She did it! Surgery number 7! (Yes, I thought it was #8, but I miscounted.)
As before her last surgery, Ashley fasted soda pop for 4 weeks - last time it was two months! She was very committed to her fast and her promise to God.
Marilyn flew in on Wednesday to go to surgery with us - this was her 3rd. She's got the routine down. She's my extra set of ears. Let's me do my own coping. Carries bags, fixes coffee and sits with Ashley when I've got to get out of the room. A true friend.
David and I have had the "divide and conquer" mentality for healthcare. We have two children. Each child gets a parent. We hate this separation. We are the Fabulous Four and function much better together. But texting and phones keep us close. And nothing beats the beautiful prayer Chris prayed over us before we left.
On Wednesday night, Marilyn, Kayle, Ashley and I put purple streaks in our hair. Purple is the color for Pediatric Stroke Awareness - We Streak for Strokes!
(Purple is dark and doens't show well in photos but they're there!)
The night before surgery Ashley was able to eat dinner, walk the mall and have a sleepover with her friends Felicity and Caitlin. I don't think those girls have ever notice that Ashley has any type of disability. It was great seeing the girls laughing and shopping and giggling. If the Randol's ever wondered why they live in Denver - it just may be because we need them! They have definitely learned the lesson of the God of Just enough and are now moving into the area of God of More than Enough. Their new home is set in the forest and was a wonderful way to start our busy day.
(View from their deck.)
On Friday morning, we stopped by Bass Pro - Sommer and Sean went with us! Who can pass a trip to Bass Pro and stocking up on bulk cinnamon bears and starlight mints! Then it was off to the hospital.
For our 2:45 surgery time, we checked in at 12:15. And waited until 5:00. We were all done. Ashley and I were walking the halls of pre-op when we saw Dr. Chang. "She's done," I said, "and we're leaving."
Actually we were headed to the activity room where she could play on the computer. Dr. Chang couldn't find us! Funny guy. When he did arrive in the activity room, Ashley presented him with a challenge. Dr. Chang is known for his great casts - stars, moons, mixed colors, glow in the dark. Well, Ashley gave him two cookie cutters - a dog and a dog bone - and I said, "here's what I want." He studied them and said he could do it.
And he did!
It was late before Ashley got in her room. Honestly, this was the best she has ever done after surgery - no screaming, no thrashing, no massive spasms. Oh, our God is good!
In her room, we hung posters - pictures of family, scriptures.
We need to see God's promises ever before us!
On Saturday morning, we saw the Physical Therapist. Lovely lady! She's helped us twice now. And we saw one of our favorite nurses from Romania. She has always been so kind to us.
By 10:00 am, the Randols were back to help us get out. Ryan got the car for us and put her in. Sean was in charge of the red wagon with the suitcases and each girl was carrying things for Ashley.
We loaded her in the car and by 11:00 am we were in the car headed south.
Uneventful trip home. Lovely colors. Worship music.
And God.
Always with us!
Always present!
Always More than Enough!
