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

THE BROWNIE TIMES FRIDAY JUNE 19th

FRIDAY UDPATE

Apparently Dad has a few visitors today.  Even through a window dad was able to see and talk with Trent and Camie today.  In fact it was quite the afternoon.  He got to go on a long wheel chair ride after his visit with Trent and Camie.  Mom said dad being able to see and talk with Trent was really good for his him.

Once mom and dad finished their little walkabout dad needed to take a little nap!

Mom spoke with the respiratory therapist today trying to get a more definite idea of when the tracheotomy tube would come out.  Mom didn't write anything down so we will have to wait for tomorrow so that we can confirming the information.  But he is getting closer everyday.

We can all be very thankful for dads continued progress.  Each day brings him closer to getting home.

THE BROWNIE TIMES THURSDAY JUNE 18th

TODAY'S UPDATE

Wound care day head drain

Dad is still moving forward with his physical therapy.  And he is still really sleepy after each session.  Mom was with dad today when they did the wound care and got me a few pictures!

Many have asked when dad will be home.  The only answer I have for this questions is:  "That's a great question!"

The doctor mom spoke with this week told her that dad was doing great with physical therapy, wound care.  However as far as and exact time we still do not have any answers.

As soon as we know we will let all of you know.  Again we, the Brownie Tomlinson family, are very grateful for all the well wishes and prayers.  May Heavenly Father continue to bless dad, his doctors, nurses and physical therapist with the ability to make good choice that will help dad continue to improve and get home, where he belongs.

THE BROWNIE TIMES WEDNESDAY JUNE 17th

Daily Update

Mom's great news today:  Dad has had a good day.  He walked 585 steps today and rode the bike for PT.  Dad was awake when mom got there and mom was able to rub his neck and shoulders and then he dose in and out of sleep.  Mom said the Physical Therapist is very happy about dad's progress. 

This is a video from a couple of days ago.  One of the worst things it to not be able to drink any water or have ice chips because of the tracheotomy tube.  The nurse would only allow him to use one of these sponges to combat dry mouth.  He was able to dip the sponge into a cup of water.  (I remember being able to use one of these.)

THE BROWNIE TIMES TUESDAY, JUNE 16th

Monday Update

Sorry folks, I was so tried last night that I didn't have the ability to even think let alone type.

Dad had a big day yesterday 5 hours of PT (physical therapy).  By the time mom got there he spent most of her time watching him sleep.  However, she was able to be in the same room and to give him a kiss so she was basically a happy mom.

Mom is still waiting to talk with the doctor at Promise to get more information about the plan for dads care and plan to get dad back home.

Dad, Trent and mom.  Happy Birthday

THE BROWNIE TIMES SUNDAY, JUNE 14th

Today's Update

I spoke with mom about 5 minutes ago and got the rundown of the day's activities.  Mom said that dad was able to be awake for the 2 hours she was with him.  They read through the Sunday School lesson today as well as a couple of chapters in a book mom took with her. 

She reported that dad is struggling to use his left hand.  She worked on the Occupational Therapy similar to what mom and I did those many years ago.  Just you wait, maybe we will get dad using a gaming system by the end of this.  (I swear that the only reason I am able to use my left hand is because of a Gameboy and Tetris)

All in all, mom sound like she was on cloud 9 this evening.  It's so good to hear the joy in her voice.  Dad still can't talk but he can mouth words to communication.  He was struggling to write words but mom knows a few tricks to help him out and will start them tomorrow.

Dad got to do a FaceTime call with Trent today.  Dad was able to hold the iPhone to see Trent and it sounds like the call was good for them both.

As always, mom expressed her gratitude for Heavenly Father and His plan.  We as a family are very grateful for the prayers and petition on our behave for dad recovery.  May you all be as blessed as we feel today.

Dad and Taylor

THE BROWNIE TIMES SATURDAY, JUNE 13th

Today's Update

Fun Fact 1:

Dad can only have 1 visitor per day.  Don't go heading to SLC either!  Mom has claimed the whole entire week for herself! And she says she will not share


Mom made it out to SLC in one piece.  Shawn and Kendall drove her out and dropped her at Promise.  She said that dad was able to answer questions but fell asleep rather quickly and she just spent the time with him.


Will get more info on dads case tomorrow and hopefully a few pictures or video's.  Mom is under strict requests to gather blackmail photo's and video I can later use at another time to torment dad.

THE BROWNIE TIMES FRIDAY, JUNE 12th

Today's Update

Another day, another dollar!  Dad had another good PT session today.  We are working to getting mom ready to head to SLC tomorrow.  She is patiently counting down the hours, minutes and seconds until she will see dad.

We are all missing our dad, grandfather, brother, and of course husband.  Even Aggie, Shawn's youngest, is having a hard time with the fact she is not old enough to go into the hospital to see PopPop.  She and Abby have been missing grandpa big time.  Even Lexy, Russell's oldest, played a beautiful song last weekend durning our family Zoom meeting, which grandma cried through and was so grateful for her granddaughters many talents.

Sending off Trent at SLC Airport June 1993

Thanks so much for all your calls, texts and prayers.  We will continue to update this blog every evening between 8 pm and 10 pm MST.  This is when I get off work and have time to update any information.  And as I will be home alone until further notice I will need some time to contact mom and get any updates and pictures and video's we can post to this blog. 

Remember dad will have access to the blog soon and will be able to read any comments that have been posted.

Fix for Comment Posting

We have an updated on the questions of how to post comments to the blog.  Come to find out Carrie, yes me, can't be right all of the time.  I had a friend help me and we found out that a default setting was on and wouldn't allow anyone without a gmail account to post.  We have fixed that and everyone should be able to post now.  However if you still run into problems I have 3 suggestions:

1)  If you have an Android phone download this Goggle Chrome web browser app.
2)  If you have an Apple iPhone or iPad then download this iOS Goggle Chrome web browser app.
3)  As a last resort setup a Goggle gmail account.

THE BROWNIE TIMES THURSDAY, JUNE 11th

Today's Update

We have good news and we have even better news!

Dad started physical therapy this week and he is already standing up!  Mom got to watch and participate via FaceTime in dad's PT session.  She was so happy to see dad doing his thing!  If he can keep that up then he'll be home sooner rather than later.

But that isn't even the GOOD NEWS!

Mom also found out that she can visit dad for 2 hours every day in person!  She will be headed out with in the next couple of days.  So expect better pictures of dad soon......  Maybe a softer side of dad....


We are so grateful for this news today and it couldn't come at a better time.  Mom and I were working on getting suitcases ready at the beginning of the week.  We thought that maybe if she got the call to go she would be able to go at the drop of a hat. 

Physical Therapy

It's good to know that through the faith and prayers of family and friends, dad is starting to make good progress.  That being said we thank each of you for your love and support.  And selfishly ask that you will continue to pray, have faith and find ways to serve each others as dad would do.

May our Heavenly Father continue to bless our family and each of you.

THE BROWNIE TIMES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

Hello All,

Dad is doing really well in his new space at Promise. He has been evaluated by different therapists (speech, Occupational, etc....). But, we are awaiting results from these evaluations. Speech therapy should be calling mom tomorrow to discuss mom's hopeful participation in speech therapy. She got to FaceTime dad today. He was able to do everything that mom asked him to do. But, still had a hard time keeping his eyes open. However, his eyes were open twice so mom was thrilled.

There is a CT Scan scheduled for July 15th and he will also be meeting with the surgeon that did his coil at that time. They still have him on anti-seizure medication to keep him from having brain seizures and going into a stroke.

The Nurse told Mom tonight that when she asked dad if he remembered what happened and knew where he was he nodded yes. He also let her know that he was not in any pain. YAY!  We Love Progress! All in All things are good and going in the right direction. Again we thank everyone for all the love.

The Tomlinson Clan

THE BROWNIE TIMES Tuesday, June 9th

Todays Updates:

We have spoken to dad's nurse at Promise today. His nurse says he has been evaluated by the speech therapist and will be doing the same for occupational therapy later today.


He had a good night.  He's a little tired from all the moving around yesterday.

I have received several messages about not being able to make comments on the Blog.  I'm working on some instructions that should allow you to comment.  If you can email me your email address I can send you the instructions in case I'm not allow to post a PDF on the blog.  My email address is carrie.tomlinson.ms@gmail.com.

Again thanks to everyone for their love and prayers.

THE BROWNIE TIMES 5:30 PM Monday, June 8th

Todays Update

It's been a good day for dad's medical case.  He was moved to the Neuro Acute Floor this morning.  We found out by accident when the Social Worker call me back about a voicemail I left yesterday.  Once we confirmed where he was the nurse told us that the U of U case manager was waiting to hear from Promise Hospital to see if dad will moved today or tomorrow.

We have been waiting all day to find out what the next steps were.  We got another phone call this afternoon to let us know dad was headed to Promise and would be sent to Promise at around 3:30 pm.  Again we wait for another call.  Promise to let us know dad was admitted to Promise and to gain consent to treat at around 5:30 pm.  Mom updated the nurse with dad's medical history. And of course we had to ask our own questions.  Promise still has a no visitation policy and dad is not in a room with a window.   We will be able to get updates at 10 am and 10 pm.  Dad will not have any devices to do FaceTime or phone calls until we can get him a device.  I'm working on that, even as I post this update, hopefully but tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday afternoon we will be able to see him again.


We are hopefully dad will keep improving.  We will keep you all up to date on his progress.  Again we thank everyone for the support, prayers and well wishes.  God bless each of you. 

I'm not sure how old dad was but he was mostly likely close to graduation.   Maybe one of his siblings will know.

THE BROWNIE TIMES 9:41 PM Sunday, June 7th

Sunday's Update

We have had a slow day today.  Dad is doing well and we were able to do a talk (us talking) with Dad.  The U of U nurses and social workers worked with us to setup  a Zoom Conference call with Chellena and Tom, Trent and Tessa, Erma, Russell and Rashell, Shawn and Kendall, and myself.  We even had a few of the grandkids, Tessa, Mariah, Lexy, Hannah, Abby, Aggie,  Levi and of course Lady Bug!

It was a good day to be able to see dad and to have a kind of family home evening.  Mom spoke about having us all together for the first time in a while and it make you think that even when we are miles apart we can still be together!

I'm sure dad not being able to talk is very frustrating for him.  We pray daily that he will improve to the point that he will be able to speak whenever he wants to.  Of course that means he will no longer be a captive audience, but I think I can live with that!

We will be setting up a few more Zoom calls for Dad and Mom's brothers and sisters soon.  Once we know if he will be moved to Promise we will have a better idea of when we can set that up.

Once again we as a family would like to thank all those who have supported us in during these trying times.  Especially the nurses, doctors, physical therapist, social workers and nurse case managers.

Just an old family picture from Clearfield.

The Brownie Times Saturday, June 6th

Hey all!

Sorry we were unable to update earlier. We were having some technical difficulties due to power outage and storms here in Vernal USA. Anyways, dad did very well through the night and today. They were able to remove the drain yesterday and dad is doing well with that. Everything is draining as it should on its own so there is no need for a shunt. YAY! 😀

Some time next week dad will be moved to Promise Hospital to continue monitoring and therapy. He is still a little confused but for the most part he is following commands and such that nurses and doctors are giving him.

Thank you again for continued prayers!

The Tomlinson Clan

THE BROWNIE TIMES 9:30 AM Friday, June 5th

Morning Update

The update this morning is that we don't have any really news to be updated!  We know that dad handled the clamped-off drainage tube through the night and this morning.  He has gone in for a CT scan already but the medical team still hasn't had a chance to look at the results.  We should hear more this afternoon from the Dr's assigned to dads case.


Again we appreciate all the love and support our family has received from family, from friends and from the community.

An oldie but a goodie!  (This was Abby's Pick)

The Brownie Times 5 PM Thursday, June 4

Good Evening Everyone!

So Today was another good day. After speaking with nurses this afternoon we found out that the doctors decided not to put in a shunt today. They have decided to clamp off his drain tube and monitor it for 24 hours to see if the fluid will drain properly on its own. They will do another MRI tomorrow mid-day to confirm wether or not it is draining properly. If it is draining then they will pull the external drain. If it is not then they will go ahead with the shunt.

The AMAZING part of the day was when mom got to TALK to dad for the first time in two and half weeks. They started speech therapy with him today and he was on a roll so they called mom so she could join in. She was able to talk to him for a couple of minutes. He told her he loved her a couple of times and tried very hard to say some other things but they were unable to understand him. Mom of course was on cloud nine for the rest of the day. We ask for prayers that this progress will continue and he will be able to communicate more and more.

Thank you all again for your love and prayers,

The Tomlinson Clan

THE BROWNIE TIMES 10:00 AM Thursday, June 4th

Morning Update

We got a call from the doctors on dad case last night.  They have discovered the draining system they put in his head is still needed.  What has happened is that some of the blood that hasn't drained out has formed scabs over the normal draining system for the brain fluid.  Today they will be going in and putting in a shunt that will drain the brain fluid to dad's stomach.  We do not have an exact time for the procedure but we do know it will take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours.

This is one more step in getting dad to a point he can get to the next step of his recovery.  We have an estimated time for the move to Promise Hospital, Tuesday of next week. (Remember that this timeline is all in theory, it's not a guarantee that he will be moved that day.)

We spoke with dad's nurse this morning and nothing has changed in his case, other than the doctors have reviewed the MRI taken yesterday and are changing the plan for the shunt.  We still do not have a time for the procedure but will call later this afternoon if we don't hear from them before that.

Good new we are very excited to share!  The hospital will allow us to setup a conference video call with the immediate family for this weekend.  I've been in touch with Neuro's social worker and nurse case manager to set it up.  They are all really excited to help us out.  This will give the brothers and sisters the opportunity to be a part of his day bring brightness to his Sunday afternoon.

We appreciate all your support for our family and for our father.  We have been grateful for the calls, messages, visits and prayers.  We have felt an out pouring of blessings these last few weeks.  Especially on the day's it's hard to keep a smile on our faces!

Here's a few faces that may seem familiar

THE BROWNIE TIMES 3:36 PM Wednesday, June 3rd

Afternoon Update

Well so much for not having anything to report for today!  Today has been a good day in the Tomlinson house.  We have tried several attempts at doing a FaceTime call with dad and he is always sleeping.  It has been a trying exercise in futility, or so it seemed.....

Today Mom was able to talk with dad and see his open eyes for the first time since he went into the hospital.  His eyes open and recognition reflected back for about 10 minutes.  He can't speak because of the tracheotomy, but he can blink his eyes and he seemed to be a little emotional.

This is the first time in dad's life that he will have to listen instead of speaking.  So basically he's our captive audience until further notice!  And I'm not sure about the rest of you but I plan on taking full advantage of it!

Picture from FaceTime 6/3/20

THE BROWNIE TIMES 10:04 AM Wednesday, June 3rd

Morning Update

Morning family and friends!  We have updated information regarding dad's case.

First, dad was accepted into the Promise Hospital in Murray.  We still don't have a transfer date as dad still has the drain in his brain, but at least we know where he is going.  Promise still has a no visitors policy but they are COVID free.  Promise is all on one floor and each patient room has a window so we can at least look through the window and see him and he maybe able to see us.

Second, dad's nurse, told us this morning that dad didn't use the ventilator at all last night.  He still has enriched o2 through the trac but he is doing all the breathing on his own. 

Third, the feeding tube they put directly into dad's stomach is giving dad all the calories,  protein, nutrients and of course sugar he can get! 

Lastly, we need to prepare everyone for the timeline for dad's recovery.  When dad is transfer to Promise Hospital he will be there a minimum of 3 weeks.  If and when he is ready he will be transferred to a rehab facility.  This process will mostly last through the summer and into the fall.  Mom, Shawn, Kendall, and Carrie has a new contact that will help us navigate the insurance and is a good point of contact about patience care at facilities like Promise Hospital and rehab centers. 

Again we are every hopeful as a family that dad will be able to continue to improve over these next few days to the point of him being able to get him transferred to Promise Hospital.

Another picture of Dad and Mom

THE BROWNIE TIMES 10:34 AM Tuesday, June 2nd

Morning Update

Have spoken with dad's nurse and she says there wasn't changes during the night.  We tried to talk with him on the speaker phone this morning to see if he would opening his eyes and look for mom. 

We haven't heard from the Long-Term Acute Center to know if where dad will goes next.  We are now hoping to hear more this afternoon.


Again thanks so much for your prayers and love.

A Trip with Grandma Freston and Grandma Tomlinson

THE BROWNIE TIMES 12:34 PM Monday, June 1st

Morning update:

This morning we found out dad was able to handle the entire night with out the ventilator.  This means he is doing all the breathing on his own.

He is still handling the increase in pressure in the brain fluid.  Once he is able to turn off the drain in his brain he will be moved to a long term acute center where he can continue to improve and get some rehab.

We are working towards getting more information from the doctors today in the usually afternoon phone call.

We've setup another call for mom to talk with dad this afternoon as well as setting up a time to have a speaker phone call for evening family prayers.