May 11, 2010

Thank you to all who attended my dad's viewing and funeral. You guys have been a great support to my family and I. Please continue to keep my mom especially in your prayers. Thanks...Julie

May 6, 2010

Obituary for Gary Joseph Albiston

Gary Joseph Albiston, born October 16, 1951, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2010. He was the second child born to Mary Evelyn Cronquist and Gilbert Joseph Albiston. He grew up in the state of Colorado with his two sisters, Gladys and Beverly. After graduating from high school, he served a mission for the LDS church in Pennsylvania. He went to school to become an accountant. He met his wife, Rebecca, in Washington and they were married in the Manti Temple on December 4, 1973. He was the father of 8 kids: Julie, Laura (Brice), Nathan (Naomi), Spencer (Diane), Ryan (Stephanie), Megan, Jacob, Katelyn, and his bonus boy, Ray. Gary was heavily involved in Scouting and earned his Silver Beaver Award in September 2009. Gary especially enjoyed his work at the LDS Humanitarian Center, where he was the one who told the jokes. He loved the people he worked with and considered them an extension of his family. Throughout his lifetime he served in numerous callings in the Church and was currently serving in the Young Men’s Presidency. Gary loved the outdoors, his horses, and was looking forward to having another son serve a mission this fall. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, his 8 children, and 8 ½ grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 grandson, Brock Robert Albiston. A viewing will be held Sunday, May 9 from 6-8 pm at Anderson & Sons Mortuary (49 E 100 N, American Fork). Funeral services will be held Monday, May 10 at 11 am at the American Fork West Stake Center (500 N 700 W, American Fork). A brief visitation will be held prior to the service (9:45-10:45 am). Internment will be at the American Fork Cemetery following the services.

May 5, 2010

At about 2 am this morning my dad passed away from his traumatic brain injury. Please keep my mom especially in your prayers. When I know what arrangements will be I will write them here. Thanks all for your support.

Julie

May 4, 2010

My dad was moved from one floor to another one. Unfortunately, it was not due to him making a recovery but due to him being placed in hospice care. My mom made that decision yesterday afternoon. It has been a difficult couple of days. Intellectually I know that it is probably the best thing that can be done for him but emotionally it is difficult.

Okay, that is it for now.

Julie

May 3, 2010

I am sorry that I did not update the blog yesterday. I am going to do so now.

My dad's health continues to be the same. There have been no real improvements. They did remove the bolt from my dad's head today(it measured the intracranial pressure). He looks more normal now. He continues to be unconscious, however.

Thank you to all that have supported my family through prayers, love, and other things.

Julie

PS...those of you who attended my family's church ward yesterday...you know how the lights were out during the meeting? That was my dad's way of participating in the meeting. In his hospital room they have to keep the lights out to help him (too much light stimulates him). So, even in my dad's condition he cam to church :)

May 1, 2010

There have been no real changes in dad's condition today. The doctors came around today and told us that his recent CT scan showed some continued swelling. He is still unconscious.

The doctor's decided to remove the "cooling" IV today. They thought there might be some infection in it because he has been having a continuing temperature. They had planned to replace it with a PICC line (an IV that is placed into the heart). Prior to inserting the PICC line, they did an ultrasound to make sure all was going to be okay. They ended up finding some blood clots. They can't really can't give him any blood thinners because that would be harmful to the brain. They ended up putting in two shorter PICC-like IV lines.

It is just a waiting game now. Tough but that is all we can do now.

Julie

April 30, 2010

Okay, I was gone a lot of today with meetings at work and massage clinic. I am at the hospital now. I just got back from seeing my dad. This afternoon they took my dad off of the ventilator. So now he is not being assisted in breathing anymore because he is able to breathe on his own. That is good, huh?

He is still unconscious but continues to move his right arm and leg occasionally. His left arm and leg move less frequently but that is an improvement.

The CT scan that they did late last night/early this morning showed that the bleeding had stopped in my dad's brain. That is good.

I am tired so I am going to sign off for tonight. Until tomorrow...

Julie


PS...my mom mentioned that I should write a special note for Micheal G. My dad is so glad to know you. You inspire him with your positive attitude and your faith. He loves you Michael! Thanks for being his friend. Julie