Blessings in Disguise


Through a routine physical this fall, we found out right before Christmas that Grace as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or more commonly known as a hole in her heart. Because of its location (near the vena cava), the hole will require open heart surgery to repair it. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11th. She will spend some time in the PACU and then a couple days on the general peds ward. We expect to be in the hospital for 4 to 5 days.

True to form, life has thrown a set of curve balls (never just one) which we will, of course, turn into home runs because sometimes drama is really a blessing in disguise. Besides open heart surgery for our most anxious child, my sister will be moving in temporarily 4 days before surgery. While this will certainly cause more chaos (she’s 8 months pregnant), the extra hands and distraction for the kids will be welcome. My second self (a great friend we recently hired to help me teach and do Grafted work) just found out she needs semi-emergency oral surgery which is scheduled for the day before Grace’s surgery. The good news is I have a second self, so I really can’t complain. There’s also another blessing in disguise in which child has to have surgery–she’s going to get the undivided attention she demands. We’re hoping this intense period of being cared for will outweigh the medical trauma and catalyst her to securer attachment and trust. There are a lot of developmental gaps that have made processing this trying at best. We’re thankful for EMDR which has helped Grace’s ability to process all of the emotions surrounding this even feasible.

So the practicals. I’m blown away at the response I’ve gotten from those of you who know about the surgery. I’ve said it before, but we are surrounded by the best community…ever!

Pray. Most of you reading don’t know us in real life, but your prayers are powerful, and we appreciate any you want to send our way. I’ll be updating FB, Twitter, and, hopefully, here as the saga unfolds.

Meals. There will be anywhere from 9 to 12 people eating here at any given time over the next couple of weeks. That’s a lot of people for whom to make a meal, and half have weird food restrictions. The best I can suggest is that you bring what you feel led to whenever it’s convenient. I suggest versatile separates (cooked meat, veggies, fruit, and dairy elements) rather than casseroles or pre-made meals. However, no matter what you bring, someone will eat it. The truth is, my kids are used to fending for themselves and creating what they can eat using whatever is available. There will be a cooler on the porch if we’re not home.

Kids. For the week of surgery, we’re really covered. Seriously. I’m just not sure what to expect once we get home. We could have a lethargic invalid which would allow us to all function as normal (like real “normal”…not just our “normal”) which would be a huge treat, OR we could have World War 3 in which case the diva will need constant attention from me or some willing friend. I’m just not sure but praying for the former. If you’d like to be “on call” to come sit with kids or taxi kids around the week of re-entry, just let me know.

Well I think that about covers it…those of you who have done this, did I miss anything?

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4 Comments

  1. I am praying for a successful surgery for Grace, for a quick recovery, and for the doctors hands to be guided. Also I am praying for strength for your family as they support their sister.

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