The Girls Are Back In Town

My girls had a little adventure this weekend...their first experience flying (commercially) as unattended minors.


(gowned up girls)

I figured there would be a little apprehension about flying without a parent, so I called the week before to calm any fears. But as I began explaining each step of what would happen, I detected more and more giggles of excitement on the other end of the line.

The flight went off without a hitch. They got VIP treatment from the Southwest Crew. Claire later confessed all the things she and Jane imagined while they were flying...no parents around; first, they were orphans, then they were adults, then they were two spoiled children getting shipped off to boarding school in England, etc.


(a visit after church on Sunday)

I love these girls. 

 I'm glad to have all my chicks gathered 'round.

Stephanie had a tough weekend. She's been sad and in lots of pain and discomfort. The healing process has been lagging a little. 

 Any positive vibes (prayers) 

you could send her way would be appreciated.

Love, Mr. Nielson

Sympathy Sickness

Today I'm feeling a little sympathy sickness

 for Stephanie...poor girl. 

 Except for me, she's not wanting to have any visitors 

(although she loves you). 

But today I woke up sick, sick, sick, 

and I can't be there with her. Ug. (I haven't even unpacked yet) 

  I called Stephanie and we talked on the phone for a few minutes. Later I had to laugh because our conversation

 was totally incoherent; she's medicated 

and I had a fever. I don't even remember what we said, 

but I'm sure it was classic.

I May Be Here For A While

(This photo is of me and the Nies in the burn center

after my first failed surgery last January.

I don't want to do this again.)

Mr. Nielson, Hunchie, and I flew down to Phoenix for

 round four of treatments.
Upon viewing Hunchie, Dr. L. said it looked like it was in 

the first few stages of infection.
So, he told me that I had to stay in Phoenix to do the actual procedure.

Like now.  Like, tomorrow.
What?
After a few minutes, I looked at him in shock.
Wait, what? Stay? Here? Today? Surgery...??

Just hours ago, Mr. Nielson and I woke up and went to the

Salt Lake City airport like we do every Tuesday,

and we planned to be back and sleeping in our own bed in Provo at bedtime.

Except this time, we were not coming home, and I only packed my purse.
And I only packed my purse!
No pills, clothes, toothbrushes, or bumble hair products.
The children all expected us to be home tonight

(with treats, too!), and we will not.

And I have serious guilt.
On top of guilt, I am really nervous about the actual procedure.

Like, really nervous!

I am scheduled to be admitted to the burn center tonight 

for the actual 8-10 hour procedure tomorrow. 

I had imagined the surgery happening differently. 

Dr. L. informed me that I may possibly be in a coma for a 

few days after the surgery because the procedure is very complex and risky.

 Being unconscious for a while is best for the necessary work.

I've been in this scenario multiple times before, 

and it's not entirely horrible.

Those out-of-body experiences were profoundly 

meaningful and beautiful to me.

Mr. Nielson just wants me to make sure I come back.
I plan on it.