Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Shriner's

Yesterday Eva and I went to her first appointment at Shriner's. Her local orthopedic Doctor wanted her to be seen at Shriner's so that we could make an informed decision about her care. The trip was long and rather quite, Eva and I just went, which meant she slept the whole time. 
We arrived at the hospital and I was immediately impressed with the kindness and the helpful nature of all the employees. The waiting room is decorated like a carousel, it was so inviting and kid friendly. I watched all of the families and felt such a mixture of hope, sadness, and humility. I was thinking to myself how thankful I was to be able to get treatment from some of the best Doctors in the world, how lucky for Eva. I was thankful that her condition is so mild and easily treatable compared to the other children who were being seen that day. I was thankful that this facility is open and will let anyone be seen and treated free of charge. I know that Heavenly Father gives all of us challenges and it is up to us to make them a blessing and a learning tool. I hope to instill in Eva humility and a compassionate heart for people with physical disabilities. I hope she will learn to look past what others see and to look at the heart and spirit of someone. My heart smiled at the loving nurses faces and at the laughter being heard from children being pushed and pulled in wagons around the halls. 
The Doctor was thrilled with the progress that the casting has made. She will be able to go for surgery next week. The surgery is a cutting of the tendon and then a recast. The new casts will stay on for three weeks (instead of being changed weekly). After this she will be fitted for her shoes and will wear these for a period of time. Eva is such a strong little baby and I know she will do great in the surgery. 

10 comments:

Wendy Christensen said...

This was such a beautiful post - a tear fell. YOU are an amazing Mom with a very special daughter! So glad that you are in good hands (above and below) ...
Happy Tuesday to you! Love, Wendy

Heather said...

She's got a great mom to teach her those things! Hope you are both doing well.

The Christensen Family said...

Your in our prayers. Hang in there.

Jamie said...

Thanks for keeping us informed on Eva's progress. Very wweet post.

CatherineWO said...

Be sure and tell us what day the surgery will be, Sara. I think Eva is a lot like her mom. Our love to all of you.

tharker said...

It was so great to see you and Eva today, Sara! Eva is just beautiful!!

I'm so glad that you were able to go to Shriner's. It's amazing what they can do and how they do it! Between her doctor here and the good folks at Shriner's, Eva is in great hands!

P.S.
Spencer's grandma's name is Eva, and I've toyed with naming this baby after her if it's a girl. (Of course we have that whole thing of all our kids having Old Testament names...but Eva is derived from Eve...right?)

PRP said...

I felt the exact same things last week. Humility, gratitude, all of it. Sweet Eva is in great hands and will do wonderfully. I'll be thinking of you!

ks said...

Thanks for the update, I didn't know about the surgery. That's cool that a place like Shriner's exists, and I'm so glad you could go to it. Give little Eva a hug for us!

Danna said...

I've so glad you have a place to go for this. That was an amazing post. You're such a great mom. We'll keep you all in our prayers.

Kate said...

You are such a strong mommy. I am so glad you are getting all the help and support needed for little Eva. Hang in there, I loved reading your post, so inspirational.