Save the date…

Today was a big day.

We met again with a craniofacial team in Madison. We have been so impressed with them, their expertise, their clear communication, the amount of time and focus they have given us in appointments, not to mention their kindness. We met with them again today to speak with a new neurosurgeon to discuss a procedure that is much less invasive but requires us to act much sooner than other surgeries.

I had been praying for a positivity and unity in the team as well as an encouraging attitude with this type of surgery. Maggie’s type of craniosynostosis is usually treated with a different surgical method, one that we just weren’t comfortable with. During our appointment this morning I couldn’t help myself, I cried with tears of relief and joy to hear the plastic surgeon and neurosurgeon speak favorably of endoscopic surgery for Maggie and the use of a helmet to encourage proper head growth. (This is a fruit of all of our prayers, so thank you!!!!!) We asked to proceed with this team and as soon as they left the room their nurse set to work getting us on the schedule for pre surgery appointments while we met with the orthotist (aka the helmet guy).

It was enough of a day for me, Carlos treated me to curry and we ate and settled into the realization that we would have to come back for a CT scan and an ophthalmology in a week and surgery would happen within the month. That is until we received another phone call that they had a spot for Maggie’s surgery, on June 11th. I cried again.

I feel like this is a big stinkin’ bandaid and God is like, “Sit tight, this is going to be quick… not painless.” I knew the surgery needed to happen soon, I knew that the helmets effectiveness relied on the growth that happens during early months, I knew it, I know it, but this is sinking in to a new level.

For the second time since her birth I had to hold Maggie down while they drew her blood. The first time Carlos and I were together, today it was just us girls and I couldn’t help but think of Mother Mary as Maggie screamed and cried in pain. Mary knew what it was to willingly hand her child over, knowing that He was about to experience pain and suffering but that it would be good, so good in the end. And so with a good friend’s advice, I gave my pain and Maggie’s pain to Jesus. He is the one who can turn pain and suffering into goodness and I know giving Him this pain is the only way this pilgrimage is going to mean anything. In Him, it will be joyful.

For example, we pulled into the hospital for the second time and discovered we had a screw in the tire and you know what we did, we laughed. Now, my fabulous brother in law is getting it fixed because… two for joy. Things are easier when you have someone next to you.

So, if you are up for joining us more in this pilgrimage of pain, healing and joy. Pray with us more.

~We can only proceed with the surgery if Maggie shows no signs of pressure on her brain, hence the CT scan and the ophthalmology exam.

~Maggie needs to stay healthy in order to have surgery.

~Maggie ate super well from the bottle (thank you for the prayers!). Now I need your prayers that she doesn’t suffer too much with her fasting before surgery.

~Carlos has some really amazing work things going on, pray that they go smoothly and that he is able to focus on these different things and get good rest in between all of his responsibilities.

~For the kids, that they do well with all of the transitions.

~Please pray for me. I need all the graces.