Balloons for Daddy - Saturday, November 28th

Just heard from Steph.

She took Matthew to Gary's grave and they let balloons go.
Mathew wrote on his balloon.
"I love you Daddy"
And, had arrows pointing down toward the ground.

Stephanie's balloon had
"I love you and miss you Gary"
"Your loving wife"

As they were driving to the gravesite, a song game on the radio.
"I miss you"
"I'll love you forever"
"Where did you go?"

Steph said Matthew was singing it all the way there.

They said on the bench and talked...

Matthew patted Stephanie's back and said "It's OK Mommy, we'll be OK"

And they will....

I miss you big brother.

Still trying to understand.

I can't help the tears that flow.
I am so sad...

But Gary is soaring high above us.
Keeping watch.
Keeping faith alive.

Thanksgiving 2009

Today was an amazing day.
Matthew and Stephanie spent the night.
Steph bought all of us Christmas PJ bottoms.
Seems it was a tradition with them over the years.
So, around 9PM we all put on our PJ's and played games.

This morning I wasn't really sure I could do it....
Wasn't sure I could put on a smile and act like everything was normal.
Because it wasn't.
Gary should have been there with us.
Why...
I still can't believe it.
How did this happen?

Then, Matthew came bounding into our room.
Excited about Thanksgiving...
Smiling ear to ear.
Wanting to play.
Just a normal little 6 year old.
Ready to begin the day.

And so we did...

The feeling of being lost went away.

Memories of past Thanksgivings came flooding back.

Remembering our Mom and Dad.
Remembering Gary.

Knowing they were with us.

Going to Mom and Dad's grave tomorrow to place their holiday
grave blankets, flowers and wreath.

Giving Steph a wreath for Gary's grave.

Not ready to go there yet.

Happy Thanksgiving to our family and friends.
Remembering everyone this Thanksgiving.
More than ever.
Life is truly a gift.
Enjoy every moment.

A Special Thanksgiving - 11/25/09

I haven't written in this blog for awhile.
For awhile it was my life.
I had a need to write what was going on...
Now...
I know I should end this blog and be done with it.
But, I've promised friends I would keep writing until the last fundraiser was done.

The reality has really sunk in now.
I see the pain on Stephanie's face.
I see the questions in Matthew's eyes.
And, maybe I'm selfish, but my heart hurts...
It just aches.
Like a real pain.
Feeling a little bit lost.

Missing Gary so much.
He really was bigger than life.
He wasn't perfect - that's for sure.
And, we would argue all the time.
But, he knew I loved him.
And, I know he loved me.
That's what counts.
No regrets.
No "what if's"
God had another plan for Gary.
Nothing we could do.

And, tomorrow is Thanksgiving.
Gary's (and my Dad's) favorite Holiday.
He loved cooking the turkey, making his special stuffed mushrooms, and watching football.
Every year we would take a picture of him with a napkin sticking out of his mouth.
Don't know when it started - at least 20 years ago.
And, when we couldn't be together.
We would stick napkins in our mouths, take pictures, and send them to him.
Strange I know....

Gary and I were the only ones who knew how to make the "bouvier" stuffing.
It's with ground beef and can actually be made into a sandwich after Thanksgiving.
We really don't have a receipe - but this year I'm going to try and write something down to pass along to Kate.. Can't let it end with me....

And so the Holidays will come and go.
Families will get together and count their blessings.

This year, I have a lot of blessings.

My friends.
They are more than friends, they are truly family.
Always there.
Always supportive.

My family.
Terry has been beside me and doesn't even need to say anything.
I know he's there.
Kate....
What can I say about my daughter?
Love doesn't even come close.
She is so special.

So, this Thanksgiving, do me a favor.

Hug just a little tighter and longer.

Listen...
Listen to those around you and learn something that you didn't know about that person.

And, most of all really, really be thankful for what you have.
At that moment.
On that day.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Chili Dinner and Raffle, Sunday 11/22 Fundraiser #2

We will be hosting a Chili Dinner and Raffle on:

Sunday, November 22nd from 5PM to 9PM

Noblesville Community Center
372 S. 8th Street
Noblesville, IN 46060

Chili Dinner - $5.00/per person (includes Chili, bread/crackers, dessert and drink)
Or.. feed your entire family for $20.00

We will also have some great Raffle prizes (Gift checks for restaurants, hair products, Facial or massage, Redshad.com tackle packs, gator grips products, Nuts for the "nuthouse" and more coming every day.)

We are getting food and paper products donated from family and friends - if you are interested in helping, please contact Diana Bell-Anderson or Terry Anderson.

A big THANKS to Karin and Josh for coming up with this idea, helping with the fishing tournament that be held that day at Morse Lake and for getting the Community Center.


Please tell your family and friends about this fundraiser!
We need people to attend to make this work :)

Fishing Tournament - Sunday, 11/22 - FUNDRAISER #1

Here is information about the first fundraiser we are doing. More information will be posted later regarding a chili dinner on 11/22 and a cut-a-thon from Steph's business.

Gary Bouvier Memorial Tournament

Morse Lake, November 22, Sunday, 8AM to 4PM

Official Rules:

1. Check in and registration will begin at 6AM in the Morse Lake Marina parking lot.
2. Fish alone or with a partner, cost is $60.00 per boat with $10 going towards Big Bass.
3. 14 inch limit on either largemouth/spotted/smallmouth bass with a 5 fish per boat limit. No dead fish will be weighed in.
4. All Indiana Boating Laws will apply.
5. Official take off will be at 8AM and official check in will be at 4PM. You must be inside the idle buoys at 4PM or you will be considered late at a penalty of 1 lb. per minute.
6. There are no off limit areas during tournament.
7. You must fish out of boat at all times. Fishing from a dock or the shore will not be permitted.
8. Payout will be based on number of boats fishing and it will be a 50 percent payout of money collected. Big Bass money is considered a side pot and will be paid out 100%.
9. Please be courteous to all other participants while driving the boat and fishing. This is for a good cause and we don't want to see it ruined by something avoidable.

pre-registration can be send to Diana Bell, 6075 Lacebark Way, Avon, IN 46123 (Terry Anderson's wife) Checks can be made out to "Gary's Fight c/o Diana Bell".
Or register with Josh or at Morse lake that morning.

Include name, address, partner's name (if you have a partner), city, state and zip.

Money raised will be used to offset medical bills and burial arrangements for Terry's brother-in-law (Diana's brother) who died suddenly last week. Gary was a teacher all his life, without a job currently, and leaves behind a wife and 6 year old son Matthew. Your help is appreciated.

Please watch blog for more information regarding fundraisers to help Gary's family.

You can call Terry Anderson for more information 317/501-3434.

Thank you.

Saturday, November 7th - A Day of Celebration

What a day...
Saw so many friends and family members that I couldn't keep track.
Gary looked GREAT.
Really, I know it's hard to believe...
I know he was there watching, loving the pictures and the video.
Such a tribute to him.
And, all the stories...

I love the final resting place we picked out for him.
In the country.
Quiet.
Peaceful.
A place to remember, reflect, and take stock of your life.

Thank you all for making this such a special day.
He liked it, I know....

Matthew is spending the night, having a ball.
Gets to stay up late.
Spoiling him like crazy.

So glad my brother Michael came.
Lots of emotions.
Lots of memories to still make.

I will be posting information in the coming days about fund-raisers.
Stay tuned.

Rest in peace big brother.

You have always been bigger than life.
But, you knew that - didn't you :)

Happy Birthday Stephanie - we love you.

Friday, November 6 - 9PM

Busy day today.
Went by funeral home to drop off somethings.
Couldn't find anyone, so I wandered around.
Ended up in the viewing area.
I think I freaked the people out, because it's the room that the showing will be in tomorrow.
I was worried about the casket and wanted to find out if I should "upgrade" it...
Couldn't sleep the night before thinking about it.
They pointed out the casket in the room and said "there it is"...
Then, I asked if Gary was in the casket and they said "yes".
So, I just went right up there.
Again, freaking them out....
They still had to straighten his tie and some minor details.
But he looked really, really good.
Just like he was sleeping.
Talked to him a little and told him I'd see him tomorrow.
Again, the funeral people were just standing there - probably wondering if I would every leave.

Went outside and called Steph and Terry.
I guess I shocked them when I said
"Guess what, I just saw Gary"
They both said the same thing...
"Ok, Diana.... and where do you "think" you saw him?"
Then, I realized they thought I "saw" his spirit or something..,.
Which is totally understandable since I haven't slept, smelled my mom's perfume the night before, etc.
I said "no, I really SAW him - at the funeral home"
I can still hear their sigh of relief.....

So....
I think tomorrow will be fine.
A celebration of Gary's life with family and friends.
He is in great company up there.....

I also heard that people were having trouble making donations at National City.
I am so sorry about that.
They assured me that all people needed to do was go to any National City and tell them
"Gary's Fight c/o Diana Bell" and it would get deposited in the memorial fund.
I'll call or go by there and straighten it out.

We also have two fundraisers planned.
A fishing tournament and a dinner.
I will post details in separate blogs later.

Stephanie's family and friends are arriving today.
I am so glad they are coming and can't wait to see them.

Matthew has been busy picking out things to send to Daddy (we will put in the casket).
So far he has a cup he made at school and some candy.

He also said something really cute last night.
He said "Mommy, when batteries die in a TV, the TV goes to heaven right?"
Stephanie said "Sure Matthew"
And he said "That's good, that means that Daddy has a TV in heaven - he'll like that"

Thank you for your prayers.
Our families appreciate them.

Thursday, Nov. 5th - 2:30 PM - "Thoughts"

Getting more done today.
Picked up newspapers.
Called Relatives.
Meeting with clergyman at 4PM.
Going through pictures to put on a display board.
Dropping off clothes at funeral home.

Thinking....

I find myself remembering so many things.

How we would play armymen when we were little - we would set up plastic armymen on both sides of the room and roll marbles into them to knock them down. Don't worry - they were the "bad" guys.

When I was in highschool and Gary came home from college - it was Christmas Eve - and we were bored. Took my mom and dad's skates and went skating in the middle of the night on water that had formed a sort of "rink" in Ben Davis High School field beside our house.

How I would visit him at IU in Bloomington.
Don't know why our parents let me do that....

How he loved Horses.
How he loved camping.
How he dreamed of living in Montana.
How he loved his wife.
And, how he was so happy when they were able to finally adopt Matthew 6 years ago.
He loved him with all of his heart.

How he coached Kate's volleyball team and took them to a championship - against all odds.
He was a fighter.
Never gave up.
Of course he also hated to lose at anything....
Board games took on a new meaning with Gary - always wanted to win.

How we went to the last Elvis Presley concert in Indy.
He loved Elvis and had a baby blue electric guitar.
Used to look in the mirror and sing Elvis songs until we thought we would throw up.

How he was such a good friend.
Kept his thoughts to himself - really didn't judge.
But was always there for his friends and family.

Just thinking today - a lot,
Wanted to share.

Also, wanted to share a very strange thing that happened last night.
I was sitting in the living room - just thinking.
Alone with my thoughts.
And, all of a sudden I smelled Windsong perfume.
It was overwhelming.
I knew I didn't have a candle burning, no perfume on, no lotion on, no airfreshener...
I inhaled again.
And, there it was - overwhelming smell of Windsong perfume.

My mom always wore Windsong.
She was there with me.

Everything was Ok.

Wednesday, Nov. 4th - 7:30 A Message from Daddy

Stephanie took Matthew to the park and told him about Daddy today.
She was so good....
Pointed out the leaves that were falling off the trees, turning brown, turning to dust, returning to the ground.
Told him that Daddy was in heaven now.
He wasn't sick anymore.
He wasn't in any pain.
But he wouldn't be coming home.
He was all around us.
In the sky above.
In the wind around us.
In our hearts forever.
Matthew cried.
Then...
He asked to go play.
He was soaring high up in the air on a tire swing.
Everytime he reached the highest point he would yell
"I love you Daddy"
And, his eyes would search the sky.
Stephanie joined him and yelled at the top of her lungs.
"I love you Daddy"
(She is pretty sure they freaked out everyone in the park.)
Then, as they were leaving.
The park employees were starting to put up Holiday lights.
As they drove through the tunnel.
The lights suddenly came on.
Matthew looked at Stephanie said
"That was Daddy"
Stephanie replied "Yes it was".

Wednesday, November 4th - 4PM - Arrangements

Long night.
Longer day.
Can't believe this all started just one week ago.
Been busy.

Showing -Saturday, November 7th
Conkle Funeral Home in Avon (off 267 and US 36) - 11AM to 1PM
At 1PM we will go to Amo Cemetary (It is just past Danville).
One of Stephanie's good friends has some plots there and is giving us two.
It's beautiful.
Out in the country - trees - horses - very peaceful.
There will be a brief gravesite service and then we will come back to my house.
Friends are provided food.
Lots to talk about.
Lots of stories to tell.

I found out today that funeral homes do not accept payment plans.
We have set up a way to get donations and also for the money we raise from some fundraisers we are planning to hold.
I have opened an account at National City Bank.

Gary's Fight c/o Diana Bell.

Diana Bell
6075 Lacebark Way
Avon, IN 46123

We have accomplished a lot today.
Steph is such a trooper - I dragged her everywhere.

Funeral Home, Bank, Florist, Cemetary.

And, in the middle of it all she dragged me somewhere...
Out in the country to pet animals, see horses, look at chickens and walk in manure.
But you know what...
It's just what we needed.

We are putting together photos and will be talking to a paster tomorrow.
Couldn't decide it I should get priest or not.
Figured Gary's been doused with about as much holy water as he can take.
So we decided against the idea of a priest.

Lots of emotions today.

Steph is talking to Matthew now.
How do you tell a 6 year old that Daddy won't be coming home?
He's so smart.
He's so special.
A gift from God.
She will find a way.....

Thank you for your prayers.

I will continue this blog until we are done......

Still lots to do.

Tuesday, November 3rd - the fight is over

Gary passed away tonight at 6:20 PM.
He was doing so good...
Then his potasium level shot up, things starting going wrong.
He flatlined and was gone.
Never felt pain.
He is at piece.
He is soaring high above the clouds right now, probably stopping in Montana on his way to heaven.
He is with our mom and dad.
Only 53.
Leaves a wonderful wife and loving son.
Matthew is only 6 years old.
I will be calling the funeral home in the morning and will post details as soon as I can.
I loved him so much.
I will miss him so much.
Thank you for your prayers.
He is with God.

Tuesday, November 3rd - 5:45 PM

Some good news and bad news....
Good news - should I say GREAT news...
They took Gary off the ventilator for 35 mintues and he breathed on his own!
Bad news - or maybe I should say just a set back.
They were doing the 3 1/2 hour dialysis and had to stop the last 20 minutes.
He became very agitated, moving from side to side.
They gave him some medicine to calm down.
The medicine made his blood pressure drop very quickly.
He became gray again.
Finally managed to bring blood pressure up.
He has a high white blood count in his urine.
That is probably why he is running a fever.
They are giving him antibiotics and also checking his potasum level..
They said it is not uncommon for a person to get an infection when they
have a cath. for an extended period of time.
But...
With his body being weak - we hope they can get this cleared up soon.
Praying he rests well tonight.
Back to the hospital in the morning.
Hopefully will have information about the bank account and how to donate tomorrow.
Long day for all.
Especially Steph.
I love you Stephanie!

Tuesday, November 3rd - 1:00 PM

So many ups and downs.
Two steps forward, one step back.
Gary's blood pressure dropped this morning.
The want it at least 90 (top number).
Alarms were beeping.
They are cutting back on his pain medicine trying to get him more awake
Then....
Temperature of a 101.
Giving him antibiotics.
Drew blood to grow some cultures to see what is wrong.
48 hours to get cultures back.
Some kind of infection.
Doing chest X-ray now - checking lungs.
They are feeding him directly into the stomach.
That's good.
They may take out the tube that is sucking out his stomach (taking out bile).
That will be good too.
Like the fact that some tubes are going away.
He has his wedding ring back on - Steph is happy about that.
They also shaved him - she likes that too :)
It's the little things that are helping right now.
I'm working on setting up a fund at National City.
They are calling me back
It will be called "Gary's Fight".
When I get details, I will post under the heading "donations".
Also, finding out about fundraisers.
I will list each fundraiser under it's own headline so you can click on it quickly.
My husband, Terry, and his many fishing buddies are setting up a fishing tournament on 11/22.
More details will be forthcoming - Josh and family - THANK YOU.
Trach is working.
They may try to "collar" it today - that way it will be easy to ween him off it.
In all this madness I am wondering when was the last time I told Gary I loved him.
Was it in a card?
Was it a quick "love ya" when I hung up the phone.
Well I love you big brother.
I will tell you this everyday of your life WHEN you pull through this.

Monday, November 2nd - 6:20 PM

Oh my, I have been remiss in my duties of updating you on Gary's body..
I totally forgot his stomach...
The feeding tube is still not working - it's backing up...
He isn't digesting food.
Not sure if there is blockage or a twisted intestine.
He has lost 20 lbs.
We will work on that tomorrow...
They are keeping him sedated.
When he wakes up he becomes very agitated, restless, still need to restrain his arms to the bed.

Also, before I sign off for the night.

Humor me while I get up on my soap box....

If you don't have a will - get one NOW. You don't need to pay a lot of money. You can go on the internet or find someone with a will and do your own. Get three signatures from people not included in your will. Make copies of it. Give one to your family, keep one at home.

Think about a "living will". Talk about a living will.

If you don't have insurance - get it NOW. Go on the internet, talk to family and friends....
If you still don't have insurance - don't let it stop you from getting medical help.

Go to the Doctor and get a physical NOW. Get blood work, get urine work, stool work, get checked out and ASK QUESTIONS. Do this EVERY YEAR.

Know your body....

If something seems "off" get it checked out. Don't wait - do it NOW. Don't be afraid that you'll go to the doctor and they will say "nothing is wrong". When they say that - say "thank you".

Stay on your medicine - don't quit taking it just because you feel better. If you can't afford medicine, get help from the pharm. companies...

Know your finances. Know your spouses passwords. Pick a day THIS WEEK and sit down and go over all your checking, savings, bills, insurance, stocks, 401K, etc. Write it down, keep it in a folder and update every year. If you have elderly parents, make sure you know their finances and where everything is.

Be prepared to die. As morbid as that may seem. Know your families wishes.

More tomorrow and I promise this is the last time you'll have to hear me on my soap box.
But, I wouldn't type all of this on the blog if it wasn't important.
Don't find out the hard way.

Thank you for your prayers.
More updates later.

Monday, November 2nd - 5PM

Just got back from taking Steph's mom back to their house and picked up Matthew.

Long day today....
They took him for his trach at 1PM.
We had to get his wedding ring off his finger.
That was hard on Steph.
He's never taken it off for anything.
Broke a couple of fingernails trying to get a silver bracelet off his wrist.
He owes me a manicure.
Had one round of dialysis before going to surgery.
That's good - didn't have any yesterday.
It looks like he may have had Kidney disease before any of this happened.
There is a lot of scarring.
Not sure what the long term outlook is there.
Could be on dialysis for a long time - maybe forever.
Not even "going there" right now.
I did wonder if he might need a kidney transplant down the road.
Oh my... I'm the only living relative around here.
Hmmm.
Would I do it?
Sure.
The thought of him being indebted to me would make up for all the little sister abuse I took growing up.
Two scars and being afraid of the dark is all thanks to good old Gary.
Why oh why he thought it was funny to hide under my bed, wait for me to fall sleep, and reach up and grab me (from under the bed) was funny - I'll never know.
Sorry Kate - he's the reason why I don't like scary movies :)

But as I mentioned earlier the surgery for the trach went VERY well.
He should be able to breath a lot easier.
Also, may even be able to communicate soon.

It seems to be able to update all of you I just need to start with the head and work my way down.
Doing it alphabetically is too taxing on my brain right now.

Brain - water on the brain - not worrying about it right now.
Neck - swelling shut - that's why they did the trach.
Heart - looks like 50% damage on each side due to it working overtime for so long.
Lungs - fluid in the lungs - they keep sunctioning it out.
Kidneys - well you know what's going on there - no function.
Good news is that he is responding to our voice.

Long days at the hospital.
I'm finally getting to know my way around.
And, as you all know that is a major accomplishment for me.
I am truly bad with directions :)

Hope to have more to update later.

Oh, and I did manage to splash some more holy water on him when the nurse was out of the room. He's going to love that when he finally wakes up....

Thanks for your prayers.

Monday, November 2 - 9:30 AM

I've come to the conclusion that sleep is over-rated....
Gary had a restless night.
Tried to pull the breathing tube out again.
He is such a fighter....
The brain scan came back good.
He is responding (when he comes out of sedation).
He will squeeze your hand and gives you that "Bouvier" look.
He is doing a round of dialysis now.
That's good.
Couldn't do one yesterday.
They are constantly monitoring the fluid on his lungs and keep sunctioning it out.
He hates that part too - even when he is sedated you can see the pain in his face.
They are not doing anything with his heart right now.
Looks like it's working about 50% on each side.
Getting him prepped for surgery.
Hoping the trach helps him breath better and is not so uncomfortable.
A nurse yesterday said he probably won't remember much about all of this.
I'm not so sure....
Feeling a bit helpless today.
Another long day ahead of us.
Stephanie is so good with him - calming him down.
Matthew is doing great - at school - being a 6 year old.
Surgery is at 1PM - praying.....
More later

Gary's Bio information - 11/1/09 8PM

I've been asked to put some bio information together to help with fundraising flyers.
Please take what you can off of this and let me know if you need anything else.
I also need some help with setting up a bank account, so if any of you have done this before (to help raise money) please let me know.

Gary Bouvier:

Gary was born in Birmingham, Alabama but we grew up on the westside of Indianapolis. He is 53 years old, born on September 11th.

He graduated from Ben Davis High School and also graduated from IU in Bloomington, IN. (teaching). He lived in Florida until 5 years ago and was a teacher, teaching middle school science and sometimes social studies.

He is married (wife's name Stephanie) and they adopted the love of their life 6 years ago. Matthew Romeo (namesd Romeo after our father) Bouvier will be 7 years old on April 4th.

Gary moved back to Indy 5 years ago after our mother passed away. He tried to get teaching jobs (teaching in the IPS school system and substituting for many schools, mainly schools in the Avon school system). He also helped coach my daughter (Kaitlin) in AJA volleball for two years.
And, just recently helped coached his son Matthew in t-ball.

Gary sometimes worked as many as 3 jobs to put food on the table. Never wanting to go on unemployment and always striving for a job that would provide insurance for his family.

This summer, the jobs ran out and he finally applied for unemployment - swearing that our father was turning over in his grave because he was doing that (trying to get unemployment). We all told him that that was what it was there for... people like him who needed help. He is such a proud man.

Gary loves to read, go camping and his dream is to someday live in Montana. He is always on the web surfing information about Montana - dreaming his dream.

I hope this has given you some useful information.

We are looking at ways to raise money, will be talking to people at St. V's about how to get his family on a medical program to help with the medical bills. Right now we are more concerned with the fact that there is no money coming in to pay the monthly bills. Stephanie is a hair stylist and will be returning to work. But, right now, we need her at the hospital.

We are praying he has a peaceful night tonight.
Surgery to do the trach is at 1PM on Monday.

I will post more to this blog tomorrow.

Sunday, November 1st at 3PM

Gary just woke up and tried to pull his breathing tube out.
Not good.
They had a hard time putting it in.
He put up quite the fight.
Steph and I wrestled it away from him.
They had to tie his arms tighter.
He does not like this.
Waiting to hear about doing an ultra sound on his stomach so they can start feeding him again.
Also waiting on a brain scan.
They just gave him a nice sponge bath.

Sunday, November 1st

Matthew and Steph had fun on Halloween.
Glad her mother is here to help out.
Steph was at the hospital bright and early as usual.
Such a trooper. Much stronger than me right now.
She's watching me type so I had to say something nice - just kidding.
OK, so today.
They did a scan of the neck.
Can't find any blockage.
Did I mention about his neck??
Can't remember...
It's closing shut around the breathing tube.
That's why they are doing the trach.
The are afraid if they take out breathing tube - it will close shut.
About the water on the brain.
Have to wait until he's better to do an MRI.
Not too worried about it right now.
They are doing a cat of the stomach to see if there is a blockage.
But not today, not strong enough.
He really hasn't woken up.
Honestly, I like when he is sedated.
It scares me when he starts to wake up - he gets "nuts" - restless, moving, unfocused, scares me and of course this blog is all about me right...
That brings up another thing.
Many of you think I am doing this blog to keep everyone posted..
That's what I should say.
But you know I made a deal with God that if Gary got better I would be a better person..
So i have to tell the truth.
It's to keep me sane.
Are you listening God??
Oh, one other thing...
Brought mom's rosary to the hospital.
Then, I brought out the big guns today.
Brought holy water that Kate and I bought while we are in Italy.
I know, I know.
Your thinking, what?? You bought holy water in Italy.
Yes, I did.
And, when the nurse left - I took it out of my purse and splashed it on his forehead.
I haven't lost it, honest.
If you see me with snakes and start chanting, feel free to call the police.
He just moved his legs.
Flashing us.
No modesty at all.
Bouvier all the way.
Thanks for your prayers.
Need ideas for fundraising - Stef can't go back to to work yet and that's there main source of income. Steph needs to meet with hospital about trying to get him on medicare. Seems they have two vehicles and they can't get on it...
I am so tired of the "system"
We can sell his jeep.
Need cash flow.
Going to bank Monday to set up account.
More to come....

Saturday, October 31

Halloween.
Gary, Steph and Matthew were going to dress up like vanpires.
Gary had made a mini coffin so Matthew could scare the kids.
Warped sense of humor - but what can we say - he's a Bouvier...
Tough day today.
Another round of dialysis.
Had to take feeding tube out - his stomach and bowels are not digesting the food.
Not sure why.
They are trying to figure this out.
What's left?
The liver?
Every part of his body is affected.
He is restless.
Tries to move.
Can't
Tries to open his eyes
Can't
What do to do.
Knees to Floor - praying....
"God don't let him be in pain"
Did Brain Scan - showed there was not trauma.
He shouldn't have anymore seizures.
They are going to try and ween him off the seizure medicine.
Level went from 7 to 6 on the dialysis.
Needs to be at least a 4.
They are going to trach him on Monday at 1PM.
Usually they do this in 7 to 8 days but of course Gary is "different".
Again, always the Bouvier...
Dad are you listening up there??
Why are you guys so stubborn.
Once they do trach we should see some difference.
Wont' be so uncomfortable.
More to come.

Friday, October 30th

Friday,
Finally able to get him on a round of dialysis.
It is supposed to be at a level 1 - it is a level 7.
Kidneys are toast.
Had to restrain him.
He wakes up and keeps fighting to take tubes out.
We think he hears us - trying to calm him down.
Has a breathing tube down his throat.
His neck is swelling - they don't know why.
Was able to give him some blood.
Machines keep beeping.
Freaking me out.
I keep asking the nurse if he is in pain.
They say no.
I'm not too sure about this....

Thursday, October 29th

Thursday,
Gary seemed to be stable - then he had a seizure.
Not sure what caused it.
Not sure what damage has been done.
Too sick to put on dialysis.
Needs dialysis.
Knees to floor - praying.
"Please mom and dad - don't take him yet - it's not his time.
Knees to floor - praying.
"Please God - make him better - I swear I'll be a better person"
Knees to floor - praying.
"Hey God, I really meant what I just said"

Day one, 10-28-09

Wednesday,
Gary had been calling me all week - couldn't breath. Didn't feel well.
I told him "go to ER, go to Doc, go to Med Check"
His answer "no, I'll be alright"
Steph called - Gary was not making sense.
Thought he had a stroke.
I told them I was either calling 911 or he had to go to med check or ER.
Got Kate, met them at Hendricks County Hopsital.
Picked up Matthew to take him home.
Gary was gray - could not walk. Was not making sense.
That night, they had to transport him to St. Vincents.
Everything was shutting down.
You name it.
Kidneys shutting down.
Blood on brain.
Internal bleeding.
Heart damage.

Gary Bouvier's Fight

Background:
I am Gary's sister, Diana.
Gary is 53 years old.
He has been married to Stephanie for 18 years..
She is a hair stylist in Danville - D-ZIGN.
He has a 6 year old son Matthew.
They adopted Matthew as a baby.
Matthew's name means "Gift from God"
And, yes he is....
Gary has been a teacher all of his life, but since moving back to Indiana was only able to find substitute teaching jobs and did not have insurance.
He has worked 3 jobs at at time and is very proud.
Gary has had high blood pressure, but was not on medicine.
That's the background - here is the day to day of
"Gary's Fight"