January 2020- God is in control. It looked like we were going to miss our flights as our hotel forget to notify the shuttle driver that we would need to be picked early, thankfully we had plan back up plans. Roxanne and Jim were the last to the gate as the kiosk would not print a baggage ticket for two of their bags, got hem on in the knick of time. Once in the DR many of our bags were checked and they did keep some of the medications we brought in, once at the guest house we noticed we were missing a bag or two as well. Thankfully we did have enough medications with us and able to purchase some locally to provide for those who visited our barrio clinics. One clinic was interrupted for awhile due to a local health official inspecting, it went well and she even took pictures with some of the team afterwards. We were sitting in the guest house in San Juan del Maguana when we first learned about COVID-19. We prayed with our team and DR family for safety and protection for all affected. We were hearing the recommended airport and custom restrictions praying we would be able to return home without difficulty. No worries, God had it under control and w e all made it back safe and sound.
February - Found me on a 3 day trip to Salt Lake City for work learning about Workday. Unfortunately, the short time between the 2 trips and poor air quality in Salt Lake City triggered a severe asthma attack that took me until June to fully recover. By the end of this month states on the west coast were beginning to put in place restrictions to slow the spread of COVID - 19. Many countries had already done so. I started my first ever college course - People and Business Leadership Certificate from Bellevue University
March - The "safer at home" order in Wisconsin went into effect. Tonya's supportive care (ARC) was going to keep everyone home and not allow them to go to work, out to eat, have visitors, or church so she moved in temporarily with us. There was still no federal restrictions or mandates and people started to panic buy. Toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products were quickly disappearing and soon nothing was staying on the store shelves no matter what it was. We were able to continue our high school Sunday school class via Google Hangouts and Awana via Zoom, snail mail, and hone calls.
April - CDC issued guidelines for social distancing, face masks, and others. Scott and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary and we had a good time.
May - The Wisconsin "safer at home" order came to an end and Tonya went home the week after Mother's Day. She was excited to be able to return to work but not so excited about returning to her apartment as all group functions were still cancelled and the complex community spaces were closed. I finished my People and Business Leadership Certificate program with an A. Our Awana and Sunday school year came to a close and we were able to worship in person again.
June - Work was crazy. Tonya got her sleep schedule messed up by sleeping whenever she was not working. It got to the point that if she sat down for more than 5 minutes she fell asleep no matter where she was at. Her sleep study did not reveal anything abnormal, so we and ARC had the task of trying to keep her from taking a nap. She did her best to sneak them in by not going on group outings.
July - Most 4th of July celebrations were cancelled due to social distancing restrictions and climb in cases. Scott, Tonya, and I went to Door County for a brief get away the week after and enjoyed the time. It was a wonderful experience as most businesses were following the CDC guidelines and there was very little complaining. Scott and Tonya went sailing for their first time ever and Scott and I were able to send some time alone while Tonya did laundry and rested.
August - We prepared for the beginning of Awana and Sunday school however August 16 I took Scott into the ER as her was getting dizzy sitting down and having chest pains. 3 days later he had cardiac triple by-pass surgery, they thought they were going to have to do a quad. Due to COVID restrictions only one family member was allowed to visit, even during the waiting period, it was a time with a lot of prayer and worry sometimes crept in too. James and Tara took me to a close by park while Scott was actually in surgery to get me out and have company. God saw us through and Scott had at home vital care set up, a RN set up a machine to check his vitals every morning and send them via cellular data to their office.
September - Angela and Joe got married!! It was a special event as each boy walked her part way until they got to Scott who walked her to Joe. We did enjoy the celebration though it wore Scott out more than he admitted. The day of the wedding Alex flew in and was home shortly after us. Alex was able to spend quite a bit of time with Scott giving myself and mom some time to get into a new routing regarding work and his needs. Midway through the month Scott started cardio rehab. We were able to start Awana with both in-person and virtual options for families, this helped quite a few families stay active.
October - Scott and I took a road trip to see Alex and Alyssa, we rented a cute cottage on Phillips Pond near them and enjoyed the peace and quiet. We were able to visit some sites, spend time with both of them, and rest. I started to relearn how to paint (which I do need to finish that book) and Scott joined me for the venture. We received an email on October 12 stating that ARC was ending their supportive care services at Village House Apartments on December 16 (though their letter stated the contract was through December 31) and they were encouraging us to push for Tonya to be placed in one of their group homes. Tonya was very against that as she had wanted to be none for a few years and ARC had told her she was not ready. We prayed, met, talked, and prayed some more and felt God was calling for her to live with us.
November - What a month! Tonya moved in over Thanksgiving weekend, Mom was in the Er and ICU, and the COVID restrictions were going back and forth as the elections results were be contested and fought over. With help of many family members and friends we were able to get our guest room and other areas ready for Tonya to settle in and her apartment cleared and cleaned. Tonya chose to stop wearing diapers during the day, and was accident free.
December - Tonya settled into a routine both at home and at work. She adjusted fairly well and was starting to be comfortable in asking for help and in helping around the house. Between Christmas and New Year's she made herself sick at work because she did not want to be there. She was in a bad mood that morning and had told Scott she did not want to go to work and was upset he still sent her. We discovered that when she was in a bad mood ARC staff would sometimes let her stay home instead of helping her cope and go through her routine. This was the first of many times she used this tactic to get her way.
January 2021 - A NEW YEAR!! Though we are still dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic, face masks requirements, employees not wanting to work, schools quarantining students, and the Presidential Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamila Harris. The Republicans were still fighting for President Trump and some even stormed and raided the Capital building while Congress was in session. What a poor ending to a four year term as President, many believe that Trump encouraged the raid and discouraged the Capital Guards and others from helping and preventing it. Unfortunately, our Mission Trip to the DR was cancelled but we were able to meet for a weekend as a team to fellowship, worship, plan, and play together. We are all looking forward to next year's trip. Tonya missed a few more days this month due to making herself sick so she would not have to work, she just wants to sit and sleep, nothing else.
February - What a month, Scott's pains in his shoulder and neck have been getting worse and he had to have some tooth work done. I enjoyed some time off and Scott and I were able to go to one of Evan's hockey games followed with a late lunch with Ang and Joe. Tonya continued to make herself sick to get out of work and started to do this at home now. Tonya saw Dr Kreckman who prescribed added Welbutrin to her plan. She says she is happy living with us but is still asking others to help her find an apartment that she can live in with help. We did reset the expectations with Tonya and let her know that she is a valued member of our home and we need her help.
March - Tonya continued to make herself sick to get out of doing tasks at work she did not want to do, almost weekly. She was often happy and/or excited when Scott picked her up from work. When I picked her up she was upset and gave me the silent treatment. Tonya never denied that she made herself sick and that she preferred to be home vs at work. Scott's pain continued to worsen and he was able to get an appointment in April with Dr Masciupinto. I was happy to hear he would be with a doctor who was very familiar with his health history.
April - We had to pick Tonya up from work 3 times within the first month, Dr Kreckmamn added Singular to her treatment plan but truly felt it was a will not health problem. As a care team we came up with a plan that if she were to get sick she would change her clothes and face mask and go back to work. Everyone but Tonya is on board with this and so far. Tonya made it two weeks without making herself sick and was very upset that TR Signs was aware of the plan. She has been consistent in only making herself sick when asked to do a task that she does not want to do and it has only happened twice at home. We found a bald spot on the back of her head right where her face shield rests and she bangs or rubs her head, we have had her switch to face masks and it is starting to heal. I took 9 days off of work and enjoyed time at the SKS Retreat at the Wintergreen, time with Scott, and was looking forward to taking Tonya to the zoo but she made herself sick at work just before we were going to do that. God has poured it on my heart to continue to be consistent and show her His love and grace in new ways. One such way is I started to leave a little card with a small prayer and verse on one side and a personal message from me on the other. Another is I write her a brief note and list of things for her to accomplish and/or enjoy while we are gone. This has helped some.
May - This month is not at the halfway point yet we are looking forward to our road trip in June. It will be a nice break from the normal routine and hopefully a new starting point. Today we had Tonya Care Team meeting. That went fairly well, maybe except for Tonya. We did our best to keep it positive but you could see she was trying to keep it negative. We did talk about how the routine has been a good change for her and she has had less anxiety since staying with us yet still unhappy with where she is at. Scott wrote a letter to the elder ministry team to see about starting a program on Wednesday nights during the summer to keep kids active in their current routine and still learning. We are praying for volunteers to step forward and help.
Well, God has seen us through many things and while we do not know what all He has planned we know it is for His glory!
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