COVID-19 March 2020

This is now the 3rd Sunday that we have been asked to meet at home with our families. Today, Pres. Nelson, the prophet, has asked that we fast and pray for relief from the effects of this pandemic.

These are unique times. Never before in history have we voluntarily shut down large parts of our economy to help the few most vulnerable among us by slowing the infection rate of this disease. We, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, have been uniquely prepared for this event. One year ago, the leaders of the church started emphasizing that gospel learning needs to be home centered and church supported. For years we have been told to have home food storage for a time of need. I, for one, never expected the need for food storage to be caused by the spread of a virus. I know that we are in the Lord's hands and that his plan will roll forward no matter what.

Economically, some businesses have had to close. Many are experiencing a slow down. Travel and tourism has been significantly affected. Dentists and hair dressers are not making money. The stock market is down 20%. I have taken a major hit in my retirement account, but fortunately I am able to continue working.

Regarding the health of our family, Haley has had some kind of infection that caused her a fever for 2 days. She was not able to get tested to see what it was because her symptoms were too mild and they wanted to save the tests for more severe infections. I hope she had the COVID-19 virus, otherwise she may get sick again. It appears obvious now that all of us will eventually be exposed to it. Haley is now recovered. She was sick with a fever for 2 days and had tightness in her chest also, but is fine now.

People have been asked to do 5 things:
1) Wash hands
2) Cough into your elbow
3) Don't touch you face
4) Keep 6ft away from people
5) Stay home if you can

Here are the statistics fro Arizona now.

All counties in AZ are now reporting at least one case. These, however, are only cases that tested positive. The data from the Diamond Princess cruise ship suggests that this represents only a fraction of the number who may have been exposed and only half of the people infected show symptoms. Since we are only testing people with significant symptoms, we can postulate that at least 2000 people in AZ are currently infected. That would align more with the death rate we are reporting which should not be more than 1%. We will not know the true number of cases in AZ until testing becomes more widespread.

Here is what the US looks like today. NY, NJ, and CT most affected. Gordon and Alison are in the LA area. It has a large number of cases, but also lots of people. Eric and Crystal are in Mississippi with lots of little dots.

There are advantages to being in a rural community.

Churchwide, members are holding sacrament meetings in our homes. Haley joined us virtually today via FaceTime for our home fast and testimony meeting. This morning, I met with the High Council using the Zoom app. We also had two recently returned missionaries report via Zoom. I met with the La Cholla Ward Bishopric via Google Hangout. Temples are currently all closed. Next week is General Conference. No one, other than General Authorities will be there live. Everyone else will attend via broadcast. This General Conference of the Church will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the First Vision of Joseph Smith, the first prophet of our dispensation. We are looking forward to that.

Meanwhile, it is springtime in the desert.

My Sister, Janet....Sep 25, 1962 - Feb 23, 2020

On July 21, 2017 Terry and Janet Grant were driving South on I-15 to their cabin near Beaver, Utah to celebrate Pioneer Day (July 24th) weekend. They were driving the pickup truck that Janet's father had bequeathed them 3 years earlier when he passed away. As they neared the town of Scipio at a speed of 75 MPH, one of the rear tires blew out causing the truck to veer into the median and begin to roll. It rolled 4 times and each time the top hit the ground it came down on the passenger side of the cab where Janet was seat-belted in.

Terry and Janet in Hawaii on Vacation

When the truck finally came to a stop, Terry was conscious with only a few cracked bones, some cuts and bruises but he couldn't open the door. Janet was to his right but not responding. The cab of the truck had collapsed in a way that blocked Terry's view of Janet's head. People on the freeway who witnessed the accident had immediately called 911. Emergency responders from Nephi arrived several minutes later. They extracted Terry and Janet and determined that Janet needed to be life-flighted to a larger hospital than was available at Nephi. She was flown to Utah Valley Hospital.

Janet had some severe head and facial lacerations and several broken vertebrae in her neck along with severe brain trauma. The doctors repaired the superficial injuries but couldn't predict the recovery prognosis for brain function and mobility. Janet received priesthood blessings and many prayers were sent heavenward. Over the months that followed small improvements were observed giving us hope. Her superficial wounds all healed. Janet opened her eyes and began tracking with them. She was eventually able to breath on her own. She was able to move her arms a little and could squeeze with hands. But after a year, improvement seemed to halt. Insurance would no longer pay for a care facility so she was brought home to a room setup for 24 hr nursing care.

Janet after the accident gets a hug from grand children on Valentines Day

Janet could not communicate nor could she control her neck to raise her head on her own. She could not swallow and was; therefore, kept alive by a feeding tube. Our family continued to hold out hope and involve her in family activities. She was able to be moved in a wheel chair and was brought to her mother's 90th birthday party and then to her mother's funeral 7 months later.

Finally, we began to question whether we were doing the right thing by providing life support. Her time of probation in this mortal world had clearly ended at the time of the accident. The time since then was a trial of our faith and dedication, but how long do we allow the pause in her progression. Her husband, Terry, was reviewing their estate plan and was reminded that they had filled out living wills. She had requested that her life not be sustained by life support if such a situation arise. Terry had discussions with church leaders and the family. I personally prayed and had the feeling that it was time to release her and let her continue her eternal progression. Hospice professionals helped ensure the transition was peaceful once the life supporting feeding tubes were removed.

I am grateful for the knowledge of the gospel plan and for the feeling of peace that accompanied our decision to allow her to be released from mortality. Janet had provided saintly care of my father after his cancer diagnosis. She took my mom into her home and cared for her until Janet had the accident. During this life, she was an incredible example to all of us. We have missed her strength and organization skills in the family since the accident. I know she has a greater mission to perform together with my Dad and Mom.

The last picture on my Dad's digital camera was of he and Janet days before he passed away.