Saturday, April 7, 2012

Another Great Day

After a quiet day yesterday we had a relaxing but great day. Elder Schenk got a work-out during physical therapy. We were pleasantly surprised with how much he participated in all the exercises. When his teeth were brushed he swished the rinse around and then spit it into a cup. When Karla had Brittens brothers on the phone he took the phone in his hand and held it to his ear to listen. We believe he is now conscious but still there are quiet (sleepy) times. He truly is improving every day. Britten has had wonderful nurses and therapists that we have grown to love. Even though there is a language barrier we have become pretty good playing charades! When our favorite male nurse wants to communicate with us he uses Mr. google to try to translate. He left us a note tonight as his shift was over. The note said, "We are super happy and proud of the evolution of Britten! He arrived here in the ICU and was super serious. He stepped foot and certainly will give millions of steps. On Thursday I realized you guys were in distress and tears and left to transpire because he had gotten worse. But between high and low came the result of an improvement and excellent going forward and only success! The contribution of this improvement was the presence of you! For sure when he gives words again, Britten will tell you guys, Thanks Mom and Dad, love you guys!". We know that all good things come from our loving Father above and through his son Jesus Christ. We continue to give thanks to each and every one of you for your faith and prayers. We love you! Steven, Karla, and Britten

15 comments:

  1. I love reading the blog nightly. Thanks for keeping us all updated. Glad he is improving even if by small steps. Happy EASTER! Raini

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  2. I'm sure he will say that! Britten, congratulations on your improvement, we know you are doing your best to get well soon! we miss you and will continue to pray for you! Love and Happy Easter!

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  3. Just makes us cry to think Britten could hold the phone and listen to his dear brothers! Family and the gospel are everything! And you all do make such a difference to his recovery! Hang in there Britt! We are counting on you!! We will be thinking of you tomorrow as we celebrate Easter and the sweet atonement of the Savior. We have a talk we would like to send you. Hopefully our boys can help us do that soon. (we are maybe too tech challenged for such an undertaking!*? Ha!) The talk is one of Elder Bednar's and it has really touched us and helped us through many trials. Hope it brings you comfort too. Will try and get it off soon! We are with you...
    Love, The Stoddards

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  4. What amazing improvements! Blessings for sure! I am so happy to hear he is doing so much better!
    Love
    Bev

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  5. I am so glad to hear of the improvements. When I was in a state of delirium I have been told that I had lucid moments, mixed with, as you describe it, "sleepy" times. Chances are Elder Schenk won't remember these times. It could be that one day he will start remembering things from that day forward. Be patient with him. Be encouraging. And be completely understanding when he seems sensitive about "stories" you might want to share -- I sometimes struggled with that because I felt "stupid" on a certain level. Elder Schenk is so fortunate that you can both be there with him during this important time. I hope you are able to bring him back home soon to continue with his healing. Hang in there!

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  6. You are such great examples of faith and a positive spirit in times of adversity- I love this story about Mr. Google. Perfect!
    Prayers for you,
    Pam

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  7. Thank you so much for being so faithful in posting your faith promoting experiences each day. We read then every night and feel blessed by them. We love you and know Heavenly Father is blessing all of you (including the doctors and nurses). We continue to add our prayers to the many others being offered in your behalf.
    Love, Bruce and Laura

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  8. I also read your daily report each night and think and pray for Elder Britten and both of you often each day. What great examples of Faith & Dedication you are for all of us who are following your inspiring experience. You know they are for our good and make us better able to help others. I haven't read any reports of any physical paralysis of any type. I hope he's able to come out of his coma and be able to serve without any disabilities. That is my prayer.

    We love you and hope you are able to return home soon!

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  9. Thank you so much for your uplifting words. All last week we were visiting family in CA. Our son-in-law served a mission in Brazil as did our son Dustin in Sao Paulo. When we knelt with everyone for family prayer we read your nightly post and kept you close in our thoughts. Our son has such a love for the disciples of Christ and ministering angels he met while serving there. Your blog each night has been a beacon of faith and light to us. May you feel the incompressible love of our Savior on this Easter Sabbath. Love and prayers Sandy Curtis and family.

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  10. Happy Easter to you and your family. We are so happy to hear of the miracles that are occurring for Elder Britten Schenk. We think of him and your family often and continue to pray for you all. So grateful for the gospel and it's teachings. To know that we have a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. That they are aware of us as individuals and our needs and desires. We are praying for continued miracles in your behalf. Much love, Layne and Julie Finlinson and Family.

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  11. Happy Easter! When I woke up today I thought who could I fast for, and I thought of course Elder Schenk. My Son has been home for a few months from Brazil, it really brings it to light that this could be us. So happy to hear that even those little things like swish of his mouth and holding a phone is such a miracle. I loved hearing that his nurse is so touched with his improvements. Britten is touching so many lives. Thank you for always your heart felt words and updates. We are all truly blessed by your's and his example. Patti SLC.

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  12. Happy Easter! that the risen Christ is always the company of you!
    May the Holy Spirit of the Lord may comfort them and bless them every day!
    A fraternal embrace,
    França family

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  14. I am so glad for the continued progress of Elder Schenk. I have been so touched by the love and prayers that have been sent on your family's behalf, not just from here in your home stake, but from around the world. It has been a wonderful testimony to me of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to bind hearts together in love and to unite the world. I have wanted to pass along a link to you that might help with translation of notes in this blog and for communication between you and the staff. I don't know what "Mr. Google" help you were writing about but this is my favorite resource: babelfish.yahoo.com Get Well Britten and hugs from Hyde Park!!

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  15. What a great note! and I believe he will say that great words soon! =) I can feel all love of this wonderful family and I am so happy for all improvement! I'm learnign about our Heavenly Father a lot and I am thankful for all bless!

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