THE BROWNIE TIMES FRIDAY, JULY 10th

UPDATE

We have gotten good news this week.  It looks like dad and mom will be home by next Wednesday July 15th.  The rehab is releasing dad on Saturday but they will have to wait until the 15th for a doctors appointment with the U of U Neruo Dr.

Dad is doing great and I actually got to talk with him this past week.  They took the trac tube out and dad can talk without any assistance.  His voice sound good and strong.  He is very excited to come home too.

We will keep updating dad's progress every Friday morning from this point forward.  We also ask that everyone please wait to see dad once he is home.  The doctors have put the fear of God into mom and told her, because of is age he is at high risk of getting COVID virus.  The only ones that will be allowed in the house to visit is his immediate family (ie his kids) and grandkids that haven't been exposed to the public. 

We can setup a Zoom, FaceTime or Skype call with those of you who are interested in talking with him.  If you would like to do this please email Carrie at carrie.tomlinson.ms@gmail.com.  I will be creating a call list.  In your email please provide the following information:

Type of contact Zoom, FaceTime or Skype
Phone number, email address, or Skype username
Day to call time, but he will only be calling out for 1 hour each dad.  From 4 PM to 5 PM starting Monday, 20th.

****All FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype calls are subject to change depending on dad's health, tiredness or ability to talk!*****

THE BROWNIE TIMES FRIDAY, JULY 3RD

UPDATE

 
It's been a long few days for everyone!  Dad has been working hard at both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.  One of the biggest thing from this week is getting reading and getting dressed.

He is also working on talking more.  The respiratory therapist gave dad a plug to put in the int the trac tube which allows him to talk better.  I think one of the biggest frustrations for dad is to not be able to express himself without words.

Mom even texted on July 1st to tell us that dad was able to kneel down for evening prayers.  She said: "He was able to basically get himself back up.  It was a humbling moment for me to see the deep humility and testimony of his inner faith being used to thank our Father in Heaven for all his help, tender mercies and miracles."

Dad still keeps moving forward in all areas.  Doctors are very impressed with dad's recovery.  He will meet with the Neuro team this month around the 14th, I think. 

Here in Vernal we have seen our own miracles.  We had the young men from the ward visit on Wednesday even.  They came to  help get Brother Brownie be ready for the winter.  They cut, split and stacked wood for the winter.  It's was a wonderful site to see all those men and young men doing something for the man who has taught them by example and lessons.  This will allow us to keep focused on dad's recovery through the summer. 

Don't forget to Vote June 30th

June 30th 2020 Primary Vote

Today is an import day in the USA.  The right for each person 18 year or older to cast their vote in the our nation's primary's vote.

This is a special time in the Tomlinson family, an opportunity to see democracy in action.  When the Constitution was first formed many felt that the everyday lower class, working class, non-land owners should not have the right to vote.  That these men and women didn't have the intellect to make an informed decision.  These founding fathers debated this issue many times when drafting the constitution and bill of rights.  There was no party system like Englands, Tory and Wigs, but there were a few in the new government that fought to make sure each of us would have a say in our government. It doesn't matter if it's the actual vote or writing to our state and federal representatives making our voiced heard.

This is not about what party you belong to, this is about making your voice count in the upcoming elections.  My dad has always encouraged each family members to vote.  I even like to tell him at times I voted for the guy's he disagrees with just to get a rise out of him.  Which has worked many times!  (You'd think the man would get a clue and know I'm teasing him!)

Now I know most of you know Brownie's view on politics and he argues passionately for what he feels is right.  It doesn't matter if you are on the left or the right.  What matters is that we all work together to make a difference in our society by making the choice to vote.

In our current environment there is a deep division between the two main political parties. We all know that God sent us to earth to learn to over come our natural tendencies as humans.  To find ways to work together even when on different sides of the debate and to show respect for every life and to show kindness to those opinions that may be in direct conflict with our own.

THE BROWNIE TIMES SUNDAY, JUNE 28th

Sunday Update

Check-in COVID precautions 

Sorry for the long wait, I've been a little busy.  Dad has been moved to the U of U rehab center on Friday.  Mom sent me some pictures of his "new diggs"  (Her words).  Apparently he has a rather large TV in his room, so now he can be in 7th Heaven he will be able to watch Fox News 24/7.  Maybe not idea for mom but she is lovin' being with dad 24/7 so I'm pretty certain she will be able to live with it.

Dad is settling in and has started PT and speech therapy.  Mom says he is doing great and improving daily.  He's even practicing getting in and out of a car at PT.   Here's a video of dad doing his PT.  Check out his fancy new orange/gray shoes!  Those are definitely cowboy boots!

THE BROWNIE TIMES THURSDAY, JUNE 26th

Thursday Update

I have good news and even better news.  Which do you want to hear first?  I know just get on with it!


Dad is being moved to back to the U or U rehab center.  It's a new facility.  The U or U Neruo doctors have been managing dad's case wants him back so they can continue to monitor his case.

Now for the even better news!  Mom was giddy with happiness over this news too.  She will go with dad to the rehab and will get to be with him 24 hours / 7 days a week. Once she goes in she will have to stay at the rehab center with dad until he comes home.  We will only be able to contact both of them by cell, message or FaceTime.

When I spoke to dad yesterday I asked him if there was something he would like me to do for him.  His comment was that he wanted us to find ways to show our gratitude to Heavenly Father.  Find ways to do service. 

Dad, Chad and Mom

THE BROWNIE TIMES WEDNESDAY JUNE 24th

UPDATE

Mom spoke with dad's doctor today.  It looks like dad will be moving on to a new facility soon.  We will have to give a graduation when he moves to the new Acute Rehab facilities.  He has progressed very well according to the doctor.

The next step it to help others manage their expectations in regards to Dad health.  We are not sure about what parts of his brain has been damaged.  It's basically one of those hurry up and wait situations.  What we do know it that he most likely will not come back being able to do all those things we normally see him doing.  The doctors and nurses have expressed the concerns that dad doesn't really understand everything that is going on.  Explaining to the doctor who dad is and how stubborn he is was a fun conversation.  Dad is so used to communicating with only words makes it hard for dad to convey anything other than frustration.  He is still struggling to talk and still working with the speech and respiratory therapist.  And speaking of speech and respiratory therapist they are the ones directing the doctor about dad's tracheotomy tube.  They feel that it is a necessary option in case something would happen and dad's airway was compromised.

The doctor's and nurses are wanting to mange our expectations as a family.  They want to make sure we all know what to expect when dad comes home.  It's because of dad's age and the severity of his aneurysm that create a lot of unknowns as far as his mental and physical abilities.  Most patience with dad's aneurysm fall into one of the following categories: die in the acute stage, end up on life support or they actually improve physically.  Mom's is sure that dad is in the 3rd category and I have similar feelings.  Dad will do whatever he needs to do to get back on his feet and communicating.

We will all need to prepare for when he does come home and we will all need to prepare to step in to help him whenever possible (or when he will let us).  The good news is that everyone will be able to spend time with him!

Dad is one of the strongest willed people I have ever had the opportunity to work with or be a part of his life.  The lessons he has taught me are still going on today to this very day.  In fact I can't think of a day that something he has told me doesn't apply to at least one situation I find myself in that day.  I also know he has many more lessons for me to learn.

Dad at age 4 to 6, we think.  

THE BROWNIE TIMES TUESDAY JUNE 20th

TUESDAY UPDATE

All right folks, I know it's been a couple of days.  I've been super busy.  And the way I see it no news is good news.  Because if something was wrong I would had posted it a lot sooner.

Sunday dad had the opportunity to talk with all of his kids, especially the opportunity to wish all his son's a happy Fathers Day. 

Monday he had a big day with physical therapy and a visit from Erma, Nikki, Mariah and Levi.  I know he has been very grateful for each visit.  I also know he is missing our family and friend dearly. I know that Lady Bug missing him like crazy.  Every truck that pulls into the drive way she is up looking to see if it's dads work trucks.

Thanks to all for the love and support each has given our family.

High School