April 29, 2009 8:00 p.m.

Some much needed rest and relaxation after getting the lines removed.

Day 99 - 8:15 - We got home about 15 minutes ago and Caitlin is settled on the couch. Her angel, Darlene, has called to check on her. Darlene has a sixth sense of just she needs to be there for Caitlin. Darlene was the angel who first stopped 99 days ago and called for help and God love her she continues to be there for Caitlin. Seemed like forever before she turned the corner but once she did things went very fast. Everything is looking good and she was sent home with a list of warnings and precautions but so far, so good. All three of us are totally exhausted and if we don't have much communication right now please forgive us. For the moment we want to focus on resting, recuping and obviously Caitlin wants to (and has) spent time visiting with Dustin. Thank you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers.

April 29 2:30 p.m.

Day 99 - 2:30 p.m. - Caitlin's blood finally thickened enough to take out the lines. The part shown is resembles a porceline coffee stirring straw more than anything. They were the actual ports that led to her heart and allowed for the scope and the devise to be delivered there safely. After removing them the nurses spent about 15 minutes applying pressure to the sight to get the bleeding under control. We can't imagine what it would have been if the blood had been thinner.

April 29, 2009 1:30 P.M

Pictured above are the lines leading to her heart that allowed for the camera and the medical devise to run to her heart. They are located at the top of her right thigh at the inner hip joint.

Day 99 - 1:30 p.m. - When your thin, your thin! Part of Caitlin's procedure involved using blood thinners so we are now waiting for her blood thickness levels for lack of a better term to go down. She started at 487 after surgery to 270 at lunchtime and now we are on a waiting game to see when it will drop below the magic number of 180. Once her levels drop below 180 the lines in her leg leading to her heart can be pulled out. While they do not hurt they are a definate annoyance to her so we patiently wait (not much other choice) for her blood to thicken.

April 29, 2009 12:25 p.m.

Day 99 - 12:15 p.m. - Caitlin got back less than 30 minutes ago and is doing fine. They ended up using a large heart patch on the opening between her upper chambers which was a surprise to the surgeon based on all the non-invasive information but he is very satisfied with the results after it was in place. True to Caitlin's outgoing, energetic personality they were not successful in having the medications they normally use knock her out. She did not feel any pain as such but did feel everything that went on. The upside to this is she was able to watch things on the screen and talk to them as they did it. According to the doctor and nurses she should have been completely out with what they administered but like I said she is active and apparently since her body could not move she put her mind into overdrive.

April 29, 2009 - 10:45 a.m.

Day 99 -
10:45 a.m. - Caitlin is in the hands of her doctor, his team, prayers of others, and God's will as I write this. She was totally at peace with her decision to proceed with closing the hole and has total trust in her team here at Heartland. Bit of a rough start in trying to get a blood sample and IV going. After multiple attempts they called in the IV team who attempted to locate a vein with the help of an ultrasound. After 3 or 4 tries by the IV team success finally occurred and we all relaxed especially her nursing team. Will keep you posted when time allows.

April 27, 2009 - Angels Among Us

Day 97 - Darlene Heflin who was the first person to stop and help on the first day of Caitlin's journey came by tonight to bring Caitlin a beautiful handmade autumn afghan. She said the Lord guided her to bring her favorite afghan to Caitlin through the guidance of one of Caitlin's namesake's, Ann Collins who is Darlene's best friend. It was amazing how this story is intertwining more and more. It was also fantastic to finally get to meet Darlene and visit with her. More amazing, was the chance to get to thank her face to face for her help and her strength. This all happened the day after Grandpa Sinnett arrived for lupper bringing along photos of the day Caitlin joined our family. There is a picture of a proud big brother holding this little tiny ball of hair fluff and lace. It is precious. Caitlin will be having the hole in her heart closed in about 36 hours and she is very comfortable in doing this and knows how many people are continuing to pray for her.

April 23rd - Welcome back to the USA, Dustin

Day 93 - Dustin is back in the states and I know Caitlin is very relieved to have him home in Tucson after 16 long days which does not sound like a long time but felt like an eternity to her. Amy Ludwig and her parents came out tonight to pick up some stuff and it was so fun to watch the two girls visiting and hanging out again. Seems like it wasn't that long ago they were both in band together and hanging out. Amy will make a beautiful bride in just a little over two weeks. After a long night with an upset stomach Caitlin is doing well and ready to tackle her next hurdle and get closure for her heart. While it is a little nerve racking we know that she has come this far and God has led the way so we continue to put our faith and prayers in his master plan. Hopefully Jill has recovered from her migraine, I can remember the frustration of not feeling well and being pregnant.

April 20, 2009 - Happy Anniversary, Caitlin

Day 90 - Twenty years ago today we drove to Kansas City and appeared before the judge promising to hold dear to our hearts our daughter to be. Those same feelings can still come flooding back in an instant when I remember them saying, "Congratulations Mom." After a wonderful celebration at my parents' house we headed north to Maryville with protective big brother, Christopher, and my mother peering over the seat to look at Caitlin. My mother described her as a porcelin doll. Our family adventure had officially begun. Now twenty years later we are headed after school to Heartland to have her preop work done. It is an adventure we are looking forward to since it also means that closure is soon to come. Life has gone quickly between both Christopher and Caitlin. They both traveled very different paths from the first day and as trying and challenging as some bumps in the road have been I would not trade a day on either path.

April 18 - Happy Birthday, Grandpa Bill!!!

Day 88 - A quick and heartfelt Happy Birthday goes out to Mark's dad, aka: Grandpa Bill. Bill is an amazing father and grandfather and he personally amazes me with his work ethic and dedication to his family, farm, church and community.
- Friday Caitlin received confirmation that they will be closing the hole in her heart. So in addition to her seizure medications which fortunately she is adjusting to well she will begin her preop regimen on Monday, a bit of a nuisance but a small nuisance in light of the gains she will be getting.
- True to a guardian angels spirit and foresight, Caitlin arrived home Friday evening to a package and blessing from her own guardian angel, Joanne Redd. It was a book filled with thoughts of reflection and a guardian angel keychain. Beautiful thoughts at a perfect time. Joanne Redd has the most amazing insight as to when the perfect time will be. There is no doubt she is a guardian angel.
- Jill is continuing to fight the baby induced morning sickness but again a nuisance well worth the outcome. My dad is at his alumni celebration with Christian Brothers High School. It is so amazing that the alumni continue to meet yearly and celebrate their lives together.
- Christian Brothers high school closed its doors many years ago and has been converted to Bode Middle School but the Alumni of Christian Brothers continue to meet. We are anticipating a wonderful weekend for my dad.

April 16, 2009 - Life is so fragile, so unpredictable

JoAnn Marion
January 30, 1940 - April 16, 2009

Day 86 - This evening our family, friends, and community lost JoAnn Marion a dear friend and mentor who died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm. JoAnn was the first person I worked with as an undergrad and she quickly became my mentor and friend. I student taught with JoAnn and both of children had her in school and we all were very fond of her as a teacher and a close friend. She will be missed by the community and our hearts are extended to her husband, Marvin, and her her local friends who had become her family.

April 14, 2009

Day 84 - Wow what a day. Went back to the neurologist at NKC who the NKC cardiologist has sent Caitlin to for a consultation. Dr. Ward just like Dr. Makos is amazing. What was shared with Caitlin today is that tests confirmed that she is continuing to have seizures in the same place that was noted while she was in the hospital. At the time she was in the hospital the hope was that it was a fluke break through seizure and Caitlin could avoid medicine but with the seizures continuing to appear in the same location that option is not to be. Dr. Ward did share some comforting news regarding the fear of brain injury that could have surfaced later. Fortunately the tests showed that everything was in the realm of to be expected in her situation and she and the doctors can let that concern rest. Like she said, to know for sure what created this unexpected journey will never be know for sure but she has no doubt that it was a blackout for one reason or another. Now that Caitlin knows what is going on the journey to get it under her control begins but it is a journey that now includes lots of answers and information.

April 12, 2009

Day 82 - A beautiful day - lots of reasons to celebrate. My nephew, Jake, is home from the hospital and his staff infection is rapidly clearing. Chris and Jill are in the early stages of planning for Baby K, Caitlin is home and has heard from Dustin who arrived safe to his destination. She misses him obviously but selfishly it is great to see her, the next best thing would be seeing the two of them together. We pray for his safe return and have total faith it will happen. We are taking advantage of her time here and she is taking care of some doctor follow-ups so we are hopeful they all bring positive and informative news. We hope those of you reading this have had a wonderful weekend and enjoy this restful day of peace and celebration.

April 9, 2009

Jacob's spring break right after Caitlin's wedding.

Day 79 - Headed to Kansas City tomorrow to see Jacob in the hospital. I must say this staff is wicked! They plan to go back in tonight again and drain another pocket. Dad says it is interesting to visit him. His spirits are good but any visitor dones the white suit, gloves, etc to prevent spreading the staff and to keep from bringing anything into Jake. Caitlin is due in tomorrow evening and she called grandpa to 'hook up' for supper. No big plans for Saturday at this point but time will tell. Please join us if you would like in praying for my family to return to health. I look forward to a wonderful family trip with everyone healthy.

April 8, 2009

The Sinnett Trio - Jacob, John Hamlin, Josh (the only thing that would make this picture better would be John's beautiful wife Cynthia)

Day 78 - My nephew Jacob is in the hospital for a staff infection in his lip but is gaining on that obstacle thanks to lots of patience, a quick oral surgeon and antibiotics. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery back to normal high school life. Knowing Jacob all will be fine very soon. Wow, time flies around here. Caitlin is due back in Maryville this weekend. She has been so tired and sore that it will be nice to see her and wrap my arms around her. Still no confirmation on her insurance snap but we continue to pray and are keeping the faith that no news is good news. I know the two of them will miss each other more than I can imagine but I admire how well they are handling it so far. It has to be tough to be separated less than a month after getting married but circumstances have put them in a position that has shown us over and over again how strong the two of them are in both their spirit and their relationship together. Chris and Jill got a crib for Baby K which makes that all the more real not that it wasn't - it is just more visable to picute a crib in their apartment. It is fun to look at baby stuff again and know that all to soon they will be experiencing parenthood firsthand.

Justin and Abby's three adorable girls: Olivia almost 6, Madelyn almost 4 and new baby MaryBelle

Justin and his beautiful bride of almost 6 years
Happy Birthday tomorrow to my nephew, Justin. You have grown into an amazing man, husband and father. Hope your day is great is great and full of lots of "I love you daddy kisses"

April 5, 2009

Day 75 - My parents began their life together as man and wife 52 years ago today. Two short years ago we had just returned from Chris and Jill's wedding in Las Vegas, I had gone to Thunder Down Under with my mom and Jill and the majority of her wedding party and celebrated a wonderful time with family and new friends. I watched Jill and Chris glow as they repeated their vows just like we got to see with Caitlin and Dustin. We plan to return once Caitlin is 21 so that she can enjoy several of the same things we did the weekend of Chris and Jill's wedding. On Caitlin's 18th birthday we celebrated mom and dad's 50th anniversary, an accomplishment Mark and I are striving for (both of our parents have had 50+ years of marriage) and now we watch our two taking those first steps towards a long and happy life together. Still no word on insurance approving Caitlin's surgery so we continue to pray and are in high hopes that no news is good news just like not hearing from the kids means that no news is good news and that they are enjoying their time together. I know that Christopher is under the weather today but he is in good hands with Jill.

April 2, 2009

Day 72 - Had a wonderful phone call from Aunt Libby last night. It was so nice to talk to her even though my cell phone successfully cut us out a couple of times. She has such a calming way about it. Talked to Caitlin today. She is still trying to figure out how to finish the unpacking in the space they have. She enjoys married life and the friends they have made on base. It looks like Dustin will be leaving with the military in the near future although it should not be for very long if all goes well. She enjoys working out at the gym and working to be back to herself. Still no official word from insurance so our prayers continue that they approve her surgery soon. Chris and Jill are beginning to research baby stuff and verbally making some plans for Baby K. Today is my last day of being the same age as my brother, Michael. His birthday is tomorrow (making him a year older than me again) and I will hope it is a good one. Other than a quiet house there is little new here. Enjoy hearing from people and look forward to this summer.