Since losing our baby to a miscarriage earlier this week, I have spent a lot of time pondering how we are supposed to deal with and process the losses we face in our lives. We had an ectopic pregnancy back in January where we had to make the very difficult decision to abort the baby through a lethal prescription since it was not viable, having implanted in Julie's fallopian tube. In a short time, it most likely would have put Julie's life in extreme danger if not killing her through internal bleeding when the baby grew big enough to rupture the tube. This decision was and still is challenging in the least and troublesome when dwelling on it at length. Yet, life is hard and everyone has to deal with its difficulties and complexities at some point or many points in their lives.
This time though, I have not been overly emotional since finding out about losing this baby on Thursday morning. There have been small moments here and there, and especially with Julie where our minds will wander and sadness comes over us thinking about our lost child. Yet I wonder if I am grieving enough sometimes...
As anyone who knows will tell you, I ADORE my children and am fascinated by how God made them and by who they will become. This past week was a difficult week. We had ministry events Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening. Also, I had my Greek final on Friday morning which was 30% of my grade and really couldn't be delayed to a better time. You mix in our five beautiful children and thoughts of self pity or "what about me?" quickly are pushed aside when we consider the abundant blessing of children that God has already given.
Then there is God's perspective which I (and Julie) try hard to consider in any and all of life's circumstances. We know according to 2 Cor 5:8 that Paul desired to be absent from the body and instead present with the Lord. This gives us hope and peace that the moment our baby's heart stopped beating it was instantly in the presence of God and...existing in perfect form, never having to travel a path through this fallen world. I mean, how cool that this child did not have to deal with the hardship, cruelty, and heart-ache of this world that each of us has had to endure?
Add to that the reality that though we miss their physical presence here on earth, Julie and I had a role in populating heaven once again with an "image bearing" creature who will proclaim the glory of God for eternity...not to mention welcome each of us when we are finally called home as well. And as the Scriptures encourage and command us to give thanks in all things, we did have a month of joy and hope as to what could be...and some people never even get that.
There are numerous things to be thankful for in this earthly loss and we thank God for the ability to see and receive those things. The challenge on my heart has been how do Julie and I live in faith, believing that life on this earth is "just a vapor" and does not compare with the life to come...and yet be real and honest about our loss and the human process of grieving therein. I will say that Jason Herbig's message this morning at Rooftop, which was on worship, provided a wonderful environment and place for me to "think on God". As I was able to focus and meditate, my heart was able to feel and consider what we have been traveling through in our life this past week. It also provided a great place for me to worship my God in my sadness, just like I am inclined to worship Him when things are going well.
The question I am pondering is this: Even as we process and mourn our losses on this earth, how should our faith in God and in all of the truths I just referenced, impact how we face trials, hardship, suffering and death? And how do you and I look different from the world in response to these issues?
As Jesus said, "we are the light of the world, the salt of the earth, a city on a hill that can not be hidden". May your light as a follower of Jesus and mine shine in such a way, regardless of our circumstances, that the world is drawn to His love, power, and peace.
Thank you for your prayers for us as well.
Image
The Narrow Path
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Today's Ultrasound
We found out today that our baby, 10 weeks growing inside Julie's womb, has passed on to eternity. They could not find a heartbeat during the test, and the past couple of days Julie has not been showing her usual pregnancy signs. We are saddenned by the news, and we will miss him or her deeply. The Zilkie family was so looking forward to another member of our crew.
However, we do know the instant his or her heart stopped beating, this little baby was present with the Lord of the universe, and that is the best thing we could ask for anyone. Moreover, we are going to see him or her again, along with Noel who was lost earlier this year in similar fashion. Thanks for your prayers. We are thanking God for the excitement of this past month, the idea of a 6th child, and the hope that our baby brought even if short in its scope of time.
***Update - Saturday, July 17th
Today, Julie had a D&C performed and was so well taken care of by a loving and supportive staff at St. Johns. Being a Catholic hospital, they are very pro-life, which is such a blessing to us. They will take the remains of the baby and will bury it in a special area in their cemetary, in a marked spot We were so blessed by the dignity of life this shows. Again, we have been covered by the Lord's grace and faithfulness to us.
-Jeremy & Julie
However, we do know the instant his or her heart stopped beating, this little baby was present with the Lord of the universe, and that is the best thing we could ask for anyone. Moreover, we are going to see him or her again, along with Noel who was lost earlier this year in similar fashion. Thanks for your prayers. We are thanking God for the excitement of this past month, the idea of a 6th child, and the hope that our baby brought even if short in its scope of time.
***Update - Saturday, July 17th
Today, Julie had a D&C performed and was so well taken care of by a loving and supportive staff at St. Johns. Being a Catholic hospital, they are very pro-life, which is such a blessing to us. They will take the remains of the baby and will bury it in a special area in their cemetary, in a marked spot We were so blessed by the dignity of life this shows. Again, we have been covered by the Lord's grace and faithfulness to us.
-Jeremy & Julie
Monday, July 5, 2010
An Experiment in Self Governance
One of the main themes from this Independence Day is the idea of "Self Governance" and how foreign that was during the years of our countries beginning. Even today at Rooftop during our monthly emphasis on prayer, I took time for us to consider how unique America was at the time of it's formation. Nothing like the United States of America had ever really been tried, let alone succeeded. Prior to that, most countries and peoples were ruled by kings, dictators, conquering rulers, elite classes of privileged people, but not by the common man and definitely not enduring as our nation has.
Interestingly enough, most of the world now believes that to be a civilized nation, one must have self-governance and some form of democratic rule. Oh how 234 years can change things. Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders, said the following about America after its founding:
Interestingly enough, most of the world now believes that to be a civilized nation, one must have self-governance and some form of democratic rule. Oh how 234 years can change things. Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders, said the following about America after its founding:
The object of the republican form of government and of the principles that are essential to that form, is to enable a people to govern themselves to the most practicable extent possible. Not every nation of people are capable of self-government, and many expected the experiment of the Founding Fathers to fail. But it did not fail, and the experiment proved that an educated and enlightened people are capable of self-government. The question remains, however, the extent to which government by the people themselves may be extended.This year I am so very thankful for the intelligent, idealistic, stubborn, and visionary men who saw what could become of a united colonies and all of the blessings and freedom that have been born out of that. I go to bed tonight in peace, with no fear of invasion or reprisal because of my race, religion, political views, financial status, etc. In spite of all of its failures, sins, and evils caused over 234 years of existence, I am so very thankful to God for allowing me to be born in this country and in this era with all of its blessings and challenges. Moreover, freedom is a rare gift throughout any age, and one I hope to never take for granted.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Building the Kingdom
Several years ago while we were pastoring in Grand Rapids at Kentwood Community Church, we had the privilege of being friends with Henry and Twila Lanning. They were the most affirming and faith-filled older couple and a delight to talk with and be around. Week after week when we would see them with our growing family they would come up with huge smiles and speak blessings on us and our children. Henry especially would stop us and look at our children, smile and say, "Children are a blessing from the Lord." We of course agreed whole-heartedly with him. Then he would go on to say something very profound about the kingdom of God. Henry would say, "You know, there are two ways to fill the kingdom of God with image-bearers that will love and glorify Him. The first is to convert them into the kingdom. The second way, is to birth them in. You Zilkies are obviously serious about seeking first God's kingdom because you are filling it through both means." Then he would smile and wink and move on to the next person to bless. He had such a wonderful perspective and really encouraged us in the beginning of our parenting journey.
Well, after a challenging 6 months with an ectopic pregnancy, a couple hospital visits, and some increased tension in the home as we worked through these new challenges in our lives, we Zilkies are pregnant again and this time everything looks good to go!!! The baby is where it is supposed to be and Julie heard a little heart beat yesterday morning. We are only 8 weeks along, but are excited after initially thinking it was another ectopic pregnancy we were facing.
Julie and I would like to thank God for entrusting us with another little image bearer. Children are a blessing from the Lord and we are thrilled to welcome another into our home. And as Henry so eloquently stated, we are also excited to build God's kingdom. Matthew 6:33 tells us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Well, after a challenging 6 months with an ectopic pregnancy, a couple hospital visits, and some increased tension in the home as we worked through these new challenges in our lives, we Zilkies are pregnant again and this time everything looks good to go!!! The baby is where it is supposed to be and Julie heard a little heart beat yesterday morning. We are only 8 weeks along, but are excited after initially thinking it was another ectopic pregnancy we were facing.
Julie and I would like to thank God for entrusting us with another little image bearer. Children are a blessing from the Lord and we are thrilled to welcome another into our home. And as Henry so eloquently stated, we are also excited to build God's kingdom. Matthew 6:33 tells us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Monday, June 21, 2010
Father's Day
Yesterday, our country/culture celebrated Father's Day as we do in June of every year. Each year this holiday makes me stop and think about what it means to be a father. As with all of us, my first thoughts go to my own father David Zilkie, son of Samuel and Vivian Zilkie. My father was born during World War 2 and had his own issues and struggles during his adolescent years. I do not think Grandpa Sam was all that communicative and he died in 1969, when my dad was in his twenties. My dad (David) was a good and humble man who wanted to help and do the right thing in his life. However, he was not an ambitious man and pretty much accepted life as it came to him, the good and the bad.
As I reflect on my father and his influence in my life, his easy-going and often passive approach to life left many gaps in my adolescence and those developmental years. (Isn't it interesting how the sins and flaws of the father are passed on to their children one way or another, as he did not receive much from his father from what I can learn.) Well, in the world of Romeo, Michigan in the 1980s I needed more than I received. In 1993, at 19 I mourned the death of my father and began to really think about my future family. I remember determining that I did not want to leave so many gaps in the lives of my children should God bless me with a family of my own.
Fast-forward to today, I am the father of 5 children ages 8 and under and I love the life God has given me. I see each child developing their own strengths, personalities, love languages, sinful tendencies, and more. Although Julie is the primary care provider for all our children day to day, I know from personal experience in addition to numerous studies and surveys that my role as father to my children is without comparison the most influential role in their lives. My choices for good or for bad will resonate with them for the remainder of their lives and their identity and value is primarily drawn from my influence therein.
So fathers, I want to encourage and exhort you to enter into the life of your children. Be mindful to lead in your home whenever possible, even if your wife is capable of leading without you. Take the initiative to pray at meal times and at other times, setting the example of a spiritual leader...even if you are not yet the leader you want or need to be. Speak of the Scriptures and the importance of God in your life, even if it is not normal or comfortable for you. Connect for them the word of God to everyday life since nobody else is speaking these important truths to them.
Also, true masculinity is under assault and our boys need to see leadership from their fathers whenever possible. Our daughters need to see men lead well so that they will know who to look for in selecting their future husband and they will hopefully find a man who is strong and worthy of their heart and hand in marriage. Also, our love and affection to our daughters will actually delay their natural desire to pursue male relationships until later in their teen years when they are wiser and their potential boy friends are a little wiser and more mature as well.
These are just some thoughts from the heart of a very passionate and zealous father. If as a father, you are not sure how you can learn and become the father you want to be, consider me... I was not given the example of an engaged, communicative, or active father though he was a Christian and generally good man. I have had to learn how to become the father I am even as I have so much further to go. You too can learn and grow as a father if you will seek after wisdom and knowledge from those who are a step or two ahead of where you might be. Ironically, our humility and willingness to be a "learner" is one of the greatest characteristics we can model to our children.
Happy Father's Day to all of you dads out there. Let's embrace the influence and authority God has given us as earthly models and representations of Him as our Heavenly Father. We have the promise of his grace for when we fall short and fail, and we have the promise of His Spirit to lead us and show us the way.
As I reflect on my father and his influence in my life, his easy-going and often passive approach to life left many gaps in my adolescence and those developmental years. (Isn't it interesting how the sins and flaws of the father are passed on to their children one way or another, as he did not receive much from his father from what I can learn.) Well, in the world of Romeo, Michigan in the 1980s I needed more than I received. In 1993, at 19 I mourned the death of my father and began to really think about my future family. I remember determining that I did not want to leave so many gaps in the lives of my children should God bless me with a family of my own.
Fast-forward to today, I am the father of 5 children ages 8 and under and I love the life God has given me. I see each child developing their own strengths, personalities, love languages, sinful tendencies, and more. Although Julie is the primary care provider for all our children day to day, I know from personal experience in addition to numerous studies and surveys that my role as father to my children is without comparison the most influential role in their lives. My choices for good or for bad will resonate with them for the remainder of their lives and their identity and value is primarily drawn from my influence therein.
So fathers, I want to encourage and exhort you to enter into the life of your children. Be mindful to lead in your home whenever possible, even if your wife is capable of leading without you. Take the initiative to pray at meal times and at other times, setting the example of a spiritual leader...even if you are not yet the leader you want or need to be. Speak of the Scriptures and the importance of God in your life, even if it is not normal or comfortable for you. Connect for them the word of God to everyday life since nobody else is speaking these important truths to them.
Also, true masculinity is under assault and our boys need to see leadership from their fathers whenever possible. Our daughters need to see men lead well so that they will know who to look for in selecting their future husband and they will hopefully find a man who is strong and worthy of their heart and hand in marriage. Also, our love and affection to our daughters will actually delay their natural desire to pursue male relationships until later in their teen years when they are wiser and their potential boy friends are a little wiser and more mature as well.
These are just some thoughts from the heart of a very passionate and zealous father. If as a father, you are not sure how you can learn and become the father you want to be, consider me... I was not given the example of an engaged, communicative, or active father though he was a Christian and generally good man. I have had to learn how to become the father I am even as I have so much further to go. You too can learn and grow as a father if you will seek after wisdom and knowledge from those who are a step or two ahead of where you might be. Ironically, our humility and willingness to be a "learner" is one of the greatest characteristics we can model to our children.
Happy Father's Day to all of you dads out there. Let's embrace the influence and authority God has given us as earthly models and representations of Him as our Heavenly Father. We have the promise of his grace for when we fall short and fail, and we have the promise of His Spirit to lead us and show us the way.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Julie's Birthday
Julie had another birthday this month. They seem to happen about this time every year...I just can't figure it out. Well the children are getting older and with each year they are able to be more involved in celebrating her day. Along with the normal Zilkie birthday traditions like:
...not only that, but Selah who acted as if she wasn't hungry when I fed everyone breakfast before taking Julie hers, ended up eating most of Julie's breakfast anyway...
...needless to say, Julie loved it and the children thought it was the coolest thing in the world...
Happy Birthday Partner!!!
- getting your favorite meal prepared for you (I cooked Julie's favorite, "Chicken Cakes" for the first time and didn't do too bad.)
- a birthday cake of your choice
- you are exempt from your chores for the day and everyone else enthusiastically volunteers to do yours for you
- the whole rest of the family gathers around you and each person prays out loud for you whatever they feel led to pray
...not only that, but Selah who acted as if she wasn't hungry when I fed everyone breakfast before taking Julie hers, ended up eating most of Julie's breakfast anyway...
...needless to say, Julie loved it and the children thought it was the coolest thing in the world...
Happy Birthday Partner!!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
He Missed the Call!!!
One of my earlier sports memories as a child is from 1983 when I watched Milt Wilcox of the Detroit Tigers almost pitch a perfect game on the small black and white television in my room. For those of you who don't know, a perfect game in baseball is when a pitcher faces the bare minimum of batters, 27, and gets them all out...no hits, no walks, no errors...27 up and 27 down. I watched Milt Wilcox almost get a perfect game 27 years ago. You can hear the late Ernie Harwell making the call on the radio here...
Well last night another Detroit Tiger, Armando Galarraga, again got the first 26 batters out and was one out away from a perfect game. Sadly on this night, he would get the final out except for the blown call of the umpire covering first base...
Armando handled this whole deal with a ton of class. The umpire has since apologized to Galarrage personally for missing the call and was in tears after realizing his mistake.
The commissioner of baseball Bud Selig should override the call on the field and award Galarrage a perfect game, both for his sake and for the sake of the umpire who will have to live with that mistake for the rest of his career. You don't believe me??? Just ask St. Louis Cardinal fans about Don Denkinger blowing a call in the 1985 World Series. They are still upset about that one.
Well last night another Detroit Tiger, Armando Galarraga, again got the first 26 batters out and was one out away from a perfect game. Sadly on this night, he would get the final out except for the blown call of the umpire covering first base...
Armando handled this whole deal with a ton of class. The umpire has since apologized to Galarrage personally for missing the call and was in tears after realizing his mistake.
The commissioner of baseball Bud Selig should override the call on the field and award Galarrage a perfect game, both for his sake and for the sake of the umpire who will have to live with that mistake for the rest of his career. You don't believe me??? Just ask St. Louis Cardinal fans about Don Denkinger blowing a call in the 1985 World Series. They are still upset about that one.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Coffee Talk
One of the most enjoyable traditions here in the Zilkie home is "Coffee Talk". Yes, it was inspired by the old SNL skit done by Mike Myers back in the late 80s and early 90s. Anyway, when David was 3 or 4 and Jonathan was about 2 they used to always ask for sips of my coffee when I made it. Now I am not an everyday coffee drinker, but when I do have some the children always want some. Now you may think "a child wanting coffee", that is weird. Well, truth be told the joke in our home was that I like my coffee so my 2 year old can enjoy it...lots of cream and sugar.
Every now and then I would brew some coffee and put a little extra in cups for the boys and instead of just drinking it, I suggested we sit down at the table and talk as we drank our coffee...hence the name "Coffee Talk". Early on the conversation was pretty simple and repetitious. Their questions without fail were:
As the years have passed Caroline is now a coffee fan as well and we recently had another good ole' Coffee Talk and it was a blast. The boys are much more articulate and adding Caroline is always a bonus for any gathering as she is so full of smiles, joy, and life.
Apart from some great memories, there is an important value being developed during our times together over coffee. I am able to teach our children how to converse, ask good questions, listen to someone speaking in a conversational tone, and more. If coffee isn't your drink, find one that is. But in the mean time...give it a try. I think you will enjoy it. I know your children will!
Every now and then I would brew some coffee and put a little extra in cups for the boys and instead of just drinking it, I suggested we sit down at the table and talk as we drank our coffee...hence the name "Coffee Talk". Early on the conversation was pretty simple and repetitious. Their questions without fail were:
- What is your favorite color?
- What is your favorite animal?
- What is your favorite food?
As the years have passed Caroline is now a coffee fan as well and we recently had another good ole' Coffee Talk and it was a blast. The boys are much more articulate and adding Caroline is always a bonus for any gathering as she is so full of smiles, joy, and life.
Apart from some great memories, there is an important value being developed during our times together over coffee. I am able to teach our children how to converse, ask good questions, listen to someone speaking in a conversational tone, and more. If coffee isn't your drink, find one that is. But in the mean time...give it a try. I think you will enjoy it. I know your children will!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Update on David
I wanted to let you all know that David is doing well. We are not sure about the tooth, but his spirits are great and what we do know is that it will take months or years to know everything. In the meantime, the tooth is still in the socket with no pain and he is getting back to normal. He will have to have a small splint on the back of his two front teeth to hold it secure for a number of weeks or months. Currently he has a big metal wire on the front of his teeth which our most recent dentist called "a crowbar". He said he wanted to put something on a little more subtle.
Thanks for your prayers and for checking in on us and David.
Here is a picture of the original splint that didn't stay on so well...
Thanks for your prayers and for checking in on us and David.
Here is a picture of the original splint that didn't stay on so well...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Life's Not Fair
One of the things that excites me most about heaven is that "life" will finally be as it is supposed to be. So often in our lives, things happen that make us shake our heads and think "that is just not how it is supposed to be". Sadly, this is the consequence of living in a world negatively impacted by our sin, which God initially intended to be perfect...and will some day in the future will make perfect again.
An example of this took place on Saturday evening here at our home. Our former neighbors, married couple with two boys the same age as David and Jonathan, were over for dinner. We had just finished dinner and were enjoying some dessert while the boys were playing upstairs. All of a sudden we hear a scream from upstairs. Screams and cries are not uncommon in a family of 5 children, especially with 2 additional children thrown in, but this one was different. When we got upstairs I saw something that broke my heart. David, our eldest, was standing there with blood flowing out of his mouth and his right front adult tooth was gone...and I, who usually acts smoothly and decisively in a moment of crisis was honestly stunned.
What happened??? Well, this is where life is not fair. Jonathan and the other boys were starting to get a little too wild in their play. David sensing this and wanting to do the right thing had asked the boys, all three of them, to settle down a little bit. Their friends listened and settled down, but not brother Jonathan. He continued to act foolishly and threw a big plastic toy at his brother David and "POW", hit him right in the mouth, cut his lip, sliced David's gum, and knocked his permanent tooth clean out. (I will blog more about Jonathan and this part of “the deal” at a later date...)
It truly was a surreal moment for me. Growing up, I always had this fear of getting one of my permanent teeth knocked out and I remember checking my teeth every time I got smacked or hit in the mouth with something. I was kind of paranoid about it and probably still am.
At first we were trying to treat David for the bleeding that was coming from his mouth. Then I went upstairs and found the whole tooth, root and all, lying on the carpet. I tried to insert it at that time, but was not sure I was seating it correctly and placed it in milk instead. After trying for 10-15 minutes to contact a dentist or someone else to help guide us, which was impossible on a Saturday evening, we grabbed the cup of milk with the tooth and headed to the ER at the Children's Hospital here in St. Louis.
Before too long we were in a room in triage and a doctor came in and helped insert the tooth as much as it would go in. Unfortunately, it had been about an hour since getting knocked out and the likelihood of saving the tooth is best when reinserted in 30 minutes or less. Well, as David applied pressure on the tooth while we waited for the pediatric dentist who was on call to come in, he was able to get the tooth fully inserted back into his the cavity in his mouth. The dentist was great, especially on a Saturday evening having been interrupted while eating out with his wife. Once he arrived we did some x-rays and saw that the tooth was inserted perfectly. Then the dentist explained what was going to happen in the coming weeks.
Three things would/could happen:
1) The best scenario would be for the nerve in the tooth to reconnect with the nerve in the gums and for the tooth to reseat in David's mouth. This would save the tooth fully and cost little in the way of dental expenses. We are praying that is what has and will ultimately happen.
2) If the nerve did not reconnect, the body will not recognize the cells inside the tooth which has been reinserted in David's mouth and it will begin to attack it sensing it as a foreign object in the body. This would be bad for David, cause pain, and lead to a whole host of dental procedures and expenses we are not looking forward to.
3) If situation 2 does occur then David will need to get a root canal to deaden the exposed nerve in the empty cavity where the tooth used to be. Then they will take the dead tooth, clear the nerve out of the tooth and fill it with some substance that would allow it to stay up in the cavity for years to come. This is important because of the need for spacing as David's other adult teeth come in.
*Remember that David had the whole Perthes Disease in his hip last summer which we prayed over and saw the Lord heal him of that.
So, a couple things to remember as I close this blog...
1) Life is not fair. David is as just and as well tempered a 7 year old boy as you will find and "he" gets his tooth knocked out even as he is trying to bring peace to a wild situation.
2) We would appreciate your prayers for David and for this tooth to heal. Granted it is only a tooth, but the fixing of it will be extensive and expensive and he didn't even get it knocked out playing hockey.
Finally, this has been harder for me than it has been for David. Why, I am not sure, but Saturday night while he slept great, I tossed and turned all night which is very rare for me. Julie finds this funny and says how interesting it is to learn something new about someone you have been married to for almost 10 years. David keeps trucking forward enjoying life, while we wait for several weeks to see what in the end has or has not occurred.
To be continued...
An example of this took place on Saturday evening here at our home. Our former neighbors, married couple with two boys the same age as David and Jonathan, were over for dinner. We had just finished dinner and were enjoying some dessert while the boys were playing upstairs. All of a sudden we hear a scream from upstairs. Screams and cries are not uncommon in a family of 5 children, especially with 2 additional children thrown in, but this one was different. When we got upstairs I saw something that broke my heart. David, our eldest, was standing there with blood flowing out of his mouth and his right front adult tooth was gone...and I, who usually acts smoothly and decisively in a moment of crisis was honestly stunned.
What happened??? Well, this is where life is not fair. Jonathan and the other boys were starting to get a little too wild in their play. David sensing this and wanting to do the right thing had asked the boys, all three of them, to settle down a little bit. Their friends listened and settled down, but not brother Jonathan. He continued to act foolishly and threw a big plastic toy at his brother David and "POW", hit him right in the mouth, cut his lip, sliced David's gum, and knocked his permanent tooth clean out. (I will blog more about Jonathan and this part of “the deal” at a later date...)
It truly was a surreal moment for me. Growing up, I always had this fear of getting one of my permanent teeth knocked out and I remember checking my teeth every time I got smacked or hit in the mouth with something. I was kind of paranoid about it and probably still am.
At first we were trying to treat David for the bleeding that was coming from his mouth. Then I went upstairs and found the whole tooth, root and all, lying on the carpet. I tried to insert it at that time, but was not sure I was seating it correctly and placed it in milk instead. After trying for 10-15 minutes to contact a dentist or someone else to help guide us, which was impossible on a Saturday evening, we grabbed the cup of milk with the tooth and headed to the ER at the Children's Hospital here in St. Louis.
Before too long we were in a room in triage and a doctor came in and helped insert the tooth as much as it would go in. Unfortunately, it had been about an hour since getting knocked out and the likelihood of saving the tooth is best when reinserted in 30 minutes or less. Well, as David applied pressure on the tooth while we waited for the pediatric dentist who was on call to come in, he was able to get the tooth fully inserted back into his the cavity in his mouth. The dentist was great, especially on a Saturday evening having been interrupted while eating out with his wife. Once he arrived we did some x-rays and saw that the tooth was inserted perfectly. Then the dentist explained what was going to happen in the coming weeks.
Three things would/could happen:
1) The best scenario would be for the nerve in the tooth to reconnect with the nerve in the gums and for the tooth to reseat in David's mouth. This would save the tooth fully and cost little in the way of dental expenses. We are praying that is what has and will ultimately happen.
2) If the nerve did not reconnect, the body will not recognize the cells inside the tooth which has been reinserted in David's mouth and it will begin to attack it sensing it as a foreign object in the body. This would be bad for David, cause pain, and lead to a whole host of dental procedures and expenses we are not looking forward to.
3) If situation 2 does occur then David will need to get a root canal to deaden the exposed nerve in the empty cavity where the tooth used to be. Then they will take the dead tooth, clear the nerve out of the tooth and fill it with some substance that would allow it to stay up in the cavity for years to come. This is important because of the need for spacing as David's other adult teeth come in.
*Remember that David had the whole Perthes Disease in his hip last summer which we prayed over and saw the Lord heal him of that.
So, a couple things to remember as I close this blog...
1) Life is not fair. David is as just and as well tempered a 7 year old boy as you will find and "he" gets his tooth knocked out even as he is trying to bring peace to a wild situation.
2) We would appreciate your prayers for David and for this tooth to heal. Granted it is only a tooth, but the fixing of it will be extensive and expensive and he didn't even get it knocked out playing hockey.
Finally, this has been harder for me than it has been for David. Why, I am not sure, but Saturday night while he slept great, I tossed and turned all night which is very rare for me. Julie finds this funny and says how interesting it is to learn something new about someone you have been married to for almost 10 years. David keeps trucking forward enjoying life, while we wait for several weeks to see what in the end has or has not occurred.
To be continued...
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