Journal entry by Nancy Aarsvold
Hello, all —
Here is our last update from Scottsdale since we have been cleared to travel home to Minnesota tonight!
Stephanie and I have had a relatively quiet week here in a comfortable AirBnb condo. It was nice to have a simple daily routine of walks and light meals, naps and visits with family in person or on the telephone. I tire easily, but I have been able to walk a little further and sleep a little better as each day passed.
We have also been able to have a little outing each day to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the car wash, and even lunch at a restaurant one afternoon. Our sister-in-law Kit arrived on Wednesday, so it was good to have time with her. We spent a couple of lovely family evenings on Brad and Lisa’s balcony with Kit. She left early this morning to drive our car back to the Twin Cities, and we are grateful for that help.
Yesterday, I had an appointment with Dr. Zawaneh, the electrophysiologist who treated me in the Scottsdale hospital and saved my life by finding a way to stop the “electrical storm” of ventricular fibrillation that I experienced for about 12 hours on March 18. It was wonderful to see him again and be able to thank him personally for his work. He also very patiently answered the many questions we had about what had happened and cleared me to travel home later today.
Stephanie and I are grateful for the many people who have supported us via Caring Bridge, texts, and e-mails, as well as for the people who were here by our side in Scottsdale:
- Steph’s brother Brad Fay and our sister-in-law Lisa Fay who made airport runs, arranged housing and cars for my kids, hosted us for meals, and made sure I had the best decorated hospital room in town
- Steph’s sister Elaine Kinnard and our-brother-in-law Dave Kinnard who stayed with me at the hospital, held my hand and sang to me when I was anxious
- My sister Jennifer Kraemer who flew in from California the first day, stayed by my side at the hospital, and provided comfort as only a big sister can
- My son Andreas Aarsvold and his girlfriend Greta Hanson and my daughter Tina Aarsvold and her wife Jessica Aarsvold who flew in from St. Paul and Seattle the first day to watch over me, cheer me up, and be my bodyguards
- Steph’s cousin Sonia Hegge Bar from Fargo, North Dakota who visited me in the hospital several times
- Steph’s niece Tonya Katcher who arrived from Silver Spring, Maryland at the end of my hospital stay to support us for 6 days as we made the transition from hospital to home.
- Our sister-in-law Kit Hadley who flew in from St. Paul to visit us and then to drive our car home to Minnesota
Last but not least, I am grateful for the care and constant support from Stephanie, my wife and best travel companion in life. She has been by my side during both of my cardiac events, and she is a wonderful advocate for me, working with the doctors, organizing to ensure that a family member was with me at all times in the hospital, and communicating via Caring Bridge, texts, and emails with our family and friends. She is amazing, and I’m lucky to have her as my wife. I’m attaching a picture of her that I took on St. Patrick’s Day while we were out at a beautiful golf course in Scottsdal
We will see my cardiologist, electrophysiologist, and Fiona’s device nurses at the University of Minnesota on Monday and Wednesday, so we should know more about what lies ahead at the end of next week. In the meantime, we are so excited to get home to Minnesota and see our family and friends there! And we’re hoping that our cat Judy will forgive us for how long we have been gone this winter.
Kari Dorer|Apr 6, 2018
God tur hjem!
Mary Beth Lake|Apr 6, 2018
Excited that you can fly to your summer home, family, friends!! We checked out Merlyn’s Nest; it’s a hoot—good comfort food!!
Pilgrim Lutheran Church|Apr 6, 2018
Oh, such great news! Welcome home to Minnesota!
Lynn
Martha Morrow|Apr 6, 2018
Please let me know how soon I can come up and see you once you get home. I will message my number to you;-)
Love, Martha
susan Donohue|Apr 6, 2018
Travel safely, friends! What a wonderful new beginning! Blessings on you both.
Mary Ellen Erlandson|Apr 6, 2018
Great to hear you’re able to fly home to Minnesota. Have a great trip. Wishing you continued healing and strength. Hugs.
Barbara McCauley|Apr 6, 2018
Dear, dear Nancy and Stephanie – Thank you for all this good news! We are preparing a snowy welcome home for you! With our prayers for your safe and uneventful journey. Lovingly, Barbara and Gary
Abby Brogden|Apr 6, 2018
Safe travels! This is such great news. I wish the weather was more welcoming! XOXO
Elaine Kinnard|Apr 6, 2018
We are happy you are getting better each day!
We are blessed to have you in our family!
Love to both of you!
Ps- it’s cold in Montana! Kinda like Minnesota!
Kris Grangaard|Apr 6, 2018
Take care on your travels, Nancy and Stephanie,
We look forward to seeing you. I know that weather is not my responsibility, but I still feel the need to apologize for what you will return to. Just so, so sorry. Maybe turn the heat up to 80 and don’t emerge until your appointments next week?! Or maybe you will love the change!
rhonnie mccauley|Apr 6, 2018
HI!!!
I have been following your Journey and am so happy to hear you guys are going home!! Thank you for including me in your journey. I can’t imagine what you all have been through with this experience. What I do know is that you have so many people who love and support you and are cheering for you. You are very loved!!! I have been cheering you on from Colorado and sending you the fresh mountain air, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. March on Soldier….I wish you love, peace and good healing. CHEERS! Rhonnie
Barbara Taylor|Apr 6, 2018
Sounds like it is time to come home and REST with no more visitors 😜
Margaret O|Apr 6, 2018
Great news that you will be coming home–sleep in your own bed and snuggle with your own cat!
Gail Klemm|Apr 6, 2018
Safe travels, dear cousin…one of these days, we need to meet in person! I have been so thankful for all of the support you have had. There is nothing like family to advocate fiercely when needed! Sending love from southern CA.
Gail Ellertson Klemm
Ann Dyellig|Apr 6, 2018
We will welcome you home with open arms (because we’ve missed you and because we’ll need to warm you up from our MN April weather!)!! Relax on the plane and the next few days as you get back to being at home. Hugs — Ann
Pat Sass|Apr 6, 2018
I’m so glad you are making such great strides! Your support system is phenomenal, which is only fitting for a phenomenal woman like you!!!! Keeping you in my prayers! – PAT SASS
Anne Sabo|Apr 6, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
James Davidson|Apr 6, 2018
Wonderful news Nancy. Safe travels. Go get ’em Tiger.
Jeanne Eberhart|Apr 6, 2018
Jerry and I are very, very happy for you both
Gloria Betcher|Apr 6, 2018
Wishing you safe travels and a happy homecoming. I hope Fiona stays quiet for a very long time.
Claudia Gordon|Apr 6, 2018
What a beautiful note, Nancy!……full of beautiful thoughts, beautiful people, and a beautiful picture of a loving wife. You have been truly blessed, Nancy! Welcome home, girls!
Patricia Sween|Apr 6, 2018
Love to you both as you return to normal life and activities. We’re anxious to see you!
Robin Katcher|Apr 6, 2018
I hope the travel is easy and comfortable. Sending lots of love
Marsha Foss|Apr 6, 2018
Wonderful news. It will be great to have you back in St. Paul.
Traveling mercies to you and to Kit. Love, Marsha
Su Smallen|Apr 6, 2018
I am at the ready for any help you need! Looking forward to seeing you both!
Kathy Olsufka|Apr 7, 2018
🤗 I am so happy for both of you that you can return home. I hope that your travels go smoothly and no new surprises from Fiona. What a wonderful support system you have had with lots of love and help. Cousin Kathy
Sveinung Skjesol|Apr 7, 2018
Takk igjen, Nancy! God tur heim!
Joan Haan|Apr 7, 2018
Yes, indeed! Welcome home to the Minnesota sun and snow
You will be warmly embraced!
Pat Herrington|Apr 8, 2018
Safe travels and many happy days ahead. You have an amazing network of friends and family and I am thankful that you have such support. Now go kick some butt!
Donna Dingle|Apr 8, 2018
Glad to have you back on Minnesota!
Judy Fay|Apr 8, 2018
What a journey you’re on, Nancy and Steph. And what a blessing for you to be in the company of so many who love and care about you. Will continue to hold you close as you return to the comfort of your home. Much love.
Sarah Monson|Apr 14, 2018
Welcome home to Minnesota. A journey home won’t be complete until you reunite with your old table on our balcony 🙂 Isaac and I look forward to seeing you both. Carter sends his kisses and tail wags. Nancy, we’re so thankful you’re recovering. You both are amazing and wonderful and mighty strong women.