Ouch, that's a pain

Some days our life at the office isn't too exciting and there is nothing to write about. That accounts for no entry yesterday. But today it was a different story.

For the past couple of months we have had a terrible time getting our packages from the correo that deals with customs. It is hard for our elders to get up there regularly, and then when they do they sometimes run into problems. President said we could hire someone to make that trip twice a month for us. Good idea! So Elder Valente found an ex-bishop that has his own business and can get away when he wants. He took him up there today to show him the ropes and see if it was something he could do for us. It looks like its a "go." They brought back 19 packages today. I'd say they were stacking up a little. Too bad they all have to wait for 6 weeks until they can get to the owner. We tried to get everything out of customs before these last zone conferences, but two attempts failed. There will be disappointed mothers and missionaries. Oh well, we tried.

Anyway, we needed to be at the office by 8:00 today so Elder Nelson, who was not making the trip, would not be alone. Against the rules, you know! So Elder Kroff needed to be there early, and I said I would just come along a little later.

A few days ago, Rich was helping load the President's car with bins filled with books and supplies. When he picked up a heavy box, he felt something pull on the back of his leg behind his knee. He nursed it for a couple of days taking anti-inflammatory pills. He didn't notice it too much over the weekend, but after walking quite a ways yesterday doing some errands for the office, he said it became tired and quite sore. Well, today while walking to work it hurt more than usual, and the pain became more intense as he took each step. Then all of a sudden he felt something crunch and his leg gave out. Luckily he was one half block from the office and there was a cement ledge in front of a house, so he quickly sat down. Now what to do? He was just about ready to call the elders at the office when the custodian for the church came by on his way to work. He quickly ran to the office and grabbed the elders to come help. He could not put any pressure on his leg at all and the elders had to carry him chair lift style to the office. Good grief, what next!

Our floors are tile, and the chairs have wheels, so it was easy for him to work and scoot around getting where he needed to go. . . . except for the restroom which is over in the church. I called Dr. Petersen and he spoke to Rich directly having him try several things from his instructions over the phone. He failed the tests. He told him he needed to see an orthopedic doctor and have some xrays, or maybe an MRI. He felt he has either a torn cartilage or a chipped bone. What??? Sister Argyle said there is good orthopedic doctor she took her son to once and he is close by, so we will call to get an appointment tomorrow.

We found him some crutches to rent from a medical supply place across from a hospital that is in our area, so he can get around. But the elders will have to come get us tomorrow in the car and bring us back home each night. He could never make it home on crutches over these cobblestone roads. That's a pain for them, but they are cute about it and so attentive. We really hope this isn't a long time ordeal, but we know it isn't a quick fix item. It's hard to get old!

This really puts a damper on some of our activities. I don't dare drive in this traffic, but we need to get to church this Sunday. Rich is teaching, and I am playing the piano. We can always take a remise if need be, I guess.

Other than that, our day went pretty well. No trips anywhere after work today. I ironed white shirts while Rich worked on the DVD project. President Argyle called to see how "Tiny Tim" was doing. It will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings.