Catching Up

There are times when, tough stuff is going on and its just hard to articulate properly with words on "paper".  This has been one of those times.  We recently learned that Mei-Lings problems with her spine have escalated, requiring surgery as soon as it could be scheduled.  In the meantime, she can not run, jump, take a bath, (for fear of falling), no going over bumps in the road while she is a passenger.  Lots of restrictions and for those that love her, a deep concern regarding the dangers of the surgery, that will concentrate at the base of her brain.   They will also use one of her ribs for the bone graft.  A long recovery is expected.   She stayed with us last weekend, while Mom and Dad took a very well deserved, seriously needed weekend away.  However, both are so concerned that they didn't exactly find that rest they were looking for.   One of the first things Mei-Ling said to me when she arrived with her little suitcase was, "Grammie, can we make some cookies for my daddy ?  He is so worried about me, that I want to do something nice for him."  That is the kind of child Mei is.  We had a wonderful weekend, with a few moments of me trying to maintain a level of normalcy, despite the reprimand for running or hanging over the chair.  She had a talk with me, as she called it.  "Grammie, I am glad I am having this operation, you don't need to worry.  After the operation, I will be able to run, jump, take bubble baths and even take dancing lessons. Best of all, I can do P.E. in school next year instead of always having to just sit in the classroom."   She has to wear a cervical collar right now (24/7) and it doesn't look pleasant to me but she assured her mom and I about the benefits. " When I get tired, look, it holds my head up for me !"  The surgery will take place a week from Monday.  Of course your prayers and good thoughts will be appreciated.  Its going to be a new surgical procedure, but done by one of the countries leading pediatric neurosurgeons.  Needless to say, her prayer quilt will be making the trip to the hospital one more time.  How I love looking at all those squares and knowing each one was made with a prayer for our little one.   I feel peace about the surgery, no fears or worries, but I do hate the idea of our precious grand-daughter having to go through such an experience.  I know the recovery will not be an easy one, but also I know her doctors will not let her be wracked with pain.   

Amid all the worries, we have had fun too.   Picking onions in the garden. Making cupcakes, and little coconut cream pies. Out to eat, shopping for some new outfits and shoes, Pizza with everyone !  Watercolor painting, drawing, Chinese food, Starbucks, playing my little pony, (I was the hairdresser) and just having fun.