Friday, April 16, 2010

A date to remember

This date is one that is engraved in my mind and heart already.  One of the hardest and also most joyous dates I've experienced.  A date in which I handed to God something that was His anyway and trusted Him for the best.  It was one of the most difficult things I've been called to do as a mom.


Its a date that is in my heart, and one we have celebrated as a family.  Did you notice the "ticker" at the top of my blog?  The one right under Eliana's picture?  It doesn't look much like a ticker, but it is there counting the days nonetheless.  I remember putting the ticker on my blog.  It was the day that we "picked" a date for Eliana's heart surgery.  What an odd thing to pick a date for in my mind. 


Three years.  It has been three years since my baby started the day with two holes in her heart.  Started the day being kept alive with medications.  Started the day in heart failure.  Ended the day with a repaired heart.  At the time there were still many unknowns.  Would she smile?  Would she have complications?  Would she be here long?  The answers were all the best.  Yes, she smiled.  I still remember that first one - in the hospital at Christopher.  Thankfully, no complications which also sent us home early. 


This is Eliana's Heart Day.  A day in which we celebrate the life of our little  Princess.  A day in which we give thanks to God for healing her.  A day in which we give thanks.


Our celebrations have been small, but still sweet.  I think it's good to have markers like this in your life in which you give thanks.  I remember before Eliana's surgery having to come to the point of being able to give thanks to God regardless of the outcome.  Of having to know that He is good, regardless of how things turned out.  That may sound easy, but even as I type, tears are brimming in my eyes.  I'm so very thankful that He chose to use our surgeon's hands to bring healing.  As a tear slips down my face, I'm again thankful for this sweet girl he has placed in our family.  Indeed, God is good.


I haven't firmed up plans for later in the day since we have another big event this morning.  Thankfully, I do have a precious friend that is helping me to make plans.  She remembers this date too.  That is precious to my heart (especially since I'm *terrible* at remembering most dates!!!)  More later on our heart day.


For now, this day holds another milestone.  We are once again headed to the hospital for something that will make a change in our lives.  This one though on a much smaller scale than heart surgery.  This appointment holds no fear, no worries, no letting go.  It's something we are excited about and ready to handle.  We are off to get Joshua hooked up to the pump.  He is ready.  I am too.


Will post more later today if I'm able to.  Give those you love a big hug today.  Thank God for the time you have to spend with them.  Make the most of this day.  Cherish the moments.  Thank God!


Love
Leslie

8 comments:

  1. I am sure the pump will be a blessing to your family and will make things easier. I have a few friends that have had the pump for years and has worked out great for them. Also wanted to say what a blessing it has been to read your blog for the past year or so and so glad that your daughter is doing so well with all the hurdles she has had to overcome.

    Blessings

    Diane

    ReplyDelete
  2. (((Leslie)))


    Praying for you today :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Heart Day to Eliana and her beautiful family! When I think of Eliana's heart and surgery, I think of so much more than the physical. I think of the beautiful, life-changing work God has done in and through you. I think of the selfless, generous love which has poured out of your hearts and the countless ways He's using all of you to reflect HIS heart. Much love to all of you today, friend! XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  4. coffeeandconversationApril 16, 2010 at 4:51 AM

    Happy Heart Day to Eliana! What an amazing little girl God has given to you!

    Praying for Joshua and his new pump today! He is such a brave young man.

    (((Hugs))) to you my friend,

    Bronwyn

    ReplyDelete
  5. Happy Heart Day to Eliana!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love that you celebrate her heart day. I wish I had thought of that so many years ago. Oct 17 will be 20 years for Timothy's heart day. I can not believe it has been that long.

    Blessings,

    Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  7. Leslie, you sure ended up with a sweetie on your hands!! I am glad, too, that the doctor was able to repair Eliana's heart. She is a blessing to everyone, even those in the FIAR group. I love the way she is talking now, and walking around eating on her own, and acting like a little mom. She's the picture of hope to me.


    Love you,

    Lynn


    PS -- I hope the pump placement goes well.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy heart day to Eliana! I always check the ticker when I visit your blog, and have wondered about Eliana's "heart story". God is so good. I thank Him with you for using the surgeon's hands to heal on this day 3 years ago. What a little ray of sunshine she is! Her joy shines through the computer monitor.


    I hope the pump placement went well, and have prayed just now for encouragement for you and Joshua.


    Blessings,

    Pam in SE MI

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from friends!!! Thank you for taking time to leave a comment!