Thursday, March 11, 2010

So much to be grateful for...

You know, Children's Hospital is a tough place to be. Every single day, I see children with conditions that can't be cured, who will never lead "normal" lives - I see these kids with their parents waiting to check-in, I stand by them in the elevators, I see parents pushing them down the hallways and every single time, I look at those children and think how lucky I am - that Bodie has something that, while it can't be cured, can be cured "enough" that he can hopefully lead a "normal" life - that the doctors know what's wrong with him and exactly what they need to do to treat it. So you see, how lucky you are is all relative. It all depends on what you're focused on - on whether you focus on that makes your situation tough...or on what makes it special. So, in light of this, here are a few of things I'm grateful for in our situation:

1. I'm grateful for the incredible doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital. Seriously, these men and woman are absolutely amazing and specialize in performing miracles every single day. The surgeon who worked on Bodie, Dr. Starnes, is unbelievable - God has given him such a gift and he uses that gift to give so many kids a chance at life. And the nurses are so kind - I swear, they love their patients as much as the parents do. We have loved every single nurse who's taken care of Bodie and I will truly miss the incredible CTICU nurses once Bodie moves to the step-down unit. It is only because of the amazing nurses and knowing Bodie is in such good hands that I can feel comfortable coming home and spending time with Sierra at night.

2. I'm so grateful that we live in LA (probably the only time I will write that phrase!), less than an hour from Children's Hospital. I'm so glad we didn't have to uproot our family and travel cross-country to treat Bodie's condition.

3. I'm so grateful for my mom, who, bless her heart, has been staying with us since the day before Bodie was born. She has an unbelievable ability to see where there's a need and just fill it - she has driven with me to the hospital almost every day, done countless loads of laundry, unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher every day, washed my pump parts too many times to count and most importantly, been there for Sierra, picking her up from preschool, making her lunches and giving her baths. She probably feels like an indentured servant at this point, but we are so grateful! We can never thank her enough for all that she has done for us!

4. More than anything, I'm grateful for all of your prayers. It is only because of all of your prayers that Bodie is doing as well as he is!!! Speaking of the little man, here are a few pictures I took today when Daddy got to spend some time with him - and hold him for the first time since surgery!!!



And his first IPOD...

6 comments:

  1. I always have to check up on you before I go to bed. You are truely amazing parents, not many could see the good in your situation. It's so easy to get caught up in our petty little worlds when all is going well, thanks for the reminder to ALWAYS be thankful!
    I have to say, moms are wonderful! God knew what He was doing when he made the mother/child relationship. So glad you have help. :) Erin

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  2. Somehow I missed your posts yesterday! Amy, you make me laugh! Even with all that's going on you still have a sense of humor. :) Oh, I love the pics of Dusk and Bodie, so sweet!
    We'll be praying, thanks for being specific. Erin again...I need to go to bed.

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  3. Many hugs Amy! Your strength and thankfulness amaze me. You truly are a woman that inspires!
    Thanks for updating so often!
    Love and prayers,
    Sharon

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  4. We are so proud to have you as our sister in the Lord. What a glorious "song" you sang to our God! Several times when my husband and I have been praying we have marveled at the surgeon's ability to operate on Bodie's wee little valve - incredible. Love and hugs, Karen

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  5. I second that - LOVE CTICU and CHLA and know what a help your mom has been. So glad we met and can walk on this journey together ... hope it's a great day up at CTICU! Love, The Hale's

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  6. Debbie and Lilly catesMarch 12, 2010 at 10:49 AM

    Awesome! I love that Dusk is listening to tunes with his boy. So sweet.

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