Monday, June 18, 2012

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!

14 comments:

  1. The wonderful blessing of the gospel is the many and loving way of the Lord. Challenges do happen to everyone of us here in this world. Our great learning and growing closer to the Lord comes as we work to stay close to our testimonies and faith. As we trust and work with faith our pain and challenges are taken away. Love is the greatest thing that help us overcome and work up in our efforts to come closer to the Lord. You have been blessed with this wonderful blessing, and I am so happy to see how the wonderful son Britten has the help of the Lord in all he's been working for! and it will get better and better...the key is working with the Lord with faith and love and all else comes from there as we need. This has been your blessings with witch I have learned so much and continue in prayer for you!!

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  2. :) I can't stop smiling. I love you all! Happy Father's Day! <3

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  3. It just seems so great to see pictures of your ENTIRE family! And what a wonderful Father's Day present! Having you all together is a miracle. Britten is a champion in so many ways. And as you said, a huge ray of sunshine and hope! We all love him dearly in Idaho and continue to pray for all of you!
    Love, Stoddards

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  4. I just LOVE your family so much! You are all so beautiful...inside and out! Thank you for sharing your testimonies with us.

    Love,
    Kevin, Melanie and Grayson Cornett :)

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  5. I could so relate to your dear son responding with "I am Great" when asked how he is doing. Our youngest son also has a severe head injury as a result of a car accident. This happened 5 years ago this summer and yet he also replies "I am Great" when asked how he is doing. I once asked him how he can say he is doing great when he continues to struggle with so many things from the head injury. He explained that he is doing great because he is alive and functioning as well as he is. Indeed our sons, are an inspiration to us!!!

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  7. I found your blog via LDS living magazine and have been touched by your families love and strength. Blessings from Texas ( my brother served in the Londrina mission).

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  8. I tried finding a way to post a clickable link. Unsuccesful... :-(
    The 'attitude' that results from our trials and just life is so important! I too am a severe head injury survivor of an auto/pedestrian accident of 26 years ago. Life is difficult and my goal is to get from day to day. I try to share the gospel with 'Christ in America' Pass-along cards with my http://mormon.org/me/18VD/Daniel/ profile address on back. I love Life, my Family and am sooo grateful for the Atonement of our Savior for All who accept his Love. Britten, hang in there, keep smiling and sharing the gospel! Love you guys!

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  9. I found your blog though Pinterest. I read a bunch of it. Your family is such an example of faith and strength. Britten has so much courage. I don't know you, but I am praying for your family.

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  10. I'm so glad to see that you are all home finally. I know it has been a tough time on all. But like you said it has made you all grow closer and really realize what really matters in life. "The eternal family". That miracles still continue today and that God loves each and everyone one of us no matter what. You have touched many people. We hope to see you some day. You all look beautiful. What a nice Fathers Day for you all. May Britton keep on improving each day. You are a great family. Love you guys. You are awesome and great examples to us all. Tammy

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  11. Achamos sua historia navegando pela internet e quando começamos a ler algo maravilhoso nos tocou (eu Ana e minha filha Ana Júlia)vamos orar por tua família e por você para que essa Fé continue a BRILHAR e espalhar a todos que leem sua história. Amamos esse evangelho e acreditamos no amor do nosso SALVADOR
    Fique bem e que á PAZ do SENHOR esteja com VOCÊ e sua FAMÍLIA.Beijos das tuas admiradoras (Ana Glauce e Ana Júlia) de Porto Alegre-RS, Brasil

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  12. I have a big love for you, Schenk's family! I have praied for you and I'm so happy ELDER SCHENK's improve. He is a big example for me and my family! I hope he improve day by day, i know and trust in LORD, everything will be alright.Hugs and peace for you!(Cida/ Sao Paulo/ Brasil)

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  13. Such an inspirational young man. I am so glad you got to meet his companion's family. What a great experience. We hope that everything keeps on going well.

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  14. Querido Elder sou da area da missão SP norte mas todos sabemos do que aconteceu com vc e tenho acompanhado seu blog para ter noticias,que alegria em saber que vc esta bem e que mais uma vez o Pai Celestial mostrou que milagres acontecem,que ele nos ama.Desejo que vc fique totalmente bem e que seja muito feliz,com todo meu amor(Silvia Hataba Ellison de Salto de Pirapora SP.)

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