Friday, March 25, 2011

An Even Smile

I can't stop smiling.  Miracles Happen.



Dad makes it to ICU

Mom answers all his questions





















Dad is up in the ICU and we have set up camp in his room with him.  When mom saw him in the hallway he held up his hand, and she got to go hold it.  Once they got him into the room and hooked up to all the crazy machines he just wanted to talk to us, asking questions about the surgery and what the doctor said.  He asked about the blog.  We told him we'd updated quite a few times throughout the morning and that we'd read it to him after he rested.  He didn't want to rest, but wanted to hear what was written and every one's comments.


Dad's even smile!!!!

The best part is he smiled and it was even!  No drooping!  Mom just exclaimed, "Look!" and Amy and I went right over.  He was good enough to smile again so I could snap a picture.  It is such a relief.  He's even made a few funny comments (Just now he said, "Next time you update the blog tell every one that I think St. Peter passes out Peanut Butter Cups at the Pearly Gates."  Mom replied, "Not today, you're not there!").  And that brings such peace.  Dad isn't Dad without his humor.  I'm just waiting for him to make up a song about his tumor, and then I'll know that he's really recovering.


They are monitoring his neurological activity every hour.  So far he's passed all their tests.  We're letting him rest now.  The less stimulation the better.  In the mean time we get to enjoy the beautiful views of the valley from his room.  Good thing we can see the JCC (Dad's work) from here.  That way Dad can still make sure everything is going okay down there.

PS. Tracie- we read to Dad the story of yours that Mel posted.  He wanted us to tell you that he remembers that time and that he hopes everything is going well for you!

25 comments:

  1. You don't know me, but I'm the ECC Director at the J and work with your dad. Dave, we miss you so much. We all read your poem and ate our PB cups all day in your honor (the health and fitness department would not be pleased with the amount of sugar consumed in your honor today!) But none of us even worried about that - we only worried about you. We have all been checking in with one another all day and checking your blog and Andrea's emails. I really can't even begin to describe how many people took a sigh of relief (after holding our breathes ALL morning) when Andrea told us that you were out of surgery and doing well. You have an entire "other" family here at work cheering for you, loving you and sending good vibes. You are missed beyond words, and although you are not here - I hope you know that you and your family are never alone. It is hard for us to see our big, strong, do-it all man being in a hospital gown and bed - so just seeing your smile makes us all feel a bit of relief. We love you and care for you and you are in our prayers each and every single second. I hope your family knows how much we care for them and as I drove to work today, I didn't want to turn left and come in to our parking lot - I wanted to turn right and sit and support your loved ones during this experience. But, I figured they would think the stranger from the J was crazy if she tried to come and embrace them all in the waiting room - so I resisted the urge and came to work instead. Please know we love you and are here for you. Keep us posted and keep on smiling and making jokes - it helps us to not keep holding our breathe around here :) I can sense the deep love of your dear family and I would call that a lucky and rich man who is surrounded by such love. all our love, Annie Frazier

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  2. The Smith family...
    Our thoughts are with you, and love to you during this difficult time. Thank goodness David has made it out of surgery so well!
    Blessings and Strength to you all.
    Love,
    Amanda, Jeff, Zoe and Baby Alton

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  3. We are SO glad to hear the surgery went well. You all have been in our thoughts & prayers all day & will continue to be. Know that we love you! Thanks for being such great examples to us.
    Love, The Neilsons

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  4. Dear Smith Family,
    I'm so very happy to hear about Bro. Smith's successful surgery. My father Conrad especially wishes to send his love and well wishes to you Bro. Smith. His chemo is taking a toll on him and he understands clearly how important your health is when you don't have it. And how much of a difference it makes when you have a loving spouse and family behind you. You're so blessed to have both! We wish you a continued and speedy recovery. Warm Regards, Cory Cole Ludvigson

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  5. Hi all you strong Smiths.... we are so glad to read the latest post about surgery and ICU recovery. HOORAY!!
    So glad that David has made it out of surgery!
    Great to see his smile! wow!
    Reading through some of the comments...we have two grands that remember the llamas! Zac & Kenz remember coming to Oak City with us several years ago and what a great time they had!
    Of course, we all LOVED going for pizza!!
    Take care. Keep smiling. Love, Dave & Dix

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  6. It is so heartwarming to see you smile, Dave. I'm so glad that you can see us. It really makes us feel connected to you. We're all doing ok trying to work but always wondering how you are. We can handle things for a LITTLE bit but we need you. Thank you Janice and Abbie and Amy for the phone and blog updates. I had my phone in the locker room and was sitting on a bench talking with Janice and all the women who were in there were thrilled to overhear the conversation. Everyone here is thinking of you. Keep smiling!

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  7. Blogging is new to me - this is my first time ever. I neglected to sign the entry above at 3:56PM.
    Andrea

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  8. So happy to see that smile! Humor can be such a great medicine! I can tell you are getting it in large doses already! Love you all! Tracie

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  9. Happy to hear the good news. thank you for the updates. Heidi McCabe (and family)

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  10. I'm very relieved that everything went well.... I kept thinking about Grey's Anatomy all day when Izzy had that brain tumor and they were able to get all of it and she went through chemo and recovered and was still able to practice medicine.... I had to keep reminding myself that it was not real and just a stupid TV show.... BUT the miracles that have happened today, I am just so happy :)
    I have no idea why I wrote that about the Grey's Anatomy thing haha, but I'm just being honest and telling you what I was thinking about.
    Love you uncle Dave and am praying for you to have strength and a smooth recovery.

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  11. OOps this is Lisa not Gavin... his account must be logged in. We Love You
    Lisa Metcalf and Family

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  12. So happy to see that smile Dave! I have been thinking of you and sending good thoughts and prayers your way for days. What an incredible man you are Dave! I love having my desk right outside your office, so you better get back there soon!! You have a great sense of humor and I love that you are still making jokes! Take care, you have an incredible support system with your family, as well as your JCC family! We love you Dave!
    Lori Weight

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  13. Yay! There's the great smile we know. I love reading all the comments. The Smith family is a great thing to be a part of - full of wonderful, strong people are who HUGE examples to me always. I can't wait to hear the "Tumor Song" or "Operation Song"...or maybe both!! And I'm glad to hear the jokes. It looks like they put his head back together just as it should be. See you soon! Hugs from Sawyer and Lincoln!!

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  14. Yay! I am so happy to hear that everything went well. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Keep smiling, and make sure Abbie gets you some Reese's eggs. :)

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  15. Dave and family, I just found out last night, the 24th, about your situation and your blog from Joe Anderson. I appreciated him filling me in, and recognize it has been along time since we talked. I can't imagine the harrowing experience you are having, but am delighted to hear such positive comments about your surgery and your recovery. When you feel the time is right, perhaps you can let me know, and I would like to come visit. Sorry to have been so out of touch for the past several months, but hope you can forgive my lack of attention. See you soon. Dave Steed

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  16. Dave,
    I told you that miracles do happen. Looking forward to seeing you at the J soon.

    Victor

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  17. This evening I am so grateful for the positive success in the surgery. As I followed this throughout the day, I found myself very anxious wanting to know what I could do as your home teacher. I guess once a home teacher to a great family, you always care about them. Dave's smile reminded me of many occasions as we sat together and shared fun times. I also recall sharing many spiritual moments as blessing were given and received. I am grateful that Dave received a priesthood blessing and understands the Lord's plan of happiness and he continues to share that with his humor. As you gather as a family, I know of your strength and love, and it will guide you through this obstacle. I recall a evening with your family in our home just prior to you leaving for Utah where testimonies were shared and love proclaimed. May each of you know that love and concern is genuine and real. We pray for you and love you. May you enjoy the tender mercies that you will experience individually and as a family. Thank you for sharing this blog with us. Will Love

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  18. So good to hear things went well yesterday and hope for the very best recovery! Thanks for the updates.

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  19. You and your family are in our thoughts in prayers. No sugar intake allowed I'm afraid, but a fast tomorrow, then a bit more prayer. Dave, I was a goof, but I count the summer working for you and your Dad, with Russ and Mark, as the best work experience of my young life. Thanks for setting me straight Jeff Leavitt and family.

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  20. I am so glad to here you are doing well. I hope you continue to have a safe and healthy recovery. We all are thinking about you and wishing you the best!

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  21. Dave and family, My heart was so sorry to hear the news of Dave's illness. I went right to prayer for him and am so glad the surgery left him restored. I will pray for the exact treatment for and complete eradication of the c. I hate to even say the word and give it any power. God, famiy and friends are more of a force than anything else. Stay encouraged. Be well Dave, the JCC people and building need you. Dianna

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  22. Dave it is do wonderful to hear that you are doing well. I hope your recovery continues to be a postive one. Looking forward to more good news!!

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  23. Dave, i'm so glad to hear things went well. I was surprised to find out of your illness because it was unoticeable that you were sick. You are so strong both physically and emotionally! You are in my thoughts...
    Katie (JCC Kindergarten)

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