It's been ONE year since Emmie's diagnosis. One year since my life became forever changed. One year since this journey began, one that I wasn't sure would have a happy ending. One year since I was handed that yellow sticky note with "Jejunal Atresia" written on it. One year since I found myself collapsed on my bedroom floor a sobbing mess begging God to change this and heal my daughter. One year since I came to terms with the fact that we might not get to raise this little girl. One year since we were faced with some hard questions- would we fight to save her life or would we let her go if things became too hard on her little body?
This has been the most emotionally draining, physically exhausting, yet most incredible and amazing year of my life. Today, I am not sad or angry. I am full of joy, I am proud, I am blessed. Emmie is 10 months old and thriving, she is so beautiful and happy. She is beyond healthy {and chunky} she has surpassed every expectation, beat all the odds, and knocked out any hurdle that stood in her way. She is fierce, she is a fighter, and in the words of every doctor who has ever read her medical file- she is a miracle. Just today I had to tell a new doctor her history and his response was "And she's alive? Wow, that doesn't usually happen." I am honored to be her mother, she has forever changed me. She has forever changed the lives of strangers who now know her story, friends, family. She has touched more lives in her short 10 month life than I have in my 25 years. Again, I am so proud of this sweet girl.
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. - Psalms 9:1,2
Praise HIM in times of trouble, pray about everything, trust in His plan. Love the Lord with all your heart and soul. Emmie is such a testament to God's mercy and grace. Prayer got me through the most difficult days, those moments with Christ were my saving grace. I would not have survived this year without my faith, without my family, friends, and even complete strangers who reached out to help. I am grateful for every person who has read her story, prayed for her, thought of her, supported her, loved her. Meals, donations for expenses and medical bills, help with our oldest daughter, letters, cards, emails, texts, calls, visits... all of it helped us get through this year. Thank you, none of you went unnoticed.
