With All My Love

Elder Schenewark,

This weekly epistle comes from Dad's library desk, rather than the confines of work, as it's been a rough week. But all is well that ends well, and I'm hoping this week is ready to be put on the historical shelf to read later.

I went into the dentist to have an impression made of my mouth for a crown to be made. I lost a back bottom molar last year, after extensive work, surgery, and crown, but had a post put in when it was pulled. This week's appointment was ten minutes. Unscrew the post cap, take the impression, and screw the cap back on until the crown comes in.

Shows screw driver she used the second time around with dental floss wrapped around base

The dentist, in the middle of screwing off the cap, flipped the mini screwdriver mid screw, into my mouth, where it pinged and landed on my airway. It's stainless steel and heavy, and blocked off my airway. Dislodging a crumb or two, or liquid is way different than heavy metal. It wouldn't move. As I was starting to lose consciousness and feeling the first flutters of panic, I knew I didn't want to die at the dentist. Reflexively I swallowed it.

X-ray showing driver in stomach

I won't bore you with the rest of the details, but I ended up going to the emergency room in Fort Worth, from Weatherford, and having it removed. The GI doctor put me out, inserted a protective tube down my throat, and retrieved the screw drive before it left my stomach. Otherwise it would have been a major surgery with bowel section.

Gastro pictures from camera

Last one shows injuries around esophagus edges

I was back in the hospital last night, due to a fever, and infection, and after a round of IV antibiotics, chose to come home. Hopefully this will be the end of the unexpected adventure. Bro. Counts let us descend upon him unannounced, for a blessing last night, and his wife provided dinner today.

I know I went to the wrong hospital for the right reason: The GI team, when they were finally alerted by the ER, had me in a gown, inserted an IV, capped my hair, drew my blood, asked their questions, and had me out in under 10 minutes. They understood the need of getting it out quickly before the driver left my stomach. I'm so grateful for their quick response, and look upon this as a great mission blessing.

Your two girls going to church today

I know you're in a rough, rough area of Brazil, perhaps serving with a difficult companion, and working with members who have a different vision. Reading 2nd Chronicles 32:7-8 brought your mother much comfort today, "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed: for there be more with us than with [them]...with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles." Oh how I could love to be there fighting side by side with you in your battles. But since I can't, my second will. Turn to the Lord.

After three days of school, this will really be the first week of school. No one has had homework yet. Or seminary. Breyer's main concern is what she wears to school. We start the day before. Miller's started putting a wedge in his hair, like Hunter. And the most important accessory on Sunday is which watch to wear. He has baseball tryouts this week.

Sawyer was told by Coach B that with a lot of hard work this fall, he would be playing on the Varsity team. You prepared him well. He's so excited. There's one other classmate given the honor.

Hannah's wedding in the Hartford Connecticut Temple and reception were last night - Kelly did an amazing job on the gym with her decorations. I've posted lots of fun pictures I found on Instagram.

Stephen Welch was married Friday in the Provo City Center Temple. Tanner went to the sealing and Hunter went to the reception. You'd think they were related.

Groundbreaking was Saturday for the new Hutto chapel!

Just as sample of daily problems we have to solve!

Be good. Stay safe. Endure to the end.

Love,

Mom

I normally don't post live on Facebook, but family members needed the hospital in a quick way. Thank you all so much for your concern. I'm home. The foreign object is no longer in a foreign country. I'm grateful to be alive. Hug all your near and dear ones. Life is too short and unpredictable to let hugs go by. It was a close call, as it almost made it down my windpipe instead. Having a few scratches in my esophagus is a good trade. Accidental, of course, but why the ratchet implement wasn't attached for the procedure, is a concern I won't comment further on. Go get those hugs, and know I'm grateful for all your love and concern. Please don't call. I can't speak yet

We feel so bad for you, but are so relieved they got the screwdriver out with minimal damage to your body.  It took me a few minutes to realize just what was going on while Sis. B. was talking with you late yesterday.  I walked in the door from Church and didn’t even recognize your voice.  When Sis. B. said it was Mom, I had to ask which one.  Looking at this x-ray just makes me think about your hurt, pain and uncertainty.  The emotions of not being able to breath, slowly loosing consciousness, but being aware enough to know this could be the end must have been so traumatic.  We pray each day for Porter by name, but know, you are now on that list also.  It may be selfish, but we love you and your family to much to be without you this soon.  Give us another 40 years, then we all can talk about when to take the next step in our eternal lives.  Bro. Bach