My word of the week this week has to be emotional. It’s been a long and difficult year with Star’s neck problems and now our journey is nearing the end. Well, it’s reached the point where nothing else can be done, and although Star will never be the same again, now she is out of danger and her neck is straight.
When she woke up from the anesthetic on Monday after having her halo removed she was so emotional. In fact I had no idea how much the whole thing had affected her, she seemed to have taken everything in her stride. She did develop a big fear of hospitals, anesthetic and needles, and she often became distressed and said she didn’t want to die, but mostly she just got on with things and barely complained.
She never knew the real danger she was in. A couple of times during the last year she was incredibly close to becoming paralysed or even dying. Just a few more millimetres of movement in her neck could have caused terrifying implications that we didn’t want to think about.
We held on to our hope that one day she would be fixed, and despite being disappointed a few times, on Monday we got our wish. Star is now fixed, a little too fixed, but it’s not as bad as we expected.
Star’s exclamations of being ‘free’ and ‘normal’ reduced us to tears. Watching her with her siblings reduced us to tears. Seeing her play in the playground reduced us to tears. Seeing her come into our bedroom on Tuesday morning with her collar in her hand and a big smile on her face reduced us to tears.
This particular journey is almost over. We have a CT scan and appointment in September, then possibly physio therapy for a while and occasional follow up appointments just to check all is well.
We still have other journeys to face, but for now we are enjoying our emotional week.
We have lots to be thankful for and I’d just like to finish this emotional post with a few Thank Yous to all the people who have been at our side throughout this journey.
Thank you for all the kind words and messages, the love and support we have all received.
Thank you for all the cards, gifts and flowers Star has received.
Thank you for the lifts to hospital when we needed them.
Thank you for the clothing sent to Star when she had her first halo and I had no idea how difficult it would be to dress her.
Thank you for the kind messages on Facebook, Twitter and my blogs.
Thank you for the visitors who came to see Star while she was in hospital which really cheered her up.
Thank you to the other parents on the ward who were so friendly and supportive despite their own worries.
Thank you to the wonderful nurses and ward staff who treated Star like a little princess.
Thank you to the consultant who fixed her.
Thank you to her wonderful home tutor who has kept her up to date with her education while she hasn’t been able to attend school.
Thank you to our old church and new for regularly praying for Star.
Thank you God for letting us keep our little girl.
Ah, I'm so pleased for you that the hardest part is well and truly behind you. A whole year though, you must be drained. No idea where you got your strength from. So glad she is recovering well and you will now get to do all those everyday things you've missed xx
I was looking at Time Hop the other day and I'd commented how I had no idea how the parents on the ward she was on (for the very first time) coped. I guess I learnt the hard way! xx
Oh you have all been through! So lovely to hear that she is recovering well though. Sending hugs x
Thank you x
Ah, you've made me emotional now, too! So pleased for you, and Star, and I hope the recovery continues to go well x Thanks for sharing with #WotW
Thank you, we know she'll never be the same but it's just so lovely to have got this far x
Glad to hear she's starting to feel better. Sounds like you've all had a tough time.
Before having my daughters I wasn't very emotional, now I'm a mess all the time. Any story about kids and I well up. Yes, I've just had a little moment now!
#wotw
Heledd
http://www.runninginlavender.com
It's been tough, but at least our emotions are happy now
That's great news, hope all continues to go well
Thank you x
Goodness me, no wonder you are so emotional. I'm glad that Star is recovering well and is feeling so positive. Also, on another note, thank you so much for your words of support on my blog, it is reassuring to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel xx
Thank you, and anytime you want to talk, remember I've been there and know how hard it is. I have it all to face again too :/ xx
Visiting from #WotW so only just ctaching up with your story. I'm not surprised you are feeling emotional – praying for healing and joy to fill your lives. Helen
Thank you Helen x
You have clearly being through tough challenges and there will be others ahead. It sounds like your daughter has a fantastic family team behind her. It amazes me what strength parents can show. All the best to you in the new chapter ahead
Thank you, we know we have a lot to face…we even have to find a school for her, but it's a good feeling knowing that we have got this far now. x