Even though it's obviously hard to leave my boys for a week and then hand my little girl's life over to a surgeon, I'm grateful for this moment of time to just listen to music, ponder and write. It's a rare occasion that I have a big section of time to do just that.
After our trip to WA, driving with one child was a completely different experience. We passed the time playing fun car games the boys would have quickly tired of and listening to Bryce and Elina make up silly stories.
When we told Elina about her upcoming surgery, she took it really well but definitely had more anxiety than the first time. Because of that, it was so nice to spend some fun, stress free, easygoing time with her in the car.
Tue. was our "pre-op" day, x-rays, blood draws, vitals, etc. This was Elina's favorite mode of transportation! (On Daddy's back)
X-ray time. When the nurses told Elina they were going to take a "picture" she said, "Yeah, yeah, I know". She walked in, said she preferred to sit on a stool, buckled the lap pad by herself and completely took the nurses by surprise. Afterwords, she asked if she could get her sticker now. (you'd think she's had a few x-rays before :)
I love how decorated all the rooms are here.
They put us in Exam Room #7 - Lucky #7 and Elina is 7 yrs old. Just a fun fact :)
The timing of the entire day definitely felt heaven led. We finished earlier than expected and were still a little apprehensive about the next day's surgery. Our Dr. just happened to have time right then to come find us and talk to us personally. He was able to calm our anxiety and we felt much more at peace. We left the hospital just as my cousin was getting off work so we were able to pick him up and had a lovely dinner with his family (even saved him a trax ride). After visiting a bit and trying out their new marshmallow gun, we left just in time to meet Bryce's Mom for some super yummy ice cream. She was on her way to Cedar to help with the boys.
All in all, it was a beautiful day.
Surgery Day:
Elina cried as we headed to the "see you later" doors. As we hugged, I asked her what she was most excited for after the surgery. Her answer was to watch Kung Fu Panda 2 and eat Ramen and a caramel milk shake. It calmed her down enough to smile as they wheeled her away in her little wagon.
Walking into the R.McD. living room, we miraculously ran into our neighbor and good friend, Kelly Bolli. Her daughter is here as well. We shared a few tears, many words of comfort and walked away feeling uplifted and strengthened. She along with many others have been angels on earth for us. I love the talk "The Ministry of Angels" by Jeffrey R. Holland. Especially this quote:
I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face.
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