Things I take for Granted

Today while I'm praying for Annie-Lou to recover from her surgery I think of the things that most parents don't have to watch their child endure, things which I take for granted. For parents who's children aren't routinely hooked up to tubes, wires, sensors and battery powered equipment, it must be frightening to see their child arrayed in the hospital's finest. I think if Emily came out of surgery and didn't have wires, tape, oxygen, drainage tubes and sensors on her, I would think she wasn't long for this world. My, how my perspective has changed.

Each day we use catheters and syringes, a drainage bag, supplimental breathing equipment, feeding tube and pump, and an assortment of splints, supports and medications to help us with Emily's daily living. And when we look at her we see beyond the medical appendages. We see the beautiful child who is our daughter. The girl who is taking long looks at teenage boys, and loves to laugh at funny things like dog farts. We see a baby girl who has grown into a lovely teen, one who's beautiful face continues to shine despite the irritations of her medical conditions.


We've grown with our girl and thank God every day for all the support she has. But there are some days that I wonder, and even wish that I knew what life would be like if she didn't need all the medical extras. I spend a moment and dream a bit, and pray. And then I thank the Lord that someday, in heaven, we'll see her without all that stuff attached. So right now, while Emily's here she needs it, and its a part of her.

Today I'm praying for Annabelle, that she won't need the extras. And please God, ease her stress from surgery and help her to take big beautiful breaths. Cause life to flow in her little body and rejuvenate her. And Lord, I just want to say, I'm a fan of the beautiful work you do. She's such a cutie!

You can read more about Annabelle at her family blog.