Monday, February 21, 2011

First 24 hours

Ethan is 17 months old. We truely are blessed to have him as part of our family. We just cannot get enough of him. His two sisters Hallie and Ava absolutely adore him and he them.

On Saturday, February 19, 2011 Ethan suffered serious 1st and 2nd degree burns over 20-25% of his body. We were cooking with some hot oil and out of nowhere he grabbed the plug from the skillet and pulled the hott oil off the counter spilling the oil all over his head and body. Britt's motherly instincts kicked in as she quickly put her hand over his eye brows shielding the hot burning oil from his face.

I don't know that I'll be able to forget the terror that followed; the image of him being burned is imprinted in my mind. Immediately Britt grabbed Ethan and ran downstairs to the bathroom. I grabbed the phone and called 911. Those first few seconds seemed like and eternity as the 911 operator asked my address and what the problem was. I remember thinking, I don't have time to answer all these questions! The EMS quickly arrived, and rushed Ethan to the hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital, I found a large team of doctors and nurses attending to my little boy in the emergency room. We were told that he was going to be airlifted to the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary. From then on, it was just a waiting game for us as we waited for the SPARC Team (fixed wing airplane) to arrive. As we waited by his bedside, Grant (Brittany's dad) and I gave Ethan a blessing. Throughout my life I have witnessed the healing power of priesthood blessings. Not only have I personally witnessed many of these miracles first hand, I have heard many experiences of others whose lives have been blessed when the power of the priesthood coupled with faith have been exercised in the behalf of others. When the SPARC team arrived, I felt an instant calming of all my nerves and shock. I had a feeling that everything would be ok. The pediatric team was great, they instantly had my full confidence as they calmly packed Ethan up and left for Calgary. Britt and I returned home, packed what we needed for a couple of days and drove through the night with my parents (Bart & Sue Anderson).

We pulled up to the hospital around 3:30 am and found Ethan waiting for us in the pediatric intensive unit. By this time, Ethan's head had swollen extensively to the point where he didn't look anything like himself. It was kind of disturbing at first but we quickly grew on his new look.

That first night went by quickly with little sleep. It seemed as though we had new doctors and nurses coming in every couple of minutes introducing themselves as member of specialty teams that would be working specifically on Ethan. So far, Ethan has his own personal plastic surgeon, physiotherapist, pediatricians, dietitians, multiple nurses, and a large support group surrounding him consisting of family and concerned individuals. It has been overwhelming hearing how many people have been praying and fasting for him. People all over the world are keeping him in their prayers. So thank-you all who have shown interest in our little boy, thank-you for your prayers, Ethan needs as much as he can get.

Although so much more has happened than what I've written we will try to keep this page up as new information is given. We will also be posting some pictures shortly.

16 comments:

  1. We love you guys and we will keep praying for our little buddy!

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  2. Jenn told us what happened this weekend. Our hearts ached with pain for him and for you. We just want you to know you are in our prayers and thoughts and we have put your names in the Temple here in Oregon. We will be excited to hear the miracles that happen with your sweet little boy and your family.
    Love Bambi and Troy Thomson

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  3. Miracles do happen... But before I begin just to remind you of who I am I was a roommate of your sister Jenn.

    I wanted to give you a hope that he will heal (If it is His will) as I was also burned badly with 3rd degree burns on my arms and chest as a child of 12 months. Pulling an old '70's BBQ with hot coals over on top of myself. I was blessed and healed with no repercussion, and do not remember any pain I went through, only a scar left on one of my arms is a reminder today. May he be blessed in the same manner. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your little one.

    Amber

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  4. Thanks for keeping us updated. You can add our family to the list of those who are praying for you. You haven't left my thoughts since I first heard the news. Love you all!

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  5. Thank you so much for the updates. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope for great miracles for this special little guy. Ethan is very blessed to have such strong and loving parents. We love you!

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  6. I am so sorry to hear whats happened to your little guy! We will be praying for you too!

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  7. Know that our prayers are with many others in Ethan's behalf - as well as both you and Brittany - so terribly sorrowful to hear of your challenge, Ethan is young and strong and has the Priesthood close by - You're an amazing family and the Lord will bless! Prayers and hugz*
    Ricks and Cheryl

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  9. Our prayers are with you. I am sure someone put his name in the Temple, but I didn't want to take the chance, so I put his name in too, just to be sure! Thanks for keeping us posted!
    God bless you all,

    Henriette and Family

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  10. Just so glad to get your updates and watch & pray with you all. Our hearts are very tender thinking of little Ethan. Keep up your strength.We love you, Aunt Shirley & Uncle Pat

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  11. Thanks to everyone! We appreciate your prayers!

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  12. You don't know me but I became a follower of your blog as it brought tears to my eyes, I am not the praying type but I will do it for u and your son. I myself have a 2.5 yr old son and we are rooting for Ethan to get better.

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  13. Tim, Brittany and Family,
    We are at a loss for words, are our hearts are breaking for you all! You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love your family and are praying for the miracles that you need in all of your lives!

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  14. Hey guys, We love you!! Hope today has been a bit better. I've had a lot of people respond on facebook to Ethan and you both. Do you have an address there where cards can be sent?

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  15. Per a request from Aunt Brenda, Ethan's name is now in the Mesa AZ temple. And tomorrow it will be called in to 7 more temples. We'll pray for the little guy!!
    - robin

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  16. I just heard today and my heart goes out to your family. I just want to wish your son a speedy recovery and that my prayers are with you. Nolan came last month to visit as I hurt my back and feel somewhat out of touch with you guys this year.

    We can talk again when you're back in Lethbridge.

    Bro. Manville

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