Best Father's Day Ever

As Britten got up this morning, I asked him how he was feeling.  He replied with much enthusiasm, "I am Great! I can't see very good and my feet hurt, but I am awesome!" as he had a big smile on his face.  That was the very reason we were excited for Elder Schenk to return home the end of June.  His happy, positive, cheerful personality had been a blessing in our home....And it still is!

The past week Britten has struggled with being nauseous, and having headaches in the morning.  Then it seems to improve by afternoon.  We are grateful for "Good Afternoon's" as this allows him to do the things that he would like do.  Like... going to Young Adult Activities!  He wasn't  able to participate in most of the activities,  but just being there and being part of things, brought him much happiness. 
 Britten has enjoyed "hanging out" with his friends, talking, having pizza and watching the play-off games.  (Even though he cant watch TV) he still enjoys being part of the gang.  We are so appreciative of Great friends who have been by his side, supporting him and making sure he is included in every activity.
Last Sunday as we attended one of his good friends, "Home Coming", 
I had a hard time keeping the tears away.  I kept thinking how grateful we are to be here with our son!   And for All of Britten's awesome friends! We couldn't have asked for a better group of outstanding, fun, spiritual young men, for our son to associate with.  They all love the Lord and have served him faithfully.  We thank each one of them for blessing Britten's life, as well as our own.


It has been very interesting to sit through his sessions of Speech Therapy and see how the accident has effected his language center.  He understands for the most part what others are saying to him and can carry on a great conversation.  (He can talk for hours) Yet, he has a hard time remembering what things are called.  He struggles reading and writing and coming up with peoples names, places and things.  It is so thrilling to him and us, when he finally says a word on his own that he has been working so diligently to remember.  Doctor's have told us, "This is not a sprint. This is going to be like a  marathon."    We see small improvement each day, and just know that this is going to be a long process.   The ST says that Britten is such a delight to work with, as he is so pleasant and teachable.  

Britten has enjoyed visits from companions and friends, from the mission field.  It has been exciting to watch and listen to them as they reminisce about "The Mission"  and experiences.
To hear them share a good laugh, brought joy and delight to my soul. 





It was very heart-warming when the family of Britten's Companion, that was with him at the time of the accident, traveled a long distance to come and visit us.  Their love and concern for Britten touched our hearts, as we too, have been concerned for their son.  A wonderful evening was spent, telling stories, exchanging testimonies and sharing heart-felt hugs, as we Knew, that "our sons"  had been great companions!







As we celebrated Father's Day, and give honor to them, We also give Honor and Praise to our Father in Heaven.  We know that our Savior lives, We know that He loves us, and We know that if we rely on him, He will Always be with us.   With gratitude in our heart's, we feel very blessed as our testimony's have been strengthen through this experience.  I think that this was probably Steven's best Father's Day Ever!