February 9, 2010

Wow it has been a really long time... In December the charity had its annual fundraising banquet and we were invited to attend. I told my sister, Lisa, that Rob, Lina and I would be going and she generously offered to pay for Hannah, Mary, and John to fly out also. We had a great time! Lina was honored with an award, for of all things, her courage. Bill told our story and the whole room was in tears, and on their feet for our family. It was truly uplifting.
And now here we are, back in NY for surgery #10. The week leading up to surgery was difficult, to say the least, I was in the most incredible pain I have EVER had and remember, I did give birth! (posted this just to remember) We did all the usual things, went to the pediatrician, then to Dr. Rose's office, we had lunch at the Comfort Diner (no friendly faces and the food was not as good as in the past). Lina wanted a Wendy's burger, FF's, and an M&M frosty for dinner, we picked it up and watched the Princess and the Frog. Lina fell asleep. Mary, I have no idea
how you get any sleep, Lina sure does SNORE. (haha) Rob left for SC today, so Hannah is stepping up and taking care of John and Mary for a few days. Susan, thanks for picking the kids up for school and for all your help last week-I really appreciate you! To my carpool friends, you girls rock--thanks for all you do to make this do-able for our family.
Lina is having a new graft put on a stint for her nose as one nostril closed up. Dr. Rose is also going to work on her mouth, eye, nose, and dermabrasion all over, to include her back. The show the Doctor's is interested in our story again, and some local NY programs want to see us in a few weeks to do a story on her. I would love for something to come through so that maybe the charity will get some recognition and donations.
I truly covet prayers-especially right now. I know the Lord is so good and I'm literally holding onto his promises. Lina is surrounded by angels and I am truly amazed at how she handles going into surgery each time. I'll update when I hear something.

And the hits just keep on coming...

So we all know that I love babies, but they put a crying baby in our room, and didn't seem to think that was a problem. I am so happy to say Dr. Rose agreed and okay'd us being discharged, so I am getting us ready to go to the hotel. Lina is doing great! Still very tired, not hungry yet but it will come. This has been a challenging trip, one thing after another, please pray that I will write a constructive letter. My friend Larry's daughter is going home, please pray that her recovery will be fast so that we can all watch her play next season.
Praise be to God for all things.

Where is she????

So I spoke with Dr. Rose last night after surgery and he said, " We hit a homerun." Then I went to recovery and she wasn't there. The woman in recovery couldn't find her....finally she was in Picu 3rd floor. She was extubated and did pretty well through the night. She got a bath, sat in a chair, but the magic moment hasn't come yet, she still isn't hungry. On a side note, I left one of our bags at the hotel and accidentally left my scripts, well no effexor makes for a BIG headache, so I left to get the meds and had the WORST taxi ride of my life, I thought for sure I was going to lose it....I didn't. On the way back to the hospital I begged the driver to go slow, he did and all is well. So, Lina had major work done to her eye-cartilage from her ear put in the bottom lid, the upper lid shortened. Major work to the nose and lips. She is not nearly as swollen as previous and I think we will be out of here by Friday. I have been doing the Beth Moore Believing God study and today was about miracles of the New Testament. I guess many don't believe that God is still performing miracles, I know he is. Please continue to pray for Lina and I. Also, woohoo, Hope is here, sadly her daughter Alana had been here for a month. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.

How many more???

I have meet some wonderful people this trip, please pray for Mary, having surgery on her shoulder due to cancer, they can't find the primary source of the cancer. Also, Kherisa, goalie for the Rochester field hockey team, having back surgery. We arrived in NY yesterday and went to Laura Gellers makeup studio. Lina enjoyed having makeup put on and felt like a princess. Then to Dr. Rose's office. We took pictures and then did a side-by-side comparison, WOW. She really has come a long way. For those of us that see her everyday...wait until you see the pictures. Then to the pediatrician. Lina didn't even bat an eye when they did the finger prick for a CBC, usually she wails. What an amazing little girl. We ate a cheeseburger and shake and headed to bed early, she fell asleep watching Night in the Museum, II. This morning she cried very little and went to sleep peacefully. I haven't heard ANYTHING. To all those praying, thank you! Prior to this trip I threw a few temper tantrums, The Lord is ever faithful though and loves me despite my shortcomings. I was on my face a lot last week and it has prepared me for this week. He is so good!

October 12

Quick update...we are going to NY on the 12th, surgery on the 13. Depending on the Lord, COMPLETELY!

There's no place like home

We are home! This is the first time we flew Northwest and Rob had nothing good to say about them, but so far, they have been the best!! I was joking around with one of the flight attendants and low and behold, he was the head guy--right before the plane took off he upgraded us to first class--what a blessing. Then I got home to lots of hugs and kisses and a clean house. Thank you Nancy, Elaine, and Diane--I love you! I can't begin to express my thankfulness and happiness to all my friends and family. I am humbled by the love you have all given so freely to us. To everyone in my Sunday school class-you are the best. Lina did great on Friday-she was crying, and sweating like crazy, but she handled having what seemed like a million stitches removed from her face, leg, and groin area. She is still swollen, however she is looking great. This was our best trip-not the easiest, it was actually more than I thought it would be, but the two of us continue to bond and look to each other for support. She is precious and has grown up so much! She even cracked a joke while on the phone with Hannah-Hannah asked what are you doing tomorrow and she responded with no hesitation, I'm taking a shower and then mom is going to count my stitches, sounds like fun, right? Hannah and I were cracking up. John has been extremely helpful while I was gone, and seemed to really miss me( I missed him too). Mary and Hannah continue to be supportive, compassionate, loving, and all-around incredible. The three of them understand that they are making a difference for Jesus, and they are so important in this journey. Rob continues to be the glue holding everything together. And he is so stinkin handsome, how did I get so lucky????? I am so happy to be home. I must say I am exhausted and emotionally spent-however I know I am blessed and thank The Lord each day.

Catching Up...

Laura hasn't had internet access, so i'll catch everyone up on their progress.

On Tuesday they got out of the Hotel for a while and walked to the Comfort Diner...about 2 blocks from the hotel and saw their favorite waiter, Rodger. Lina's food intake is a good barometer of how she's feeling. Lina had 3 eggs/2 pcs of toast / french Fries and a choclate milkshake...she's back!!!

Wed. was a doctor's visit, he took out only a few stitches. The rest will come out on Friday. Then they went to their favorite place for hamburgers, Melons with Bill & Sue Broderick. Always good time with the Brodericks, L&L truly enjoy their time with them.

Friday they'll get the rest of the stitches removed (over 150!!). Please pray that this goes well and that Lina will not be in pain. Both Lina and Laura are doing well, in great spirits! They're really looking forward to getting home on Saturday afternoon.
Rob