Thursday, April 11, 2013

Thursday, April 11

I have felt that Dr. Rivas was impatient for the next miracle, but today I have finally figured out why Dr. Rivas is so frustrated and impatient. He feels he has been doing everything right and that Ken should be better. He explained, “He has had 16 days of antibiotics. That should be taking care of it. People with that treatment get better . . .

I interrupted him with, "or not."

"Exactly," he said.

And we both knew he was saying that people get better quickly or they die. Ken will get better in a way that will show the power of God.

They were days of confusion for me. I missed Dr. Concha. She was in Santiago for a week. Dr. Rivas said surgery would be this morning, early.

Elder Babcock had sick eyes, but more open than yesterday. He had a fever and was not looking at me. The low level of sodium in the blood could delay surgery.

A new physical therapist had arrived. Elder Babcock had been trying to cough and she cleared his throat with a vacuum tube. He could hear her. He answered her questions. He was weak and dizzy, but tried to cooperate. He spoke and asked questions.

Elder Sandoval and Elder Sevigny

Hermana Peck, Hermana Campos and Hermana Hawkins

At noon the Sisters arrived, and he was awake. It was hard to understand his Spanish. They sang for him. He didn’t speak to me in English. The sisters’ singing was a great blessing. Fever continued.

Sometimes the Lord sent me specific sisters or elders to help me with the questions and challenges of the day. 

                                                                             

Elder Sandoval and Elder Sevigny helped me understand the process of shaving a man. Important for a missionary, and important to the Mission President who would arrive in the afternoon. President and Sister Martinez also planned to return in the morning.

Elder Sandoval and Elder Sevigny with President and Sister Martinez

Sometimes the elders had very personal contact with Elder Babcock.

The rest of April 11 was a very difficult day for me, Elder Sanchez sat beside the bed and held Elder Babcock’s hand for a long time, without speaking, but with Tabernacle Choir music. Elder Sanchez and his companion Elder Lemon seemed like guardian angels sent to help us.