, though! Sweet dreams to all -- especially to my Jimmy!
Love,
Krissy
Today was kind of a stressful day. Jimmy looked nice and awake when I came in, so I was hoping for a good day. There was a little bleeding coming from his right EVD (brain drain), but the doctor didn't seem overly concerned about it because it hasn't really been working right anyway. Then Jim had another high fever spike, which was challenging for the nurse to try to bring down, and she was having difficulty getting him to respond to pain on his right side, so the doctor decided to go ahead and order a CT scan because his ICPs (brain pressure levels) were too high. The good thing is that Jimmy is getting lots of special attention, so the scan got read right away. It looked fine, except for a little bleeding around the site of the catheter, which wasn't really a concern. Shortly after that, he did begin responding to pain on both sides, so it might have been the fever spike that was causing that.
Poor Jimmy has bruises all over his chest area because they have to pinch him to get him to show them that his body can react to the pain reflex, which they call extending. They always apologize to him, so I hope he understands, but until he can move on his own accord, it's the only way they have to measure how he's doing.
I wish I had better news about his progress, but he's still not able to respond to any commands other than opening his eyes. They did another follow-up CT scan this evening, and everything still looks okay, and his fever and vitals were looking good when I left, but he'll probably have more of the same stuff to deal with again tomorrow. Nothing is showing up in regard to any infections, so they feel that it is a brain fever from the trauma. He slept through the whole afternoon, but at least he appeared to be comfortable. I keep trying to talk to him when his eyes are open, and I think he hears me, but it's hard to know what to talk about because I'm not sure how much he's comprehending or is aware of. I just keep trying to explain everything to him, and telling him who he is, and who I am, and where he is, and who his kids are, and what day it is, and so on ... I'm hoping that if he gets sick of me repeating myself enough he'll try to reach up and strangle me or mouth at me to 'shut up'. I would gladly take that kind of abuse!!
I'm not sure when they will try to do another MRI, but it will probably be sometime this week. I'm thinking that, with the little bit of bleeding that he had today, they might put it off until later this week. They can't do an MRI without removing his butterfly needle that is tapped into his shunt, and they don't want to risk that yet because the EVD on the other side is being so temperamental. As the doctor explained to me, they have to treat him the way that they are doing right now with the brain drains and the heparin blood thinner anyway, so the MRI isn't going to make them do anything differently. All the MRI will do is allow them to see if Jim has had any strokes that would explain his inability to move. If they can't find any evidence of that, then we can expect that it is more likely due to compression on the brain stem, which should be a temporary condition. Obviously, I am hoping that the compression is the issue and not a stroke. This make the MRI a double edged sword -- it can either give us very good news or very bad news. Therefore, I will not push the issue and just let it get done when the doctors decide to get it done.
Other than the relief I felt from the results of Jimmy's two CT scans, the highlight of the day was that one of my best friends, Diane Estes, surprised me this evening by showing up at the hospital! I was so surprised that I almost fell off the chair!! She came all the way from Florida just to hold my hand for the next few days. She'll be here until Wednesday. Poor Jimmy was so wiped out that he couldn't keep his eyes open for long to say 'hi', but I'm hoping he is feeling well enough to enjoy her company tomorrow. We chatted at the hotel and got caught up on some girl talk this evening, so I've been able to enjoy her already. I haven't seen Di-Di since December 2007, so this is a REALLY big treat -- thanks to Jon, Jessie, and Erica for sharing her with me! I treated her to a wonderful dinner at the hospital cafeteria, so I'm pretty sure that she will be successful at dragging me to some local restaurants for the rest of the time that she is here. I hope the nice weather holds.
Anyway, I'm going to drop off to bed again -- I haven't been sleeping all that well lately. I hope that I can have some wonderful news for all of us at some point during this week. I just want to know that Jimmy is expected to get better ... then I can be the most patient person in the world. Everytime that Jim has a test, I hold my breath, and so far, so good! The MRI will be a big one, but I will have faith that God won't let me down on that one either. So, please keep praying for our happy ending. This whole experience has been such a wonderful faith strengthener, that I can never regret going through it ... not that I won't be happy when it's behind us, though! Sweet dreams to all -- especially to my Jimmy!
Love,
Krissy
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