Would you look at this beaming, oxygen cannula-free face?! This is the face of a little girl who got discharged from the hospital today!
There was such a void while she was gone. Even the smallest members of our household felt it. Last night Lydia kept hitting the button on my phone to see the picture of the three girls together and she'd say "DoDo? DoDo?"
Today, as soon as Lydia saw Josie, she got the biggest smile on her face and exclaimed "DoDo!!!"
It's incredible to have her back. It makes you realize all of the simple day-to-day things that you take for granted. Things like seeing Josie standing on a stool brushing her teeth at the bathroom sink. I stood and marveled at the sight of that tonight.
That may sound a bit dramatic but when you've lived through too many close calls with a child, it impacts you profoundly. Heck, one close call is one too many. It's not something I could (or even want to attempt to) articulate, but the day I had last Wednesday is one I wouldn't wish upon anyone.
But, I need to work to put that behind me. Because she's home now. And even the mundane moments have new significance.
In addition to maintaining her oxygen saturations without requiring supplemental oxygen, Josie must remain hydrated. I'm delighted to report that she ate and drank like a champ today.
Granted, she's still fighting off RSV. She's still weak and she's not herself.
But the fact that she can continue to build her strength and recover in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by family, is such a blessing.
During our hospital days and rough moments when Josie was just a baby, I experienced the power of what I call "blogosphere prayers." People from all over the world surrounded Josie in prayer. We had some dark days but we were strengthened by an incredible support system of people who didn't even know us, but were invested in our well being.
That happened again this past week and I want to say thank you. With every fiber of my being, thank you. When we felt scared and helpless, knowing Josie was enveloped in care, concern, well wishes, and prayer gave us strength.
She's home and we are so incredibly grateful.
Thanks be to God!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for Josie and your family!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad she's home. She's the third little one I know that's been in the hospital with RSV lately. And she's the third that has come home not on oxygen. What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to bring her home. I hope you all get some well deserved rest.
ReplyDeleteHealing power of prayers, I am happy she is home!
ReplyDeleteSo glad she's home! What a blessing to have your family all under one roof again! I'll pray she continues to improve.
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