We had just returned home from a lovely church service, pie and fellowship aftewards, and an excellent health report from a family friend, when Pete's phone rang and Joel announced, "Daniel broke his arm!" Apparently he'd been swinging from the ceiling at First Covenant Church and went too far, almost horizontal, so when he dropped and put his arm out to break his fall, it did and it broke. We agreed to meet them at the emergency room and when we got there Rocky, the youth group leader, and several friends who had been at the church were there. We went through into the room where Daniel lay, his arm taped to a board and looking odd. He was in a lot of pain - kept gritting his teeth and swallowing hard. The nurses had just finished taking X-rays and were putting pain medications into him through an I-V.
Over the next two hours we waited, the pain lessened as the meds started to work, Dr. Hussein (the ER doctor) informed us that both bones had broken into pieces, requiring surgery, and that Dr. Lister was willing to do it on Friday morning. Pete felt uneasy and asked why wait? Dr. H. explained that everyone should enjoy their holiday. He went on, "Of course, if it had been an open fracture, where the bone went through the skin, it would have to be done right away." I said, "It's bleeding." After he checked it further, he determined that it was an open fracture (had gone through the skin), so we couldn't wait until Friday but needed to have surgery as soon as possible to reduce the risk of a bone infection .
Dr. Hussein proceeded to "reduce" Daniel's arm - straighten it out by shaking his hand and pulling the bones into place as best he could. Oh, that hurt - Daniel was very brave, and only grunted. They had given him a much stronger medication in advance of this. The team wrapped the arm in various bandages, then put a temporary cast in place and held the arm bent and across Daniel's chest while it hardened.
Now the doctor mentioned that because of the complexity of this surgery, we might want to consider an orthopedic traumatologist instead of the orthopedic surgeon. After talking with Dr. Mark and with Dr. Lister himself, Pete came in and we decided that if St. Cloud had a traumatologist, we would go there, because that type of specialist would have more experience with this particular problem, though it sounded like Dr. Lister would be perfectly competent. Obviously, going to St. Cloud would be a much bigger hassle, and who knows for how long or how many follow-up appointments and therapy and such? We prayed that if Dr. Lister could do the job, it wouldn't work out to go to St. Cloud. Eventually, we found out that there are no traumatologists there, so we decided to stay here.
I'm currently in the surgery waiting area while Daniel undergoes the hours-long procedure. Pastor Mary's sermon last night was about the ten lepers, and how, although God was at work in all of their lives, only one saw it and gave thanks. She challenged us to look at our lives in terms of how the Lord is working. Here are the ways I see Him having worked in this event:
1. This is the best day of the whole year to sit in the hospital. We have no commitments; the family gathering isn't until Saturday; a guest we had invited for today wasn't able to make it; I had already planned to cancel school because Michelle & David are home.
2. Dr. Hussein said what he did about the open fracture, and I thought to say what I did about the bleeding; otherwise, it's possible we'd have dealt with a bone infection.
3. We didn't go to St. Cloud, and I believe God guided that decision.
4. We prayed with the kids before leaving home, and have called people to pray.
5. Daniel landed on his arm and broke it, not on his back and broke it.
I pray that Daniel will be able to see what the Lord is doing in his life during these next weeks of recovery, and to give thanks even in these circumstances.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Give Thanks (in all circumstances)
Friday night as we ate supper with our friends in Bloomington, we reflected on the day. Everyone had a horrible one! One daughter missed out on a part in the school play; the dad had to bring money to another daughter whose friend wanted to go home from an event unless they could buy tickets to do stuff. One 6-month-old son had a piece of metal equipment fall on his head during a photo shoot. And another dad had to work late and miss our meeting. Pete & I were late to supper because there was traffic in the Cities, and because when we were supposed to leave at 4, I was just arriving home to pack. Here's why:
Philip and I arrived at Runnings to pick up a donation for the benefit on Sunday. I waited several minutes while the clerk tried to figure out what Mike, who was out to lunch, wanted to give. I finally agreed to come back on my way out of town, when he might be back. I had a premonition already; as we left the parking lot, I said to Philip, "I hope the whole trip isn't going to be like this." I had three errands I wanted to complete before dropping Philip off to spend the night with cousins.
Philip had unexpectedly earned $10, so he was going to buy our snack and chose Arby's. We waited in the drive-thru line for a couple of minutes until a server came out and said the drive-thru was broken and we could just drive around to the window and order. After waiting for the two cards ahead of us and ordering our food, the guy at the window said they were waiting for fresh potato cakes so we should pull ahead and they would bring our order out. By this time, I just laughed and told Philip, "I knew this would happen. I'd better figure out what I really need to get, because I'm not going to accomplish anything extra, I can see that already!"
While in line, I called Yvonne to see if I could meet her somewhere to give her a gift for a baby shower I'd miss the next day. She was at home, so I'd have to swing by her place (3-5 miles out of the way) on the way home. The Wal-Mart stop went smoothly (Surprise!), and I brought Philip to the church parking lot where we were to meet my sister-in-law. We waited several minutes for her, and it turned out that, for the first time ever (of course!), her daughter was waylaid by some friends on her way out of school and she was late. I chuckled and told them the story of my trip so far.
Alone now, I headed back to Runnings, where Mike still hadn't returned. I waited several minutes before they told me he was on his way. He arrived, very apologetic that he'd forgotten to set the donation aside. He gave me a nice fishing rod and reel, and another clerk said she wanted to donate an electric knife, and out the door I went. After stopping at the church to drop off donations, driving to Yvonne's house to drop off the gift, I arrived home at exactly 4:00, when we should have been on the road.
Occasionally everything will go right on a trip and I'll get much more done than I thought possible. I think this trip, the exact opposite, was a test, and I think I passed it! I was cheerful and patient and willing to drop half my desired errands. Thanks, Lord, for giving me perspective.
Philip and I arrived at Runnings to pick up a donation for the benefit on Sunday. I waited several minutes while the clerk tried to figure out what Mike, who was out to lunch, wanted to give. I finally agreed to come back on my way out of town, when he might be back. I had a premonition already; as we left the parking lot, I said to Philip, "I hope the whole trip isn't going to be like this." I had three errands I wanted to complete before dropping Philip off to spend the night with cousins.
Philip had unexpectedly earned $10, so he was going to buy our snack and chose Arby's. We waited in the drive-thru line for a couple of minutes until a server came out and said the drive-thru was broken and we could just drive around to the window and order. After waiting for the two cards ahead of us and ordering our food, the guy at the window said they were waiting for fresh potato cakes so we should pull ahead and they would bring our order out. By this time, I just laughed and told Philip, "I knew this would happen. I'd better figure out what I really need to get, because I'm not going to accomplish anything extra, I can see that already!"
While in line, I called Yvonne to see if I could meet her somewhere to give her a gift for a baby shower I'd miss the next day. She was at home, so I'd have to swing by her place (3-5 miles out of the way) on the way home. The Wal-Mart stop went smoothly (Surprise!), and I brought Philip to the church parking lot where we were to meet my sister-in-law. We waited several minutes for her, and it turned out that, for the first time ever (of course!), her daughter was waylaid by some friends on her way out of school and she was late. I chuckled and told them the story of my trip so far.
Alone now, I headed back to Runnings, where Mike still hadn't returned. I waited several minutes before they told me he was on his way. He arrived, very apologetic that he'd forgotten to set the donation aside. He gave me a nice fishing rod and reel, and another clerk said she wanted to donate an electric knife, and out the door I went. After stopping at the church to drop off donations, driving to Yvonne's house to drop off the gift, I arrived home at exactly 4:00, when we should have been on the road.
Occasionally everything will go right on a trip and I'll get much more done than I thought possible. I think this trip, the exact opposite, was a test, and I think I passed it! I was cheerful and patient and willing to drop half my desired errands. Thanks, Lord, for giving me perspective.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Another Busy Weekend
Today (Monday) I haven't been doing much - just the basics (teaching, essential housekeeping and making meals). I think it's because the weekend took a lot out of me and I don't have much energy for productive endeavors. This is my day of rest.
On Friday morning, Sarah and I went in to Herberger's Community Days to shop this great sale and use our $10 off coupons. Unfortunately, 80% of the sale items don't qualify for the coupon, but we finally found things we were happy to buy. Friday afternoon Pete got new poults, so I had to take Sarah to Cologne (about 90 minutes away) to meet up with Uncle Tom and his Sounds Like Love group from Sioux Falls - they brought Sarah the rest of the way to St. Andrew's Lutheran in Mahtomedi for this Christian singing and dancing event. When I returned home, I made a steak dinner to celebrate Joel and Daniel's 19th birthday; we 'd already given them their present.
On Saturday morning I woke Joel and Daniel and we went in to Herberger's, JC Penney's and Target and found good clothes and shoes for the boys - another birthday present. They will look sharp now! Back at home I helped Andrew and Philip complete everyone's Saturday chores - another birthday present - and made caramel bars for their bonfire party that night - another birthday present. Pete and I went to the YMCA to lift weights and picked up a few groceries before heading back home again, where he helped with the party and I got ready for Sunday's church and travel. Although Michelle was planning to pick Sarah up at the softball clinic, she wasn't sure she could get to the Sounds Like Love concert in time to bring Sarah to the clinic, so I had decided to go.
Sunday morning Joel wasn't feeling well, but everyone went to Sunday School and church anyway. Before departure, I had to get food ready for the Luther League potluck; gather the music, reading material, Sarah's suitcase and bat and flute and homeschool books; remind Andrew to get what he needed for the trip; eat, shower and get ready for church myself.
At church, I had to lead Sunday School music, practice with Eddie for his trombone solo, talk to several people about different things, figure out what to play for prelude, and then play for the worship service and make an announcement about choir practice. After one of the shortest postludes I've ever played, Andrew and I hopped in the car, stopped at home to pick up a couple of forgotten items, and were on our way. Fortunately, Mapquest allowed extra time for city traffic (I suppose) and instead of arriving at 2:30, we arrived at 2:10, even with a short stop for gas and food. We found the cousins and thoroughly enjoyed the concert by 200+ students, including Sarah and cousins Liz, Rachel and Nathan, led by John Jacobson and a fabulous jazz band. The choreography made it fun to watch and the band made it fun to listen to.
Sarah and I sped off to the clinic, leaving Andrew to go home with the Coats family so he could have some cousin time. Once again, Mapquest overestimated, and gave perfect directions, so we arrived at the University of St. Thomas with fifteen minutes to spare. I looked at a Christmas catalog and visited and walked with another mom, Linda, until the clinic was over and Michelle arrived. We went to Fuddrucker's and had yummy burgers, then hugged and I went to the Coats house. Mary and I discussed the Compline service that the whole Stadem clan will lead on the first Sunday in Advent, following which Andrew and I left for home. He entertained me most of the way with his thoughts, observations and knowledge. Nevertheless, I was exhausted when we entered the immaculate house - thanks Pete, Joel, Daniel and Philip! I went straight to bed and have been dragging around the house most of today.
When we signed Sarah up for this clinic, we agreed that we would take our Sabbath from Saturday noon to Sunday noon on weekends when she had the clinic. We didn't do it this weekend because we had to go in for Sounds Like Love anyway, but I can see that it will be very important to be disciplined about resting before traveling to the Cities on a Sunday!
On Friday morning, Sarah and I went in to Herberger's Community Days to shop this great sale and use our $10 off coupons. Unfortunately, 80% of the sale items don't qualify for the coupon, but we finally found things we were happy to buy. Friday afternoon Pete got new poults, so I had to take Sarah to Cologne (about 90 minutes away) to meet up with Uncle Tom and his Sounds Like Love group from Sioux Falls - they brought Sarah the rest of the way to St. Andrew's Lutheran in Mahtomedi for this Christian singing and dancing event. When I returned home, I made a steak dinner to celebrate Joel and Daniel's 19th birthday; we 'd already given them their present.
On Saturday morning I woke Joel and Daniel and we went in to Herberger's, JC Penney's and Target and found good clothes and shoes for the boys - another birthday present. They will look sharp now! Back at home I helped Andrew and Philip complete everyone's Saturday chores - another birthday present - and made caramel bars for their bonfire party that night - another birthday present. Pete and I went to the YMCA to lift weights and picked up a few groceries before heading back home again, where he helped with the party and I got ready for Sunday's church and travel. Although Michelle was planning to pick Sarah up at the softball clinic, she wasn't sure she could get to the Sounds Like Love concert in time to bring Sarah to the clinic, so I had decided to go.
Sunday morning Joel wasn't feeling well, but everyone went to Sunday School and church anyway. Before departure, I had to get food ready for the Luther League potluck; gather the music, reading material, Sarah's suitcase and bat and flute and homeschool books; remind Andrew to get what he needed for the trip; eat, shower and get ready for church myself.
At church, I had to lead Sunday School music, practice with Eddie for his trombone solo, talk to several people about different things, figure out what to play for prelude, and then play for the worship service and make an announcement about choir practice. After one of the shortest postludes I've ever played, Andrew and I hopped in the car, stopped at home to pick up a couple of forgotten items, and were on our way. Fortunately, Mapquest allowed extra time for city traffic (I suppose) and instead of arriving at 2:30, we arrived at 2:10, even with a short stop for gas and food. We found the cousins and thoroughly enjoyed the concert by 200+ students, including Sarah and cousins Liz, Rachel and Nathan, led by John Jacobson and a fabulous jazz band. The choreography made it fun to watch and the band made it fun to listen to.
Sarah and I sped off to the clinic, leaving Andrew to go home with the Coats family so he could have some cousin time. Once again, Mapquest overestimated, and gave perfect directions, so we arrived at the University of St. Thomas with fifteen minutes to spare. I looked at a Christmas catalog and visited and walked with another mom, Linda, until the clinic was over and Michelle arrived. We went to Fuddrucker's and had yummy burgers, then hugged and I went to the Coats house. Mary and I discussed the Compline service that the whole Stadem clan will lead on the first Sunday in Advent, following which Andrew and I left for home. He entertained me most of the way with his thoughts, observations and knowledge. Nevertheless, I was exhausted when we entered the immaculate house - thanks Pete, Joel, Daniel and Philip! I went straight to bed and have been dragging around the house most of today.
When we signed Sarah up for this clinic, we agreed that we would take our Sabbath from Saturday noon to Sunday noon on weekends when she had the clinic. We didn't do it this weekend because we had to go in for Sounds Like Love anyway, but I can see that it will be very important to be disciplined about resting before traveling to the Cities on a Sunday!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
You Won't Be Sorry part 2
We enjoyed a rousing Community Band concert today, with America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, three medleys (Thanksgiving, the Twenties, and Western themes) and Bugler's Holiday with three excellent trumpets. The big story for us, though, was Sarah playing flute and "keeping up" with her fellow band members, most of whom probably played in college - twenty years ago or more.
At the end of the first rehearsal back in September, Sarah was in tears. "I'll never master this music! It's way too hard! These people have all been playing forever! This is the worst day of my life!" Etc., etc., etc. I must admit to a little fear that perhaps she was right, but I clung to her flute teacher's assurance that Sarah was ready to play with this group. Day after day she practiced and improved little by little. When the Kraemers invited her to St. Cloud two weeks before the concert, and she felt she could miss the rehearsal because "my teacher says I'm amazing!" I knew she had achieved the impossible.
I hope Sarah will remember this milestone - achieving something she thought she couldn't achieve - and attempt other "impossibilities."
At the end of the first rehearsal back in September, Sarah was in tears. "I'll never master this music! It's way too hard! These people have all been playing forever! This is the worst day of my life!" Etc., etc., etc. I must admit to a little fear that perhaps she was right, but I clung to her flute teacher's assurance that Sarah was ready to play with this group. Day after day she practiced and improved little by little. When the Kraemers invited her to St. Cloud two weeks before the concert, and she felt she could miss the rehearsal because "my teacher says I'm amazing!" I knew she had achieved the impossible.
I hope Sarah will remember this milestone - achieving something she thought she couldn't achieve - and attempt other "impossibilities."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)