The Battle Belongs To the LordTHE BULLET that had hit me shattered my jaw, lodged one tooth in the roof of my mouth, one in the bottom, and one on the underside of my tongue, then the expanded .38 slug ...
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THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD Captain Bob Kolenda Overland Park, KS, Police Department THE BULLET that had hit me shattered my jaw, lodged one tooth in the roof of my mouth, one in the bottom, and one on the underside of my tongue, then the expanded .38 slug hit the back of my throat. Instead of blocking my airway, the bullet fragments were inhaled into my lungs. This damaged my larynx and one of my vocal cords, which accounts for my current raspy voice. The small bone to which the tongue is attached was also fractured. Overland Park P.D. has only two trained paramedics. They just “happened” to be right there to assist me, and with me all the way to the emergency room. I was taken to the best trauma center in the area. An outstanding oral surgeon who usually doesn’t practice at St. Joseph Hospital “just happened to be there.” He didn’t have materials available for an external support device (tube bolted outside my face) so had to use a titanium growth plate, which I’ve been told is a less troublesome method. All “happenstance”? I don’t think so!
Throughout my recovery I felt surrounded by the peace of Christ, and could literally feel the power of prayer inside me. It gave me time to reflect on so many blessings: That God exists and loves us, and that I know Christ and his peace. All his promises are true—never did he leave me or forsake me. Where would we be without a loving and forgiving God? A strong wife and supportive family, and the gift of more time to love and care for them. A wealth of friends and the comfort of prayer, which sustained me. Doctors, nurses, and amazing medical technology; the surgeon who was able to remove the bullet fragments from my lungs through my trachea. My voice and a mouth that can chew food! That God spared the suspects’ lives. The support I received from the community, city of Overland Park, and the Police Department. Clear thoughts through the ordeal that night. Encouragement from unusual places. | |
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