At the Hospital

It is speechless moments like this, that I am driven to write. I cannot do my feelings justice in short Facebook updates or in person when distractions abound. I am now sitting in Adolf’s hospital room after his first surgery and for the first time in four years his legs are fully extended. When Dr. Grossman came into the waiting room to tell us the good news Eva and I were filled with elation and thankfulness to God. What an incredible moment. We celebrated by finally eating breakfast in the hospital cafeteria. (I just hope I don’t end up in the hospital after eating it.) We then returned to where we are now in his hospital room. Eva immediately knelt down beside his bed and began to give thanks to God for all the wonderful things He has done in our lives. Some people may say it was “luck” that Adolf had this opportunity, I call it God. He is surrounded by faithful people that trusted in the Lord to help this poor child. Eva’s voice was calm and serene as I stared at him as he lay sleeping just like I used to watch my newborn babies sleep in their bassinet. He looked so peaceful. It was impossible not to let tears stream from my eyes. I thought of all the horrors he experienced and how alone he must have felt during those four years. I stood there crying, listening to his breathing, Eva praying and singing praises to God. After about 15 minutes, I sat down on the sofa bed in his room and knew I wanted to begin my blog right away, in this raw emotional state. 

A few moments later he woke up and began crying. He was in so much pain. It was unbearable to watch him suffer and cry. Eva was trying to calm him by speaking softly in Rutooro. He would answer and also say, “Help mama” in English. It was way too hard for words to describe my heartbreak. This poor child had suffered so much in his short life and now was in excruciating pain again. I tried my best to be strong for him and let him know I was there for him. I began to totally loose it when my thoughts drifted to the circumstances surrounding his initial injury. Who was there to comfort him? He didn’t have an Eva to sing to him or a mama to hold his hand and cry tears for his suffering. He was all alone. He is much stronger than I can ever imagine. The nurse heard his cries and came in to administer pain medicine. It seemed like it took a lifetime before he felt enough relief to fall back to sleep. 

He is expected to be in the hospital for today and possibly tomorrow. He will have to come back on Thursday for an additional surgery. I am so thankful he is getting help and that his legs are straight. It is truly a life-changing moment for this child. Please continue your prayers for us that I may be strong and Adolf’s pain subsides.

We knew this weekend would be the last weekend Adolf would be up and moving around for a long while so we tried to plan as much fun as possible. On Saturday the Children’s Burn Foundation had a holiday party for Adolf and other children that have suffered burn injuries. Uncle Laine joined us and Adolf and Laine had a great time playing all the games and collecting the prizes. My little Kelly convinced Eva to try cotton candy for the first time. She took some and said, “What do I do with this?” She laughed when I said, “You eat it!” She was very brave and laughed again after taking her first bite. What fun it is to share life’s simple pleasures with someone! Adolf also met Santa for the first time and asked for a bike. He is becoming more American by the hour!

Eva laughing at her cotton candy

Adolf and Hunter playing games at the holiday party

Hunter trying to win a prize

Maverick eating his hot dog lunch at the party

On Sunday after church we went to get our Christmas tree. I grew up in the Northwest where real Christmas trees are abundant. I have fond memories of trekking through the snow with my dad wielding an ax to locate the perfect Christmas tree. It is because of these childhood memories that I insist we have a real tree in our house. As they are very expensive in Southern California, I tell my husband the tree is my Christmas gift. I love walking into my house and smelling the fragrance of an evergreen tree. Adolf and Eva both rejoiced in the decorating of the tree and house for the holiday. Hunter and Kelly were very excited to show them how to hang the lights and ornaments. It was wonderful seeing their pride and watching them share our holiday traditions with Adolf and Eva.

Eva and baby Hayden at the Christmas Tree lot

We found our tree

Hunter and Maverick loading into the car

In addition to praying for Adolf and Eva, please pray for the entire Wagenseller family. While I was writing this blog, I got a call that my brother-in-law (Laine and Scott’s oldest brother) passed away suddenly last night at a friend’s house. The Christmas season is a horrible time to lose a family member. He brought vitality to our family gatherings that will certainly be missed.  Rest in Peace, Hudson Whitney.