We Have Teeth!

After about 25 hours spent in the doctor's office last week, Shea finally has some temporary teeth! They are shorter and smaller than her real teeth, but for now, it is the best they can do. Because her jaw is broken, Shea's teeth have moved forward leaving very little space to place the temporaries. Nothing can touch her gums, so they put the three teeth in a clear retainer -- like Invisalign -- and she wears the retainer along with her teeth. The doctor gave Shea a mirror to see her teeth for the first time, and she said, "Dr. Mils, I can't believe I'm so excited to have dentures!"

We have to tell all of you about Shea's adventures this week. There is never a dull moment, and we have laughed more this week than we have in months. Dr. Mills has taken great interest in Shea's story. Each day he asked her more questions, and many of the doctors and nurses gathered around to hear her tell about it. On Thursday, Dr. Mills said, "Shea, would you mind if I interviewed you and we videotaped it?" She said, "sure" and never thought much more about it. On Friday afternoon as Shea was in the dentist's chair, a camera crew, with camera and lights approached Dr. Mills and asked him where to set things up. Shea started laughing and couldn't believe he had gone to such great lengths to do this as he is a very busy doctor. She was hoping that she could wear her new teeth for the interview, but, oh no, they weren't ready yet! Dr. Mills wanted Shea to lisp her way through it!

While we were at the office a beautiful woman came in to have work done on her teeth. She had obviously had some cosmetic enhancements and was sharing with Dr. Mills that she wasn't satisfied with her teeth and wanted them perfect. He said to her, "Come with me. I want you to meet someone." So he took her to Shea's room and introduced her to the woman. He asked Shea to show her "before" picture and tell a little about her story and how she was coping. It was a great opportunity for Shea to share her testimony and God's miraculous work in her life. Dr. Mills later explained to Shea how thrilled he was to show this woman, constantly concerned about her outward appearance, that real beauty is from within.

We left the office at closing time again on Friday! The staff told Shea that they will miss their "Ray of Sunshine" next week as we don't have an appointment there. It wasn't a typical quiet, dignified office atmosphere last week, thanks to Shea!

Saturday was more of a down day for Shea. She wanted to go to Starbucks, shop and get out of the house. We were unable to take her, so she found her car keys and decided to drive herself. We reminded her that she has not been released by her doctor and cannot drive until she takes a driving course. Shea was upset. "I never did have a brain injury. . . I finished the brain rehab . . . why do I have to keep proving myself to them?" She spent time crying and questioning, but after awhile Steve sat on her bed with her and encouraged her. So many others at Shepherd Center are much worse off. Shea has the hope of one day driving, working and getting on with her life, and many of them do not. This is a time of testing, and honestly, Shea is tired of being tested. So we're letting all of you in on the good and the bad times to show you that although Shea is trusting God with her future, she's real and has her tough times as well.

Tonight our family spent a quiet evening together. We drank coffee and played "Apples to Apples." Shea is the least competitive, yet she always wins! We're grateful that even in the midst of trying times we are blessed abundantly. Bill and Anna came over to show Shea their new puppy. We sat around our kitchen table, and they shared story after story about Mike and his crazy antics. We laughed at the memories yet our hearts were saddened again for our loss. They're always a big encouragement to Shea -- just like family. So much that Shea even takes her teeth out in front of them!

Love and thanks,

The Hickoks