Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Attitude is Everything!
Today we had a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon for the reconstruction of several bones in Britten face. They included his eye socket, a shattered cheekbone, a broken nose, and several other fractures including around his ear. As the Doctor showed us the CT Scan and where all of the fractures were, we (including the Doctor) were amazed that all the bones were lined up where they needed to be. No surgery would be required for reconstruction. Only his broken nose will need to be fixed at a later date. My chest started to swell as I had a prayer in my heart, giving thanks once again to my Heavenly Father, for his tender mercy in Elder Schenk's behalf. Each day Britten gets stronger and stronger as he pushes himself in physical therapy. His goal is to be running this summer and I have no doubt that he will accomplish this. His Speech therapy is coming along as he try's to re-learn many words. It is incredible to me that he understands everything in Porteguese, but it is very frustrating to him that he is not able to come up with the words to speak it. I believe that in time that it will come back to him, as he pushes himself to learn. We appreciate Britt's great attitude as he try's his best to make his situation enjoyable. He loves teasing and joking with the nurses and gives everyone thumbs up or high-fives, as he passes them in the hall. He definetly puts a smile on everone's face! One of Britten's favorite quote is "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it". He is such a great example of this as he is trying the best he can to deal with his trials. Thank you again for all your love and support, as Britten is becoming more aware of things. He is in awe and speechless as we explain to him all the people that care and are praying for him. He loves for us to read the comments off the blog to him and it definetly lifts his spirit. Sending our love to you...Steven, Karla & Britten
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Amazing. Every night as we read the blog, that's all We can think. Truly amazing. Britten, thank you for teaching us that no matter WHAT happens, we have the choice as to how we'll react. May we all be as positive, optimistic, and determined as you are. We love you guys so much. Grateful for another inspiring post!!
ReplyDeleteSteff & Nic
Fantastic! Yep, attitude is soooo important!!! It's another witness of the protecting hand from above that there is no need for facial reconstruction! Miracles after miracles - such a witness of our Father-in-Heaven's Love and Mercy! Keep On Britten! Now's the time your body will heal... Love all of you!!!
ReplyDeleteBritten we are so proud of you and your amazing spirit and attitude. You and your parents have taught us all so much about faith, hope and patience. Every night when I check the blog I am amazed and inspired and my testimony grows stronger. Thank you for your example. We continue to pray for your strength and healing everyday. We love you and are so proud to be a part of your family. All our love... Josh, Heather and kids
ReplyDeleteThe continuing miracles in Britton's recovery give me hope for my own struggles. We are praying for a complete recovery for him!
ReplyDelete". . .Have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. " Have another miraculous day!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that he is doing great and that he keeps teaching us how important a good attitude is! I'm sure we will be reading soon how well he did on his first 5k. Tell him we love him and we will come see him on our way back from Texas.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete¡Qué buenas noticias y qué gran ejemplo de enteresa y buena actitud para afrontar estas pruebas! ... Gracias Elder Schenk por su gran ejemplo de fortaleza, buen ánimo y fe, está predicando con su vida lo que significa el Evangelio de nuestro Salvador, su misión aún continúa.
ReplyDeleteEstamos con usted y esperamos pronto verlo correr, por supuesto que sí!
Le amamos y seguiremos orando por su familia y usted.
Fam. Jave.
Cajamarca - Perú.
We have followed your blog since hearing of Britten's accident. It caught our attention because our son is also serving in Brazil. Just wanted to thank you for the updates and let you know we pray for him daily. I also experienced an accident similiar to Britten and know the frustration that comes from what he is going through. Even though the immediate frustrations can seem overwhelming, I know that the good that will come from his faith will bring eternal blessings. If we let the Savior take our pain, He will turn our trials to blessings. Having overcome similiar things to Britten, I can attest that all things will work for his good. My sister wrote a song about this and sums it up better than I can. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyX-I-um5Kk May the Lord continue to bless you.
ReplyDeleteI just want to thank you for the blog updates. I know that takes extra time on your part to maintain your blog but it's the one blog I check (other than my kids!) on a daily basis. Thank you for the recent pictures. I came across Elder Schenk's story from LDS Living. He has been in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGreat! That is great!!! You know, sometimes I wonder how our Heavenly Father is about all of this situation. As the Lord Jesus suffered in the garden while saying the prayer, and while in the cross, He asked why Heavenly Father had forsake Him. I am sure, as a returned missionary, that God the Father was as closer as he could as a loving Father, taking care of his son, at those moments (very close, more we could imagine), and I have no doubt, He is now as closer as He could ever be to a missionary (Elder Britten Schenk). I feel it. Thank you one more time to help me to be a better person. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDear Britten and the rest of the family too. You are such an inspiration to us. I check the blog quite often and Keep you in our prayers. It's wonderful to hear of your progress but also great to hear of your attitude. I will think of you on my next difficult day and remember that I don't have it so tough after all. With God nothing is impossible.
ReplyDeleteToni Troseth Christensen <3
We are so thrilled that you don't have to have any more surgeries at this time. What a blessing! We love you all and are so proud of you, Britt. Keep up the good work. You are all an inspiration for us and have strengthened our testimonies. Thank you. You are improving each day!
ReplyDeleteSteve and Kristina Barfuss
I've been following this blog since I read about you in the Deseret News. I thank your family for sharing your story. You are an inspiration and an amazing young man. The example you have set for the world is so impressive. You have touched so many lives.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers daily on your behalf from California.
Susan Allred
Our family got such a kick out of watching the video of him playing basketball! We've been following your blog since we read the story in the news and continue to have y'all in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDelete~The Allred Family
San Antonio, TX
Yay! I am so happy to hear of each miracle- each good thing. For all that is good comes from God and good things- miracles- will never cease!! Just as Danny said, Heavenly Father and Heavenly Angels are ever at your side. :) Thank you for sharing your light and your faith- Steven, Karla, Britten, Lora, and ALL of you- with the world. Light will always overcome every kind of darkness. Wish I could be there! I love you!
ReplyDeleteSherilyn
Britten, you are the man! I always knew you were awesome and destined for greatness but you continue to astonish and exceed expectations. Way to go and way to keep a positive attitude with everything you and your family has had to endure. You are such an inspiration. We continue to pray for all of you. We love you guys and love the pictures. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteCody, Holly, and Family
Oops miricles not motives.
ReplyDeleteDear Britten and Schenk Family,
ReplyDeleteI have obeen following your blog from the beginning. I have been so inspired by your faith, determination, and love. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us. You are in my prayers daily. I pray that you will continued to be blessed with the strength you need to accomplish all you must have to do.
Robin Grant
Idaho
Schenk Family,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog since the first post after hearing about Britten's accident on the news. I googled your family and I was lucky enough to find this blog. I am constantly amazed at your reaction everyday to the struggles your facing. As you posted that Britten's eyesight was very small and that he was in so much pain, my heart broke. Britten, you are an incredibly amazing person and I hope that one day I can marry someone with your attitude and strength. You are such an amazing example of a true preisthood holder and with every step of recovery you take, hundreds take that step behind you. Your looking great and you can sure shoot the ball still! Prayers with you and your family. THank you for your example.
Katie Johnson
Idaho
Dear Schenk family, I want to thank you for sharing with all of us your tender journey with your dear Missionary. I have been following your story from the very beginning, because I too have a precious Missionary serving in Brazil right now. It has been a wonderful blessing for me each day as I read of your faithful testimony and boundless courage through unimaginable difficulties. I have made your family a part of my prayers each day because I have great faith in the power of prayer. You have been a witness to the world that God lives, that miracles continue to happen, and that we are all loved beyond anything we can comprehend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart dear Britten, for your courage amidst adversity, your positive hope that is ever present with each new day. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless you and sustain you in your miraculous journey. Having a loving family to support you is everything, and you are richly blessed! With much love to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteDear Schenk Family,
ReplyDeleteI still read your posts every night and keep Britten and your family in my prayers. Being a missionary mom myself, I've felt a kinship to you, Sister Schenk. Thank you for keeping up with posting on the blog. It is so wonderful to hear about the miracles that happen in your lives. Britten, you are truly an inspiration to all of us. I love your quote, ""Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it". How true that is. You are definitely an example of that one! Keep up the hard work!
May the Lord keep you close and bless you with comfort and strength.
Lesta Sims
Kansas City, MO area
Dear Schenk Family...
ReplyDeleteI know you don't know me at all, I too am a mom of a missionary who is serving in Sao Paulo Brazil, in the Interlagos mission. I have been faithful at reading the posts...to watch Britten play ball and to be able to understand everything in Portuguese is just amazing! I look at your strength that Heavenly Father has given you and your family and how you are able to look at each day and each little thing as a blessing. And for you to truly forgive the bus driver is really what this life is all about, FORGIVENESS and FAMILY!
Each time I go to the Portland Oregon Temple I put Britten's name in, along with my own son for his protection. As when they are serving the Lord, they are really in HIS hands. And angels have watched over and blessed Britten...prayers have been heard.
I too can learn from your example and brutal honesty and love. Thank you for sharing and there is no doubt in my mind that Britt will run!!
Staci Firl
La Center, WA
Can't agree more about the power of positive attitude. Wish Britt continued good luck. I love his quote and stole it for my new email sign-off.
ReplyDeleteJackie Checketts