Benefit Concert

What a spectacular evening this has been!  It is simply amazing how much talent was displayed tonight.  We are told that even before we were born to our earthly parents that we developed talents that we could further improve and refine.  These talents are meant to benefit our families and others during our lifetime.  The fine musicians that performed at tonight’s benefit concert definitely have done that.  I can’t begin to express how beautiful the music was.  I was shocked and awed at the age of some of the performers.  I could have been sitting in Abravanel Hall and heard the same quality of music.   I personally felt a peace and serenity that only music can bring.  The concert provided needed monetary assistance and moral support for Tyler and his family. 

On behalf of the Olsen immediate and extended family we would like to offer the sincerest of thanks and deepest gratitude to the performers tonight and all those that had a hand in bringing this benefit concert to fruition.  We truly will forever hold a special place in our hearts for you.  Thanks for loving our Tyler and his family.

More pictures are coming!  On several occasions I forgot to take pictures because I was caught up in the moment.  Darrell and Jenny Babidge; Levi Hunt, Chelsea Lukens and Bethany Richard's pictures are coming soon!

 Holly Hunt, Levi Hunt, Emily Richards, Jessica Hunt (David Hunt and Bethany Richards at the piano - pictures coming).  These 5 stole the show.  The majority of pieces were performed by these amazing musicians.  I get chills just thinking about some of their pieces.

Adam Millington singing "O Holy Night"

Natalie Richards playing "Ceremony of the Carols"

 Angela Brimhall, Stephanie Johns,BriAnn Christensen

BriAnn Christenson; Hilary Hunt

The Hunts (who performed and organized the event) with Tyler.  Also is the owner of the reception center who donated the facility for the night.

 John expressed thanks to the performers, those in attendance and all who have had a hand in helping Tyler the last 5 1/2 weeks.  "I have seen God's hands in the middle of this... he has been working through you".

Kelly Allvord is a lifesaver!  He took out an insurance policy and was trained to drive the rehabilitation center's wheelchair accessible van.  He did all of this to  help Tyler get around safely tonight, tomorrow for Tyler's birthday, Christmas Eve and Christmas.  THANK YOU KELLY!!!  

Families are Forever!

What fun we had with our family tonight at our annual White Elephant party.  Instead of trying to get Tyler out, we came to the rehabilitation center to celebrate.  Tyler's funniest gift was "All my friends are dead" with a picture of a dinosaur on the front.  He read us part of the book and we laughed very hard!  We also had a dancing reindeer hat; mullet; cat lady game; unicorn meat, Harry Potter beans, fish training set, mind control spray and so much more.  Families are truly a gift from our Heavenly Father; we laugh and cry together and support each other through our successes and trials. Every time I think about my family, I think about the Proclamation to the Family published by the First Presidency.
"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

Doctors have taken Tyler off percocet to reduce the risk of addiction.  Because of this change, Tyler has been in more pain the last couple of days.  His little brother Josh has been reading to him to take his mind off it.  

Every morning, John gives his own version of a Christmas "Light Show" to Tyler.  Tyler LOVES this so much :-).  

Someone from their home ward made an incredible gingerbread house for Tyler.  

I have said it so many times, but it is incredible to witness all the compassionate service being rendered in Tyler's behalf.  “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it,” the Savior taught, “but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24).
 President Thomas S. Monson said: “I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”  This Christmas season has been filled with the Spirit of Christ.  Christ wrought many miracles and went about doing good to those that others might have deemed unworthy or lowly.  Likewise, Christ has invited us to follow his example.  We are admonished to give of ourselves to lighten loads, to mourn with those that mourn and to lift our fellow men.  Time and energy is finite and service is seldom convenient and yet I have seen an abundance of service being given during this, the busiest time of year.  This truly is what Christmas is about.  

We are looking forward to the Benefit Concert tomorrow evening! 

Mall & A Motorized Chair

It has been a couple of great days for Tyler!  The Christmas spirit is definitely in the air and Tyler is excited to attend his upcoming benefit concert this Monday.  I don’t know all the performers, but I know at least one has traveled from Missouri just to perform at this concert.  It is going to be amazing! We are so deeply grateful for all the good people that have played a part in this benefit concert.  We hope to see you there!

Natalie, my boys and I took Tyler to the mall yesterday.  The BYU baseball coach gave him a very nice lined sweat uniform.  We helped Tyler change into that to help keep him warm on the way over.  Besides that, he just looked handsome in it!  The nurse and techs gave him his medication to take while gone, refilled his insulin, helped us get him in the wheelchair and we were off!  We pushed him from the rehabilitation center to the mall along the sidewalks. We went from one end of the mall to the other looking for a Christmas tree.   In the end, it was Tyler and Natalie that found one by Macey’s.  It was a fun evening window shopping with Tyler and having ice cream. 

Kyle from Tyler’s single ward stayed the night.  Tyler enjoyed his company so much – thanks Kyle!  

This week physical therapists pitched in and got him a very soft minky blanket that he loves. 

He also got his first ride in a motorized wheelchair today.  Grandma said he went around the facility eight times and had a huge smile on his face each time he passed. One step closer to independence.

Lastly, Tyler’s cousin David and Heather came to visit.  They both just arrived in town for their upcoming wedding.   What a wonderful time of year as families come together to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Benefit Concert

There are still tickets left! 

 Hunts, Richards and Tuttles are seasoned performers and competitors who have shared their music talents globally.  Come prepared to enjoy piano, harp, string instruments and vocal talents. 

They are hoping for at least a $10 donation per ticket.  

Call or text BriAnn Christensen 801-691-2883 or Lisa Hastleton 801-725-3050 to reserve a seat!  A HUGE Thank You to these three families that are willing to share their abilities and have orchestrated the entire event.  

The Plague!

Tyler had just gotten back into his room from getting a shower, so his chest was exposed.  One of the first things Tyler said was, "I have the plague!"  Tyler has broken out with some type of rash. Small boils cover his chest, neck and a portion of his face.  I took a picture of what the rash/infection looks like on one of his incisions.   Just a couple days ago, the entire incision looked like the top portion you can see (normal).

The doctor yesterday thought it was a staph infection.  Another doctor came in while I was there and agreed that it might be staph,but it could also be a reaction to all the medications he is on.  They took a culture to know for certain.  Either way, it is pretty miserable.  He still has an amazing attitude about it though, 

Here is his morning dose of medication.

Tyler worked hard in physical therapy today.  They had him lifting his legs one at a time with 2 pound weights.  He had to do it for a minute at a time.  He said it was extremely difficult and tiring but that he brought the intensity upon himself because he told the therapists his goal was to 'leave this place looking ripped'.  

All in all, Tyler is doing great!  His days look similar, but as each one passes he gains strength and mobility. We are just happy that he is here to celebrate his upcoming birthday and Christmas Season with us! 

Better Than a Hallelujah

   Every time I read one of Tyler's miracles and tender mercies I stand all amazed at the love of our Heavenly Father. Over the last few weeks I have learned God is real, answers prayers and often in  ways we did not expect them to be. This music video plays one of my favorite songs "Better Than a Hallelujah." I decided to sign to this song as Tyler was always there for me when I lost all my hearing at age six.  I am not perfect in my American Sign Language (ASL) but it is from the heart.

  Keep being awesome, Tyler!

Love,
David
Tyler's Cousin 

A Ride to Remember

Tyler took another ride in the tool truck today!  It is still quite the process to get him to his ward, but it so worth it when Tyler find the peace and receives strength for another week.  This truly shows the love of a mother and father that are willing to go to great lengths to fulfill a righteous desire.    Josh (Tyler's next youngest brother) slept the night in Tyler's room and helped get him ready to church.  Services today were great, it was the Christmas program since many students will be going home for the holidays.  Going to church wears Tyler out, but he loves it!

Today is the first day Tyler has asked for something specific to be included in this blog. I anticipate the day when his fingers and wrists are fully functional and his healing process becomes first person news.  I know it will happen, and it brings excitement at the prospect.  He wants to express his gratitude for all the visitors who stop in to make the days pass.  He also wants to thank his very generous family and friends for all the treats and gifts he is being spoiled with.  Just today John and Karen's home teacher, Steve, made a quilt for Tyler.  It has the most beautiful acorn pattern on it.  Another kind neighbor brought good books for Tyler to read.   We are definitely surrounded by wonderful people!