Two years

Dec. 15th.  For most people, this date simply means they have 10 more days to shop.  For me, it is a day I will never forget.  Two years ago, on December 15th, I spent 4 hours at Children's Hospital with Julia (and my Dad - Thank you Dad!) and found out that my perfect 8 week old little girl was blind due to a cataract, needed surgery and would wear a contact and patch.  In some ways, it was a glorious day.  I had spent the night worrying that she had cancer or something equally as terrible, so to hear that it was "just" a cataract was a relief.  But it was emotional, and scary, and I will always remember.

This is the day of the appointment.

 

Now that two years have passed and we have adjusted to this EYE world, I can realize that I have so much to be thankful for.  I know that I probably should have done a Thanksgiving post, but I never got around to it.  This two year journey has been wonderful and horrible at the same time.  But I couldn't have done it with the support of so many different people.  So in honor of the two year anniversary of her diagnosis, I wanted to express my thanks.

 

 

My family - Thank you for all your support and prayers.  For keeping Jed overnight so that we could get to early morning surgeries.  I can't count how many times my mom has driven me to appointments with Julia and been my rock when I got bad news.  Thank you for loving Julia so well.  I know I can always count on my family, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

 

 

 

Imoms - I couldn't have done this without you.  That night, I got on the internet, and the reality of what we were facing became real.  I read about patching and contacts and knew that this wasn't going to be easy.  But I connected with you all, and saw my story in your blogs.  Then it was emails and instagram and knowing that I was never alone in this crazy EYE world.  From the depths of my soul, thank you.  I love knowing that out there, somewhere, is another mom that has experienced these emotions.  I remember that and don't feel so alone.

 

 

 

Technology - yes, this is a weird thank you, but I am so grateful for technology.  For the tiny instruments that allowed a surgeon to remove a cataract from an infant.  For the contacts and research that helps the doctors know what to do.  I know that even 25 years ago, her outcome could have been much different.

 

 

 

First Steps - I am so thankful for the OT, speech and vision specialist that have helped Julia meet her milestones.  And for the glasses!  First Steps has provided Julia with glasses that would have been very expensive for us to pay for.

 

 



Prayers - I am so thankful for the prayers from my friends, family and church.  My church family has been so accepting of Julia and her patch.  They pray for her and love her and accept her.

 



I know this is a cheesy blog post, but my heart really does swell when I think of how much we have been through in the last two years.

- 4 surgeries (with one more scheduled)
- 4 pairs of glasses (with more than 8 prescription changes)
- countless boxes of patches
- 20+ appointments with the Eye Clinic
- Thousands of tears
- Millions of smiles, laughs and hugs



Obviously, Julia is no worse for the wear.  She has come through everything like a champ, and I am sure she will continue to tackle any obstacle that comes her way. 

Thankful

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

So lots of people are doing a "month of thankfulness" on facebook.  I wish I was that dedicated.  But after an awesome message at church on Sunday (thanks Pastor Phil) I do realize that I have a lot to be thankful for.  So here goes...in no particular order. 

I am thankful for:

1. coffee
2. DVR on the TV
3. internet
4. logic puzzles
5. bubble bath
6. warm beds
7. fun toys
8. applesauce in a pouch
9. glow sticks
10. pizza
11. sleep
12. bubbles
13. books
14. digital cameras
15. central heat/air conditioning.
16.  and much, much more

Now, I know some of those sound fluffy or irrelevant, but I really am thankful for all the little things that bring me joy.  As for the big things, sometimes words can't express your gratitude.

My husband - the caring, sweet, helpful man that he is.  He brought me out of my shell and showed me a world that I never knew existed.  I wasn't truly alive until I met him.

My kids - my beautiful, wonderful, smart kids.  They are my heart walking around on this planet.

My family - so supportive, helpful and loving.  I love that my sisters are more than sisters and are friends.  I love that I see my parents every week and can talk to them about everything.

Health - while we have definitely had our challenges, we are healthy.  My kids can run and play and jump.  And we have health insurance that helps with the surgeries, appointments, and contacts. 

My fellow imoms - they truly "get it."  I am amazed that I have been able to connect with a little community of moms that are experiencing the same cataract journey.  Between camopatchsunday and the instragram conversations, I know I am not alone. 

I have so much to be thankful for.  I really do have a wonderful life.  There are lots of ups and downs - we've had good times and bad - but we really are blessed. 

And I am thankful that I have figured out the easiest, fastest, least painful way to let my kids visit Santa.  Before you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, just hit Bass Pro.  They are open on Thanksgiving, and since everyone else is scarfing down turkey, it was empty!  This is the second time we have done this, and it is awesome.

And besides seeing Santa (which Julia refused to do), they have a whole kids area.  And you get a free 4x6 pic with Santa!  Jed was able to do every activity that was there, with no waiting! 

First he rode the carousel.

Then he shot the rifles (don't worry, they were laser).

This is what Julia did while Jed had fun.

Driving the remote control monster truck.

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!