"My sister picked this shirt, but I think it shows off my belly nicely."
Nine days to go until surgery, and I've started packing Elvie's hospital bag. Just typing that makes me tear up. I am so sad for my scrumptious baby; this will be hard for her. I think it makes it all the harder because she has been doing so well lately, taking her medicine like a champ, pushing and pulling herself around the floor, learning new things every day. I know it's better that this gets done soon; I pushed for this to happen. I know, I know, I know. But I hate to disrupt her happiness; that's pretty much the worst.
Many people have reached out to us to offer words of support or to ask what they can do to help while Elvie is in the hospital. We are so grateful to everyone for loving our baby and taking care of our family, and I find it hard to say, "Yes, I need this one more thing." But everyone is so kind and gracious about it that it makes it easier, and I just want to say thank you for that. Elvie would not be here without the help of so many of you, and we are thankful every day for the gift of a community who has rallied around us. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Nine days. Okay.
So so so many prayers. For Elvie, for the nurses and doctors, for her amazing loving family! Prayers and love. If you need anything, you've got it, but there's so much in the in-between. Prayers and love and hope for healing and expansion. Maybe this being in a new year will be the most blessed gift.
ReplyDeletePraying. For all of you.
ReplyDeleteMassive hugs to you all x
ReplyDeleteShe will still have happiness. She will have loving family with her, and the adoration of the hospital staff for sure. Pain and happiness are not mutually exclusive. Happiness, and lots of love, will help ease the pain. That is the difference, I think, between pain and suffering. The surgery will hurt, but she won't suffer because you all will be there to hold her and love her.
ReplyDeleteI wish the same comfort and happiness for you, too. It is easy to see that you will hurt just as much as her. I wish you comfort and happiness too. This too shall pass. think of spring coming! Picture the little lady wearing her new pants and trying to chase her sister on her own two feet!
You can do it. And yes, it's the worst, but this time when she wakes up and sees you guys, it's a family she knows well, a family with whom she has a deeper bond with than in those first days. She will see you and know that it will be all right. She knows that you love her and will care for her.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed.
hi --
ReplyDeletemy name is jen -- i'm a mom to twin 3-year-old girls born in ethiopia. i saw your comment on the zelalaland post and this is the first time i've seen your blog. you have a wonderful, beautiful family. i can imagine what you are going through as you prepare for the surgery, not only as a mom but because my sister (who was born in south korea) has significant physical disabilities and has had several major surgeries in her life. i will be thinking of elvie and all of your family on the 7th, and i will follow your blog to see how all of you are doing.
i wish you all the best --
jen in CT
love that fat baby. love how well she's doing. prayers coming down the line. breathing for you. so scary...
ReplyDeleteWe're mustering all of the positive energy in the universe to help E through and bring her out stronger on the other side. Your family is so strong, I know you'll pass this test with flying colors. Sending her lots of love from Boston!
ReplyDeleteGigantic prayers coming from now until you tell us to stop.
ReplyDeleteWe're praying for you all, Mary!
ReplyDeleteMarcy