Mon- Coming Home!

 (Mon)  4/14/25

Britt and ALisa were able to fly home today!!! His sodium levels are still not where they need to be but so grateful he’s home! The travel was really hard on Britt. He was so exhausted just from getting into the wheelchair to the Uber and into a wheelchair to the gate.

Alisa said, "It's been a long and crazy day, but we are HOME!  Thank You for all of you support and prayers and everything else that has been done for us.  Every time I tell Britt about the love people have for him he gets so emotional.  We truly feel the prayers.  We still have a long journey ahead of us, but we are home!  The healing can begin!"

(Sun) Rough Day

(Sun)  4/13/25

It's been a really rough day for Britt.  He woke up to his sodium levels down again.  
They just can't get it stable.  He has been nauseous all day and hasn't eaten much. He walked today for the first time with a few unassisted steps.  He is just weak and needs the assistance of a walker.

Britt and Alisa didn't get much sleep last night as nurses in and out, and Britts bed alarm going off every time he moves around in bed.  And, just for memory sake, Theo yelling next door has kept them awake almost every night! haha  That will be a standing joke in our family for years to come!

As the day progressed Britt became more irritable and very agitated.  His day continued to get worse as his emotions were getting the best of him.  Britt has been on a new antidepressant for the past 8 months.  The doctors taking care of him in ICU said that that medication along with another medication together is not a good combination because
of seizures, so they immediatly took him off the antidepressant.  

Skip forward to today... To go cold turkey off and antidepressant has sent him into a deep dark hole.  Thoughts of suicide, self harm, aggression, have begun to taken over.  We had these issues the first year or two, but medication and counseling helped him immensely.  It breaks my heart to see him go through this again.  And, poor Alisa has never seen this side of him.  

The only reason I am mentioning this publically is because Britt writes about this challenge in his book and how the outside world Does Not realize what people with traumatic brain injuries can go through.  Today as Steven and I were talking to him he started sobbing, while holding his head and said, "No one gets it!"  "No one understands what my brain goes through."  

Britten is so vulnerable in his new book and so I feel he would be okay with me sharing this.  I told him, that after people read his book, at least they will have a little better understanding of a brain injury.  It's not like a physical injury as someone on crutches or in a wheelchair.  A TBI (traumatic brain injury) is a hidden injury.  If we were to shave Britts head so your could see his giant scar, maybe someone will at least think about what could have happened.  Even people with concussions or head trauma that aren't as serious can still have a lasting effect and they don't even have a scar to show for it.  My heart goes out to them and their families as a brain injury can affect your whole life.  Our prayers go out to any of you suffering with a TBI.

One thing that helped me while in the hospital 13 years ago with Britt was to have a big support system, which all of you played a roll in.  On weekends when I just needed a break, Britten's siblings were there to help cheer him up!  Alisa is already realizing how important a support system will be for her.  We just need to get Britt sodium levels up so we can get him home to address so many issues.

The next few months are going to be a real challenge for Alisa, with Britt's mental health until we can get it stable again.  We are thinking it may take 6 months or more for his physical health to be where
he needs to be.  We are so grateful for "Britt's support team",  and Alisa will need her "own" support team as well.

Prayers for a better day tomorrow and that Britt can come home.

With Love, Steven & Karla             

The big beautiful smile we love!                                                            The effects after talking to his siblings!

(Sat) Alisa Arrives

(Sat)  April 12, 2025

Alisa flew to Texas friday night and her dad picked her up at the airport while Steven stayed with Britt.  When she arrived at the hospital I'm sure it was such a great reunion for them. Britten still doesn't remember anything about the cruise they went on.  His only memories are a week before the cruise when they went and visited Alisa grandparents in Texas. 

The following comments are from Alisa when she arrived at the hospital...

"I am back with Britten.🤍❤️‍🩹 he is doing so much better and has progressed so much, since I've seen him last.  He is still slow at speaking and his motor function is slow, but he is such a champ."

"It’s almost 1:30am but we’re just going to bed cause we had so much to catch up on. I told him of all the miracles we’ve seen and how so many people love him and have been so thoughtful. We have both been bawling at how gracious god is. My heart has never loved Britten more and I am so thankful he is okay. This is exactly where I need to be!"

Saturday Britt's sodium levels dropped again so they are working on getting it back up.  
Alisa realizes now that Britt is going to need a lot of rest and things will need to be quiet for his brain to heal.  It's almost like Britt took a step backwards today.  I think he just over did yesterday and it just set him back a little.  Praying that his sodium levels can raise to where the need to be so we can get hime home!

It seems as if Britt has lost his "Filter" again. haha  Losing his filter might get him in lots of trouble! haha  His book that is about ready to come out explains more in detail about the "filter".  He surely kept our family laughing ALL the time!

We can't express enough how grateful we are for all the love and concern that has been shown towards both of our families. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Love, Steven, Karla & Alisa

Friday- Happy Day

Friday -4/11/25

It was a very rough night for Britt and he didn't didn’t get much sleep… maybe from 5-7am.

But, it turned out to be a good and happy day!

So many test were taken to find out what was causing the fever.  The fever did come down through the night and he tested negative for covid and the flu.  Kinda crazy where the fever came from.

Britt sat up in the chair this morning and was able to feed himself breakfast. That was such big progress.  Then the PT came in and had him walk down the hallway with the aid of a walker with the PT by his side.  and, yep, he did it!  This is the first time he has walked since Sunday when the seizure happened. When he sat down, he was totally exhausted.

His speech still seems pretty slow this morning, but he is making good progress. The physical therapist said he was her star patient for the day🙂. 

As the day progressed he became more active and with a little more energy.  He sat up and played some cards and he was able to respond to the ST when she asked questions!  He knew his name, bday and email! Later afternoon he walked around the hospital hallways that made a big circle  with the walker and PT!  Then, it happened....He got on his cell phone!  Yep, that meant he was doing good.

It took him awhile but he sent a text to our family, which is called the "Schenksters," and this was his text....Hey everyone! I’m doing pretty good👍 I’ll tell, my brothers and sisters, it is not fun to have a seizure! I was blessed to have that at the last day in the cruise, because if I would have had that on the sea… There would have been a good chance, I would not have survived. I had a 102.8 fever, but the last couple of times I had a 98 point something degrees, and I am filling a lot better. I have gone on a 50 yard walk or so with a walker.  I will be home either Sunday or Monday…Hooray!

Yes, he made our day!  His writing is still a little rough, but i'm sure it will come back!  

Alisa flew to Texas and arrived there tonight to be with Britt until he comes home.  With the incredible progress he made today, we hope it will be Sunday but, probably Monday when he can come home!

We are so thankful for each one of you and your prayers have blessed our family.

We love you,

Steven & Karla & Britt

Thurs -Improvement

 Post 6.   (Thurs) 4/10/25

Britten has had a good day today and we are seeing progress! He was responding and talking a little more today,(like answer with 3 words or so) along with smiling which is so good to see! 

They got him in a chair so the PT could work with him.  She was from Brazil and it seemed that Britt understood Portuguese better than English.   They never got him up for a walk because he was still too weak, but she exercised his legs.  And, he did eat some breakfast, so there was no need for the other swallow test.

When the ST (speech therapist) came in and working with him, Britt doesn't remember anything about their cruise:(  But he did remember who was in the Final Four Tourney! haha   That's our Britt! His brothers were super proud of him!

He gets tired very quickly and he is very slow in communicating and slow in processing information. But he has improved so much since yesterday!!

Britt has eaten well today and they are going to move him from ICU and to the med floor!

Steven let me know just know that there is a little set back, Britt now has a temp of 102.5. I guess they are running all kinds of test trying to figure out what is causing the fever.

I know Britt is so strong and determined. He's a fighter for sure and will never give up!

We are just waiting for him to get strong enough so he can fly home to start the next part of his recovery.  I know it's going to take quite a while for him, he's just going to need time.

Thanking the Lord for his continued blessings!

Wed- Swallow Test

Post 5 (Wed) April 9, 2025

Steven said that Britt's has been unresponsive since yesterday afternoon and all night because his sodium level went up. He nor the nurse could get Britten to respond to them though.

Wed morning the neurologist came in and with his big loud voice he said, "Good morning Britt!" Britt's eyes popped wide open! Britt was slow processing this but nodded his head, yes. Then the doctor loudly said, "how are you?" and Britt slowly said in a deep raspy voice, "I'm fine." Steven and the nurse said that the doctor must have the magic voice!

Britt was able to squeeze the neurologist's hand and respond with a nod appropriately to his commands. Then the ST came in and gave him a few ice chips and he was able to swallow 2 sips of water! He is very weak and still very lethargic. If he can pass the swallow test then they would Not need to put a feeding tube in.
The ST came in again and said he was borderline because he is still so lethargic. The doctor will decide on the feeding tube on how urgent is is for him to eat immediately or if he can wait a little bit longer.

Britt has been doing well without the oxygen and it has been off all morning and his O2 has been steady at 96. Dr. Patel came in and said his chest xray looks ok. There is a little bit of fluid on the right side of his lungs, but he is on antibiotics, no concern.
He said he will not put the NG tube in today in hopes he will can eat later.

Britt just passed the swallow test! He ate 2 bites of pudding! But, when he took a bite of a cracker it made him cough a lot so they said only pudding for today. He will have the barium swallow test tomorrow. This is huge for Britt as we were so worried about brain damage from the seizure.
Miracles and tender mercies are already happening! Later in the afternoon Britt started responded a little better and wasn't as lethargic. He has made so much progress from the state he was in yesterday!

To those that don't understand Britt's brain injury, all the damage was done to the left side of his head which is your language center. He had speech therapy for 3.5 years learning the English vocabulary again along with grammar, reading and being able to write. So our biggest concern after this seizure is if it affected these areas mainly his speech and forming words along with being able to receive and interpret what you are saying.
His brain is responding to understanding what people are saying to him, but he is very slow in responding, and it's just 1 or 2 words. But, It is definitely progress and we are so grateful! We will just have to be patient and play the waiting game.

There has been such an outpour of love and support. It is your support along with the many prayers and our Savior's grace and mercy that carry us through our journey. Our trials are no greater what many of you and others are going through. I have had to make a list of ALL the people we are praying for that are going through such hard things because there are so many and I don't want to miss one of you. May you find peace and comfort as well and your hearts and body's be healed through our Savior's love.

With gratitude for all our friends near and far.
Karla & Steven

Alisa's Overwhelming Feelings

Post 4 Tues at Midnight

When we were with Britt in the Brazilian hospital 13 years ago, I was very private and was so scared to share any pics or be vulnerable with my feelings. If I had it to do over again I think I would have shared more. With Alisa's permission she told me I could share pics, video's and her feelings.

"It's midnight and I'm finally laying down but my mind won't stop. I'm worried about Britten. He's been sleeping most of today with very little energy and not a lot of activity.

Will he be okay when he wakes up? Will he be able to talk? Will he be able to walk? Did this affect his brain in ways we don't know yet? Should I be there in Texas? If I go back what do I do about y girls, work, all the things that need to be done here?

How long will Britt be down from his seizure? His last big seizure he was down for 5 months? How am I going to do this? How long is he going to be in the ICU or when is he going to be home?

If I don't work what do we do? Will we still be able to get a loan for our house? Are my girls okay? Has this been traumatic for them as they witnessed everything?

Does Britt know I want to be with him? Does he feel my love? How am I going to manage my business's? Do I even have sessions to edit and shoots coming up? Maybe this isn't all appropriate to share online but these are just a few of the things going through my mind.

I walked through our house tonight to see all the things that got done while on our trip and for the first time in my life I experienced a panic attack. It was the first time I've been completely by myself and the reality of this all hit. Britten should be here with me to be excited but instead all I feel is sick to my stomach because he's not here and I can't even get to him easily.

Maybe Britt will be totally fine and it will be like nothing happened...but we just know anything right now. Sorry for the vulnerability, but this is my real life right now.

All that matters to me in this moment is that my family is safe and healthy. Nothing else matters." -Alisa

My heart goes out to Alisa as these are Real concerns. Britten's health has not been good the last 8 months. Her plate is full and she carries so much burden on her shoulders. But, she was saved for Britten because she is Amazing and Can carry the load. And, most importantly, "With God, ALL things are possible"

-Karla & Steven

Tues- Ventilator is Out!

 Post 3 (Tues) April 8, 2025

Great news! The were able to take the ventilator out and Britt is starting to respond a little bit. The process of “awakening” is a slow process. But he is responding with a nod or a word… which is incredible!

I'm so grateful that both Steven and David are there. Steven is doing the night shift and then going back to the hotel for a few hours to get some sleep while David is there during the day. Two men that love Britten so much taking such good care of him.

Since they took the ventilator out Britt is coughing up so much junk, and he's extremely hoarse. Both of them are taking turns getting the gunk out of Britt’s mouth with a suction tube when he starts coughing and gagging because of all flem in his throat from the ventilator.

Because of his sodium level (which caused the seizure) is rising to high, now they are trying to decrease or dilute it in the bloodstream. If the sodium raises more than 10 points in a 24 hour period it can cause brain swelling so that’s why they have to increase it slowly overtime. He was 114 when checked into the hospital and the normal range is 135 to 145.

The doctors told them they suspect he will be in the hospital 7 to 10 days. But we all know that Britt exceeds all expectations and Steven and Dave are hoping for five days. He just needs time to awake from all the sedation.

As I was facetiming with Steven, Britt’s body was coming awake. They took the straining bands off his wrist, so he can now move his arms, but they are trying to be cautious to not let him pull all the IVs out. Steven and Dave will have a busy day today as

they try to keep him safe. He is still not conscious, but he keeps trying to sit up and leans over to stand up. But, Steven is there to catch him, or he would have fallen out on his head. Even worse, with the risk of tubes and IV's pulling out.

So many tender, mercies and miracles are happening for Alisa and Britten right now that she is recording them all as she is witnessing them.

Tuesday evening Steven said, "Sodium and Potassium and both in "normal range now...YeHaw! Oxygenation is at 99-100%..So, even oxygen tubes are in the nose, those days are numbered.

Britten is going back and forth from anxious to sleep deprived...but doing good. One minute he is out of it and the next answering questions with nods. And, on occasion a word or two. Sometimes he moves and acts like he's in pain with a grimace on his face, but then it's gone as quickly as it appeared. Occasionally I can almost get like what appears to be a very small grin...sounds pretty positive huh...but, then once and only once I saw a half grin."

Alisa's feelings for the day...Britt is extubed!! They took him off of the sedation meds and he did well enough that they could take his breathing tube out! He is still so drowsy and sleepy. I facetimed him and he could say very slowly, "I Love You", and shake his head yes or no. Things are looking up.

His sodium levels jumped too fast early this morning so although they are still considered low, they need to lower them so that the quick rise doesn't cause any futher injury to his brain. The doctor suspected he will be there another 7-10 days, but we all know that Britt defies all odds!

Right now things seem to be going positively, and we pray that they continue.

We feel the love and support we have had from family, friends, our Ward's and people from afar. Thank you for putting Britt's name on the temple prayer roll, in so many different temples. Alisa said, " the support they have felt from everyone has Buoyed and lifted their spirits! "

Love, Alisa and Karla

Monday- Support Arrives!

Post 2 (Mon) April 7, 2025

Alisa was so relieved when Steven and her dad David got to the hospital Monday morning at 9am. She couldn't believe that they got their so fast. Having them there by her side was such great comfort to her.

Britten's was still sedated Monday and it was just a juggling game all day as his blood pressure was LOW which can be extremely dangerous and cause brain damage. So they lowered his sedation to increase his blood pressure, but the his body became agitated. The doctors were having a very difficult time as it is such a balancing game.

It was so hard for me not being there with Britt and Alisa. The feeling of helplessness is so overwhelming. I remember the first night the Bishop and Stake Pres. gave us the devastating news about Britt. Besides being in shock, it was just the feeling of needing to be there by his side. (I'm sure any mother would understand this feeling).

All of Britten's seizures have been caused by his sodium level being low. Since his accident and all the brain damage, including his pituitary and whole endocrine system, his sodium level has been the concern. Right now his sodium level started out at 114 which is extremely dangerous. It's supposed to be between 135-145. And, they have to raise his levels slow, only 10 points in a 24 hour period or it can be extremely dangerous as well. It was just a balancing act all day for the doctors.

Alisa commented: Every single step of ths has been devastating to be completely honest. I pray that there will be no long term damage from this seizure.

We had to get Alisa back to Logan to get her little girls so they could get some much needed rest. What an awful ordeal for her to go through with two girls, carrying luggage from the cruise,and 2 car seats. Alisa is so strong and courageous. So, with the little girls she flew home Monday evening. Alisa put this on her story....

We have seen SO MANY miracles the past few days. I want to thank everyone who has reached out, prayed, sent gifts, groceries for a week dropped off on our doorstep, money and offered help. We are soooo Thankful! People have done things that just mean so much to me and have made me feel so loved. The girls an I are home now and are trying to figure out our next step.

The doctor are making their rounds in the morning (Tues) at 5am so Steven will spend the night so he can be able to talk to the doctors for more answers. To Steven and I it feels like deja vu back 13 years ago when we were in the hospital in Brazil.

Thank you for all your prayers! We love you

Steven holding Britts hand

Post 1. (Sun) April 6, 2025  

Britten and Alisa went on a cruise with all her family and the kids. On Saturday Britten had a mini seizure but his anti-seizure medication took care of it so he didn't have a full blown seizure. But, he was in his room nauseated and with stomach cramps.

They docked early Sunday morning and Alisa was very worried about him. He was not acting normal. Alisa had gotten an Uber because they were flying out of Houston.

Alisa was right on top of the situation and ordered an IV to help Britten with his electrolytes, because when his sodium level gets low it will cause him to have a seizure.

Britten was anxious and worried all afternoon about having a seizure, because he could tell things were off. Two different times Alisa gave him his anti-seizure meds, and it calmed things down for a bit.

Later, that evening Britt was starting to become disoriented and not answering things correctly, he began to moan. Alisa was so panicked with what was going on. This had never happened to him before. She called me and was in tears as she felt so alone and not knowing how to handle this situation on her own. It was so Hard for me not being able to be there with her and witnessing

Britt have seizures.

Finally, when Alisa was beside herself she called to see where her two brothers were staying and they happened to be in the same hotel as her. (The family had booked their hotels at different times so she had no idea where they were staying.) What a tender mercy this was for her. They came to her room immediately and were by his side as he had his seizure. Afterwards he was calm for a bit but it didn't last long. His body started thrashing around and the brother's tried to keep him down safe on the couch.

Alisa finally faced timed me and asked me if he was still having a seizure? I had never seen him be like this before. I told her he was still having a seizure and to get him to the hospital.

At midnight, Britten was still having Post epileptic activity, so her brothers carried Britt to the car and Alisa took an Uber with the two little girls and rushed him to the closest hospital.

The doctors tried 5 different medications to stop him from having post epileptic activity but his body wouldn't sedate. It was awful for her to witness. His poor body was having epileptic thrashing for about 4 hours until they could finally get it to stop. They finally intubated him and on a ventilator because they were afraid of his airway collapsing.

Alisa couldn't go with him to ICU because she had the two little girls and so she sat outside in the waiting room. She sat in tears as she held her girls. Steven and Alisa's dad, David got the quickest flight to Houston at 2 AM and got there at 9am. Little Elsie had the croup and is so sick.

There are so many other details than this, but we don't know what damage was done. We're praying he can talk when he wakes up. At 5 AM this morning, they told Alisa that he would be in ICU at least 7-10 days.

This is the first time that his seizure meds have NOT worked for him and the first time that they were Not able to sedate him. To go through post epileptic activity has to be so hard on his brain and body. We are praying that he doesn't have any brain damage.

Alisa Is Amazing and We Love Her So Much! Britten is so blessed to have such a strong, courageous and spiritual wife!

We know that the Lord has Britten in the palm of

His hands as He always has.

Dr. Ribus/Albert Einstein Hospital Dec.17, 2014

After meeting with Elder Costa, we had an appointment to see Dr. Ribus at the Albert Einstein Hospital.  Driving to the hospital brought back so many memories, as we traveled the same streets as before.   As you rounded a corner and followed the street up on a hill, was a beautiful state of the art building.   It was just like yesterday that we were there.  But this time, under very happy circumstances. I was so excited for Dr. Ribus to see Britten and how well he was doing. 



While we walked down several familiar halls to get to Dr. Ribus's office, I admired all the architectural
 structures as I had noticed them before.  The hospital was such an incredible, beautiful building.

We waited with anticipation to see Dr. Ribus.   When the Secretary called us back to his office, Dr. Ribus took Britten's hand and said, "Wow!  Look at you!"  He then shook our hands as he welcomed us to sit down in his office.  He just kept looking at Britten in awe.  After a few minutes he said, "I would never have imagined this possible!" "I am so happy for you."

The secretary had told us Dr. Ribus had a very busy afternoon with 2 surgeries and a young boy he needed to go attend to, so we didn't expect much time with him.  Steven and I were so impressed though as Dr. Ribus was very patient and wanted to visit with us.  He had so many questions he wanted to ask Britten about his recovery.  As they were visiting, Dr. Ribus said again, " I am just so impressed with you.  Your recovery is just very impressive."  He was very impressed that Britten was back in College.  We told him that school is very difficult for Britt, but he is doing it with an amazing attitude.  He asked Britten what he thought he wanted to go into?  Britten said that it has been very difficult deciding what to do.  Before his mission, he wanted to be a Dentist.  But now with his limited eye sight, and the difficulty of school...It makes it very challenging.  Britten told Dr. Ribus that he thinks he is going into Physical Therapy.  Britten said, "I want to help people, and my PT's helped me so much, learning how to walk and get around.  I think that is something I want to do."
Dr. Ribus commemted, "well, you will certainly be able to help people and understand what they are going through...I think that is a marvelous decision for you."
He then asked Britten why we came back to Brazil?  Britten said with a smile on his face, "To see you!"  Dr. Ribus just looked at him, not knowing what to say.  Then Britt said, "I never got to tell anyone goodbye, so I'm just coming back to see all my friends, Elder Costa, You, the nurses and to speak at a fireside."  Britten told him, "I've been able to speak at a lot of public functions and for church fireside, and I love doing that."  "I feel like I am able to help people."  Dr. Ribus said, "I'm sure you are!"  "That is good...that is good."

We told Dr. Ribus that we had a DVD we would like to have watched with him, but we knew his time was limited.  We gave it to him and hoped that Dr. Caponi could watch it as well. Dr. Caponi was Britten's internal doctor while he was battling phnemioa, diabetes inspididus and other conditions.  We saw him on a daily basis, and appreciated his compasion in treating Britt.  Dr. Ribus imformed us that he was out of town for a few months, but assured us he would get the video to Dr. Caponi as soon as he got back.  Dr. Ribus said, "He would have loved to see you."

Dr. Ribus was grateful for the DVD and said he was excited to watch it himself.  We also gave him a Card with Britten's picture on it.  Britten told him that on the back of the card was a email that he had sent home, just 4 months before his accident.  Dr. Ribus eyes went to the card and as we were talking and I could tell he was reading it.  It was great seeing his face as he read it, as he showed much expression.   It was so wonderful to have a great visit with a doctor that we have love and respect for.  He was thrilled that we would come back to see him.  He graciously took pictures with us and then gave us his number, if we ever needed to get ahold of him.
Thank you Dr. Ribus and staff for your kindness your compassion and competant care.  We love you!

We left Dr. Ribus's office and went to a different wing of the hospital...the ICU.  I was so excited to see the nurses that we grew so close to during our 4 week stay.  They had become part of our family  as we watched them take care of Britten.  They treated Britt as if it was their own brother, as they were so kind and gentle with him.  The compassion they should us was heartwarming and I looked forward to seeing them each day.


The front desk paged Simone for us and we watched her come around the corner with a big smile!!!

We were all smiling as well, as she came into the lobby.   Hugs were exchanged that were very meaningful, for she also had been a part in Britten's recovery.  After hugging Steven and I, we indroduced her to Britten.  Britten looked much different now, than in the hospital 2 3/4 years ago.  Beside's that, Britten needed to be introduced to them, because he didn't remember them. He was in a coma...sleeping! 
Simone gave Britten a kiss on the cheek and big hug, while she patted his back and head. She stood back and just looked at him. She was so happy to see us, as we were her.  Britten said to her, "It's so good to meet you."  "I've been practicing my Portuguese so I could talk with you."   Simone asked him some more questions.......

Simone took us back to the ICU so we could see others nurses that helped care for Britt.  Walking back to this area was all too familiar.  I could see into the room that Britten was confined in, as they were trying to keep him alive.   My heart sank to see another patient lay in the same room.   My thoughts went back to Britten.  Wow, what a long road it had been.  Being in the hospital seemed like yesterday, and yet the past 2 3/4 years has been a blur.
Simone brought a few of the nurses to meet us, and it didn't take them long to recognize us.

There were a few other nureses that weren't there and we were so disappointed to not see them.  We spent so much time with them as they cared for Britten.
We gave Simone a DVD of our testimony and Britten's story.  She was so thrilled that we would think of her.  As we were visiting with Simone, some of the other nurses took the DVD from Simone's pocket and put it in the computer so they could watch it.  It was so wonderful to see the look in their eyes.  Some other nurses came around and marveled that we would come back to see Simone. 
They started to get emotional as they said, "No one ever comes back after they leave the hospital.  We never get to see the outcome."  They were so happy and overcome with emotion at how well Britten was doing. 
It came time for us to leave and it was more difficult than I had ever expected.  We may never see these wonderful nurses that we grew so close to in the hospital.  Our memories at the Albert Einstein Hospital and the staff that took care of us, will always hold a special place in our heart!


After we left the hospital, we decided to visit the place of the accident.  Britten had always been curious of where and how it could of happened.  We found the street were it was described to us, and got out of the car.  As we stood across the street from the accident site, we watched as buses and cars flew around the corner.  Sometimes it looked like the buses were on 2 wheels as the slipped  around the sidewalk.  It came into play of our minds, exactly how Britten's accident could have happened.  The buses sent chills throughout my body as they flew by us.  There was closure in our minds of how this could have happened, and it was okay to leave that memory behind us.

What a beautiful day it had been, meeting with Elder Costa and Staff, Dr. Ribus, Simone and other nurses.  Our hearts were full of love for these wonderful people that had become part of our lives, and part of Britten's story.  We closed the day with Felipe and Iza at a delicious Brazilian Barbque. And Yes....#rollmeoutthedoor!

Elder Costa Dec. 17, 2014

Steven, Britten and I had much anticipation for this day.  We were going to meet with Elder Costa, the Area President of Brazil and the doctors and nurses at the Albert Einstein Hospital today.
Felipe picked us up at the Hotel and was going with us to meet the doctors and Elder Costa.  While we were driving Felipe shared with us what happened after he dropped us off the night before. Felipe and Lohony (who had also just returned from a mission) shared their testimony's with Andre.  Andre was so moved with the spirit he felt, by learning of Britten's miracles and every one's testimony's.  He said, "I have this good feeling and I want this in my life.  I want to learn more, so I can feel like this always!"  My eye's welled up to hear of Andre's desire to learn more of the gospel.

Before our appointment at the church offices with Elder Costa, we decided to have lunch at the temple.  There were 9 sister missionary's eating lunch there also, before their return home that evening.  It was wonderful to be able to visit with them about their missions and where they were from.  What a small world it is, as one of the sisters, was from Smithfield, Ut... just a couple miles from us. Crazy!  We took pictures in front of the temple and then went to the Church offices that are located right behind the Temple.  It was wonderful to be in the Sao Paulo temple and the temple grounds again!



We entered the Church offices and we had to show our passports at the front desk to be cleared, before they took us up to see Elder Costa.  This was all so familiar as I remember so well our first visit here.  We entered the front office and there was Elder Costa standing down a long hall with a huge smile on his face and his arms held out to greet us.  He showed much enthusiasm to see Elder Schenk as he gave him a Huge Brazilian Hug!  He welcomed each one of us the same way...even Felipe.

To sit in his office for the second time was amazing and something I never dreamed would happen.  My heart was overflowing as smiles and laughter filled the room.  Many stories and feelings were shared and later I wished I could have recorded the conversation.  Elder Costa shared many things with us.  He shared how the people in Brazil loved Elder Schenk and how his miracle had touched the lives of many.


We asked Elder Costa, "How much time he had for us", because we knew of his busy schedule.  He replied, "I have a very busy schedule today, but for you...I have 10 hours!"  It was incredible the love we felt from this great man.  We then asked Elder Costa, if we could share with him, Britten's story that we put together on DVD?    He said, "Of course".   It was thrilling to watch his face as he was moved with the video.  When the video ended he said, "I have a great idea. We need to put this on the church website for everyone to see.  Brazil needs to see his miracles, and it would help so many!  But we will need your permission."   I hesitated a minute and asked Steven and Britten what they thought about this.  I told Elder Costa that we have spoken at several firesides where we have shown this video and several times people have asked me if they could get a copy of it or if it was on the inter net.  I told them No.  It's just kind of for us and family.  Just not ready to put it out there for everyone to have.
 I turned to Britten and asked, "What do you think?  Are you ready to have it out there?"
We all looked at each other and decided.... maybe it's was time.  Elder Costa was so excited and went
to get Alex who would be over this project.

While Elder Costa was gone we had a wonderful and moving visit with Ozani and Nellys, Elder Costa's secretary.  Nellys is a most beautiful woman and could be mistaken for the Brazilian version of Angelina Jolie!  Nellys told me that she will never forget the look in my eyes when we came to see Elder Costa after Britten's accident.  She said, "I can't even imagine the pain of a mother receiving this news about her son."  She said, "When you and Steven left Elder Costa's office to go to the hospital, we all joined together and knelt in prayer for Britten."  

Ozani shared with us his personal experience of Britten.  He told us that they kept some news from us when we came after the accident, as they were just trying to protect us.  As he continued to share with us some of the details, he got choked up and was having a hard time containing his emotions.  He asked to be excused.  It was so difficult for him to relive those first few days, as he was with Britten.
He said when he went to Santa Casa Hospital to see Britten, he was completely wrapped in bandages.  He said he couldn't see anything... couldn't see his eyes or any of his face...anything.   It was not good. He told us it took them about 4 hours trying to get Britten ready to be transported from the Santa Casa hospital to the ambulance that was transporting him to the Albert Einstein Hospital.   Britten asked them why it took so long.  Ozani and Nellys said, "because YOU were in such critical condition!"   "So many people were there trying to help you."

They got Britten transported to the Albert Einstein Hospital and Dr. Ribus examed him and ran the test on his brain.   Dr. Ribus said, "I do not have good news for you. There is nothing we can do for him.  He has No blood or oxygen flow to his head.  He will not survive."  Ozani stood there with tears running down his cheeks, just looking at us.  He said, "Dr. Ribus asked President Moriera and I to sign some papers so they could take Britten's organs to be donated to others."   Ozani said, "That is not our roll to make that kind of decision.  His parents are coming.  We need to wait for his parents. When your parents arrived here the area Presidents were fasting.  I was there when your parents met with Dr. Ribus. Dr. Ribus said, "We have a different scenario now....Something happened. A miracle happened......  Ozani choked back some tears and said, "It is a miracle.....It's a miracle."

Words can not adequately express the feelings that was present in that room. 
Nellys then said,  "I know and believe modern day miracles happen, but I had never seen one.   And now, to have witnessed one personally... is incredible."   Tears, hugs, smiles and laughter were shared as we were all reminded about this beautiful miracle we had witnessed!  

Ozani then took Britten around the church offices and introduced him to many.  Britten told me later, "Wow, it was so crazy to have women crying and then give me a hug.  I didn't know anybody and yet they all acted like they knew me."  Oh course, they remembered Britten and were part of the fasting and prayers offered in his behalf.
Elder Costa returned and told us that Alex was gone, working on another project.  He told us that he would be getting with us later, so they could put it on the lds.org.brazil website.  What an incredible feeling, to think that Elder Costa would want Britten's inspiring story to be seen by many!
It was so wonderful to be with Elder Costa and his staff and to feel of their love for us, as we felt the same for them.
I looked around the room I and saw several different pictures of the Savior.  The Savior's love was present that day!  And we have felt His love over the past 2 1/2 years.  He has been with us!  He has given us strength to get through the rough days.  And He has helped us find peace, comfort and Happiness!
Thank you Elder Costa, Nellys, Ozani andTelmo.  It was a pleasure to spend an afternoon with you and we feel it a great privilage to know you.


My heart was so full of gratitude for the wonderful couple, Scott and Jenae who made this possible. They felt prompted by the spirit to have us return to Brazil and share Britten's story with the doctor's, nurses, Elder Costa and to speak at some firesides. To be able to share our testimony's and Britten's miracles has been an experience we will never forget. Lives have been touched, and testimony's strengthened through their kind efforts.
We appreciate Scott's time, talent and inspiration, in putting together a video (in Portuguese) of Britten's story. You can't watch it with out feeling the spirit and shedding a tear. We also want to thank Aline Bakr and Tanner Dance for doing the Portuguese translation.