So, Darren fell and dislocated his shoulder on a rather easy part of the slope after getting through the more challenging part...Kirk calls me up and tells me that they think he has dislocated it, but that they need to take him to the hospital for x-rays to confirm. The nearest hospital is ~15 minutes away and the ambulance had just recently left taking someone else so we would have to wait a little. I left our room and got to the clinic...Darren was in a lot of pain...the ambulance came and we jumped in it...Kirk was going to follow (there are many stories inside this story including the one of Kirk being lost with little to no cell phone, eventually leaving his car and getting in a taxi and then having to find his car later).
So, Darren and I arrived at the hospital. They had to do an X-ray which confirmed the diagnosis of dislocated shoulder. Then they asked him to lay on the gurney...he wasn't a fan of this, but once he got down he said that he actually had the first relief of the night. They decided to do this weight therapy, treatment thing...they tied a cloth around his upper arm and hung weights on it in an attempt for the weights to pull it back into socket (painful I know). They kicked me out of the ER at this point (which is amazing for Korea, because pretty much anyone is allowed anywhere). So, Kirk shows up about this point, without his car...he assesses the situation and sees that we will be a little while and decides to go find his car. He finds it and returns, right about the time the doctor comes out and says that they cannot fix Darren's shoulder here...we will have to send you to another hospital.
I went to tell Darren this and he was pretty depressed...he just wanted relief and was fairly confident that if someone would just fix his shoulder he would get relief. Anyways, we got into another ambulance (kirk following close behind) and went to the next hospital.
They took Darren away right away while I filled out paperwork. I know that I was already on edge from everything and it was now probably 12:30 at night, but the ER just about sent me over the edge. Bless all of you in the medical field. The ER was bustling with people we got all the paperwork filled out (with other drama that I can't include for brevity's sake...when this is already super long) and Kirk and I went back to find Darren. They had to do X-Rays again to make their own diagnosis. Then they said that they would put him out and fix his shoulder...
Just realize that all of the next events happen in the hallway of the hosptial in the ER. Darren is sitting on the gurney and they inject his will meds...the two doctors hold him as he falls over asleep. They then wrap a cloth around him and one doctor holds that from behind...while the other doctor takes off his shoe and using his foot as a brace on darrens underarms and starts pulling at Darren's arm and shoulder. I couldn't watch this part, but Kirk did...a few minutes into it I think I hear Darren moaning, Kirk reassures me it isn't, but as it continues he knows he can't deny it...so they give him another dose and then continue working on him.
A little while later they came and say it is fixed. They wrapped his arm up, which is another story, including side effects of the drugs and his IV being pulled out so there was a little drama there. All in all his shoulder was out for 3 hours, which apparently the longer it is out the more painful it get, which Darren can attest too.
We stayed at the hospital another 1hour and 1/2 until he was good to leave and then we had to find out way home...another adventure. We got back to our room at about 3:30 in the morning.
The end of the story...Darren's arm is much better! He is making improvements everyday. He is still very cautious with it and keeps it in a sling some and out of the sling some, but all in all he is doing very well. Thanks for following us on this journey and continue to pray for compelte healing!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Adventures of the Oak Valley Resort
Part IV: Things Take a Turn South
No, we're not talking geographically. I went skiing with Kirk Wednesday night during the night ski time. This was my 3rd time skiing in my life. We had a good time. We rode to the top of the mountain and took the intermediate slope down which ran into the beginner slope for a nice long run. I found this intermediate slope challenging but I got better as the night progressed.
On night number 2, we took Hayley and Kacy out with us. Kirk took Kacy since he had snowboard boots and basically ran down the beginner slope in front of her stopping her when she got going too fast. I went with Hayley. She is more of a straight downhill skier. Literally, she aims the "french fries" downhill and steers slightly to avoid anyone in front of her. She does well and she doesn't get too much speed up. I was able to keep up but there were no leisurely S curves down the mountain.
After a couple hours, the girls retired for hot chocolate with their mothers. Kirk and I headed back up the mountain to the top to enjoy some more intermediate skiing. We got to the top and the left slope we had gone down the night before was closed. The right slope was open. That slope went about 30 meters and then I'm sure looked closer to a 90 degree dropoff than it actually was. In all honesty, I looked over that precipice and considered other options for getting down the mountain. And there really wasn't any...
So off I went...slowly, methodically working my way down. I took a deep breath and worked on my S curves back and forth pausing to allow any traffic within 30 feet to go by. I was pleased to survive this first part of the hill. As it started to level off, I was feeling better knowing that another difficult part was probably coming up. At this point, I'm not sure what really happened other than I feel backwards and sideways. I landed on my right armpit and felt searing pain in my arm.
I managed to get my skis off and sat there for a few minutes hoping the pain would subside. I thought maybe it was temporary although in my gut I knew it was more serious. The ski patrol came and I waited a couple more minutes to see if there was any hope of me making it down the mountain. I gave up and they brought their sled and took my down to the medical clinic. They diagnosed me with a dislocated shoulder and said I would have to go the nearest hospital for x-rays and reduction. For those unfamiliar with the medical terms, reduction is the term for putting it back in place.
We'll relate the next 5 hours of experience in another post...and for Laura's take on the events.
No, we're not talking geographically. I went skiing with Kirk Wednesday night during the night ski time. This was my 3rd time skiing in my life. We had a good time. We rode to the top of the mountain and took the intermediate slope down which ran into the beginner slope for a nice long run. I found this intermediate slope challenging but I got better as the night progressed.
On night number 2, we took Hayley and Kacy out with us. Kirk took Kacy since he had snowboard boots and basically ran down the beginner slope in front of her stopping her when she got going too fast. I went with Hayley. She is more of a straight downhill skier. Literally, she aims the "french fries" downhill and steers slightly to avoid anyone in front of her. She does well and she doesn't get too much speed up. I was able to keep up but there were no leisurely S curves down the mountain.
After a couple hours, the girls retired for hot chocolate with their mothers. Kirk and I headed back up the mountain to the top to enjoy some more intermediate skiing. We got to the top and the left slope we had gone down the night before was closed. The right slope was open. That slope went about 30 meters and then I'm sure looked closer to a 90 degree dropoff than it actually was. In all honesty, I looked over that precipice and considered other options for getting down the mountain. And there really wasn't any...
So off I went...slowly, methodically working my way down. I took a deep breath and worked on my S curves back and forth pausing to allow any traffic within 30 feet to go by. I was pleased to survive this first part of the hill. As it started to level off, I was feeling better knowing that another difficult part was probably coming up. At this point, I'm not sure what really happened other than I feel backwards and sideways. I landed on my right armpit and felt searing pain in my arm.
I managed to get my skis off and sat there for a few minutes hoping the pain would subside. I thought maybe it was temporary although in my gut I knew it was more serious. The ski patrol came and I waited a couple more minutes to see if there was any hope of me making it down the mountain. I gave up and they brought their sled and took my down to the medical clinic. They diagnosed me with a dislocated shoulder and said I would have to go the nearest hospital for x-rays and reduction. For those unfamiliar with the medical terms, reduction is the term for putting it back in place.
We'll relate the next 5 hours of experience in another post...and for Laura's take on the events.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Adventures of the Oak Valley Resort
Part III: Other Fun Times
In addition to the skiing, sledding, and snow tubing, we had fun just hanging out and having a good time.
We had some fun with Chutes and Ladders. Sara really just liked to play with the Sesame Street pieces which did pose a problem at times for keeping track where everyone was. But Kacy and Hayley were patient and it was fun.
In addition to the skiing, sledding, and snow tubing, we had fun just hanging out and having a good time.
We had some fun with Chutes and Ladders. Sara really just liked to play with the Sesame Street pieces which did pose a problem at times for keeping track where everyone was. But Kacy and Hayley were patient and it was fun.
The Adventures of the Oak Valley Resort
Part II: Sledding & Snow Tubing
While Kacy was learning to ski, others were breaking out the sleds on the little training hills. Sara, Seth and Hayley had a good time.
Sara just kind of sits there like a bump. Hayley helped her out a lot getting down the hill.
Daddy seemed like he barely fit in the sled...
After some brief fun on the little hills at the ski slopes, we headed over to the driving range where they had snow tubing the next day. Sara was tired and really didn't want to have anything to do with going down the hill. She was content at the top and willing to let Mommy & Daddy pull her around.
Then she decided to protest the whole cold and event with a "nap"...don't be fooled, she was just being cranky and pretending.
Kacy on the move...
Coming back up, they hooked the tubes onto a pulley system. The kids loved the ride up as much as the ride down.
It was a fun time. Kacy, Hayley & Seth spent hours going up and down. It was fun to watch.
While Kacy was learning to ski, others were breaking out the sleds on the little training hills. Sara, Seth and Hayley had a good time.
Sara just kind of sits there like a bump. Hayley helped her out a lot getting down the hill.
Daddy seemed like he barely fit in the sled...
After some brief fun on the little hills at the ski slopes, we headed over to the driving range where they had snow tubing the next day. Sara was tired and really didn't want to have anything to do with going down the hill. She was content at the top and willing to let Mommy & Daddy pull her around.
Then she decided to protest the whole cold and event with a "nap"...don't be fooled, she was just being cranky and pretending.
Kacy on the move...
Coming back up, they hooked the tubes onto a pulley system. The kids loved the ride up as much as the ride down.
It was a fun time. Kacy, Hayley & Seth spent hours going up and down. It was fun to watch.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Adventures of the Oak Valley Resort
Part I: Ski Lessons
We had the privilege of spending a few days at Oak Valley Resort last week. During the winter it is a ski resort and a golf resort in better weather. There is about 3 golf courses strewn around the resort. It is a nice place where we went earlier in the fall just to get away for a few days.
Kacy really wanted to try to ski this year. We were debating it. However, on the first day we were at the resort, Heidi, a Canadian, came up and introduced herself. She was in her 3rd week of work there giving ski lessons. So, we went back the next day and let Kacy have a shot. She really enjoyed and Heidi was great.
While Kacy studied the finer points of ski technique, Mommy and Sara looked on with Starbuck's in hand.
Kacy did really well and worked hard. Here, she got high 5s for her progress.
After learning some skills over the side, Kacy got to go up the beginner slope with her instructor. At this point, Mommy & Daddy just tried to stay out of the way.
She loved going on the chair lift and down the big hill. They came up with calling a snowplow a pizza slice and straight skis french fries. Kacy starts going and then has a lot of French fries...counting on someone to stop her.
She left her ski adventures with a desire for more and wants to do it again. So it was a good start for her.
We had the privilege of spending a few days at Oak Valley Resort last week. During the winter it is a ski resort and a golf resort in better weather. There is about 3 golf courses strewn around the resort. It is a nice place where we went earlier in the fall just to get away for a few days.
Kacy really wanted to try to ski this year. We were debating it. However, on the first day we were at the resort, Heidi, a Canadian, came up and introduced herself. She was in her 3rd week of work there giving ski lessons. So, we went back the next day and let Kacy have a shot. She really enjoyed and Heidi was great.
While Kacy studied the finer points of ski technique, Mommy and Sara looked on with Starbuck's in hand.
Kacy did really well and worked hard. Here, she got high 5s for her progress.
After learning some skills over the side, Kacy got to go up the beginner slope with her instructor. At this point, Mommy & Daddy just tried to stay out of the way.
She loved going on the chair lift and down the big hill. They came up with calling a snowplow a pizza slice and straight skis french fries. Kacy starts going and then has a lot of French fries...counting on someone to stop her.
She left her ski adventures with a desire for more and wants to do it again. So it was a good start for her.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Kacy's Day in Seoul
We had some business in Seoul at the embassy so we took Kacy up for the day. Here is a shot of the very red and bright morning sun.
Then we got to go ice skating. It was Kacy's first time but she did great!
She enjoyed her day with Mommy & Daddy. Sara stayed back at home to hang out with Ms. Kim. We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Seoul.
And then Kacy got to try out a video on Daddy's ipod on the train back to Daejeon.
While we were in Seoul, we picked up some snow pants for Sara and Kacy. Sara absolutely loved both the pants and coat. It was pretty funny how proud she was of her new clothes.
Kacy was pretty pleased with her fashion statement as well.
Then we got to go ice skating. It was Kacy's first time but she did great!
She enjoyed her day with Mommy & Daddy. Sara stayed back at home to hang out with Ms. Kim. We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Seoul.
And then Kacy got to try out a video on Daddy's ipod on the train back to Daejeon.
While we were in Seoul, we picked up some snow pants for Sara and Kacy. Sara absolutely loved both the pants and coat. It was pretty funny how proud she was of her new clothes.
Kacy was pretty pleased with her fashion statement as well.
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker ballet was happening in Seoul. Laura & Kacy got tickets so we made a day of it and headed up to Seoul. We rode the KTX (fast train) up to Seoul. Sara & Kacy both enjoyed the train. Sara enjoyed making some faces and entertaining herself in the tunnels.
And the train ride included our own snack and juice we brought along with us.
Kacy got to see some snow out the window leftover from the previous days.
And more funny faces on the train...
And a big adventure was taking Kacy to Build-a-Bear. While Kacy built her bear, Sara dragged a couple of the demo bears around the store. Kacy picked out a bear she liked and dressed it and everything. First, she gets to insert a real (cloth) heart into it. Then it gets stuffed.
Kacy got to brush her bear...
Give it hugs...
And finally dress it very beautifully...
And she named it Annalis (sounds like Anna L ee s). She loves it. Since that special event, Kacy has been nearly inseparable from Annalis and Sara has been holding tight to her baby doll she got to Christmas. They are funny!
Here are the girls smiling at lunch...
And then Coldstone ice cream is always a hit. Kacy remembered that from our summer back in NC so this was a special treat in Seoul.
And the train ride included our own snack and juice we brought along with us.
Kacy got to see some snow out the window leftover from the previous days.
And more funny faces on the train...
And a big adventure was taking Kacy to Build-a-Bear. While Kacy built her bear, Sara dragged a couple of the demo bears around the store. Kacy picked out a bear she liked and dressed it and everything. First, she gets to insert a real (cloth) heart into it. Then it gets stuffed.
Kacy got to brush her bear...
Give it hugs...
And finally dress it very beautifully...
And she named it Annalis (sounds like Anna L ee s). She loves it. Since that special event, Kacy has been nearly inseparable from Annalis and Sara has been holding tight to her baby doll she got to Christmas. They are funny!
Here are the girls smiling at lunch...
And then Coldstone ice cream is always a hit. Kacy remembered that from our summer back in NC so this was a special treat in Seoul.
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