Hospital Day 6 - The day before surgery

Tomorrow is the big day!

I had a rough start to the day when a lady would not move to let me on the bus, and the bus left without me.  The next bus was not for another hour, so I ducked into a cafe to get out of the frigid air because my toes were already numb just from the walk to the bus stop.  In the cafe, they were playing American pop music.  Many of you will know the song...the chorus says "When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change; You're amazing, just the way you are."  So, of course, there I am in the freezing cold, having missed my bus, alone, in an Italian cafe weeping for Anna.  She IS amazing, just the way she is.  Nothing in my heart wants to change her.  I only want to help this amazing little person gain the one thing she lacks: the ability to hear.

 

Once I made it to the hospital, it was all business:  meals, medicines, information, schedules, and lots and lots of downtime.  The four families interacted more and bonded more today than we have before - maybe because we all know the time is near.  Pray for them all!

 After consultation with numerous people, we decided to stand by our original decision not to shave Anna's head.  We may regret that later, but that's what we think is best knowing all the things we know.  For her part, Anna sat a little unhappily for the partial shave, but when she looked in the mirror, she smiled, and she has been happy to show everyone her new do. Uncle Dave has vowed to shave his hair in solidarity with Anna.  I think that's a good uncle thing to do.  I will not be following suit.

Anna got one last treat today.  She chose an orange popscicle.  I also brought her favorite food for dinner - hot dogs. 

We ended our day with another surprise visitor - Tomas from Verona, another person who volunteers to serve as a sort of welcome wagon for foreign families undergoing this kind of surgery, arrived with a beautiful violet in a basket and a stuffed Bugs Bunny.  Tomas has a hearing aid for one ear and a cochlear implant in the other.  He showed Anna is external device, and Anna told him that she would be getting one, too.  At least she understands that much.

 

Our dear friend Pam is serving as host home in the USA for foreign families whose children are undergoing heart surgery.  Until now, I never realized what a ministry it could be to reach out to people far away from home to make them feel supported.  There's a reason the Bible tells us to show kindness to the foreigner - in many cases, they have weary hearts, and a small kindness like a visit or encouraging words mean so very much.

We are now tucked into bed and only one night's sleep away from surgery. 
I feel like we need one of those big electronic countdown boards that they use for space launches.I will keep you all updated tomorrow as best I can from the waiting area and then the ICU.

He has heard our prayers.  We rest in His grace.  We trust His providence for Anna and her life.  "And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight..."  Tonight, as Anna sleeps, and I plan to soon follow, I can say "it is well with my soul."

Amy