Finding Our Family Again: The River Won

Last weekend we decided to hike up our mountain and make the trek back down through the river. Despite some initial resistance and a little attitude adjustment, we made it to the top and started our descent. The last time we'd been to this particular river was our second weekend in Costa Rica; this time, the river and its pools were much deeper than before because of the change from dry to rainy season. The prospect of more water encounters was exciting to some and provoked more apprehension in others (namely one). After getting accustomed to the cool temperature of the water and taking time to appreciate the beautiful water at the beginning pool, we started to navigate southward. J led the way, machete in hand, the kids followed, and I took the rear. All kept their eyes peeled on the overhanging plants and lush vegetation on the banks for eyelash vipers and bushmasters while carefully overstepping slippery rocks and trying to maintain balance.

The trip was a great time to work together as a family -- everyone had to follow directions, help their neighbor, and look out for everyone's safety.

During our hike down, we crawled down rocky declines, slid down a natural rock slide (for real -- just like in the movies!), and jumped into pools. We saw gorgeous butterflies and flowers and discovered that large freshwater crabs inhabit the pools. A few times we had to circumvent the river and cling to grass as we maneuvered across steep hills of mud, but overall, we had a fabulous time.

The very last waterfall was really amazing but too high to risk jumping into. We opted to trek through the grass until we again reached the road leading back to our house.

When we got close to the road, J turned around to face me and commented on how successful and fun our journey had been. Right as he finished talking, I saw L run back down toward the river, slip on a giant rock, and slam face-first into another large rock. From how he hit, I knew he did some damage. I started running toward him, and J turned around dazed. He could tell from my expression that something was really wrong. I picked L up like a baby and could see his mouth was full of blood. In between cries, I saw that one of his top front teeth was twisted back into his mouth -- almost flat against the roof, and it looked like another tooth was completely missing.

J was right behind me, so I handed L to him and started running home so I could call someone to help in case L needed medical attention. Based on the amount of blood, I figured stitched were going to be in order.

Thankfully, J is as calm as a cucumber in circumstances such as these, and he had L spit out all the blood so he could get a closer look. When L's mouth was clear, J discovered that both teeth were still in his mouth (just pushed against the top). J put his thumb in between L's molars and had him bite down, and J repositioned both teeth. L was SO BRAVE!!!!

Meanwhile, I ran past a farmer and asked him to pick the family up in his truck since they were a good 20 minute walk from home. When the farmer appeared, J declined the ride because he'd gotten L calmed down and in a comfortable position.

When they got home, L was shaking a bit but was in fairly good spirits. We showered quickly, and one of the mission directors took us into Turrialba for a doctor visit. The doctor made sure L didn't have a concussion and examined his mouth thoroughly -- no stitches necessary -- and recommended we go to the dentist.

At the dentist's office, the dentist praised J's work in repositioning the teeth (as the doctor had done, too), and took x-rays. All seemed fine -- the dentist said the same thing our dentist in the US said after L damaged his other front tooth, that L will lose the teeth prematurely, but that it could be in a month or six months. Last time it took a full 18 months, so we'll see . . . hopefully he'll keep them for as long as possible so his adult teeth have a better chance of coming in in the proper positions (and so he doesn't have to run around without three front teeth for the next two years).

Both physicians also commented on how "valiente" (brave) L was, and he really was a trooper. What an awesome boy we have!

Sidenotes: In Costa Rica, there is a public heath care system. Overall, the reports about the system aren't great -- long lines, inadequate care, outdated equipment, doctors without a lot of motivation to excel, etc. Both medical facilities we visited were definitely dated. The dentist's office was like something out of the 1950's and was not very clean. The doctor's office was slightly more modern. Both physicians were extremely friendly and willing to help -- they both stayed at work to receive us after hours -- and both offices charged us $40 for a visit.

Anyone with money in CR goes to private hospitals, which, of course, employ the best doctors.

L's mouth has healed up nicely. Part of his gum is missing between the tooth teeth that were knocked back, but we are hoping that will regrow. All the bruising is gone, and he didn't have any problems afterward with infections or too much pain. He's experienced some bleeding and has been very, very careful to only chew on the right side of his mouth. Cute, wonderful thing!