Lily has spent her second day in ICU, strapped down, dealing with tubes and cords attached to all parts of her body including a breathing tube from her nose into her lungs. She is at one moment in a fitful sleep, the next moment thrashing to free herself from these smothering bindings.
Her chest has the long scar of her incision; a tube draining the blood from her surgical cuts; the bruises of being sliced open to gain access to her tiny heart; wires and tubes too numerous to count.
She is angry and scared; not understanding why this is being done to her; attempting to free herself; perplexed that her Mommy and Daddy, whom she has gained trust in such a short period of time, have allowed this to be imposed upon her.
She is being monitored constantly by an experienced nurse and hospital staff; monitoring the 12+ machines connected to her body; measuring drugs being dispensed into her and the the metrics of all her bodily functions.
Her blood pressure has been a concern to the team of cardiologists; a mystery as to why it is so low. Could a mistake have occurred during surgery? Is it because of her malnutrition? Is it due to low steroids caused by her GIVING UP on anyone caring for her during her year in the orphanage?
Lily will likely be in ICU for 5 more days. The cardiologists are struggling to understand how to stabilize her, and the uniqueness of her situation.
Today, as Lily struggled to deal with the frightening situation she had found herself in; as she fought the feelings of being restrained; of being smothered; of being drowned...she opened her beautiful brown eyes just a tiny slit. In that instant she saw her Mommy leaning over to comfort her. In the brief moment before the overwhelming need to sleep overcame her and she closed her eyes, Lily pursed her lips, sending a kiss to her Mommy.
In that moment Lily confirmed that, in a short 4 weeks, she had overcome 14 months of neglect and had discovered that she was indeed loved. And would always be loved.
Please keep sending your thoughts and prayers to our dear Lily Mei.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Oh Pamela and John, I am praying fervently for Lily Mei and for both of you as you see your baby girl struggle so much. I know you are so exhausted and so emotionally drained. God brought Lily Mei this far so her mommy and daddy could see her through this difficult surgery. I am praying specifically for her blood pressure to normalize, and for her condition to stabilize, and for her to be able to relax and not have to struggle and suffer. God be with all three of you. Thank you so much for the updates, I know many of us are just hanging on your every word and checking the blog constantly for updates. Huge hugs
Angela
Pam, John and Barbara,
The prayer circle is going to stay focused just on Lily Mei till this is long behind her. All the angels are there, too!!
All my love, strength and prayers
Auntie Anne
Post a Comment