By your side

 You  are making drastic improvements as the day goes forward. You have gotten your IV out of your groin artery, neural monitors, and a few other IVs. We just got settled in a different PCICU room because you are now more stable than others that just had surgery. You haven't gotten to eat anything, but you've had ice and water since 12pm. That hasn't went well. After begging for water for eight hours, you have thrown up every five minutes since sipping the water. The Child Life Specialist brought in some things to help your lungs such as bubbles, party blowers and a wind mill. She also brought markers, paint and paper. You blew a few things, but tired out quickly. Hoping to see a better day tomorrow and maybe we can paint!!!! :-) 

 Your sister and brothers came for a visit... They each have such special gifts. Anna comes in and wants to help. She gives you water, covers you and talks to you. She is such a "doer". Anna does what is needed and jumps right in to help. Eli is the encourager. He calms your fears, even though he has a substantial amount himself that he has masked by bravery. He gently rubs your hand and gives a  squeeze to show his presence. He asks a lot of questions and wants to know about every tube, wire and fluid. He wants to learn so that he will be able to help.  Then, there is Ezra. He is simply the feeler. Your Daddy carried him out while he quietly cried while burying his head in daddy's neck. It hurts him deeply to see you hurt. He can't take the pain of seeing you sick. We all love you dearly and are in this together. Today, you have told me over and over that you love me big so much... Forever.  All the teasing me for months and months might be over. You know our dedication and loyalty, I pray. It's easy to tell someone something, but maybe since we have shown you,  you believe. You are a treasure to us. .. All of us. I hope you know these things to be true. 

It breaks my heart that you had two surgeries in China with no one holding your hand, no one holding your hair back as you vomit and no one staring at you while you sleep thanking God for you. You are such a special gift. We would go to the ends of the earth for you, as parents .. Your siblings would as well. You are stuck with us, Joy!!!!! 

 We were healed by His wounds before we came to the hospital. Now, you have been healed by His hands! What a miracle you are, Joy!

                               Love, 

                                    ️Mommy