The day before an EUA (exam under anesthesia) for Violet is always filled with a bit of nervousness. Being human, we have our moments where our hearts and minds can wander and fear will always try to take a hold of you if you choose to allow it.
That night before we had to take Violet to the hospital, we all got into bed and (for probably the dozenth time that day) I began to pray for God to take care of our baby and for us to receive the news that Violet continues to be cancer free. As I began my prayer, before the thoughts even got past the "Please Lord" I was gently interrupted. I felt the comfort of God tell me that I didn't even need to continue, that he knew my heart and that it was already taken care of. This was so powerful that it made tears poor down my cheeks and brought a smile to my lips. I felt safe as if I was just given a huge comforting hug and I fell asleep knowing, not thinking, that Violet's exam would yield great results.
Everything ran pretty smoothly the next day with Violet's check in and preparation for her exam. They took her vitals, weight and height, and we got her changed into her hospital gown. We met with a new to us anesthesiologist and Violet's ophthalmology team and then signed all of the necessary paperwork.
We were watching cartoons and waiting for Violet's surgery room to be ready when our pastor came to be with us. It meant so much to have him there. At some point in our conversation Josh spoke of "a voice" that comforted him as he prayed for Violet the night before. It was the first I had heard of this and it brought me so much joy that he had experienced this also. He explained to us that it calmed him and that he believed it was God. But then later as time went on, his mind began to wander and made him question it and think thoughts of doubt. But, he wanted to believe.
Both our pastor and I told Josh to trust that voice of comfort.
The surgery staff came in to take Violet back to the exam room and this time it was my turn to go back with her (Josh and I take turns). It may be because Violet is getting older, but the last couple of times she has had her EUA done she gets upset and begins to cry when we reach the table. She remembers it well. She doesn't like having the mask put over her face at all. So, when we got to the room she was fine until we got near to the table. Violet started to cry and got upset so they upped the sleepy meds in the mask and she quickly fell asleep in my arms. I layed her down gently on the table, gave her a kiss and the nurse walked me back to Josh. I shed a few tears as I pulled the layer of surgery room clothes off of me. It is hard to see Violet like that and hard to leave our baby's life in an other's care. But, I remembered the comfort I was given the night before, so I wiped my tears away and went with Josh to wait.
After much time had passed we noticed that Violet's appointment was running longer than usual. Josh turned to me with a concerned look on his face and let me know he was starting to get worried. I also felt that emotion coming on but then I said to him, "Maybe they are just taking more pictures than usual because they are so amazed at how well everything looks." He smiled, grabbed my hand and agreed.
When our hospital pager went off we quickly gathered our things and headed to the reception desk. She let us know what room to go into to meet with Violet's ophthalmologist to hear how everything went. Josh and I waited for another 15-20 minutes in that room. It always seems like forever.
When he entered the room, his assistant was with him. His assistant is never with him for this talk so Josh and I shot each other a quick glance knowing exactly what the other was thinking. Why was he here? Did this mean something was wrong? Those thoughts flashing in our heads were quickly quieted when he smiled at us and said "Everything looks good Mom and Dad."
No recurrence! And, the inactive tumor in her left eye was still completely inactive!
I can't even describe the happiness this moment brought us. We both had tears and laughter. We both had praise for God!
After discussing details and future needed appointments, Josh asked Violet's ophthalmologist, "Why did the appointment take longer this time?" He replied, "We were taking a bunch of pictures back there. Everything looked great."
:)
Thank you so much to all of you who continue to pray for our Violet. We know God hears our prayers and rejoices in everyone reaching out to Him. All the glory is His!
Believe ... trust ... and have faith. He loves us so much.
My child, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
That night before we had to take Violet to the hospital, we all got into bed and (for probably the dozenth time that day) I began to pray for God to take care of our baby and for us to receive the news that Violet continues to be cancer free. As I began my prayer, before the thoughts even got past the "Please Lord" I was gently interrupted. I felt the comfort of God tell me that I didn't even need to continue, that he knew my heart and that it was already taken care of. This was so powerful that it made tears poor down my cheeks and brought a smile to my lips. I felt safe as if I was just given a huge comforting hug and I fell asleep knowing, not thinking, that Violet's exam would yield great results.
Everything ran pretty smoothly the next day with Violet's check in and preparation for her exam. They took her vitals, weight and height, and we got her changed into her hospital gown. We met with a new to us anesthesiologist and Violet's ophthalmology team and then signed all of the necessary paperwork.
We were watching cartoons and waiting for Violet's surgery room to be ready when our pastor came to be with us. It meant so much to have him there. At some point in our conversation Josh spoke of "a voice" that comforted him as he prayed for Violet the night before. It was the first I had heard of this and it brought me so much joy that he had experienced this also. He explained to us that it calmed him and that he believed it was God. But then later as time went on, his mind began to wander and made him question it and think thoughts of doubt. But, he wanted to believe.
Both our pastor and I told Josh to trust that voice of comfort.
The surgery staff came in to take Violet back to the exam room and this time it was my turn to go back with her (Josh and I take turns). It may be because Violet is getting older, but the last couple of times she has had her EUA done she gets upset and begins to cry when we reach the table. She remembers it well. She doesn't like having the mask put over her face at all. So, when we got to the room she was fine until we got near to the table. Violet started to cry and got upset so they upped the sleepy meds in the mask and she quickly fell asleep in my arms. I layed her down gently on the table, gave her a kiss and the nurse walked me back to Josh. I shed a few tears as I pulled the layer of surgery room clothes off of me. It is hard to see Violet like that and hard to leave our baby's life in an other's care. But, I remembered the comfort I was given the night before, so I wiped my tears away and went with Josh to wait.
After much time had passed we noticed that Violet's appointment was running longer than usual. Josh turned to me with a concerned look on his face and let me know he was starting to get worried. I also felt that emotion coming on but then I said to him, "Maybe they are just taking more pictures than usual because they are so amazed at how well everything looks." He smiled, grabbed my hand and agreed.
When our hospital pager went off we quickly gathered our things and headed to the reception desk. She let us know what room to go into to meet with Violet's ophthalmologist to hear how everything went. Josh and I waited for another 15-20 minutes in that room. It always seems like forever.
When he entered the room, his assistant was with him. His assistant is never with him for this talk so Josh and I shot each other a quick glance knowing exactly what the other was thinking. Why was he here? Did this mean something was wrong? Those thoughts flashing in our heads were quickly quieted when he smiled at us and said "Everything looks good Mom and Dad."
No recurrence! And, the inactive tumor in her left eye was still completely inactive!
I can't even describe the happiness this moment brought us. We both had tears and laughter. We both had praise for God!
After discussing details and future needed appointments, Josh asked Violet's ophthalmologist, "Why did the appointment take longer this time?" He replied, "We were taking a bunch of pictures back there. Everything looked great."
:)
Thank you so much to all of you who continue to pray for our Violet. We know God hears our prayers and rejoices in everyone reaching out to Him. All the glory is His!
Believe ... trust ... and have faith. He loves us so much.
My child, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
Proverbs 4:20-22
Wonderful news!
ReplyDeletePraise God
Thank you so much!
DeleteI admire you all for your diligence and stamina. Dealing with all this just sounds completely overwhelming from the outside. I know that you always do what you have to do, but Violet obviously has great parents! God bless ~
ReplyDeletekath
Thank you very much Kathy :)
ReplyDelete