rough day for Gracie...

Gracie is miserable, I'm not going to lie to you.  She has a LOT of pain, is coughing, uncomfortable, ticked off.  As a mom, this day is rough!  On the other hand, she is doing so well!  She was extubated at 10:00 this morning and is already sitting in a really big chair.  There are no major issues to deal with other than getting the gunk out of her lungs (I'm certain that is the technical terms you are looking for!). 

They don't have her very much sedated or on many pain medications--they are wanting her awake and coughing.  It's so hard to watch, so difficult to see her suffer--I cannot imagine what it feels like.  I have NEVER had anything even close happen to me and she's only four years old.  We all feel so helpless.  We are starting to hear her sweet voice, but she's asking for things that we cannot produce for her.  She hasn't been told "no" much in her life, unfortunately!!

The difference this time with this recovery is that this time we have hope for a longer life!!  And that makes this all quite bearable.  We know that next week she will feel a lot better than today and in a month, this will be a memory.  She will be able to run and jump and play.  I love the verses in Isaiah 40 that say, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not grow faint."

Through these past few days, we have witnessed so many friends and so many family members hoping in the LORD on behalf of Gracie.  Praise Him for His faithfulness who hears His people and loves those who call him their own.  We will walk through this journey, knowing He is carrying our sweet little girl and is completely preparing the way for her!  How comforting to know He is the One who has control and He is LOVE.  Wow!!

Curtis is probably ready for me to return to her room--I better run!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Gayle