20%

Twenty percent is not a phrase that I'm particularly fond of.

Why? you are probably wondering to yourself. What in the world is she talking about?

Did you know that only 20 percent of pregnancies end in a full term baby?

Did you know that 20 percent of club feet children have to have a second surgery?

Did you know that I followed every single doctor's order on the treatment of my sweet girl's right foot? EVERY.SINGLE.ORDER.

When he said a new cast every week, I was there every single Thursday morning. When he said wear the shoes all day, ever day, she wore them all day, every day. When he said she could wear the shoes only at night, she wore them 14 hours a day. When he said to wear the brace to sleep, she wore it during naps and at night.

Yesterday, I prayed that the Lord would give me peace and trust in our new doctor. He provided both. We had to wait an hour and a half to meet the new doctor. Something held him up with another patient.

While we were waiting, we played the "What's going to happen" game. It goes like this.
M: It's my turn NOW!
Me: No, it's not your turn yet.
M: Yesh, it ish!
Me: No. When it is your turn, the nurse will come out and say, "M*r#t Benson." Then we will get up and go meet the new doctor.
M: Oh.
(two minutes later, M jumps up)
M: They said "M*r#t Benson!" It my turn now!

Repeat scene at least 10 times.

His office staff was very professional and very kind. When the nurse mispronounced M's name, she quickly corrected herself and did not make another mistake.

Another scene for your enjoyment. This one takes place in the exam room. M climbs up on the doctor's rolling chair and I'm instructed to sit on the exam table.
M: I Dr. Brown (not the doctor's real name). You M*r#t.
Me: Okay.
Silence. Obviously, I'm supposed to begin this game.
Me: Hi, Dr. Brown. I'm M*r#t Benson.
M: You not sick. Why you here?
Me: I want you to look at my pretty foot.

Fast forward about 10 minutes. Dr. Brown enters the room and shakes my hand. He leans down and says, "Hi, M*r#t. How are you?"
M: I two (her response to how are you?). Wanna see my pwetty foot?

When he asks her to walk for him, she says, "No, but I eck-ser-size" (exercise) and proceeds to hop around the exam room.

While he was overly impressed with M's personality, he wasn't overly impressed with her sweet little foot.

M is in that 20 percent of club footed kids that require a second surgery. Tomorrow, we have an appt to have her fitted for a pair of corrective tennis shoes. Three months from now, we'll meet with Dr. Brown to discuss my questions and concerns about the second surgery and we'll schedule it after that.

Being in the 20 percent club really stinks.