June 15 Thursday
After a few encouraging days, today was
a pretty difficult day at the hospital. The
surgery incision is not healing as well as it should, and there was quite a bit
of drainage from the site. This morning
when the doctor assessed it, the first layer of the surgical wound re-opened, which was a traumatic and scary experience for Danielle. There is an interior layer of stitches in the
muscle which was still holding the incision together, but you can probably
imagine the nightmare scenarios going through her head. The surgeon re-stitched the incision later
today and put in a drain to take out excess fluid so the wound can heal
faster. This setback in healing eradicated
the possibility of going home today which was a huge disappointment. The extra time that the surgeon has been
spending caring for Danielle allowed her to get some more questions answered
about how the surgery went and the healing process. We are thankful for an excellent surgeon with
a heart for his patients and skill in his hands.
The wound opening happened before
breakfast, which as you can also imagine does not do wonders to the
appetite. She did squeak by with enough
calories but eating enough during the day is going to be a daily
challenge. Sometimes when faced with
trials, you have a choice to laugh or cry.
In the case of the hospital food trial, I think laughter is probably the
best choice. So Danielle plays with her
food. She even made Carina taste test some
of her mashed potato salad today – Carina passed an upper level of the
friendship test today, haha.
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Playing with the food |
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Mom made Danielle some PICC line covers, the next fashion rage |
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This picture was from yesterday, listening to Ava's heartbeat |
Martha concentrating hard on making a grocery list at Opa and Oma's house |
The regular presence of friends and
church family has been a true blessing through this trial. We are so very, very thankful for dear and
true friends who have wrapped around Danielle in all her needs and been there
to support her day and night. The hand
of God has certainly been active for many years developing these strong
friendships, and each one is using their own special gifts and talents to bring
a uniquely beautiful blessing in this storm.
There is a beautiful bouquet of flower
decorating the hospital room from Timothy’s former workplace. So much love from so many people; it is all
so overwhelming sometimes. The waves of
this trial are washed over with even bigger waves of blessings and love.
Devotions tonight were comforting and
again very applicable to the day.
“...fear not, for I am with you; be not
dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
Isaiah 41:10
It is so hard to not be afraid – how do
we do that? How do we just “fear not”? In our deep need, in our weariness, in our battle
against the unknown foe, He promises to strengthen us. God will provide what we need – not what we
need for the next month yet, or the next week, but what we need as we need it. God will provide, He will strengthen, He will
help. Of this, we can be certain.
Prayer requests:
For the surgery incision to remain free
from infection so that it can heal quickly
For all things to be sorted out for
discharge from the hospital so continued recovery can happen at home
For freedom from fear of the future – a true
resting in the love of our Heavenly Father
Maybe some 'foxy' PICC line covers!!! Praying for healing and patience!
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