at the zoo

4 weeks later

Four weeks later, Von is back to work and continuing therapy and exercises, etc. on his neck and upper back. He's managing pretty well. Sheila still has her seatbelt mark on her neck, and has pain now and then in her lower abdomen, but is keeping on top of it.

Elder Stobbe (Scooby Doo) returns

Elder Ben Stobbe (Stow-by)
Ben with parents, John and Tammy, (Sheila in background)
Tammy and son, Tim, in new kitchen
Oldest brother, Russ Stobbe, in front of backyard luncheon

Little Ben Stobbe (former neighbor) returned recently from Uraguay. Good talk today at church, retelling the life and spiritual experiences of an LDS mission in a foreign land. Great testimony and a great young man. Von and I chipped in to prepare for his luncheon, since his parents had recently remodeled the kitchen and much needed to be done, as well as the meal preparation. We got it done, though, and with the beautiful weather, made for a very special day.

Von's new wheels

The replacement Tundra arrived last night. It's a 2006 SR5, extended cab, so lots of room in back for a change. Von is well enough to drive again, so has turned a new leaf, with a new lease on life as well. He should return to work soon, after another check-up tomorrow.

grandparents day at school

Camron, Tyler and Kristin with Rosie
Having mini corndogs for lunch
Kristin brought her own lunch


Kristin's desk, 2nd grade.

update on Von and Sheila

As of today, both Von and Sheila are healing well, physically and emotionally. Von had his first therapy session yesterday (Oct. 8), and already increased his range of motion in the neck a little.
He is scheduled to go in MWF for further sessions until his range is better. He has 8 exercises to go through several times a day, with hot and cold treatments inbetween, along with the pain and anitinflamatory meds. He's doing really well, and getting the needed rest and relaxation. His next check-up is Oct. 16, and he thinks he'll be well enough to return to work the Mon. after, when is supervisor plans to put him on light duty until he's ready for his regular duties.

Sheila really did have an angel. She has healed almost completely. She still has the abrassion on her neck, but the scab came off and beautiful new "angel skin" was underneath. Now she is just experiencing the usual pregnancy pains as the baby grows bigger. Many, many blessings have been counted.

The next Tundra should be arriving any day from Calif.

middle of the night contemplation

It's 2:30 AM, and one of those restless nights, so made my way to write down some thoughts.
Almost a week after Von and Sheila's accident, and we continue to marvel at how it has turned
out. Even our insurance estimator called yesterday after evaluating the truck, and asked if Von and Sheila were ok. (The truck is totaled) He thought they would be in much more serious condition than they are. I've told many that there had to be angels involved. Sheila especially was spared greatly, compared to Von. But Von, too, is making remarkable progress each day.
He's ditched the cane, and walks more sure of himself. Both are noticing more bruising...Sheila's belly has a huge bruise where her seatbelt was, and a bruise on one shin. Von's arms are bruising from the IV's and from hitting the side of the truck during impact. Signs of healing.
When Sheila first saw the front of the truck, she broke down, probably in amazement. We've had many friends drop by, and a couple of them have also shed tears, as they view our slideshow.
One thing I haven't shared much is my reaction from the first call from Sheila. Of course I was
concerned at the sound of Sheila's quivery voice that she and Von had been in an accident. I had no idea how serious things were, but....as I headed out the door to the sound of sirens heading that way, a calmness enveloped me, which took conrol over me the rest of the night. I stayed calm and moved about the horrific scene staying close to Von and observing Sheila's care, maintaining as much eye contact with her as I could, assuring her that Jon was on his way to be with her. Rosie and I had no trouble standing at Von's side for a couple hours in the emergency room, calming and reassuring him that everything was alright.
Sheila's check-up yesterday indicated that all is normal, inspite of the wound and bruises. Her doctor calls her "trouble." This is her third pregnancy, and all have been challenging. I think this one tops the list now.
So, all is well. Von is looking for another TUNDRA. We know it can save lives.
Must try to go back to sleep. Good night.