....or Welcome Home Elder Simmons, Pt 1
This past week we welcomed Elder Simmons home for a brief interruption in his mission to Roseville California. Back in early December, we received some calls from the mission nurse and then most recently more calls from the mission nurse and the mission President as to Sean's health. Unfortunately, he has been experiencing some extreme pain in his back, arms, knees, etc.... During the past few months he has seen some doctors and physical therapists on his mission, however, after a lot of discussion with the area mission doctor, the mission President and the mission doctors in SLC, it was determined that the best course of action would be for Sean to return home for a while to receive some more dedicated health care with some specialists here. So.... we welcomed him home on Monday, Feb 13th - not exactly the Valentines Day gift I was hoping for, but what a wonderful gift it has been to see him. [Flashback 10 years ago..... Sean underwent a anterior/posterior spinal fusion surgery on his upper spine to treat congenital scoliosis when he was in 5th grade. He spent about 10 days at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore for the surgery and initial recovery and then a few months at home before being able to go back to school. At the time, we were told his lower spine would eventually need to be fused as well or he would experience more issues with his back and the internal organs that his lower curve would crowd.] So, how were we to know that this time may be now rather than 2 or 3 years from now. We have an appointment with the spine specialist on the 29th and then also with an internist on the 5th. Hopefully, they will be able to determine a course of action that will alleviate the pain Sean has been experiencing, and allow him to get back to Roseville as soon as possible. His mission President assured us that he was very much needed there as soon as he was well.... So, we have now begun Operation Get 'Em Home (phase 1 complete), Get 'Em Heathly (in progress) and Get 'Em Back to Roseville (to be completed). We've really appreciated the prayers and fasting on Sean's behave. I really tried to deny the fact that his health was compromised and really prayed that he would be able to stay. However, we are sometimes reminded in life, that we are not in charge, sometimes our Heavenly Father has other plans because he knows what is best right here and right now.
And, since we all know I love pictures... here are a few from the airport the other night....
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| One of our welcome home signs detailing the Plan of Action.... |
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| Brothers patiently waiting.... |
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| Our first glimpse of him .... |
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| He sees the family, and the welcoming committee (and big thank you's to the welcoming committee who joined us at 10:00pm on Monday night. You all Rocked!) |
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| There he is..... |
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| My handsome Missionary! and his very excited little brother. |
We love you Sean.... so sad that you have to experience an interruption in your mission, but we are so happy to see you and help you get healthy again. You still totally rock awesomeness!
