Deja Vu...sort of

I was going to give everyone an update on how I was doing since my surgery, but something more important has come up. 

The huz's cousin, I guess she is my cousin too!, had a new little boy two nights ago.  We found out that they learned last night that he has a heart defect and he was being transferred to a different hospital.  I cannot tell you how much this makes my heart ache for her family.  Even though we haven't actually met since they live on the other side of the US, I feel a close bond with her.  When I was preggo with Monkey, she was preggo with her first little one.  An adorable little Monkey of her own.  She is just too cute! 

I also can't even begin to explain to you how hearing this brought all of the memories from when Monkey was born flooding back.  I am not sure how many people I actually told this story to, or how many remember.  I remember like it was yesterday. 

The day that I was supposed to be discharged, we were seen by the GI on call to discuss that there might, might be an issue with Monkey's liver.  She talked with us for a little while, threw out about a dozen names of diseases that she could have, and then said words that I will never forget.  She said, "I am debating on whether to keep her here rather than letting her go home so we can run more tests."  I was devastated.  It was like someone knocked all of the wind out of me.  Shortly after the GI left, I was sitting in my bed just looking at Monkey sleep in her bassinet when my OB walked in.  He asked me how I was doing and I immediately started bawling my eyes out.  He was the best!  He calmed me down and asked me what was wrong.  I told him that she might not get to come home with us.  He said that he knows that it would be hard, but it is what is best for her.  He also said that he and his wife had to leave one of their babies at the hospital for a few days after he was born and it was hard, but it was better for him.  Luckily, Monkey got to come home with us and we just brought her back for tests the following Monday.  It was the best feeling in the world.

Unfortunately, Ashley and her family do not have this option.  Baby boy has already been transferred to a new hospital.  We are waiting to hear what they have to say.  I can't imagine what she is going through and I am constantly thinking about her and her family.  This is one of those situations where I am ready to jump in the car or on a plane and help out if needed.  I know she has enough support, but I hope she knows I would be there in a heartbeat! Please take a few moments out of your day to say a prayer, send good thoughts, or just think of their family.  I am sure they will appreciate it.  I know I do and I did when we were going through everything with Monkey.  I will update on myself tomorrow. 

Prayers and thoughts abound

I will post later about what has been going on with me since my last post.  Today I ask for prayers and thoughts. 

My friend Tina is an extraordinary person.  She is one of those people that makes you smile just because she is so infectious.  I ask for you to pray for Tina, her family, and especially her Aunt.  Tina's aunt has been fighting cancer for some time now.  Tina has set up a caring bridge page for her, gone out of state to help care for her Aunt and her cousins, and done an excellent job of keeping everyone informed of her Aunt's progress.  Unfortunately, it seems that the time for fighting is coming to an end.  Please send your thoughts and prayers that my dear friend's Aunt is able to spend on last holiday with her family.  I do not know her family other than thought Tina, but I can tell that she is so very much loved. 

She has been on my thoughts on and off since we learned of her prognosis, but it seems like holidays where friends and family are gathering to celebrate makes me think of her more.  In this time where people are rushing to get presents bought, wrapped, and sent there are other things we should really worry about.  I admit that I am not a big fan of Christmas because I feel like I can never get a good enough present for everyone.  I have absolutely learned my lesson this year.  It's not the present.  It's the people.  Hold your loved ones tight.  You never know when you will be asking for thoughts and prayers for them. 

I did a shadow box project for my cousin and MIL/Step-FIL and 3 uncles this year for Christmas that included a poem that I think is beautiful so I would like to share it.

To Those I Love

By: Isla Paschal Richardson

If I should ever leave you whom I love

To go along the Silent Way,

grieve not,

nor speak of me with tears,

but laugh and talk

of me as if I were beside you there.

(I'd come-I'd come, could I but find a way!

But would not tears and grief be barriers?)

And when you hear a song or

see a bird I loved,

please do not let the thought of me be sad...

For I am loving you just as I always have...

You were so good to me!

There are so many thing I wanted still

to do--

so many things to say to you...

Remember that I did not fear--

It was just leaving you that was so hard to face...

We cannot see Beyond...

But this I know:

I love you so--

'twas heaven here with you!

Prayer Reqest..

I would like to ask any of you who read my blog or Monkey's blog to pray for a friend of ours. His name is Jax and he is currently on the Liver transplant waiting list. He is 9 months old and has Biliary Atresia, the same disease Monkey was diagnosed with. Jax is not a candidate for a living donor due to complications with his portal vein. Please pray that someone says yes to giving him a chance at life.



It is a bitter sweet prayer, to ask for one child to gain a life due to someone else losing theirs.  Trust me, I know.   While Monkey was a candidate for a living donor, we received the call before we had the chance to further explore that option.  We were veru blessed and Monkey was only on the waiting list for a total of 28 days.  I can only hope and pray that Jax has such a short wait.  He has already been on the list for 14 days.  Please keep little Jax in your thoughts as well as the families who are saying yes to saving other lives.