Saturday, March 17, 2012

Here. We. Go.

I'm pretty sure
that this week wins the
award for
Worst
Possible
Week
Ever.

Between Travis feeling just terrible,
and me trying to do
everything I possibly can
to make him feel better
and be able to be lazy-and hopefully recoup,
we are both spent.

And just when I think I'm cried out..
I find out I'm not.

So a week long stay
in the ICU sounds delightful....

Ok, not really.

Anyhow,
Travis spent most of
Thursday night in the ER
trying to figure out what in the
world is going on with his body.

Chest X-ray-
looked normal (well, normal for him).
So they opted to do an ultrasound on his gallbladder.
Ultrasound-
looked normal.
So they opted to do a CT scan to look for blood clots.
CT scan0
looked normal for him.

(Good and Bad).
We don't want surprises but
we'd love an answer,
and a fix.

They took a lot of blood too
and nothing was too different.

So they sent him home with some antibiotics.

He's still not doing great.
He's fevering often and still in a lot of pain.
And still not eating great.
But I do think he's improved a little.
Just not a lot.

Anyhow tomorrow we are finishing the
preparations for the beginning of our IL-2 journey.
(Making sure everything is packed, house is ready for visitors,
kids are ready, and giving us all good old priesthood blessings.)
And early Monday morning we begin.

Oh man.
We are scared.

Truth.

So many of you keep asking what you can do,
And I have an idea for you!
And I'm hoping you all follow through!
And share with friends and maybe they will help out too...

I'd love for you to comment here for Travis.
Tell him how awesome he is.
Tell him why he can handle the torture.
Tell him how lucky he is to have such a fab wife. (I kid).
Tell him how he is your hero.
He's mine.
Share a story to make him laugh during the week.
Tell a dirty joke if you'd like. We aren't above that...
Tell him anything that might
entertain him,
strengthen him,
make him think,
make him laugh,
cry..
whatever you feel like telling him.

I plan on reading them to him when he is
feeling coherent enough to listen.

This is how you can help.

I mean, really...let's not make me be the soul
entertainer this week.
I'm quite boring really.

Okay,
wish him luck.
Praying....praying....praying for a miracle.

33 comments:

Katie and Co. said...

What a fantastic idea!!! There are so many of us who desperately wish there was something we could do, in our own small way, to help. We don't know all the reasons why we have to experience the crappy parts of life, but I think it's fair to say that from this experience ya'll have learned how loved you truly are. I'm wishing all of you a blessed week, sending as much light and love as I can. If I come across something worth sharing, you bet I'll remember you! You both are simply amazing--which is really anything but simple! It's inspiring to watch you navigate through your journey with so much grace. You have so many people cheering you on...I can only imagine how many more are cheering you on from the other side of the veil too! Draw strength from them too. Praying for you!

Kylee Lewis said...

Its Kylee Merrill:) I just wanted to let you know that I think your the most amazing wife! And too travis-I dont know him very well but I have always noticed that when I see him at church, at your house or anywhere he has a smile on his face! I have always looked up to him for that because even when he is going threw a very very hard time and feels sick he can still have a smile on his face!! That is such an amazing thing and he is a great great example to everyone else around him! Stay strong

The Fluckiger Family said...

You are both two of my favorite and some of the best people I know. No kidding. You've got this. Look at all you have been through already, and look at those two, darling girls of yours. You are both so amazingly strong and I admire you both more than you will ever know. I am extremely grateful that things happen the way the do(and I know they aren't just coincidence); that I "happened" to start beauty school the same time as you Hay, and that you chose Trav. I remember back in those drama-filled days--when Hayley had a missionary and she was constantly filled with angst about what to do--I always hoped and KNEW it would be Trav. Loved him from the start and still do. Love you both. I rarely stop thinking about you and I can say with certainty, that you will be on my mind all week long. My prayers will be with you and I am anxious already at the thought of talking to you afterwards. Be strong! Love you both so much!

Toni G. said...

Hayley-I have only met Travis once, but I always hear great things about him from others. All I can comment is that he DOES have a super great wife and some AWESOME friends thinking about and praying for both of you--and the kiddos too. After reading your post I am thinking a week in ICU is the best thing possible. At least in the "intensive care unit" they can get to the bottom of the pain issue and hopefully make a difference. Wishing you luck and thinking of you. -- Toni

Toni G. said...

Hayley-I have only met Travis once, but I always hear great things about him from others. All I can comment is that he DOES have a super great wife and some AWESOME friends thinking about and praying for both of you--and the kiddos too. After reading your post I am thinking a week in ICU is the best thing possible. At least in the "intensive care unit" they can get to the bottom of the pain issue and hopefully make a difference. Wishing you luck and thinking of you. -- Toni

Andrea said...

I knew Hayley from school back in the day, and I haven't met Travis. I keep up on your story, though, and here is why.

The two of you amaze and inspire me with the way you handle the challenges in your lives. I am in awe of the way Travis puts his discomfort and pain aside to play with his girls and how you both make every effort to provide them with a happy, balanced life. I love how you protect them from the worry. I want to handle myself like you guys.

I am one of your silent cheerleaders. I bet there are a lot of us not sure what to say to you each week, but still rooting for you and sending prayers your way.

Anonymous said...

"Everything will be okay in the end,
If its not okay,
It's not the end"
Unknown

Emma:) said...

I don't know what would help from me, but this is a really good mormon message that helps me when I am complaining about my own little problems. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhXPgZ4-krc&feature=relmfu
just go to the link:)

hess family said...

Hey Travis,
Just want you and your family to know that you are in our hearts and prayers. I don't have any funny stories, but I do remember tending you and your siblings. I probably even changed your diaper. But since that will give away my real age we won't go there. I will say what a great family you have. They are wonderful neighbors and we are so thankful for their friendship and all they do for us. Your mom keeps us updated on you and your sweet family and we know how much you are loved. Know that there are lots of people praying for you. We have seen miracles in our family from priesthood blessings so put your faith and trust in him and turn to him when things get too tough in these next few weeks. We are all praying for your miracle. We are here if you need anything!
Jimmy & Kristy Hess and family

Darin and Joanna said...

Hayley,
My heart goes out to you and your sweet family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you this week. I have never met Travis, but I know you are an awesome wife and mom and I love reading about your family on your blog. You guys are inspiring! Travis seems like an incredible guy and I am so glad you have each other! Hang in there! Too bad life couldn't have stayed as simple as wondering who might cover a shift at the silver shoppe (for the life of me I can't remember what the name of that place was!) You are awsome! Lots of love coming your way!

Linda said...

Okay...we are trying to make Travis laugh. I asked my boys for their best dirty joke so here it is: (Keep in mind this comes from a 10 year old.) This is what Ty wants you to do to cancer: "REE REE kick it's knee. RASS RASS kick its ...... Hope that helps! Love, the Ericksons (Don't judge me that my kids came up with that! Just trying to help.)

Anonymous said...

Fine. Here you go:
A man walks into a bar and says to the barman: I saw you had a sign in your window about looking for entertainers. I’ve got on for you here!

He reaches into his bag and pulls out a tiny grand piano, and sets it up on the bar. He then pulls out a little man, 12 inches tall, dressed in a dinner suit. The little man bows, sits at the piano, and starts playing beautiful music.

The barman is, naturally amazed, and asked where he go him. The man explained: “I found a magic lamp, and so I rubbed it and got a free wish. I still have the lamp if you want it, no good to me now since I’ve had the wish.”

The bartender grabs the lamp, polishes it and sure enough, the genie pops out and asks for what he wishes. The barman immediately said “I want a million bucks!”

There’s a rumbling sound, and the roof cracks opens as the room is filled with ducks, flapping, quacking everywhere.

The bartender yells: “What, is the genie deaf or something? I asked for bucks, not ducks! Bucks!”

The man replies: “Of course he’s deaf. Do you think I asked for a 12-inch pianist?”

Heather said...

My mom always tells the best jokes, but I can only ever remember the dirty ones. Finally, I get to put them to good use! Okay (please Bishop, if you read this, don't release me from my Primary calling. I SWEAR I will never tell these during singing time).

Did you hear about the streaker running around Temple Square? He got into the Tabernacle and they caught him by the organ.

A mother was trying to teach her young son the correct terminology for body parts. One day, he came running in the house, all panicked, saying, "Momma, Momma, a car just ran over the dog's butt!" She, seeing this as a teaching moment, reminded him, "Sweetie, we use the word rectum." The flustered little boy hollered back, "Wrecked 'im? It damn near killed 'im!"

See what a waste of brain space that was? Maybe now I can finally forget them! I'll call my mom tomorrow and get some more. We love you guys.

Justin & Ashlee said...

Good luck this week! Thoughts and prayers your way :) Hope you can kick some cancer butt!

Anonymous said...

Okay this is no joke, it is REAL! My hubby and I were in our bedroom, on a Saturday afternoon and he said, Are you ready to go????? the 14 year old busts through the door and says "Where are we going?" Needless to say that ended it all!

Special K said...

Heres one for you:

I asked a chemist about the condom. He demonstrated how easy it was to use so I bought a packet. My wife fell pregnant again, which doesn't surprise me, as I fail to see how a Durex stretched over the thumb can prevent a baby.

Zac said...

Hey Trav - Just wanted to let you know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and your great family always, but with even more energy for this week. You are an inspiration to so many as you face these difficult times with your trademark positive attitude.

Reading about your family's recent Disneyland trip brought back memories of our graduation road trip there with the guys. I hope the next time you go, there will be no pain and all this cancer crap will be in the past.

Even though our adult lives have grown apart, I feel so grateful to count you among my best friends, and for the enduring positive influence of that friendship in my life.

Our best to you - we are praying that this treatment will be your miracle! Zac and Joy

Mortons Love said...

Wowza! Am I a jerk? Here I am asking your about super un-important things like your girls dresses and this is happening...

And then you offered to stop by Target because you'd be in SL???? That is plain ridonculous!!

You are BOTH awesome!!! I seriously look up to your family and admire you.

One of the favorite things I remember about Trav during the good old Icon days is how easy it was for him to laugh. He made me feel like my jokes were actually funny and it made him fun to be around. I also remember taking him to a Jazz game (NOT A DATE!) and how excited he was. And how loud he claps!!!! I still tell Scott he is the loudest clapper I have ever heard! Something to be proud of, Trav!

Big hugs from the Mortons!

Mortons Love said...

I forgot our favorite family joke! Your girls will like this too!

What did the Zero say to the Eight?

Nice Belt!

Watkins said...

Travis, Dennis and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You are such an amazing person who always has a smile and always has a kind word. You are an amazing father and husband. I watch your little family and can see the love you all share just by the way you treat each other. What a wonderful example you are. We sit here wishing we could do something to help you. We wish we could take away some of the pain and take the cancer away. We know how extremely hard the treatments are (to a small extent) and pray that knowing there are many people around you who love and care about you and who would do anything to help you will help you. I hope that knowing you are a hero in our hearts for your strength through this trial, will help you understand how much your courage has affected us and that you and Hayley will be comforted knowing how much you are both loved.

Kristin said...

I really don't know Travis all that well, but here is what I do know:
He loves his family more than anything.
He is an excellent father.
He has a positive attitude and is always smiling.
And apparently he likes dirty jokes?!?!
I hope this week goes by fast and you are home in no time. You guys are amazing-Love ya :)

Trisha said...

I have known Hayley for so long that it feels like she's always been in my life. One thing she has always shown is the ability to put others needs before her own. Even when we were 12, she was the one who could find good in bad situations. She was the one encouraging and helping others.

As I have watched your family go through the ups and downs these past 4 years, I am in awe at how you all handle things. Your optimism, your faith, your love for your beautiful daughters...it makes us all better people.

Please know that you have SO many people behind you, praying for you, rooting for you, crying with you. You are so very loved!

Mary Kaye Olsen said...

Travis, I probably know hundreds of not so clean jokes and for the life of me, I cannot remember one! I just want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! I cannot even begin to imagine what you guys have been through and are going to go through. You are an inspiration to many with the way you always conduct yourself in all aspects of your life!

Sara Workman said...

So I found some Chuck Norris jokes - Hope this makes you two laugh.

1. Chuck Norris does not wear a condom. Because there is no such thing as protection from Chuck Norris.

2. Some people wear Superman pajamas. Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas.

3. Chuck Norris will never have a heart attack. His heart isn't nearly foolish enough to attack him.

4. Chuck Norris can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.

5. Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

6. If at first you don't succeed, you're not Chuck Norris.

7. They once made a Chuck Norris toilet paper, but it wouldn't take sh*t from anybody.

8. When the boogeyman goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

9. Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

10. Chuck Norris played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won.

Anonymous said...

Hi Travis and Hayley,

We hope things are going as well as they can for you. We are pulling for you and keeping you constantly in our hearts, minds and prayers. We’re including some stories/jokes below that we hope will help take your minds off things a bit. We’ll try to send a few to you each day.

Love and Aloha,

The Boring Family


This is a compilation of actual Church Bulletin and Service bloopers:

When I was a Rick's college, they announced as the opening hymn: "Hark, the Herald Angels Sin" Lesli Jenks

Ward Adult Valentine's Activity: bring your favorite game and a spouse of a friend for a great time! Feb '98

Our next song is "Angels We Have Heard Get High."

Don't let worry kill you--let the church help.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Weight Watchers will meet a 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Thursday at 5:00 PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mother's Club. All ladies wishing to become "Little Mothers" will meet with the Pastor in his study.

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.

Thursday night--Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

8 new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

The preacher will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth With Joy."

The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.

The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's "Hamlet": in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The Congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

The 1991 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Brittney said...

Trav, YOU. ARE. AMAZING!! Taking on the Disney princesses for repeated days in a row when you feel like @#$%? Now THAT is almost too much for a man who feels at the top of his game. Those 3 ladies of yours are so blessed to have you. Keep up the fight, we are praying for you. We definitely believe in miracles! And Hayley, I'm doing a little cheer for you too. After all, you are Trav's amazing sidekick. WE LOVE THE KIDMAN'S!!

Brittney said...

Trav, YOU. ARE. AMAZING!! Taking on the Disney princesses for repeated days in a row when you feel like @#$%? Now THAT is almost too much for a man who feels at the top of his game. Those 3 ladies of yours are so blessed to have you. Keep up the fight, we are praying for you. We definitely believe in miracles! And Hayley, I'm doing a little cheer for you too. After all, you are Trav's amazing sidekick. WE LOVE THE KIDMAN'S!!

Anonymous said...

We love the Kidman's!! Hope you get a smile from these.
Love & Aloha, The Boring's

Actual Quotes:
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
--Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
--Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943

"I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year."
--The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957

"But what . . . is it good for?"
--Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
--Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us."
--Western Union internal memo, 1876

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?"
--David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s

"Who the h--- wants to hear actors talk?"
--H.M. Warner, Warner Brothers, 1927

"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out."
--Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962

"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible."
--Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895

"If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can't do this."
--Spencer Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3M "Post-It" Notepads

DEAR GOD
Author Unknown
Dear God,
So far today,
I've done all right.
I haven't gossiped.
I haven't lost my temper.
I haven't lied or cheated.
I haven't been greedy, grumpy,
nasty, selfish or overindulgent.

I'm very thankful for that.

But in a few minutes, Lord,
I'm going to get out of bed;
and from then on, I'm probably
going to need a lot more help.

Amen

Hanne and Fam said...

I found a whole page of golf jokes just for Trav.

www.golffun.net/jokes_menu.htm

Some are funny, some are dirty, some I don't get cuz I'm not a golfer but I hope he enjoys them.

Love you guys!

Hanne and Fam said...

Oops misspelled the link!

Www.golfun.net/jokes_menu.htm

Katie Griffiths said...

A comment I can do! I'll be thinking of your family and praying for you guys. Here's a link to one of my favorite things to motivate/soothe me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snAjZ8mfoYw

I hope this time flies by and you get to better days quickly!

Boring Family said...

Aloha Kidman Family, here are some more fun things to read. We just wanted to pass on to you that our son, Wade, said that he'll keep you in his thoughts and prayers. We hope things are going as well as they can under these circumstances. Hang in there. Love, The Boring's.

The Bible According to Kids

The cute statements below are said to have been written by actual students and are genuine, authentic and not retouched or corrected:

In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world, so he took the Sabbath off.

Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.

Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark.

Noah built an ark, which the animals come on to in pears.

Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.

The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with the unsympathetic Genitals.

Samson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah.

Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles.

Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients.

The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten ammendments.

The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.

The fifth commandment is to humor thy father and mother.

The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.

Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol.

The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.

David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar.

He fought with the Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times.

Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.

When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta.

When the three wise guys from the east side arrived, they found Jesus in the manager.

Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption.

St. John, the blacksmith, dumped water on his head.

Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you.

He also explained, "a man doth not live by sweat alone."

It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.

The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels.

The epistles were the wives of the apostles.

One of the opossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan.

St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage.

A Christian should have only one spouse. This is called monotony.

Anonymous said...

Hayley and Travis,
I can across your blog through a friend of mine. I am a single mother of a little girl. I have been really struggling lately, life is just hard. I have really battled depression for the last year. I started reading your blog and you have been the biggest inspiration in my life. I see the love you have for your family, Travis and I know that you are fighting for them and it makes me want to fight for a better life. I know that what you guys are going through is very difficult, but your story and your strength has blessed my life tremendously. Thank-you for being such a great example to me and too so many others!