Tuesday, July 9, 2013 with explanations through July 15

Tuesday, July 9

I have no clue what is going on. Ken learned how to push the nurse call button after I put in ear plugs. The IV alarms were making me grouchy by midnight with no sleep. By 1:00 the nurses asked me to try to figure out why Ken was calling them every 5 minutes or less and we took away the alarm button and gave it to me. He could talk more but wasn't clear about where he was or why. More Keppra withdrawal? Who knows. Will he keep mobility? Who knows. It is 7:00 now, I am giving up on sleep for the moment. Sleep in a hospital without earplugs doesn't count. I will try to take a nap.

Silly to complain. He ate all his oatmeal by himself for the first time. He wanted his glasses for the first time. I will take naps. The car is a tempting idea, but they need me here. It is good to be useful.

On Monday [July 8] the young elders stayed with Elder Babcock so I could check on things in Victoria. I hadn’t dared leave the hospital earlier. I needed to pack more things for myself and pick up a Book of Mormon.  We had only been at the clinic a few days when Elder Babcock had told me that he thought Dr. Concha and her family were one of the reasons the Lord withdrew his hand of protection. He needed us to come back to the clinic. We had unfinished business. Ken asked if I could get the Book of Mormon he had prepared to give her earlier.  He wasn't well enough to give her the Book himself.

Dr. Concha had told us that she would be gone for several weeks to Santiago but would check on Ken and say goodbye before she left.  She didn’t come on Wednesday but later explained that she had been sick and still was. She had a doctor in Santiago and a class too, so it would be a working vacation.  It was July 15 and she would be gone for two weeks.

I asked if she would have time to read and told her that Ken had prepared a Book for her before we left the clinic last time but hadn't had opportunity to give it to her.

She accepted it, read the dedication and promised she would read the book. We could tell she was touched. And we both felt a tremendous weight lifted and a great sense of peace. We felt such great love for Dr.Concha.

We knew we might not see her again.  By this time we knew that we were going to be returning to Salt Lake City.  Both Dr. Rivas, the neurologist and Dr. Concha felt it was the right decision. On the 11^th of July, we had received a travel itinerary for July 19.  I was afraid that would be too soon and discussed my concerns with President Martinez and he sent me a copy of his response to Salt Lake.  Translated:

Thursday, July 11

Dear Brother Gatherum,

I refer the recommendations and sent Doctor Mikesell Area Presidency South- South America, to be considered before taking any action in relation to Elder Babcock.

My concerns: Elder Babcock is physically not stable, does not have the strength to stand up and is in the process of receiving antibiotics.

According to my point of view, He is not fit to fly from Temuco to Santiago in a (economy) flight, so I suggest take ground (in a van or ambulance) and leave from Santiago. They could not travel alone.  The company of a doctor will be required at all times. Therefore I ask you not to issue a ticket for a specific trip. I request that Doctor Mikesell coordinate with everything related to the transfer of Babcock Elder, as he collected the recommendations of doctors currently treat him. I appreciate your help and management.

         Osvaldo E. Martinez C.

         President, Chile Concepcion Sur Mission

(ORIGINAL)

From: Osvaldo Martinez 
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2013 5:01 PM
To: Jane Babcock; Terri Gatherum
Cc: Leo Vaun Mikesell; Jorge F. Zeballos
Subject: Re: Medical -Travel Itinerary For BABCOCK/KENNETH LYNN - 19Jul - YPEOOT

Estimado hermano Gatherum,

Le remito las recomendaciones que envié a Doctor Mikesell y Presidencia del Área Sud- América Sur , para ser consideradas antes de adoptar cualquier medida en relación a Elder Babcock.

Mi ocupación es la siguiente:  Elder Babcock , físicamente no esta estable, no tiene la fuerza para sostenerse  en píe y esta en proceso de administración de antibióticos. De acuerdo a mi punto de vista , El no esta en condiciones de volar desde Temuco a Santiago en un vuelo (económico) , por lo que sugiero llevarlo por tierra (En una Van o Ambulancia) y embarcarlo en Santiago.

Ellos no podrían viajar solos será  necesario la compañía de un doctor en todo momento.

Por lo tanto les pido que no emitan un ticket hasta tener la certeza del viaje. Le solicito coordinar con Doctor Mikesell todo lo relacionado al traslado de  Elder Babcock, dado que él recopilará las recomendaciones de los médicos que actualmente le  tratan.

Aprecio su ayuda y  gestión.

 Osvaldo  E.  Martínez  C.

 Presidente  Misión Chile Concepción Sur