I am so thankful for technology - not only the ABI technology that will allow Anna to hear, but also for other technology - texting, Skype, e-mail - that allow me to stay in touch with family and friends and allow me to see daily my sweet girls at home.
Anna had a hard morning, and I thought we were taking steps backward instead of forward. Dr. Carner assured me this was normal. He said that since the anesthesia was probably completely out of Anna's body by now, she is feeling every little pain (and the big ones, too.) They sedated Anna for another CT this morning, so she was groggy for a little while and very cross that she was not allowed to eat.
This afternoon and evening, however, Anna perked right up. She was in such good spirits that I decided to see how her memory was functioning. We did her alphabet flashcards, and she got 100% of her letters right! I asked her to count, and she happily counted. She identified all her colors. I didn't make her do other words or books. I was satisfied that Anna's cognitive functioning is intact. Thank you, Lord, for all the mercies!
Speaking of mercies, before we left the U.S., I told my dad that it was going to be a long stretch for Anna to go without her beloved Chinese foods. As it turns out, we were able to have Chinese dumplings in Milan. Then, our roomates turn out to be Taiwanese, and sweet Yvonne makes things Anna loves. Today, she brought Anna Chinese vegetables, and Anna's heart was thrilled. What an incredible gift for Anna. These are the kinds of gifts from God that delight my heart the most -- the little touches that would have never entered my mind to ask for, precious, seemingly "small" things that let us know He sees us. I know some would call it serendipity or happenstance. Not me. I see that even the small things that would make Anna's stay in the hospital more bearable were provided by Him just to bless her.
I freely, and by way of this blog, publicly, admit to being a grouch today. But as I write this post, looking back on our day and back on all the good in it, my heart is calmer and my disposition cheerier. What is one more day, or one more week, in the hospital? Anna is on the other side of a complex surgery on her brainstem, and her personality and intelligence are intact! Her sense of humor has even begun to resurface! She had 12 electrodes working! How dare I be grumpy? With all humility and repentance, tonight my heart is calm. I can do this as long as necessary, and I believe with all my heart, that one day very soon, Anna will HEAR. Amen!
Love from Verona,
Amy
Don't be too hard on yourself, Amy. You're being a loving mama, a cheerleader, a patient advocate, and the list goes on and on. You're allowed to have a grouchy moment or two (or 3 or 4....). So relieved to hear Anna's cognition and memory are intact. Such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteChinese vegetables? Um, yes, please! That's a big blessing indeed.
I think of and pray for you and your family often through the day and night. God does see you indeed!
Sending love and hugs your way-
Shelly and Leyton
I pray sweet dreams and rest! Praise God for the little things He is bringing your way to remind you he has not forgotten you. She is looking fantastic! Take time to go outside for a walk, breath fresh air, and let the sun shine on your face. I pray the days go quickly as Anna progresses every day. We are thinking of you and of course continue to pray for you! Love you guys, Steve and CeCe
ReplyDeleteHang in there. You are allowed to be grumpy. Praying your spirit stays strong in the long days. I pray Anna's spirits say high as she recovers. What sweet blessings God is providing!
ReplyDelete