For those who were not there...
The service began with the song, "Families Can Be Together Forever". My dad's brother, Peter Rona, said the opening prayer. Following was a special number by dad's nieces & nephews. They sang "Ani Ben Elohim" which is "I am a Child of God" in Hebrew. Our name, Rona actually used to be Rosenthal. My grandfather changed it during the Holocaust, 1- because it was an obvious Jewish name & not safe during the war and 2- he was a stage actor & in a band & Rona was a better stage name. The nieces & nephews then went straight into "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus." This song is very special to us as it is the same song we sang at my grandmother's funeral (my dad's mom).
My dad's sister, Edie Smart, then told some heart warming stories about my dad & his character. "He wasn't a perfect man, but he was a good man."
Then my dad's younger sister, Lily Pearson, gave the performance of a lifetime. She played "Rustles of Spring" on the piano & was overcome by emotion, as we all were. I don't know how she managed to play the whole song with her eyes closed & tears streaming down her face. She said that she felt my dad helping her through the entire song. It was unbelievable!
I then spoke about my dad & shared some stories of his strength, sense of humor & spirituality.
"He knows what it means to endure to the end & his faith has carried him through his tough times. He has stacks of notes with spiritual messages & lessons & I am impressed with his determination & efforts to continue to learn. One quote he had in his office was by President Marion G. Romney. It says,
“I have seen the remorse and despair in the lives of men who, in the hour of trial, have cursed God & died spiritually. And I have seen people rise to great heights from what seemed to be unbearable burdens. “Finally, I have sought the Lord in my own extremities and learned for myself that my soul has made its greatest growth as I have been driven to my knees by adversity & affliction.”
It’s easy to rise when things are good & fall when things are hard, but my father taught me to shine through the storm. When I think of the apostle Peter walking on water, I think of his faith & trust in the Lord. But as soon as he heard the wind & saw the waves, he started to sink. He lost his faith because he lost his focus. Our focus on Christ brings us back. My dad would constantly remind me to focus as I would get distracted with my own worries & fears."
Of course, I added in some funny stories like when he jumped out of a swing & did a belly flop onto the sand or when he would not let go of the rope water skiing (even though he was riding on his stomach with the ski behind him & there was no way humanly possible to get up!) Now he IS actually VERY coordinated but he was not willing to give up even if he fumbled.
I then sang, "Think of Me" & "One Moment in Time". Years ago he mentioned he wanted "One Moment in Time" at his funeral & Phantom of the Opera was constantly played when I would visit. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do & the most amazing spiritual experience of my life.
Then my brother-in-law, Spencer Brundage spoke about my dad's example & how he has made such a difference in his life. Next, was a special musical number. Rich Elggren, Wayne Day, Jeff Angerbauer, & Jim Wilhelm sang, "I Need Thee Every Hour" (accompanied by Laure Rona- daughter in law). This was the last song that my dad ever played here on earth. He was on his way home from this rehearsal when the accident happened. The spirit was so strong during this number.
Then my brother, Cassidy Rona, spoke. He recently had a baby boy named Joshua & told of his perspective of seeing birth & death. "Birth & death are like the opening and closing songs of life." He also shared his experience about dressing my dad for the service & said, "I was dressing a King." It was powerful & touching.
Bishop Greig Huggins then shared his remarks. He felt that through this tragedy we could learn in greater detail about the Plan of Salvation & be strengthened by our faith. He is an amazing man that has helped us beyond description.
The next special musical number was arranged & performed by John Rona. It was the hymn, "Be Still My Soul" which happens to be mine & my husband's favorite. It was recorded on my Iphone on April 18th, 2009 without my dad even knowing. I am so grateful that I was able to capture that amazing moment & share it with you.
We closed the service with, "Abide With Me Tis Eventide". This is my "Meme's" favorite him (my dad's grandmother) & then my uncle Paul said the closing prayer. As the pallbearers carried the casket out, classical music played by my dad was heard overhead.
My dad was definitely there & it felt nice to dedicate everything to him.
John Michel Rona will never ever be forgotten & will live on in all of us who know him.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has said such kind things about my dad & who have added their comments of hope & strength & wisdom. I have learned so much about my dad over the past 25 days. It was very apparent at the viewing & at the funeral, that he has had such a huge impact on so many lives & will continue to make a difference in our lives for years to come.
As our family walked into the chapel, it was surreal & touching to see so many faces of those who love our dad. It warmed my heart to see the chapel & overflow full & many extra chairs being brought out to make room to honor such a great man.
He is a man of service, spiritual strength, kindness, talent, wisdom, & love. He has a brightness about him that I can still feel shining on in everything he has touched & in everyone he has met. I am overwhelmed at the effect he has had on others & will live my life striving to follow his example.
The stories many of you shared about him at the viewing were so dear to all of us. If you have any more, please do not hesitate to share them. You can send them directly to summer@summerrona.com if you would like. Also, let me know if you would like me to send you two of the songs we have recorded of him playing the piano. They are amazing!
As our family walked into the chapel, it was surreal & touching to see so many faces of those who love our dad. It warmed my heart to see the chapel & overflow full & many extra chairs being brought out to make room to honor such a great man.
He is a man of service, spiritual strength, kindness, talent, wisdom, & love. He has a brightness about him that I can still feel shining on in everything he has touched & in everyone he has met. I am overwhelmed at the effect he has had on others & will live my life striving to follow his example.
The stories many of you shared about him at the viewing were so dear to all of us. If you have any more, please do not hesitate to share them. You can send them directly to summer@summerrona.com if you would like. Also, let me know if you would like me to send you two of the songs we have recorded of him playing the piano. They are amazing!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Obituary
This will run in Thursdays Tribune & Deseret News.
John Michel Rona of Sandy Utah entered into his rest on Sunday May 24, 2009 at the IMC Hospital of severe head trauma due to a motorcycle accident on May 12, 2009.
Son of the late Herbert Rona & Jacqueline Arbogast, John was born on July 6, 1953 in Salt Lake City, UT. He served an honorable mission in Sao Paolo, Brazil & soon after married Darlene Taylor on July 7th, 1976 (later divorced). They had 5 children together. He was a hard working computer programmer & loved by his associates at ACS. He was a man of many talents, not the least of them music. He was adept at multiple instruments but favored the piano, playing for family, friends, church, and for the pure love of the sound and its creation. Although he cared little for the attention it brought him, he enjoyed sharing his amazing talent with anyone who asked and touched countless lives because of it.
His second joy was sunlight, always a healthy brown from his time in its rays, he spent more time in his garden and on his lawn than in his home, his arms full of the fruits of his labor. A selfless man he gave more away than he kept for himself.
John was a deep thinker, constantly studying and learning, sharing the knowledge with his children and those it would help. A peace maker he often helped with conflicts at work. John was a wonderful listener, providing an ear for those who simply needed to talk. He was also thoughtful, offering such heartfelt gifts they seemed hand tailored to the recipient.
He was a sweet man, revered by many, loved by all, and dear to his family.
He is survived by his children & their spouses: Summer James (Tyson), Cassidy (Laure), Moshe (Rachel), Jasmine Brundage (Spencer), & Eden; his two grandsons: Boulder & Joshua; siblings: Dan Rona, Edie Smart, Peter Rona, & Lily Pearson. Predeceased by grandparents; Alphonse Arbogast & Sophie Matz; Martin Rosenthal & Ellen Cohn.
A viewing will be held on May 28, at 6-8pm at Larkin Mortuary 1950 E 10600 S Sandy. The funeral service will be held on Friday May 29, at 12pm at the LDS Church 10945 S 1700 E Sandy with a brief viewing before at 10:45am – 11:45am. Burial will follow at Larkin Mortuary.
John Michel Rona of Sandy Utah entered into his rest on Sunday May 24, 2009 at the IMC Hospital of severe head trauma due to a motorcycle accident on May 12, 2009.
Son of the late Herbert Rona & Jacqueline Arbogast, John was born on July 6, 1953 in Salt Lake City, UT. He served an honorable mission in Sao Paolo, Brazil & soon after married Darlene Taylor on July 7th, 1976 (later divorced). They had 5 children together. He was a hard working computer programmer & loved by his associates at ACS. He was a man of many talents, not the least of them music. He was adept at multiple instruments but favored the piano, playing for family, friends, church, and for the pure love of the sound and its creation. Although he cared little for the attention it brought him, he enjoyed sharing his amazing talent with anyone who asked and touched countless lives because of it.
His second joy was sunlight, always a healthy brown from his time in its rays, he spent more time in his garden and on his lawn than in his home, his arms full of the fruits of his labor. A selfless man he gave more away than he kept for himself.
John was a deep thinker, constantly studying and learning, sharing the knowledge with his children and those it would help. A peace maker he often helped with conflicts at work. John was a wonderful listener, providing an ear for those who simply needed to talk. He was also thoughtful, offering such heartfelt gifts they seemed hand tailored to the recipient.
He was a sweet man, revered by many, loved by all, and dear to his family.
He is survived by his children & their spouses: Summer James (Tyson), Cassidy (Laure), Moshe (Rachel), Jasmine Brundage (Spencer), & Eden; his two grandsons: Boulder & Joshua; siblings: Dan Rona, Edie Smart, Peter Rona, & Lily Pearson. Predeceased by grandparents; Alphonse Arbogast & Sophie Matz; Martin Rosenthal & Ellen Cohn.
A viewing will be held on May 28, at 6-8pm at Larkin Mortuary 1950 E 10600 S Sandy. The funeral service will be held on Friday May 29, at 12pm at the LDS Church 10945 S 1700 E Sandy with a brief viewing before at 10:45am – 11:45am. Burial will follow at Larkin Mortuary.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Service & Viewing for John Rona
Thursday May 28th 6-8
Viewing at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East 10600 South Sandy, UT 84092
Friday May 29th 10:45- 11:45
Viewing at Dimple Dell Ward 10945 S 1700 East Sandy, UT 84092
Friday May 29th 12:00
Memorial Service at Dimple Dell Ward Chapel
John Michel Rona
June 6th 1953- May 24th 2009
Survived by his children:
Summer James, Cassidy Rona, Moshe Rona, Jasmine Brundage & Eden Rona
And his siblings:
Edie Smart, Dan Rona, Peter Rona, Lily Pearson
Obituary will be in the Wednesday papers in Salt Lake City, UT
He will be greatly missed until we see him again.
Viewing at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East 10600 South Sandy, UT 84092
Friday May 29th 10:45- 11:45
Viewing at Dimple Dell Ward 10945 S 1700 East Sandy, UT 84092
Friday May 29th 12:00
Memorial Service at Dimple Dell Ward Chapel
John Michel Rona
June 6th 1953- May 24th 2009
Survived by his children:
Summer James, Cassidy Rona, Moshe Rona, Jasmine Brundage & Eden Rona
And his siblings:
Edie Smart, Dan Rona, Peter Rona, Lily Pearson
Obituary will be in the Wednesday papers in Salt Lake City, UT
He will be greatly missed until we see him again.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
We will Never Forget You
Our dear father, John Michel Rona passed away today at 4:17 p.m. He fought a good fight, but he was called home & has an important work to do. Many of us believe he is arranging the music in heaven & is preparing for the second coming. His bishop gave him a blessing & we all were praying for dad to be at peace. They removed the life support & allowed him to breath on his own without the trach. He did so for about an hour and a half. As soon as my brother, Moshe moved his bed into the sun he took his last breath. He looked peaceful & we trust he is happy.
I can't help but feel grateful for the last 12 days we were able to spend with him. His injuries could've taken him the first day, but we were able to hold his hand, watch him move his feet, see him smile & hear his heart beat.
There must have been thousands of prayers around the world going up on his behalf. I am so glad that he was able to stick around to see the outpouring of love that was shown to him throughout his last days. The visits, the comments, the letters, the prayers, the hope, the caring of us kids, the tears. I know he saw & felt it all.
We miss him so much already & feel a deep sadness for his loss. He is an amazing man, a hard worker, a giver, a talented piano player, a father, a son, a brother, a father-in-law, a grandpa, a teaser, a gardener, and a righteous man whom we love so much.
According to his statement, "we are left in our callings until we figure out how to do
them right" he must of finally figured out how to do it right & has now been released to a higher calling.
We love you dad & will never forget you.
I can't help but feel grateful for the last 12 days we were able to spend with him. His injuries could've taken him the first day, but we were able to hold his hand, watch him move his feet, see him smile & hear his heart beat.
There must have been thousands of prayers around the world going up on his behalf. I am so glad that he was able to stick around to see the outpouring of love that was shown to him throughout his last days. The visits, the comments, the letters, the prayers, the hope, the caring of us kids, the tears. I know he saw & felt it all.
We miss him so much already & feel a deep sadness for his loss. He is an amazing man, a hard worker, a giver, a talented piano player, a father, a son, a brother, a father-in-law, a grandpa, a teaser, a gardener, and a righteous man whom we love so much.
According to his statement, "we are left in our callings until we figure out how to do
them right" he must of finally figured out how to do it right & has now been released to a higher calling.
We love you dad & will never forget you.
Love, Hope & Faith
After church we are going to the hospital & the doctors will withdraw life support from my dad. His body is healthy, heart is beating, he is breathing in and out; but his mind is injured possibly beyond repair. We don't know how he will respond & pray that whatever the outcome, it is for his highest good. We all want to help my dad in any way that he needs it & it may be to help him move on. If the chance presented itself, we would be there every step of the way during his recovery, no matter what it took. We would move in with him & help him to learn to walk again, or talk or play the piano or just listen to great music. If this is what our dad chooses, we are up for it. It is easy to sacrifice for those you love. There is no doubt that we are willing to go the distance for my dad. He is an amazing man with such a good heart.
If he moves on, we will remember his greatness. We will dedicate everything we do to him. We will hear him in music, in the wind & in our hearts. We will miss him everyday & talk about his memory with pride & happiness. He will live on through us & become our greatest ministering angel. I know he will watch over us & continue to parent us kids in a more meaningful & powerful way than he ever could here on earth. He will be with us always.
We love him, we miss him, we look up to him, & we are so proud of him. We will continue to have faith until the end & hope in our hearts.
If he moves on, we will remember his greatness. We will dedicate everything we do to him. We will hear him in music, in the wind & in our hearts. We will miss him everyday & talk about his memory with pride & happiness. He will live on through us & become our greatest ministering angel. I know he will watch over us & continue to parent us kids in a more meaningful & powerful way than he ever could here on earth. He will be with us always.
We love him, we miss him, we look up to him, & we are so proud of him. We will continue to have faith until the end & hope in our hearts.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Message from John about music
This was sent to me from the woman in charge of the ward newsletter. She asked my dad to share a little something about serving as the choir accompanist. Here is what he said:
Music has always been a large part of my life and has brought me a lot of peace
and enjoyment ... it is almost therapeutic and provides a spiritual environment that
is difficult to find from any other source.
Accompanying the choir is a very rewarding experience and is a great way to give
back to the ward by sharing my talents.
I have accompanied the Dimple Dell choir for 14 1/2 years and before that when I
lived in the Kingshill Drive area I accompanied that choir for over 12 years.
The way I look at it is that we are left in our callings until we figure out how to do
them right. It usually takes a Bishop about 5 years to learn how to do that calling
and then they are released and a Stake President usually takes a bit more time than
that.
I have been through quite a few choir directors over the past 14 years that have figured
out how to do their calling and were released. I guess after 26+ years that I still have
more to learn from this calling before I can be released ... so I will keep learning and
keep accompanying ...
John
Music has always been a large part of my life and has brought me a lot of peace
and enjoyment ... it is almost therapeutic and provides a spiritual environment that
is difficult to find from any other source.
Accompanying the choir is a very rewarding experience and is a great way to give
back to the ward by sharing my talents.
I have accompanied the Dimple Dell choir for 14 1/2 years and before that when I
lived in the Kingshill Drive area I accompanied that choir for over 12 years.
The way I look at it is that we are left in our callings until we figure out how to do
them right. It usually takes a Bishop about 5 years to learn how to do that calling
and then they are released and a Stake President usually takes a bit more time than
that.
I have been through quite a few choir directors over the past 14 years that have figured
out how to do their calling and were released. I guess after 26+ years that I still have
more to learn from this calling before I can be released ... so I will keep learning and
keep accompanying ...
John
May 23 Saturday 3pm
I’m here with dad right now. He is moving his left foot a lot & coughing a lot. He still moves his lips when I tickle them & I can see his eyelids squint a bit as if he’s closing them tighter. He doesn’t have a fever & his blood pressure is good. His heart rate did go pretty low this morning, into the 30’s. He’s back in the 70’s now. He looks so good. So young & handsome. It feels as if he is in & out of here. I believe with all my heart that if the Lord wants him here, dad will fight & come back and if he has a greater calling on the other side, he will magnify it above and beyond what is expected of him. This is precious time right now. I get to hold his hand & see his foot move & see his heart rate rise when I sing to him. I love him so much & I know he can feel it.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wake Up Song
I wrote this song the day before the accident. I found the timing & words pretty interesting.
Wake Up
Summer Rona
Wake up, wake up & come along with me
Get up, get up we got a lot to see
Going back to when we were just kids
When you could stand up, stand up for who you want to be
Not give up, give up, on all your silly dreams
When hide and seek was thrill enough to live
We gotta lot to live before we die
We gotta take this shot to feel alive
Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba
Wake up, wake up & feel alive
Make up, make up with those you really love
Jump up, jump up, cause standing's not enough
It's time to smile and easily forgive
Let up, let up on all the crazy stuff
Shut up, shut up no need to make a fuss
Look around and bring the positive
We gotta lot to live before we die
We gotta take this shot to feel alive
Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba
Wake up, wake up & feel alive
Wake Up
Summer Rona
Wake up, wake up & come along with me
Get up, get up we got a lot to see
Going back to when we were just kids
When you could stand up, stand up for who you want to be
Not give up, give up, on all your silly dreams
When hide and seek was thrill enough to live
We gotta lot to live before we die
We gotta take this shot to feel alive
Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba
Wake up, wake up & feel alive
Make up, make up with those you really love
Jump up, jump up, cause standing's not enough
It's time to smile and easily forgive
Let up, let up on all the crazy stuff
Shut up, shut up no need to make a fuss
Look around and bring the positive
We gotta lot to live before we die
We gotta take this shot to feel alive
Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba
Wake up, wake up & feel alive
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Out of Our Hands
Our hearts are breaking as we watch our dad breath in and out, but not wake up. His body is alive, but not his mind. His spirit is in and out of the room & we miss him terribly. Today the doctors wanted direction regarding our fathers continued care. Do we transport him to a long term facility & hope that he becomes that 5% chance, who at best would need us to care for him the rest of his life? Or do we stop his continued care (feeding tube & oxygen) & let him go?
We pray that we are directed by the spirit & that dad can be at peace with whatever he chooses.
After much deliberation, the doctors will withdraw his life support on Sunday afternoon.
This is an unimaginable position for us to be in & it is so hard to fathom living out the rest of our lives without our dad here with us. With any other injury, dad would be up & running by now, he is a fighter. This is out of our hands.
In Hebrews 11 Paul talks about faith. "By faith we understand the word and work of God- faith of the ancients were centered in Christ- By faith men subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, and worked miracles." If we exercise our faith, we can know the will of the Lord. If it is for our dad to move to the next level of existence, I am certain that he will still be active in our lives & very aware of us.
In Abraham, the people were given certain promises from the Lord. When they didn't see their promises fulfilled , they still didn't lose their faith. I know that faith is not about what we want, but what is for the greatest good. Please keep our father in your prayers .He needs them more than ever to discover his greatest glory.
I am sitting here with my dad right now. He is sleeping peacefully, as if he is going to wake up at any moment & demand I stop staring at him. He is so cute & looks so young. Again, the nurse tonight was shocked he that wasn't in his 40's. We love him dearly & we miss him so.
We pray that we are directed by the spirit & that dad can be at peace with whatever he chooses.
After much deliberation, the doctors will withdraw his life support on Sunday afternoon.
This is an unimaginable position for us to be in & it is so hard to fathom living out the rest of our lives without our dad here with us. With any other injury, dad would be up & running by now, he is a fighter. This is out of our hands.
In Hebrews 11 Paul talks about faith. "By faith we understand the word and work of God- faith of the ancients were centered in Christ- By faith men subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, and worked miracles." If we exercise our faith, we can know the will of the Lord. If it is for our dad to move to the next level of existence, I am certain that he will still be active in our lives & very aware of us.
In Abraham, the people were given certain promises from the Lord. When they didn't see their promises fulfilled , they still didn't lose their faith. I know that faith is not about what we want, but what is for the greatest good. Please keep our father in your prayers .He needs them more than ever to discover his greatest glory.
I am sitting here with my dad right now. He is sleeping peacefully, as if he is going to wake up at any moment & demand I stop staring at him. He is so cute & looks so young. Again, the nurse tonight was shocked he that wasn't in his 40's. We love him dearly & we miss him so.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
His Divine Self knows best
Dad received an MRI yesterday that confirmed what we already knew about his brain. His score stayed at a 5 today. He was much less responsive. He still withdraws from pain, but the nurses have to try a lot harder. The MRI showed more swelling in the left side & his eyes are starting to bruise again.
As I type this I can't believe I am talking about the same man who can single handedly pull a houseboat back to shore in the midst of a storm. The man who built a sports court, a huge deck, a club house with a swing, an extended garage for the boat, and who landscaped his beautiful yard on his own. The same man who broke his arm while breaking wood in a karate competition, yet still continued to break about 11 more & won. He then got a cast put on it & later sawed it off. Where there is a will there is a way for our dad. He is a fighter. The strongest man I know.
Us kids have a meeting with the doctors and trauma team tomorrow at 1p.m. Some are ready for this & others are not. It's only been 8 days since the accident & maybe dad needs more time, or maybe he is ready to go. Nobody can know for sure, but now would be a good time for him to punch the next nurse that pinches him (he would get a lot of points on the coma score for this!) They will show us the MRI scans & I'm sure scare us all to pieces & rid us of all hope. They will inform us of our choices at this point. Please pray for us to have clarity and peace within this meeting. It's important that we make decisions from a peaceful place rather than fear of an uncertain outcome or our speculations of what dad would want. Nobody can know this for certain except John Rona. At best, we would be guessing based on the human or ego side of our dad. I have a feeling his divine self is experiencing a completely different level of consciousness that we can not begin to understand.
As I type this I can't believe I am talking about the same man who can single handedly pull a houseboat back to shore in the midst of a storm. The man who built a sports court, a huge deck, a club house with a swing, an extended garage for the boat, and who landscaped his beautiful yard on his own. The same man who broke his arm while breaking wood in a karate competition, yet still continued to break about 11 more & won. He then got a cast put on it & later sawed it off. Where there is a will there is a way for our dad. He is a fighter. The strongest man I know.
Us kids have a meeting with the doctors and trauma team tomorrow at 1p.m. Some are ready for this & others are not. It's only been 8 days since the accident & maybe dad needs more time, or maybe he is ready to go. Nobody can know for sure, but now would be a good time for him to punch the next nurse that pinches him (he would get a lot of points on the coma score for this!) They will show us the MRI scans & I'm sure scare us all to pieces & rid us of all hope. They will inform us of our choices at this point. Please pray for us to have clarity and peace within this meeting. It's important that we make decisions from a peaceful place rather than fear of an uncertain outcome or our speculations of what dad would want. Nobody can know this for certain except John Rona. At best, we would be guessing based on the human or ego side of our dad. I have a feeling his divine self is experiencing a completely different level of consciousness that we can not begin to understand.
Navigating Uncertainty
In these uncertain times it is hard to know what to expect. From the beginning I have had hope that no matter what, all would be okay. I believe with all my heart that if my dad is meant to wake up & be whole, he will. I believe in miracles & my dad has been a miracle in so many of our lives. I believe he is in the Lord's hands & I know that ultimately it is the Lord's decision what happens next.
It has been so difficult to navigate through everyone's theories, fears, concerns, beliefs, predictions, etc. The doctors have been pessimistic from the beginning & I have not expected anything more than the same attitudes. I have chosen to focus on the positives & I do not regret this. I apologize if it has given anyone the wrong impression.
My dad has suffered serious brain damage to the left frontal lobe, the parietal, & temporal lobes . So severe, they say, that if he ever wakes up, he would not have a good quality of life. This is where it gets complicated. Who is to say what a good quality of life is? How much do we value a life? If someone isn’t what we thought they would be do they deserve to live? What about all of those amazing, loving handicapped souls? What if he can never play the piano again? But, what if he can listen to music? Will that be enough? What would he want? What would God want?
They say he will never be the same John that we all know, but at this point, none of us will ever be the same. No one wants to see him suffer, but who's to say that he is suffering?
I am grateful that I can hear his heart beat and hold his hand & see him fidget. But of course, the nurses and doctors see movement as reflexes, not intentional movements.
His coma score was a 5 today & he had less movement. He looks so amazing, here comes my cup half full side. I can't believe that in just one week, his swelling is almost gone, his bruising is gone, the tubes are out of his mouth, and he looks like dad, just sleeping.
Thanks for your prayers. We need them more than ever today.
It has been so difficult to navigate through everyone's theories, fears, concerns, beliefs, predictions, etc. The doctors have been pessimistic from the beginning & I have not expected anything more than the same attitudes. I have chosen to focus on the positives & I do not regret this. I apologize if it has given anyone the wrong impression.
My dad has suffered serious brain damage to the left frontal lobe, the parietal, & temporal lobes . So severe, they say, that if he ever wakes up, he would not have a good quality of life. This is where it gets complicated. Who is to say what a good quality of life is? How much do we value a life? If someone isn’t what we thought they would be do they deserve to live? What about all of those amazing, loving handicapped souls? What if he can never play the piano again? But, what if he can listen to music? Will that be enough? What would he want? What would God want?
They say he will never be the same John that we all know, but at this point, none of us will ever be the same. No one wants to see him suffer, but who's to say that he is suffering?
I am grateful that I can hear his heart beat and hold his hand & see him fidget. But of course, the nurses and doctors see movement as reflexes, not intentional movements.
His coma score was a 5 today & he had less movement. He looks so amazing, here comes my cup half full side. I can't believe that in just one week, his swelling is almost gone, his bruising is gone, the tubes are out of his mouth, and he looks like dad, just sleeping.
Thanks for your prayers. We need them more than ever today.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Dad's Smile Monday 11pm
Dad smiled today! It was so cute. I tickled his lips and he did a sour face and then smiled for everyone in the room. He smiled again later in the evening when my mom said she was taking care of the kids. It was such a blessing for us to see his sweet smile. He got his trach in today and looks so much better without all the tubes in his mouth. He looks much more comfortable. I asked him to move his left foot and I swear he did. The nurse saw it & said that was good. He has been moving his legs a bit but it's hard to tell if it's just a coincidence, but it was cool to see. He did it several times after I asked. You never know. :-)
We still do not know what's going to happen to him, but we are confident that he is in the Lord's hands.
Thank you for your prayers.
P.S. Right now Dad is listening to the CD Secret Garden (White Stones). It's beautiful instrumental music & was in his CD player in his car.
We still do not know what's going to happen to him, but we are confident that he is in the Lord's hands.
Thank you for your prayers.
P.S. Right now Dad is listening to the CD Secret Garden (White Stones). It's beautiful instrumental music & was in his CD player in his car.
Monday May 18th
Good Morning everyone. Sorry no update last night. We were all exhausted.
Dad will be getting the tracheostomy this afternoon & possibly come off of the ventilator.
They are taking the brain drain out today.
He got a 7 on the glasgow coma score yesterday! He actually localized the pain & reached over towards the area of pain, which is great! Today he is back to a 6.
The most important thing right now is to have patience and continued faith. Things can be up & down for a while. I am just happy that he is showing signs of improvement every day. It's only day 6 & in some brain injury cases they don't see any movement, coughing, increased coma scores, etc.
The nurse said that we do not have to hurry to make any decisions at this point. He is making progress & there is no rush. It's important that we give dad the time to heal & let him show us what he can do.
Dad will be getting the tracheostomy this afternoon & possibly come off of the ventilator.
They are taking the brain drain out today.
He got a 7 on the glasgow coma score yesterday! He actually localized the pain & reached over towards the area of pain, which is great! Today he is back to a 6.
The most important thing right now is to have patience and continued faith. Things can be up & down for a while. I am just happy that he is showing signs of improvement every day. It's only day 6 & in some brain injury cases they don't see any movement, coughing, increased coma scores, etc.
The nurse said that we do not have to hurry to make any decisions at this point. He is making progress & there is no rush. It's important that we give dad the time to heal & let him show us what he can do.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday May 17th 4pm
Dad will probably get a tracheostomy tomorrow & the tubes will be removed from his mouth. This will be better for his vocal chords & allows the nurses easier access for feeding and fluids.
They will take him off of the ventilator & keep him off of it. The nurse said, "He's been breathing on his own for a couple days now. All it's doing now is giving us numbers, he's been doing all the work." Sounds like John. Always working hard.
Also, we were talking about the location of his injury. The nurse said that if you're going to injure your brain that's the place to do it. It's in the left frontal area which effects the personality and attitude. We don't know much about additional damage due to the swelling and the only way to know is with more time.
Although this is only day 5, it feels like much longer. All of us kids pretty much live at the hospital and when we aren't there we are at my dad's house. We've all moved in there & it's nice to be able to support each other and our dad at this time.
I am so impressed with my siblings & their faith, hope and endurance through this trial.
We want to thank the men who sang in the quartet today at my dad's ward. They sang,
"I Need Thee Every Hour". My dad was on his way home from this rehearsal when the accident happened & the men dedicated the song to him. It was beautiful and brought the spirit.
Thank you.
They will take him off of the ventilator & keep him off of it. The nurse said, "He's been breathing on his own for a couple days now. All it's doing now is giving us numbers, he's been doing all the work." Sounds like John. Always working hard.
Also, we were talking about the location of his injury. The nurse said that if you're going to injure your brain that's the place to do it. It's in the left frontal area which effects the personality and attitude. We don't know much about additional damage due to the swelling and the only way to know is with more time.
Although this is only day 5, it feels like much longer. All of us kids pretty much live at the hospital and when we aren't there we are at my dad's house. We've all moved in there & it's nice to be able to support each other and our dad at this time.
I am so impressed with my siblings & their faith, hope and endurance through this trial.
We want to thank the men who sang in the quartet today at my dad's ward. They sang,
"I Need Thee Every Hour". My dad was on his way home from this rehearsal when the accident happened & the men dedicated the song to him. It was beautiful and brought the spirit.
Thank you.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
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Thanks for your love.
The Rona kids
There are comment links below every post.
If you become a friend to the blog you can make comments yourself.
Thanks for your love.
The Rona kids
Score is up & dad's a stud!
Today dad's glasgow coma score increased from 5 to 6. He is responding & withdrawing from pain. The nurses are pinching his fingers & toes and he is pulling away. Last night the nurse could've sworn that dad lifted his arm to help her wash him. He has always been a gentleman.
This morning they put a filter next to his heart that would catch a clot if one breaks off.
FUNNY STUFF:
So, a supervisor came in to speak with the nurse. He had a serious tone & later I found out that he was concerned that the charts had been mixed up or the information wasn't filled out correctly. He said that the age didn't match the patient. "It says he is 55 and we need to fix that." The nurse explained that he was indeed 55 & the supervisor was shocked. He said, "I thought he was that girls boyfriend." (pointing at me)
Last night the nurse asked if I was his wife. Now either I'm looking much older or dad still is a stud!
This morning they put a filter next to his heart that would catch a clot if one breaks off.
FUNNY STUFF:
So, a supervisor came in to speak with the nurse. He had a serious tone & later I found out that he was concerned that the charts had been mixed up or the information wasn't filled out correctly. He said that the age didn't match the patient. "It says he is 55 and we need to fix that." The nurse explained that he was indeed 55 & the supervisor was shocked. He said, "I thought he was that girls boyfriend." (pointing at me)
Last night the nurse asked if I was his wife. Now either I'm looking much older or dad still is a stud!
Breathing
Tonight we were blessed to hear some good news. Every little thing is a huge blessing at this point.
The nurse came into the room and stared at the ventilator for a minute. She looked around and then said, "hmm". I asked her what was going on & she said that he is breathing on his own. "Yesterday he was on the maximum amount of air support & today he is on the minimum. We are giving him 30% oxygen, while we use 21. He has been on the lowest amount since 9a.m."
The nurse came into the room and stared at the ventilator for a minute. She looked around and then said, "hmm". I asked her what was going on & she said that he is breathing on his own. "Yesterday he was on the maximum amount of air support & today he is on the minimum. We are giving him 30% oxygen, while we use 21. He has been on the lowest amount since 9a.m."
May 15th Meeting with Doctor
It's been a long day for everyone. Dad had many visitors showing their love and support. Thank you so much to all. Thank you for the food that just magically appears & for your prayers that we know have not stopped.
We had a family meeting with one of the trauma doctors and it helped give us more of an understanding of the situation. Here are some of the points:
*Dad's brain had shifted very far to one side & the most recent cat scan shows that it has shifted back closer to midline.
*His posturing has improved. He is withdrawing from touch.
*The main injury is to the left frontal area, which is better tolerated than other areas. This has been known to effect the personality & attitude.
*Speach & understanding may be difficult, but it is still early in the game.
*He is making progress, which is encouraging.
*The faster he improves the more likely that improvements will continue.
*He did not have a stroke but bruising & smashing of the brain.
*The intercranial pressure is down (staying between 10-15).
*We see more brain function than before. Possibly a 6 on the glascocoma scale, which is measured by touch response, verbal, or eye opening.
* He is stable but still critical.
Dr. Van Boerum said that what he needs most right now is time. Time for him to reveal to us what he is going to do. He says that no big decisions need to be made right now. There is room for hope.
Then Michelle, the social worker spoke to us. She said that it is important for us to give him a chance. "Fill that room with love. There is nothing stronger than love. You will start to see answers yourself. Err on the side of life."
We had a family meeting with one of the trauma doctors and it helped give us more of an understanding of the situation. Here are some of the points:
*Dad's brain had shifted very far to one side & the most recent cat scan shows that it has shifted back closer to midline.
*His posturing has improved. He is withdrawing from touch.
*The main injury is to the left frontal area, which is better tolerated than other areas. This has been known to effect the personality & attitude.
*Speach & understanding may be difficult, but it is still early in the game.
*He is making progress, which is encouraging.
*The faster he improves the more likely that improvements will continue.
*He did not have a stroke but bruising & smashing of the brain.
*The intercranial pressure is down (staying between 10-15).
*We see more brain function than before. Possibly a 6 on the glascocoma scale, which is measured by touch response, verbal, or eye opening.
* He is stable but still critical.
Dr. Van Boerum said that what he needs most right now is time. Time for him to reveal to us what he is going to do. He says that no big decisions need to be made right now. There is room for hope.
Then Michelle, the social worker spoke to us. She said that it is important for us to give him a chance. "Fill that room with love. There is nothing stronger than love. You will start to see answers yourself. Err on the side of life."
Friday, May 15, 2009
http://www.lyricsdownload.com/wilson-phillips-hold-on-for-one-more-day-lyrics.html
This is the song that was playing on my dad's clock radio this morning.
"Hold On"
...don't you know, things can change, things will go your way
if you hold on for one more day things will go your way.
hold on for one more day.
...don't you think it's worth your time
to change your mind
i know that there is pain
but you hold on for one more day
and you break free from the chains
hold on for one more day
This is the song that was playing on my dad's clock radio this morning.
"Hold On"
...don't you know, things can change, things will go your way
if you hold on for one more day things will go your way.
hold on for one more day.
...don't you think it's worth your time
to change your mind
i know that there is pain
but you hold on for one more day
and you break free from the chains
hold on for one more day
The name, John
Origin: Hebrew
"gracious gift of God"
Always leaves a great impression
One who is tenacious in any quest
One whose integrity is unquestioned
One who is a go-getter for him, ANYTHING is possible
An earnest believer
One who is loyal and loving
Acts promptly when a decision is made
We love you dad! Fight!
"gracious gift of God"
Always leaves a great impression
One who is tenacious in any quest
One whose integrity is unquestioned
One who is a go-getter for him, ANYTHING is possible
An earnest believer
One who is loyal and loving
Acts promptly when a decision is made
We love you dad! Fight!
Our Dad
As many of you already know, our dad, John Rona, was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident on May 12th, 2009. We do not know the cause of the accident. He was lucky to be found 8 seconds after the crash by members of the ward who were following him after a church function. He got to the hospital in record time & was treated immediately. The first hour is the miracle hour. He had major head trauma & went in for brain surgery to remove a blood clot at around midnight. The surgery went well & they removed the clot successfully.
The next day, May 13th, the swelling in his head began to increase. They had removed a portion of his skull to leave room for the swelling, but it was still worrisome. The pressure in his head went up to a 29 & threatened brain death (I've been told we operate at a pressure of 5 or so). The doctors really wanted to see dad's pressure drop below a 20. They gave him manitol- a particle that pulls the fluid out of the brain, they increased his sodium levels, they sedated him to keep his anxiety down & even gave him a drug to temporarily paralyze him. If the levels continued to rise they were going to have to take drastic measures, such as standing him up, inserting a catheter to cool him down, or finally removing part of his brain. Luckily, by inserting an EVD into the cerebral spinal fluid sac, they were able to drain out some fluid and create room for the swelling.
Many of us were praying and fasting all day for the swelling to go down and around 9pm it did! It went down to a 15! The nurse was hoping for a 20, so this was great news.
The doctors sat many family members down on the first day & showed us dad's cat scan results. He had major swelling, blood in the brain, and a partial stroke that caused some brain damage to his left side. They were very concerned and said they do not know exactly how this damage would effect our dad if he ever wakes up. Their biggest concern was his glasgow coma score. On a scale from 3-15 (3 being a table & 15 being us), he scored a 5. This is his level of consciousness or how deep his coma is. It is measured by several neurological tests including testing his reaction to pain or response to commands, his movements, his eyes reaction to light, etc. The good news is that this number can increase & the doctors said it is a complete possibility. It has not been ruled out.
I believe the brain is resilient as well as John Rona! The doctors are doing an amazing job to protect my dad from further injury & they have helped to save his life so far. The nurses say his heart beats like a champ & they would have thought he was a marathon runner. He is in amazing shape! The reports read, "40 year old man involved in an accident." Pretty good for our 55 year old dad.
His blood pressure is in a manageable zone, his heart rate is great, his swelling is going down & he is breathing in and out. He is on life support to help regulate his breaths as the doctors believe he would not breath adequately without it for now.
Of course the doctors do not want to over promise and have told us every scary thing imaginable. Our dad has received two blessings. One at the site of the accident by members of the ward & second by his eldest son, Cassidy, on the second day. All of us kids were there holding hands & praying over our dad. It was a sacred moment. We know these blessings have turned it over to the Lord's will. We know ultimately it is in His hands & we all have such strong faith & courage that whatever the result, we will all be okay. We love our dad so much & we have felt that this choice is up to him & the Lord.
We will continue to pray for his strength and healing. Miracles do happen & if anyone can make it through this, it is our he-man of a dad.
Love, Summer & the kids
The next day, May 13th, the swelling in his head began to increase. They had removed a portion of his skull to leave room for the swelling, but it was still worrisome. The pressure in his head went up to a 29 & threatened brain death (I've been told we operate at a pressure of 5 or so). The doctors really wanted to see dad's pressure drop below a 20. They gave him manitol- a particle that pulls the fluid out of the brain, they increased his sodium levels, they sedated him to keep his anxiety down & even gave him a drug to temporarily paralyze him. If the levels continued to rise they were going to have to take drastic measures, such as standing him up, inserting a catheter to cool him down, or finally removing part of his brain. Luckily, by inserting an EVD into the cerebral spinal fluid sac, they were able to drain out some fluid and create room for the swelling.
Many of us were praying and fasting all day for the swelling to go down and around 9pm it did! It went down to a 15! The nurse was hoping for a 20, so this was great news.
The doctors sat many family members down on the first day & showed us dad's cat scan results. He had major swelling, blood in the brain, and a partial stroke that caused some brain damage to his left side. They were very concerned and said they do not know exactly how this damage would effect our dad if he ever wakes up. Their biggest concern was his glasgow coma score. On a scale from 3-15 (3 being a table & 15 being us), he scored a 5. This is his level of consciousness or how deep his coma is. It is measured by several neurological tests including testing his reaction to pain or response to commands, his movements, his eyes reaction to light, etc. The good news is that this number can increase & the doctors said it is a complete possibility. It has not been ruled out.
I believe the brain is resilient as well as John Rona! The doctors are doing an amazing job to protect my dad from further injury & they have helped to save his life so far. The nurses say his heart beats like a champ & they would have thought he was a marathon runner. He is in amazing shape! The reports read, "40 year old man involved in an accident." Pretty good for our 55 year old dad.
His blood pressure is in a manageable zone, his heart rate is great, his swelling is going down & he is breathing in and out. He is on life support to help regulate his breaths as the doctors believe he would not breath adequately without it for now.
Of course the doctors do not want to over promise and have told us every scary thing imaginable. Our dad has received two blessings. One at the site of the accident by members of the ward & second by his eldest son, Cassidy, on the second day. All of us kids were there holding hands & praying over our dad. It was a sacred moment. We know these blessings have turned it over to the Lord's will. We know ultimately it is in His hands & we all have such strong faith & courage that whatever the result, we will all be okay. We love our dad so much & we have felt that this choice is up to him & the Lord.
We will continue to pray for his strength and healing. Miracles do happen & if anyone can make it through this, it is our he-man of a dad.
Love, Summer & the kids
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