Presenting: Joseph Taggart UNPLUGGED! -- 4/19/06

THE STAR:
He worked for it, prepared for it, insisted on it, then demanded it -- and the doctors finally agreed. Joseph's trach is out! He has been going without any additional oxygen or ventillator for a couple of weeks and knew the only way to get over the crud getting stuck in his throat was to get rid of the obstacle that it was sticking on. Today he is a happy camper. It is easier to breathe and easier to cough up anything that he needs out of his lungs. He is one step closer to coming home. Friday he makes an excursion to Taylorsville, along with the hospital staff, to evaluate the home. Then next week, perhaps they will release him. We are about two weeks out from having things ready, so we'll have to see how things work out.
We had a great Easter afternoon together. Gloria spoke in sacrament meeting in the morning then we took lunch up to the Hospital for Joseph and the staff. It was a great visit. More special because of the promise of the day, we all look forward to the resurrection for the results of the promised eternal "makeover".
Dad went on an service expedition to celebrate the 100 days since the accident. He agreed to once again clean out Joseph's ears. . . sure enough the black basalt sand of Guatemala's Monterrico beach was still coming out. It is a matter of setting a record each time Dad digs in there. We wonder if, in another 100 days, we are still finding the black treasure (Looks like a necklace in the close up, huh?).

THE VENUE:
Since Monday they have finished taking out the old electrical panel and framing Joseph's closet. They have finished moving the gas fireplace vent that was too close to Joseph's new back door. Today they finished insulating the room and delivered the sheet rock ready to be hung tomorrow. The Taylorsville City inspector came immediately after the work was completed to inspect and approve the work. The City has been incredibly cooperative and professional. What a blessing to live in a community that believes in both serving the public and holding to the highest standards.
We neglected to mention last week the installation of a new humidifier donated to the family. It will have a significant impact on Joseph's health, and the health of the rest of us as well.
The ward Boy Scouts were over this evening filling up the trench for the electrical service and cleaning up the constuction site. Tomorrow Monarch Construction's crew will come to hang the wallboard. Cody Skeem, a friend of the family and member of our stake is coming to the rescue tomorrow and installing the shower valves that have to be done before the sheetrock can be finished. People are wonderful. We have had a meeting this week with Betsy Baker, a state government program representative who called us about the offered programs and services -- great blessings to Joseph and the family-- all because she read the articles in the local Taylorsville paper. WOW! We are blown away with the blessings poured out through the hands of people of good will.
Joseph Smith said: "Let us pour forth love. . . Cast our bread upon the waters and we shall receive it after many days, increased to a hundred fold." (HC 5:517). In our family's case, the math seems even more amazing. Thank you all so much for your prayers and your efforts in our behalf. We often think of the prayers of the little children who are praying for Joseph -- some even without knowing him well. God will answer, and is answering, their simple prayers of faith.
Also see: http://www.bringjosephhome.com/