Jamie Hilton: Miracles...Believe in Them!

OFF to California... THE DOCTORS

2013-05-14T12:16:00.001-06:00

The producers were so nice and respectful. It was surreal to be at NBC studios. They kept telling us we might see Chevy Chase walking around, he filmed next door. But UNFORTUNATELY I didn't spot him. This show was so touching to me. I don't remember a lot about it, but I know that Nick and I are a team. He brought me through this experience, and helped me to have the confidence to do this show. You'll notice at the end Dr. Travis asks what our secret is to being BFF's. They edited out several minutes of us talking about our relationship :( Then he had asked me about how my view of my circumstances effected my outcome, and I tell the "hammer" analogy. Anyways, I wish we had those couple of minutes, to remember what Nick said.

Then to round off NY....Anderson Cooper

2013-05-14T12:12:00.000-06:00

Then... Anderson Cooper... he is super sweet and handsome in real life.. and Bethany... bless her soul.

Inside Edition

2013-05-14T12:08:00.001-06:00

After the Today Show we were wisked off to INSIDE EDITION. I love how each of the broadcasts pull out different details. PS behind the scenes my kids are in the room climbing under chairs and pulling out plugs. My sweethearts were getting a little tired :)

Media Blitz begins... TODAY SHOW

2013-05-13T16:26:00.000-06:00

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

New York for the family...I don't remember much about this trip. I was only 3 months out since my skull was put back. (words you never think you will say ;)I'm posting this show today then other's next week..

Jason Wright's inspired words about us...thank you.

2013-05-13T16:23:00.001-06:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865563089/Former-Mrs-Idaho-inspires-and-lifts-after-near-death-tragedy.html?pg=all

6 weeks later skull back in!!

2013-05-13T16:21:00.000-06:00

It seemed like my body immediately thanked me to have a skull back on. Apparently our heads like a skull. Physically my body loved it, and again accelerated healing. I remember while I was still in the surgical room Doctor Manning the surgeon was talking to me as I was coming to. I reached out and grabbed his hand "THANK YOU" uttered out of my mouth, but I was screaming it from the top of my lungs in my mind.

Skull out.. no it's not an optical illusion

2013-05-13T16:15:00.000-06:00

Thankfully with the skull out, my brain was able to swell without resistance. Thank you modern medicine. Skull out, and put where?!

The MIRACLE!!

2013-05-13T16:02:00.002-06:00

Jamie has been home since Wednesday 6/20/2012 and is doing great. When she was released, her primary doctor asked her one question, "How have you done this?" He stated that he has seen people recover physically from something like this, but he has never seen someone recover with the whole package this quickly. He specifically mentioned the "light in her eyes," and that he has never seen someone cognitively recover so quickly and have that light. The doctor knew he was witnessing something bigger than himself and mentioned more than once that this was truly amazing and that typically people with her injury spend months in the hospital. She was out in 2 weeks! Jamie is our miracle!

This has been and continues to be a miracle from heaven, yet there is still more that she needs to do with rehab and yet another surgery to put her skull back in place so, I continue to pray for this miracle to be completed in her life. All your prayers, thoughts, actions and positivity have brought this miracle to pass...THANK YOU ALL SO SO MUCH!! Please continue to pray for her so that the end of this injury will come quickly without any complications. The Doctors couldn't explain my amazing recovery. But we KNOW thousands of you were offering so much healing power, prayers, love, and support. Nicholas gave a blessing and prayer over my body to be preserved. Often times we cannot explain the power of God.

2013-05-13T15:54:00.000-06:00

We are nearly 3 weeks away from my ONE year anniversary since my fall. Taking a trip down memory lane to piece this year together. This is Nicholas'my sweet husbands first post, more like a plea. I can hear the desperation in his writings. This man has endured so much. He is my hero. This morning I am very humbled...my wife, Jamie Hilton has had a serious accident and has undergone emergency brain surgery. She has made it out of surgery and the doctor has said that the next 72 hrs are the most important. Please, please pray for my most cherished wife, she is in need of all the strength and healing you can all send her way. Thank you. Please no messages, I will update once I know more.

"..that they may be light..."

2013-03-20T21:47:00.001-06:00

A cousin of mine contacted me to let me know a friend of her's crashed a motorcycle up here in Boise, Idaho. She asked if I would be able to offer some support for His wife who lovingly sat by his side in ICU. I jumped at this opportunity. It feels so good to give back, where I KNOW I've been given so much. My mom caught wind of this, I asked if she wanted to come and visit them with me. She said yes before I even asked. Off we went to the hospital to lend support, encouragement and love. We pulled into the exact hospital where I was life flighted 9 1/2 months ago. Thinking this would be no big deal, I fought with the feelings of anxiety as we entered the parking lot. Breathing deeply I opened my car door. A gust of wind nearly knocked me over, as I leaned fervently on my moms car.. my head getting lighter and lighter. I stopped my thought processes. My fears of all that my family has been through were somehow realized in that exact moment. I was scared. Memories flooded over me, good, and bad. Strangely this all happened in about a 5 second window. I got my whits about me, and we started walking. "This isn't about you Jamie. Be strong for this girl,pull it together OK?!." I thought to myself. Approaching the ICU... the same ICU where I laid and was comatose. "You can do this!" kept running through my light headed mind. I planted my feel firmly, and slowed my breathing, and therefore my heartbeat. My Mom and I found her in the ICU waiting area on a phone call. We commenced with a great discussion, and a heart-felt meeting. Feeling inspired to share our personal experiences felt so good. She was encouraged, hugged, and comforted. She was smiling and peaceful. The feeling of love and hope permeated our space. Leaving the hospital, all of us were full of gratitude and joy. Helping another's burdens to be made lighter, and reaching out to another in the same position my family was in less than a year ago was very therapeutic. I am so blessed to be alive, and to have my experience to draw upon to lift other's burdens. *Today he got out of ICU...healing.

9 whole months!!

2013-03-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is nearly here, and I am so thankful. I officially have 9 months under my belt since the accident. 7 months since my skull was put back in my head (words you never think would come out of your mouth) I had lunch with my best friend today. She is so wise, and helped me gain some good perspective. She asked how my book is coming. The book has been at a stand still. I feel like I haven't necessarily "healed" or have a full "resolution" to my accident. So it is difficult to write G-H-I-J-K without knowing Z. I feel so different inside, and still have not come to terms with "who I am" yet, and what my new "normal" is. (I'm quotation happy today... apparently). Cracking the code on who I was before the accident took a lifetime up to that point. So now I feel like an infant or toddler, starting over with the "get to know me" process. Once I have this answer I feel like I will more easily write this book. Thankfully, I was reminded today that it hasn't even been a year yet, and maybe just maybe I need to let my life continue to unfold my answers. So when will it be finished..... possibly another lifetime. But there is still a stirring inside that tells me this book is important and needed. Faithfully I will once again wait on the Lord's timeline until I can express what he wants me to share.

The Almighty and Dreaded "V"Day

2013-02-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, the "High Expectation" of this "V" holiday. In theory it's a great idea to set apart a day to celebrate LOVE. Sadly I do have friends who avoid, stores, social media, and ANY social interaction on this day. I think often times people, male and female, single and married feel jipped, and a little beat down. Maybe because they don't have a companion, or love interest, maybe they didn't get a diamond necklace, a trip to the Bahamas, a massage, mani-pedi, bubble bath started for them with roses lining the tub, Belgium chocolates.... flown in first class, a maid to take care of any house duties, 5 dozen roses in a 24 carat gold vase.... ok, ok... I know you've got the picture. GREAT for the people who got this today. SERIOUSLY I am happy for you. This blog post is for those who didn't, and feel a little beat down by what seems to look like "perfect marriages", and lives enjoyed by everyone but you. My mind has been reflecting on times in my life where I was jealous of the people enjoying this holiday, and the supposed superior marriages. Honestly there have been some years in my marriage, where my marriage struggled, and been a little on the fritz, even on this holiday of LOVE. There were times I couldn't wait for this day to pass. The realizations I have come to today is no matter what our circumstance we have the ability to love and uplift, even on Valentines day. Think of all of the things you LOVE and LIKE about yourself, if you can't then you are being a bully to yourself. STOP, and and seriously think about it. Envision happiness and light coming from your heart. This will create an amazing feeling inside, a TRUE feeling of how special you are. It will radiate and exude a positive energy. GIVE to a co-worker, a cashier, a child... a compliment, a sucker, a warm smile or embrace. FOCUSING our energies on GIVING and LOVING rather than focusing on what we wish we had but don't, or the way we are scantily celebrated. This will guaranteed improve EVERY HOLIDAY and non-holidays alike. I love you and send WARM GIVING LOVING ENERGY TO YOU!! Now, go share your light, and LOVE!!

I'm a hot "writing" mess...

2013-02-03T23:00:00.001-07:00

Oh, my friends. I am learning very quickly about writer's block :/ I am seriously at a stand still. There is a massive struggle going on inside of deciding what my "message" is. I've had several suggestions given to me, which I appreciate immensely! BUT, I'm still a little unclear. People will say it takes years to write a book worth publishing. At this rate, I'm thinking more like a decade for me. I'm like a baby in the writing world. Who knew this would be so difficult. I have 90 pages of story's and information. Frankly, I'm proud of myself for those precious 90. Still, I have a long way to go and I'm definitely in need of some divine inspiration. It is my nature to continue to plug away at this. From the beginning of this journey I've felt like I have a mission and a message that needs to be shared. The unfolding is happening, but unfortunately not on my time frame ;)

Blessed Mom

2013-01-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

This last weekend my DARLING MOM decided to sew a doll with my daughter. They were picking out fabrics, and yarn, and discussing what to do for eyes, hair, and clothing. It was such a fun process to watch.... not participate in... but watch :) I'm so grateful my Mom makes Grandma time so special. They disappeared when it was time for hair. When they returned Andelin had chosen short hair on one side, and long on the other...LOL... seriously I was Ling O L. It made me so happy that Andelin chose to have a doll that looked a little unusual, and unique. It also flattered me that she wanted it to look like me! Billy Ray Cyrus hair and all. I love my kids so much. I am so thankful I am still here to LAUGH my head off with them EVERYDAY!! I am a blessed mom.

I AM ENOUGH....

2013-01-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

I've noticed since my accident, personal complexes are showing up. Do you have them? Oh, I do. Inferiority complexes have shown up all through my life. Prior to my accident I felt like I was working through so many insecurities, and actually winning the battle. Confidence wasn't even thought of, because I just felt comfortable with myself. I wasn't in a mode of needing to compete with anyone, or "prove" anything to myself or to anyone else for that matter. The lessons I've learned pre-accident are still with me. It seems though, that an ENTIRE new set of inner challenges and demons have shown up. Extremely personal emotions have surfaced, as I'm sure you have experienced in your life. I am learning how to gain the "OK-ness" of it all. Prayer, and scripture studies are my staple. But also, doing my best to think confidently. This is where confidence starts... thinking, and umm I don't know if you heard, but I have an injury ;) As I think I also try to talk confidently, and hopefully act confidently. I believe strongly that people are going to treat you by the spirit and energy you display. At times when I have a "less than" energy about me, and walk around with my eyes to the ground, feeling intimidated by life, barely speaking up when I talk, really I am divulging the OPPOSITE of the truth. The truth for ALL of us is WE ARE DESERVING OF ALL OF THE JOY AND HAPPINESS LIFE HAS TO OFFER. You are not BETTER than anyone else, but you also are not LESS THAN anyone else. My friends, hold your heads high, not in arrogance, but in the assurance of who we are... TREASURES in this sea of life.

Aftermath and Healing

2013-01-03T22:55:00.003-07:00

The aftermath of my accident has been apparent in my 10 year old son Graeson. He has been clinging to me physically. The moment he get's home from school he has been wanting to be by my side. "Where are you going to be?" is the question he asks me over and over again everyday. My poor baby boy, he has been through so much. He is the oldest, and of course assumes a lot of responsibility. TOO MUCH. I'm always reminding him that he is still a child, and not the dad. Every night a bedtime he is a ball of anxiety. He has moved off of the top bunk, because he feels "far away from his family". So, we have a routine, after I put the kids to bed I stay in the room next to theirs for about 20 minutes. In that time he will yell for my name several times, and I will reassure him that I am there. Last night I had a moment of inspiration. I went in his room and with his help created a beautiful visualization. It included me being near him, and when I would leave that a white light would still connect us to each other, so we are ALWAYS joined and united. Immediately when I said this he relaxed and was deep in a peaceful sleep. Tonight, he was so happy and said, "All I have to say to myself, is 'I'm connected to Mom' and I feel so good, I fall right to sleep". WOW... I am so happy for him. I'm so grateful that we ARE so connected, and that my children are healing from their nightmare. My beautiful boy is fast asleep CONNECTED to lucky me!

PRAYERS FOR LAUREN!!!! Bone flap replaced in the morning!!

2013-01-02T22:42:00.001-07:00

Dearest Blog friends... I was contacted on my blog by a woman who let me know that a young lady, age 12, is going in to get her skull replaced in her head in the morning (craniotomy). She was in an accident with her mother, and her mother passed away. Lauren is STRONGER than steel. My tears will not stop falling as I think about her. I pray that the Lord will be with her abundantly, that she will be COMFORTED, and will heal even BETTER and FASTER than I have. Please join me in this prayer! She is just a child, and not only is dealing with brain surgery, but the loss of her mother, I'm sure she was her EVERYTHING. Thankfully God has the power to make all things right.

.. Numbers go on and on... like me!

2012-12-28T12:09:00.001-07:00

Thanks Jaymie Quigley for the photo :)

As I woke this morning I had some realizations. After a good cry, and a prayer with my husband I felt significantly lighter, and happier. Now, gratitude is filling my heart, and my mind is more clear, and focused. I took a look at our medical bills, and the numbers that seemed to keep going on... and on... and you know what, they DID keep going on... just like me! ;) I'm renewed in the strength of God and am GRATEFUL for the numbers... They signify my life, I am ALIVE because of those numbers. This is such a great lesson for me to learn because in EVERY aspect of our lives we choose the label of meaning we will attach to "bad things" we are dealing with. CHOOSING THIS DAY LOVE AND GRATITUDE!

Finding Myself Again

2012-12-13T18:01:00.001-07:00

A couple of months ago, I was asked to come 12-12-12 to speak to some teenage young women. I agreed to it, knowing I had a couple of months to build my confidence in speaking in front of large groups again. 12-12-12 of course rolls around, and I was a MESS. Seriously, I was crying so much in the morning that I wondered if my eyes would still be swollen in the evening. Nothing was helping my nerves. I decided to go to the gym to get my blood pumping, maybe this would help. Nope, still weepy, and yes it was kind of embarrassing. From afar I saw an old friend named Miguel. He has the same scar that I do, and we have spoken a couple of times. I was getting ready to leave, and we said hello, and asked me a couple of questions... "Oh Miguel, you don't want to open up this can of emotion.." I thought. I explained something about myself from before the accident, and it was all over. Hello flood gates of tears. Somewhere in the midst of that conversation it became clear to me that I am grieving. I am mourning the girl I was before the accident... the girl that lived each day with ZEST, excitement, and courage. At that moment I felt that grief leave me. That girl is inside of me somewhere, and as I heal I know I will take the goodness from my accident and add it to that girl. I will be completely whole one day, I just feel it. Keeping my faith. Anyways, I went to speak, had an amazing time, and felt a new strength that the "old me" didn't have. So deeply grateful for an amazing experience. Love all of these young ladies!

Physical Torturist... I mean Therapist :)

2012-12-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

A dear friend from our church is a Physical Therapist. He offered to run me through some tests to see how I am progressing. I was excited to meet with him! Nowadays I am so cautious for one because I never want to fall again, but also because I am relearning my limits. My body physically feels so much stronger, but my balance and coordination are definitely different, and adjusting. I showed up, luckily in yoga pants and a t-shirt. He had me sprinting, and quick-stepping cones. He had bands of resistance around my waist that I would lunge away from and slowly bring myself back. He had me speed stepping up and down a stair, doing grapevines on the treadmill. Needless-to-say I had the best work out of my life. I was sweating and exhausted. He handed me a sweat towel, and I was SO grateful. After wiping off all of my sweat and plenty of make-up, we were done. He relayed to me that he felt like he couldn't "stump" me. He didn't expect me to be able to do any of the tasks he put me through. He shared an interesting concept that I had never considered. He said that he has a lot of people who come in with major knee injuries. The knee is swollen and healing for 6 months to a year. With a brain injury it is difficult because we can't "see" the swelling. He said "We know your brain HAS TO still be healing. If it takes that long for a knee to stop swelling we KNOW your brain cannot be fully healed quite yet." This was comforting to me because I feel like I have progressed so well, but I know it's not over. I have faith that I'm getting better and better. It's encouraging because although I look normal I don't feel normal, but I'm still healing. I am not sharing this to brag in ANY WAY. I'm sharing because I left there with a renewed confidence in myself, and my progression. Everyday I am a step closer.

Oppa Billy Ray Style!

2012-11-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Ok Folks... not the most flattering picture, but there is a reason behind posting it. First of all, this is what I look like without my "hair" on top. This is how my children see me at night, and in the morning, and they are used to it. It is my BED HEAD!! I get a laugh every morning. lol. This morning Andelin was watching an episode of Hannah Montana. I hear her come in the kitchen, she gasped, "Mom! Your hair looks just like the wig on Hannah Montana's DAD! You know mom, business in the front, party in the back!" OMGOSH I was laughing hysterically! My hair DOES look like Billy Ray Cyrus....Mullet! Hahhahhahhaaa!! Andelin, that is awesome. I love that the show taught her "business in the front party in the back". Seriously people, try to find which one of these pics is me... it's not easy :) So, people have been asking me what the plan is with my hair, and they want to know if I have something against short hair. The answer is NO!! ABSOLUTELY not! But, there is reason behind keeping my "long hair" madness. One reason at this point is that I don't feel strong enough to cut it. My emotions are so volatile right now, I don't dare do ANY dramatic changes to ANYTHING. "But, it would look so cute! And be so easy!" I know. What if I cut it right now in the middle of winter, and emotionally struggle with it. I don't want to take my chances. SO, my plan is to let it grow a little and right before spring cut a cute SHORT style. I'm going to be gathering pics, and would love ideas from you guys. The problem I am having is most "do's" that I like have somewhat of a bang, mine are short and stand up STRAIGHT. Anyways, enough about me, just wanted to give the update on the drama of my hair :)

My journey photos...

2012-11-29T12:15:00.002-07:00

The day they took out my sutchers from my second surgery was a meaningful day. It was very symbolic and healing for me to know I was getting better, progressing, and that this was probably my last visit to the doctor for awhile. Stitches out= mending, in my mind. I was so grateful, and truly overjoyed. That same day two photographer friends, Anna Marshall, and Ashley Wall, offered to snap some photos of me with my shaved half head, and wound. Honestly, I told them they were crazy, "WHY would I ever want photos of this? I am healing, moving on, and I am ready to be over this tragedy." But, they lovingly shared with me that someday I might WANT them for myself, as well as my posterity. I agreed and made them pinky promise they wouldn't show anyone. Kaley Sparling lovingly offered to do my make-up, and I was off. We all showed up at the park. I was SO scared, and tentative about this whole idea. I was not myself. My confidence in doing a photo shoot was non-exsistent. But, would I one day want these photo memories? We began, I wanted a RAW, natural, earthy environment as well as clothing. My feather earrings were dusted off, and the clicking began. We laughed and had so much fun. Then, the emotion of my accident kicked in. They were capturing exactly what I wanted.... and it was RAW. We all three were crying, and the beautiful miracles that had taken place dawned upon me, and all of us. The warmth and peace that filled my soul was indescribable. Gratitude, and closeness to Heavenly Father surrounded us like an umbrella of goodness. Just today I am ready to blog about this experience. Thank you Anna,Ashley,with Beautiful You Photography and Kaley! I AM thankful we took these photos!

My stable roller coaster

2012-11-28T13:38:00.001-07:00

It's so interesting that the moment I put a lot of effort and focus into improving myself as well as putting more energy into others, you know... light bulbs of understanding shooting on, and motivation to DO IT... all of the sudden I get majorly discouraged. It seems like the last month my focus specifically has been on being "STABLE". What does stable mean to you? To me it means FIRM in my resolve to be a good mom, SECURE in my marriage, ROOTED in my spiritual beliefs. Right when I feel like "I've got this" I'm reminded that it's a process. The doctors warned me as I was leaving the hospital that mentally and emotionally the 1st 2 years after a brain injury, I will feel a little demented. I am extremely happy most of the time, but it seems like my highs are higher, and my lows are WAY lower. Manic.... the exact OPPOSITE of what I am focusing my spirit toward. Praying my guts out is what is getting me through this. Have you ever "gut" prayed? I mean pouring out your soul and seeking God? These are the kind of prayers that get me through my difficult times. I am so humbled by HIS love for me. HE is what brings grounded security. HE stabilizes my roller coaster. He has taken something that seems so terrible, and morphed it into a miracle. I love Him. So happy to celebrate Christ's birth next month!!

She shaved her BLONDE curly locks...

2012-11-24T22:26:00.002-07:00

Okay, last night I had a great emotional release with a special person in my life. My heart has been open and tender with the holiday of Thanksgiving. As I have said before I am SO extremely grateful for every family event since my accident. It means so much to me that I am here to experience life with my family and friends. Our family feast at my parents home was emotional to say the least. We are all so thankful to be together, as I'm sure all of your families are! Tonight my oldest sister, Trace shared this video with me which I had never seen before. She lives in Salt Lake, about 5 hours away. When she heard about my accident she dropped everything and headed up to be with me. My husband Nick said yesterday that Trace's reaction to seeing me in the hospital will forever be burned into his heart. She was not expecting what she saw, whatsoever, and falling to her knees was all she could do. She stayed close by and got a hotel room right next to the hospital, so she could constantly be near. About the second day after my accident she said she felt helpless, and wanted to do something, but there was nothing she could do. She had an idea, and on this video, you will find what she felt she could do. She left the hospital, and took 2 of my great nieces to Great Clips. This is what happened next. She shaved her blonde curly locks....for me. As I watched this video my heart was so completely humbled. I knew that she had shaved it, but watching it done... FOR ME... was so touching. I cried like a baby, and she held me in her warm, loving arms. It felt so good to be wrapped up in her! She endured a major motorcycle accident a couple of years ago, and nearly lost her leg. Our tragedies have solidified our sisterly love for one another. I am so grateful that our adversities have brought us closer together. She has been back up SEVERAL times since my accident to see me. I am so happy that she is seeing me as a recovered person now, seeing the peace in her eyes and in her spirit, makes my heart REJOICE. Alice Walker is SO right, especially tonight! "Is solace anywhere more comforting than that in the arms of a sister". I love you TRACE.

Fotoshop by Adobé

2012-11-20T14:47:00.001-07:00