Thank YOU!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will say again: THANK YOU!  To all of you who are supporting us in so many ways.  Many have used the analogy of a large circle of support in which we can safely fall and I feel that we are there.  I am still sad.  Oh man, am I sad!  But I feel safe and secure and able to BE in my grief because I know you are all out there to catch me.  It helps a little.

Thank you for all the loving messages today.  Thank you for the visits.  Thank you for the food (more than enough and oh so yummy).  Thank you for the coffee.  Thank you for the hugs.  Thank you for the prayers.  We do not have many physical needs right now.  Just love and mental support. 

I am not sure what God's plan is in all this but I always believe and still believe that God has a plan for each of us.  Somehow, Charlotte's journey is touching SO many people.  It is amazing.  I still can't make sense of it all but I have faith that we will be guided by the Holy Spirit to be at peace and make the best of what comes our way.  That is my prayer.

Charlotte has been eating and resting all day.  The flow of doctors, nurses, and residents has been steady.  We have met with all specialties concerning her care and she is set for shunt surgery first thing tomorrow (probably between 7 and 8 AM).  The whole procedure, start to finish, should take about  2 hours.  Dr. Tye will be performing the surgery. 

I am on the "night shift" at MCV and Roger will be here in the morning as well.  I know Auntie Retta is planning to be here too. 

Charlotte's appetite has been great.  She is currently munching on chick-fil-a nuggets (can't get enough).  She's also had quite a few homemade gingerbread men (thanks, Eleanor!), mac and cheese, some chocolate croissant, applesauce, cheesburger, tater tots, and plenty of ketchup.  Gotta love the appetite inducing steroids!

She has watched a few movies today and slept for a good portion of the afternoon.  I haven't slept much but I will try (I promise) tonight.  As old veterans to the floor, we did our best to get one of the "good" parent beds (as opposed to the 2nd rate la-z-boy wannabes that fold up on you at the slightest movement).  That should help the effort, at least. 

I don't have much to say so I will close.  Hug your babies, count your blessings, and spread the love!

Rachel