We Love Louise

This goofy Jerdon family photo isn't one of our best, but it does reflect the silly and big heart that this family has. This was during our little birthday gathering for Tom this April. Both he and Louise turned 85 this year, and they are the heart of these crazies.

From the left: Cameo, Stephanie, Louise, Riley, Tom, Revan, Brie, Jacob, Traegen

The morning after the 4th of July, I got a call from Tom. Louise had had a heart attack and had been taken to the hospital by ambulance. He wanted Jacob's help to give her a priesthood blessing. Thankfully, Jacob was in town (with deployments as they have been lately, it has been hit and miss). We got ourselves out to Sacred Heart as quickly as we could. 

The paramedics and doctors had made Louise comfortable and she was resting in her bed when we came in. Being her usually sweet self and not wanting to be the center of attention, she didn't want a fuss, but we knew that everyone was a little shaken up. We pulled the curtain and Tom and Jacob administered a blessing for the sick and afflicted. 

Louise recounted how she had woken up and had a terrible pressure in her chest that made it hard to breath. When she had adjusted to her side, it had hurt even worse. One of the worst pains she's ever had. Once she got Tom awake, he called 911. We are so grateful for the fast response from the paramedics!

At the hospital, they eventually ran a stress test, did some blood work and scans, and then planned a catheter procedure to go in and see what was going on in her arteries. At her age and with the conditions she already deals with, there were concerns even doing the cath, but the doc felt that they needed to do it. So, we prayed. I reached out to my family and close friends, asking for prayers, and her name was put into several temples. Cameo flew out from California to help and be a support. 

After the results of the cath came back, Cameo, Jacob, and I met Tom at the hospital to hear what the doc had to say. It wasn't great. The doc was unsurprised by the condition of Louise's arteries given her age, but said that any sort of stent or procedure that might be done would only lower her quality of life and be difficult to recover from at all. So, the decision was made to treat symptoms rather than try to fix root problems. She would be sent home with the charge to monitor her blood pressure twice a day, adjust medications, and take it easy until she felt recovered more. 

It was not the news that any of us wanted to hear, but Jacob and I felt at peace knowing that Louise would be able to stay in her home, return to her routine for the most part, and do life on her own terms for as long as the Lord gave her. 

Cameo was a rock star and stayed on to help for another couple of weeks until Louise's follow-up with the doctor. 

I am personally so grateful for Louise, and to be able to have her with us for as long as possible. She has always been a rock, and a force of goodness and faithfulness. I could not have asked for a better mother-in-law and grandmother to my boys. 

We love you, Louise!

Now, go rest!