Our family's gratitude for so much tender help with our Olivia

Over the last eight months, we've been staggered by the incredible kindness and care shown to us, in small and large ways. A special shout-out to Shamrock Auto and so many others on Thanksgiving.

I wrote last holiday about how an amazing company Accent Paint had transformed our home after the passing of our daughter Emma, a Christmas gift our family will never forget. At the time, we could never have imagined a repeat scenario for the baby Monique was carrying - our caboose that my wife felt prompted needed to come into our family.

When Olivia Jené came into the world on Easter day, this spring, all was well following a wonderful birth experience. We learned at Primary Children’s Medical Center within a few short weeks, however, that she had EIEE (Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy). Even though the months were among the most challenging of our lives as seizures intruded again on baby bliss, we have marveled to see our peace, joy and love growing as a family. All is still well, as the epic pioneer song of our faith declares. On today’s Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., we want to express our appreciation as a family to some of the many who have lightened our load and made this doable for us.

Shamrock Auto

In the spring, Monique found a clinic down in Louisiana that offered specialty treatment we felt hopeful might spark some deeper healing for Olivia. But we weren’t sure how we could get down there, since the amount of equipment we needed to take wouldn’t fit comfortably in our van.

Brady Kimball and Kellen Christenson at Shamrock Auto Group came to the rescue. After reading an inquiry I posted about our dilemma, they arranged for us to be able to take one of their larger travel vans for a few weeks in a kindness and miracle we will never forget. Here is Kellen when I picked it up:

The boys were way more comfortable with the extra space in the van for the long, hot summer drive to New Orleans:

And so was Monique and our little one:

This made a huge difference for our family, and we’ll always remember the compassion Shamrock Auto showed us. Here’s Brady when we dropped it off:

Two months later I got this note from him - to show you the kind of guys they are. When you’re looking for another car, it’s always so hard to know who you can trust. If that describes you, consider calling up Shamrock Auto Group, in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Oshner Medical Center and Primary Children’s

While in Louisiana, Olivia took a turn for the worse, for reasons we still don’t understand. The medical team and staff at Oshner Medical Center in New Orleans were absolutely incredible during our stay in the Emergency Room and pediatric unit - helping stabilize her with some different medications.

The local Latter-day Saint ward in New Orleans also was wonderful, especially a assistance on a blessing given on a day she was struggling most. After making it back to Utah, we continued to received skilled care from our team at Primary Children’s Medical Center. Here is Dr. Amanda Sandoval, our neurologist, during a visit with her and the genetic counselor sharing with us more about Olivia’s condition (Olivia’s clearly not feeling the same vibe!)

Deseret News and DMBA

I don’t know how we would have survived this all without the amazing insurance we’ve had through DMBA (Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators). So grateful for their assistance! We’ve also been touched by several friends who have been so generous to help with some of the medical bills. And we want to thank Intermountain Health for also being so understanding and willing to reduce the amount we owed after applying for some assistance.

My boss at Deseret News, Doug Wilks happened to call me twice in the hospital to check in on us, without even knowing we were struggling that day. And Sarah, Aaron, Lois, Suzanne, Hanna, Tad and others have been so supportive and encouraging - just as my colleagues at Impact have continued to be, Clay, Tim, Kris, Zac, Thayne, Cashe, Jeff. Deseret has also been patient with the flexibility I’ve sometimes needed. I couldn’t be happier working there, and feel lucky to be part of the publication.

Our Paradise Ward

Monique and I were surprised one summer day when kids from our Latter-day Saint congregation came by to help us weed. It left us in a better place outside - and inside too - as the experience left us both emotional. I’ve never seen such a big weed as Joe Taylor heroically pulled out!

Grandparents to the rescue

I can’t imagine better grandparents than Bill and Jené, Dad and Ann. They’ve encircled us - especially our boys - with their love. And they love Olivia too, to pieces. On every level, I just don’t know how we could have done this without them. My heart really does mourn for people who don’t experience this kind of family connection, especially those who have never known this love or who have cut themselves off from parents and grandparents who really could provide it.

Big brother(s) watching you!

Joseph has a special relationship with Olivia, but they’ve all been so tender and sweet to help hold her - along with carrying a little extra load in the home when Monique and I are taking care of their baby sister. Sam makes bread after Kathy Thatcher showed us how - and Joseph made waffles yesterday. William plays with all his younger brothers like they really matter to him.

Olivia’s A-mazing Mum

I hardly know what to say about Monique, except to quote Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an apostle in our faith, “No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child."

I’ve watched that for the last 8 months in awe, honestly, just as I did during Emma’s three years with us. Although I know that literally every day has been challenging, I’ve rarely heard Monique complain. When she could have become hard and bitter, I’ve seen just the opposite, as the suffering seems to have broken her open. As she’s dug deeper to connect with the Savior even more, I’ve witnessed a change in her I didn’t even imagine was possible. Monique has more peace, more joy and more ability to share love than I’ve ever seen in her. A miracle that we never even expected!

Thank you all! Hoping that peace and joy find you and yours today.