We have completed our first week back at school. It feels like it’s been a long one!
The weather has been beautiful! It’s hard to imagine we were in the cold and snow just over a week ago. It certainly is summer here.
Our trip was emotionally relatively easy; coming back to Africa was unexpectedly difficult! I felt Jeff’s absence everywhere I turned. Each sound and smell reminded me of him. Coming back to school I felt the vacuum he left behind. It feels like starting all over again on the grieving continuum.
On another note, Bryce broke his arm 2 days ago. He jumped out of a tree over the weekend and landed on it. It hurt, but there was no swelling, discoloration and he could move his fingers, wrist, elbow, etc. We watched it and it was feeling better each day. Then, Wednesday, he turned around funny and fell out of his chair at school . . . landed on the same wrist and it broke! Poor guy!
We had a truly African experience with it. The first place I took him was the Trauma Center, which was unable to help as there was no power. Ha! We then went on to the same hospital that Jeff went to after he broke his collar bone. It took about 3 hours, but they finally x-rayed him and put him in a plaster cast from his armpit to his fingers! They told us it would need to stay on for 6 weeks. The next day, yesterday, we went to the orthopedic surgeon who treated Jeff. He’s wonderful!!!! He explained Bryce’s break (a greenstick break) and removed the plaster cast. He replaced it with a fiberglass one from the elbow down. It needs to stay on for only 3 ½ weeks. Quite an improvement. Because of this, we have postponed Bryce’s birthday party until the cast comes off. (It was to be next Saturday; a swimming and water slide party. Not good for broken bones!)
Mary is doing well. She brought home a good report card for 1st semester, so we will have to celebrate. She has been working hard! She’s having some friends over tonight for a sleepover and iCarly party.
We’ve all been spoiled by the nice treats people have sent to us. We are eating some “exotic“ American treats (like Pop Tarts and spice packets,) enjoying American pop culture magazines (like Twist,) and watching some non-pirated DVDs (good quality!!!) Thank you all!!!
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Hello Terry:
I am so sorry to hear of Bryce’s broken bone and your trip to the hospital.
Thank the Lord for a good orthopedic guy. I remember going through
two broken bones on the left wrist when Ryan was in 4th grade and
then the next year the right wrist basketball injuries. I am continuing to
remember you all daily in my prayers. I am looking forward to seeing you
in person. I have loved hearing of all of your adventures. Sounds like a
wonderful Christmas. Enjoy your sun as usual it is a very rainy Jan. here,
but better than snow.
Love to you all,
Barb -
Happy Birthday Bryce. I hope your day was fantastic!
Laura
Brougham, Ontario, Canada -
When we heard about the kerfuffle regarding Bryce and his arm, the Cheevers boys dove into action and had their parents dial Zimbabwe furiously with furious ferocity to convey their good thoughts and good wishes for Bryce and all.
Success? Sadly, no. Just a busy signal indicating a power outage or some other issue with national electricity.
Nevertheless, the boys and the family send their good thoughts, good wishes and good healing energies your way.
Happy MLK Day!
The Cheevers -
Terry your first week home sounds so challenging. I can’t imagine what your mind was thinking having to go back to the hospital. What a woman you are.
I am sending Bryce healing vibes to mend that bone. I just got my own wrist out of a cast two weeks ago and the PT is challenging but a sense of freedom after being in the cast for 6 weeks. Of course, my bones are long past the state of ever being a green stick break.
Laura
Brougham, Ontario, CanadaHave a much more relaxing week with continued beautiful summer weather.
Laura
Brougham, Ontario, Canada -
Hi Terry, Mary, & Bryce,
Just want you to know we’re thinking of you & praying, too. We had a Kettle Drummer at church this morning. Made our thoughts and prayers a bit more prominate. I thought about Jeff’s rendition of “Charlie Brown”. Miss you! Had to brag about you and your village and how much you have been able to accomplish. You’re (all three of you) amazing! Love to you!! Larry and Kathy
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Poor Bryce! Thank God for strong young bones that heal quickly. Congratulations to Mary – hard work does pay off! My heart goes out to you during this time of renewed heartache. Know that you have a lot of people walking with you and praying for your family. Step by step you WILL get through this valley of darkness. Love, Aunt Ruth
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Teresa,
Every time I read your entries I am so amazed by your strength. Wow! Hearing of Bryce’s break reminded me of my own experience with a green stick break as a child. I fell on my arm running during PE and because the school nurse told my mom it was fine she believed her. Over time my arm seemed to get better then eventually became very painful. About 2 weeks later my mom saw me holding my arm to my chest and said she thought we should see a doc. Sure enough, it was a green stick break and required a brace. All ended up fine, as I’m sure Bryce’s arm will too. Enjoy the sunny weather! It is super rainy here, and we’ve had inside recess most of the week (argh). Thank goodness for MLK Jr. day on Monday…3 days off!
Take care,
Kim -
Hi Terry…love hearing updates from you. Can only imagine how difficult this time is for you. I am, as always, in awe of your courage and grace. Hang in there. I look forward to seeing you when you return.
Molly
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