Monday, May 4, 2009

Thanks to all, from Brandon

I figured it was about time that I posted something to this wonderful cause which has been the source of so much comfort and joy for me over the past month. As I look over, or have read to me, the names and comments of all those fasting, I can't help but feel your love and support each and every passing day. I can hardly believe a whole month has passed since I was first diagnosed and all the whirlwind of events that have transpired since this diagnosis which has changed my life forever. I have come to appreciate many of life's simple pleasures, and really think about the things that matter to me as I am sure many of you have as well. I can hardly begin to put into words the gratitude I feel for all of the wonderful people I have had to help shape me into the person I have become, and I am grateful in a way for this experience and the opportunity it has created to push all these people right to the foreground of my life. I never imagined how deep and wide my support system really is, but there is no doubt in my mind the endless support and the seemingly bottomless encouragement and love I have come to know in the past month. The foundation of this support has come from my incredible family and of course the love and comfort I feel from my Heavenly Father, but I know I would be absolutely out of line if I did not mention my sweetheart and all that she has done for me. I could not do this without my wonderful wife, who is such a pillar of strength for me at all times. Katie has been supporting me as I have been deteriorating since the beginning of January as we were struggling to figure out what was wrong, and she has done it with such quiet dignity I don't think anyone really understands how strong she has really had to be. While I had to shoulder the pain, she was the one literally there holding me up in the shower, or dressing me before work in the morning long before she even needed to get up for work. She is my true hero, and the most amazing person I have ever met. I couldn't begin to express my gratitude without first mentioning her.
In addition to my wonderful wife I wanted to thank my family and friends for the visits, cards, texts, emails, memories, and overall love which have been constantly buoying me up through this whole ordeal.
The latest news I have to report is all good news. I have been up and about today on crutches wandering the hospital halls with physical therapy (going a little further everyday). I have been gaining a little weight back, which is always good news (I still have a long ways to go, I think I have lost about 40 lbs. overall!), and they have me off the IV pole for the day because I am drinking plenty of fluids lately. I know the prayers and fasting is paying off and I could never begin to thank any of you enough for all you have done. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I am so grateful to have been blessed with such wonderful friends and family and know that we are going to come out on top with this.

13 comments:

Alli & Spencer said...

Brandon & Katie-
You are two of the most amazing, wonderful, selfless, and caring people I will probably ever meet in my life! I thank the Lord that He has blessed me with knowing you both. You are an inspiration of hope to so many! Although times are hard the Lord is blessing you both with amazing family and friends. But more than that I feel He is blessing your family and friends with the relationship and the gift it is to know you both! Thank you for being such wonderful people! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! God bless!

Allison Cook

NYCmom said...

Hooray! I'm so glad to hear that everything is going so well Brandon! You're still in our thoughts and prayers everyday and were part of our family fast yesterday. I wish we could be there to give you a big hug and let you know how much we love you! We're so glad to hear of your successes...not that we every doubted they would be there. We have faith that you're being watched out for. We hope to see you soon! --Jenny, Jake and Family

baucomfamily said...

You do have a great a fabulous family, both by birth and marriage! I am overcome as I sit and read your words (while I am at work). What a releif to hear such good news. We love you and pray for you and your family daily. We have been truly blessed to count each of you as dear members of our family too!
XXOO
TL and the Baucoms

Lacey said...

we love you brandon! it is so good to hear directly from you. I think all the support you have seen is just a tribute to what an amazing friend and person you are. Thank YOU for being such a good friend to me.

Robin said...

Brandon, we are so happy you are doing a little better. You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly, and we want you to know we would do anything we can for you and your wonderful family. It is amazing to see so much love coming toward you, and it does make you reflect and fill your heart with so much gratitude. You are a very special spirit, all our love,
the Bogner's

Julie said...

Brandon, can't see this page because I am wiping a little tear from my eyes. It was so tender to hear your sweet testimony and expressions of love for your friends and family. Like my grandmother always said; "Family, what else is there?" Certainly your illness has given you a perspective that people spend their entire lives trying to get right. You really "get" it. Hugs, kisses and prayers to all of you!

Ryan and Laurel said...

Hey Bro!-

I couldn't be more grateful to our heavenly father for the progress you are making each day. To think that you're up and around on crutches makes me want to shout for joy! Your determination and grit is an inspiration to us all. Your faith in Heavenly Father and his son is also extremely admirable because we know that "faith precedes the miracle." The progress you are making reminds me of the strong faith that you, and everyone fasting and praying for you, has in the Lord's ability to work miracles. Can't wait to see you soon. Love you man!!!

-Ryan and Laurel

Sarah M said...

brandon - you are one of kind. i think the world of you. you are so lucky to have such an incredible wife and vast support system. there are so many people who love you - including me. i hope i can see you when i come to utah next. you are in my prayers every night.
sarah jones morgan

Jules said...

Brandon and Katie, you're an inspiration to all of us. God bless you and may the Heavenly Father continue to walk with you on the road to recovery.

Brandon, your light within shines brightly.

We love you and send warm hugs and kisses, Aunt Julie

Amy said...

I am sosososo glad to hear of your improvements and the lessening of pain! Can't seem to stay well of colds long enough in our house right now, so I am glad to be able to send all of our love via the internet. Love you both so much.
Amy

Adam and Rachel said...

Hi Branden,

My mom told me about your illness and to check out this website. I must say that I think it is wonderful that you have so many supporters, and to count me as one of them! I have nothing but good things to say about you and know that you can overcome this trial. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless,
Rachel Hanseen Owens

Randy Wood said...

Brandon, I love you man. I have wanted to come up and visit you, but over the last month, I have been sick 2 1/2 weeks and I just didn't want to risk it. When your second set of treatments are done and now that I am well, I am definitely going to come say hi. I love you and it has been a pleasure working with your family on this website. You, Katie, and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers!

Much love,
Randy Wood

Kathy--SMILE!! said...

05/28/09
Dear Brandon,

We don't know each other well, but I'm a good friend of your Mom and Dad have heard them brag about you for years! You are well loved!!

I'm so grateful that your support team, and Laurel, have put together this wonderful website!

I cried with gratitude, love, and an abundant feeling of the Spirit reading what you posted on May 4th.

May the Lord bless you and comfort you, Brandon and Katie!

All my love,

Kathy England