tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post7471930722838143146..comments2024-01-26T09:08:27.967-08:00Comments on The Friedli Family: GRATITUDEAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06951072949790787063noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-14246961128067886822011-08-31T01:40:37.064-07:002011-08-31T01:40:37.064-07:00Hello there! I have no way of communicate with you...Hello there! I have no way of communicate with you but I really want you to read this please. I have a beautiful girl that was born with Rett syndrome. I found your blog and I read the post where it says that Dakota understands (He is in there) . My daughter is trapped in her body she understands everything is around her but her muscles don't work. She can only communicate with her eyes and body movements. We found a system called the PODD system and has really worked for Cristia Isabel. She has been able to communicate with us when she is frustrated or hungry or if she wants to watch a show because of this system she is more happy now. We used to use picture cards with Cristia Isabel also but we could only go so far. Now she can actually communicate what is on her mind. One of the experts in this system is Linda Burkhurst. I would love for you to research it and see if it is something that might work for Dakota he seems so ready to communicate with you. Please if you are interested and have questions you can email me at zenaida_jmnz@yahoo.com. I would love to help. You are a great mom and Dakota is a brave, beautiful boy.Zenaidahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963991476126957854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-18754723271518021132011-04-21T22:34:24.950-07:002011-04-21T22:34:24.950-07:00Tess- your blog makes me want to cry everytime I r...Tess- your blog makes me want to cry everytime I read it! The thing that always hits me the most is I am always just thinking of me and my stress and how horrible my kids were today and poor me whoa is me and on and on! Then I read your blog and you post about others blogs who are going through things like you and then I think, I actually have it good! Why am I complaining?! I have no room to complain! I take things for granted everyday and that saddens me! I pray for you and your family but also for me that I will appreciate what I have and hope to help those around me!! That little boy Dylan is an inspiration and if he can serve all those around him then I surely can too!! Thank you for being amazing and being an inspiration!! I love reading your blog and hearing your testimony and how it is strengthening everyday!! I wish I was closer so I could participate in all the amazing things that are going on!!! You are definitely still in my prayers!!!!Brittneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16641323382996775286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-34163663570569572362011-04-19T13:51:57.625-07:002011-04-19T13:51:57.625-07:00I'm kicking myself for not mentioning ashley a...I'm kicking myself for not mentioning ashley and patrick's blog. I just assumed you knew about it. So glad you do now! <br />What amazing fundraisers in Dakota's behalf. Although we would never wish for these kind of trials to happen, it is these trials that bring people together in such amazing ways that nothing else could. <br />And WOW!That boy Dylan sounds amazing!!! And I love that simple, yet powerful quote you shared, "Don't waste today worrying about tomorrow."<br />So awesome seeing Zach up there to talk!<br />That point you made about the store with a tantrum throwing kid sure puts things in perspective. Thanks! You are inspiring! <br />Loved the video! It was put together beautifully, and I found strength from watching it. The songs on it were perfect!<br />Darling pictures of him smiling in that 2nd post! The new therapy guy sounds awesome, with so much hope and knowledge! A lot on your shoulders, but who better than the mom, so motivated, to do the therapy!!<br />Your preschool comments broke my heart, and sure help me look at life different and with more gratitude for my kids. "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful." I loved this. You share so many great quotes!<br />I got the chills reading about how you wouldn't change your life. I knew you wouldn't! Your 2 guys are so lucky to have you and all the love you give!<br />Hearing about his new accomplishments always give me the chills too! And I love how you always post before pictures too. Him on his potty is so dang cute. They make me smile!Karihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04164974962946405134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-19488758267534108022011-04-17T20:03:49.899-07:002011-04-17T20:03:49.899-07:00Tessie, my son is just a month younger than your g...Tessie, my son is just a month younger than your gorgeous Dakota. And he is that crazy kid throwing fits at the store. And running amuck at church ;) Today I was overwhelmed and was struggling to have a good attitude. After reading this post, I am overwhelmed with humility and gratitude. I am sorry for even feeling stressed today and for having such a narrow perspective. Thank you for blessing me with this post. Thank you for giving me a chance to be a better mom and to appreciate every day and moment as the gifts that they are! Your beautiful son and family have taught me more than I can explain or thank you for. Thank you for your testimony, perspective, honesty and example. I can only imagine the incredible struggles that you face, but your faith humbles me. I'm sure there are so many others who's lives have been changed for the better from knowing your family (even if it's just through your blog). We pray for your family continually.Los Torrienteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12562491303916116482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-11866705064863499922011-04-16T20:01:15.840-07:002011-04-16T20:01:15.840-07:00You and your family are so amazing, I keep followi...You and your family are so amazing, I keep following your blog and love seeing your little guy's progress and I truly admire your strength and love in handling everything. I wanted to point out, I think you might have posted the incorrect link and the Patrick and Ashley blog, because the link you posted takes you too another blog that is definitely not the one you are talking about :) I think I found the link to the one you really wanted. http://patrickandashley.blogspot.com/Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08618918580998853896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-34349416758775113342011-04-15T12:50:39.138-07:002011-04-15T12:50:39.138-07:00Oh Tessie, that video made me bawl!!! What a sweet...Oh Tessie, that video made me bawl!!! What a sweet, sweet boy little Dakota is. Your family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11872818769664446465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-88519574413654101662011-04-14T19:27:12.982-07:002011-04-14T19:27:12.982-07:00As always your such an inspiration to so many peop...As always your such an inspiration to so many people. Your strength and testimony are so inspiring. I feel like we are the ones who are truly blessed to have you as part of our lives. You have such amazing family and friends all praying for the full recovery of your sweet Dakota. But even more he's become everyone's Dakota. He is so DANG CUTE in all of the pictures you posted, and I can't wait to drive by Doug and Vicki's and see him out on his tractor and running around like we know he'll do in good time. We love and miss you guys, but just know that your in our constant thoughts and prayers and we think of you often. We can't thank you enough for taking the time out of your day to share your thoughts and updates with Dakota's progress with all of us...YOU'RE AMAZING and YOU can do hard things!!! Heidi showed me Ashley's blog some time ago, and she's amazing. LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys!!!<br /><br />The Lythgoe Family Give Dakota extra hugs and kisses for us!!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12615021660695978905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-23788664067871748212011-04-14T11:06:45.656-07:002011-04-14T11:06:45.656-07:00Tess! What a sweet post!! I love all the pics and ...Tess! What a sweet post!! I love all the pics and am so glad you guys are willing to share with us all, so we can keep updated! Thanks so much for your advise, I have tried so hard to see Deac's fits as a blessing and you are keeping me in line on that matter! We love you guys and are so grateful for your examples of gratitude and faith. We are praying for sweet Dakota and are so proud of him and his hard work! We love you guys! keep it up buddy!!Jordanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13223158877738695732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-30998997925069918932011-04-14T01:16:36.692-07:002011-04-14T01:16:36.692-07:00The video made me bawl too! I am another you don&...The video made me bawl too! I am another you don't know (I have just come across your blog in a round-about way), but I have been so touched by your strength and your testimony. I think Dakota has said it best, "Jesus wants to help you. Jesus wants to help you. He can help you.”...and I hope he really knows that Jesus will help us!" He is right!!! You are in my prayers.Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11187867765909687766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-51518098910469959032011-04-13T14:22:19.168-07:002011-04-13T14:22:19.168-07:00What a sweet family you are!! I can't imagine ...What a sweet family you are!! I can't imagine how hard it would be to stay positive. While I was reading your post, I had the thought pop into my head.. that this life isn't meant to be perfect, just for us to learn. Yes there will be wonderful experiences & goodness....but above all we are here to learn and grow. We are all learning from each other. Thank you for allowing us to learn from you!! Hang in there :) <br /> Ps. Dylan was SOOO excited to go visit Dakota & get him a prize! It really was so sweet! :)Chelseahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11053669834307125011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-90957171629630759522011-04-13T12:32:55.686-07:002011-04-13T12:32:55.686-07:00I have loved the Friedli family for close to 20 ye...I have loved the Friedli family for close to 20 years now and have always admired their strength and example ...they are very dear to my heart,(We were in their ward years ago and Vicki is still our favorite teacher..EVER..) :0)<br /> I too have been following your blog as well as the Sullengers and my testimony of the Savior is strengthened each time I read. The Shaw family is also in my ward and they too are also very close to my heart... a scripture comes to my mind it goes "Fear thou not; For I am with Thee" be not dismayed; For I am thy God: I will strenghten thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.<br />Please know our prayers are with you and your sweet family and may God Strenghten you and your family ..We Love You!!!Meriannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14350012611390755970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-35564084096539495862011-04-13T10:35:01.932-07:002011-04-13T10:35:01.932-07:00Tessie, my heart aches for you! I kept thinking o...Tessie, my heart aches for you! I kept thinking of your family during conference, especially during Elder Kent Richard's talk, "The Atonement Covers All Pain". The part in particular was when he tells of a 13 year old girl in the hospital. She tells her father, "Daddy, all of the children here in the intensive care unit have angels helping them." And the thought struck me that Dakota has angels helping him, yes, there are angels helping him!<br />This is also from the same talk. "President Henry B. Eyring taught: “It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. … And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience.”<br />We love you and are thinking about and praying for you!Parker and Alexishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16949080203290708471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-77684984334731728552011-04-12T23:14:20.818-07:002011-04-12T23:14:20.818-07:00You guys are amazing and wonderful. I cry almost e...You guys are amazing and wonderful. I cry almost every time I stalk your blog!!! I am so touched to hear your words and to hear your testimony. I don't know you at all (and I didnt know Zach really even though we went to the same school), but I admire you both so much. The video made me cry but I also couldnt help but notice his progression as the pictures went on. He is a fighter just like you guys. I really hope you don't mind strangers viewing your blog. Unknowingly, you are building the testimony of so many and helping more people than I am sure you will ever know. My family will continue to pray for yours. You have a beautiful family.Cristelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09698643846077564749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-45946901214503570922011-04-12T21:14:40.628-07:002011-04-12T21:14:40.628-07:00Oh Tess... you make me cry every time! This is suc...Oh Tess... you make me cry every time! This is such an amazing post. So often we get fixated on our trials that we forget our blessings. You, of all people, have a reason to complain and are trying not to. If it had this great impact on you, I really think I need to read that book too. Thank you for reminding me how much I have to be grateful for. You are an amazing woman, with such great support behind you. Thanks for sharing your life and testimony! :-)Sierrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04915847071961596679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-71661661259976503152011-04-12T20:17:50.029-07:002011-04-12T20:17:50.029-07:00You don't know me but I went to High school wi...You don't know me but I went to High school with Ashley and ever since I heard about Dakota's accident, I've followed your blog. I just want to personally thank you for you beautiful and strong testimony. It would've been so easy to just blame God for everything that has happened and leave it at that, but you haven't at all and you have thanked him for every miracle that has happened. I wish there were more people with your attitude. I have a 10 month old son and after reading today's post, I will try my very hardest not to get frustrated with him when he throws his little tantrums. I usually don't even think about it when I get frustrated but now I know that it could be worse. Thank you for opening my eyes and helping me see that the little things matter. I couldn't even begin to imagine what you have been through and I admire you so much. I think you have such a beautiful family and that sweet little boy of yours is so lucky to have such an awesome mom. Thank you for your posts and sharing your story with people like me who need it. My prayers are always with your family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-73994748244140150452011-04-12T07:42:54.859-07:002011-04-12T07:42:54.859-07:00I don't personally know you guys but Heidi is ...I don't personally know you guys but Heidi is my sister-in-law and I have been following your blog since your son's accident. I just wanted to leave you a little comment letting you know that our family has been thinking of yours. We've been remembering you in our prayers and when we attend the temple. I honestly cannot begin to imagine what you guys have been through. I love hearing your testimony and your strength. It is such an inspiration to me and I continue to pray that your little Dakota will be well. He is absolutely precious and a fighter! <br />I read two quotes today and I thought of you:<br />Keep trying, Be believing, Be happy, Don't get discouraged, Things will work out. President Gordon B. Hinckley<br />and<br />Hope is the little voice you hear whisper "maybe" when it seems the entire world is shouting "no"<br />I continue to hope and pray for your family. God bless you!Ticeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15540048158104047305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-12203811054220649552011-04-11T22:53:29.966-07:002011-04-11T22:53:29.966-07:00WELCOME TO HOLLAND
I am often asked to describe t...WELCOME TO HOLLAND<br /><br />I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......<br /><br /><br />When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.<br /><br /><br />After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."<br /><br /><br />"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."<br /><br /><br />But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.<br /><br /><br />The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.<br /><br /><br />So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.<br /><br /><br />It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandt's.<br /><br /><br />But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."<br /><br /><br />And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.<br /><br /><br />But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland. You will get to Italy some day, Along with The Huffs,The Shaws and the rest of us that got sent to Holland.. God bless you and your sweet Family.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04185251318114189510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-33153270466021658642011-04-11T20:52:21.446-07:002011-04-11T20:52:21.446-07:00Tess--
I don't want this to sound bad or make...Tess-- <br />I don't want this to sound bad or make you feel like it was all me, but right after Dakota's accident I kept having warm fuzzy feelings everytime that I got on Patrick and Ashle's blog that I needed to leave a comment about your guys situation and link her to your because I knew you needed words of advice from someone that had recently gone through a similar situation. As you know by her comment just recently, it took me THAT LONG (stubborness:) to finally do it. I hope you are ok with it and I am sure you are by your comments about it and you putting in on your post!! I don't know who they are but have been following their blog since I heard about it. I am so grateful for your guys testimony and strength in life. You are such a strong woman and I look up to you so much! Dakota is so lucky to have you and Zach as not only his parents, but as his best friends and therapists! I am so glad you guys are home safely from the hospital and that things are continuing to improve each and every day. Please let us know what we can do to help. We would love to help you guys out with his therapy, ride up to logan with you so you don't have to by yourself, or even help Zach with bids or work. We are continually thinking of you guys and not a day goes by that we aren't praying for "tota" (Hadlee's words in her prayers!!) We are so grateful for your frienship. May the lord continue to bless you and your family! Love you guys so much! Keep smilin'! :) (sorry for my NOVEL.. I had LOTS to say I guess!)Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719423319868195430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8611856663576328123.post-80891540215887913002011-04-11T20:46:41.995-07:002011-04-11T20:46:41.995-07:00I know you don't know me but I just wanted to ...I know you don't know me but I just wanted to let you know that I was following your blog. I actually went to high school with Zach and found your blog on Brian and Amber's blog. I don't know if he would even remember me though. My maiden name is Lindsey Owen. Anyway, I always like to know who is looking at my blog so I thought I would let you know how much your story has touched me. I have spent much time reading the posts with tears in my eyes. I don't have a tragic story of my own and not that I wish for it, it humbles me to hear of someone else's. I have used your story in a Young Women meeting as a spiritual thought and could tell it touched some of the other ladies. The thing that I love about your blog is that in spite of everything you have gone through, you are still 1-relying on Christ and 2-having such a positive attitude about life. It amazes me! You guys truely are inspirations to me. I have 3 young children of my own and can't EVEN begin to imagine what it must be like. You are so strong. When I hear your story I can't help but know that Christ is surely our redeemer because without him, I don't think anyone could possibly bare some of the trials in life. My prayers go out to your family and sweet little Dakota. Good luck with his healing process. I know that miracles happen every day.Lindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13522418001918507571noreply@blogger.com