Day 29, 4 Weeks

Four weeks ago today, I carried an unconscious, lifeless Amber into the Backus Hospital Emergency Department, not having a clue what kind of journey was beginning for us. And worse, not sure if I would ever see her awake again. Four weeks later, Amber is not only awake, but is smiling, talking, and giving me sass. Yes, still a long road ahead. But for both Caron and me, our baseline has been dramatically reset; we are far more appreciative of every minute, of every action than we ever would have imagined.

Today was another day of progress, with several new “firsts”: sitting on a toilet, blowing bubbles, eating three meals (pancakes for breakfast, mac and cheese for lunch, and pasta for dinner), playing a board game. 30 days ago, these would have been a normal part of the day; today, I am ecstatic with each of these! She continues to make great progress day after day, and we will do whatever it takes to keep that momentum moving.

Her strength amazes me. She continues to work hard, until she falls asleep exhausted at the end of the day. But she also still gives me “the look”, that smirk and eye roll, the “did you really just say/do that daddy?” expression, reminding me that she is very much my little girl.

Every day she understands a little more about what is going on. Her biggest personal challenge right now is just that she misses home so much, she just wants to get back to her bed, with her cat Rea, with her toys, with her family. This brings her to tears multiple times a day – but it is also a source of motivation for her, because she knows that to go home, she has to “get strong”, and that’s what the hospital is helping her do.

She is a 6 year old (sorry, 6 “and a half” year old) supergirl.

Over the past few weeks, we have commented many times on our ongoing experience here with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. But in this post marking our four week milestone, I’d like to express special thanks to the people at the Backus Hospital Emergency Department; Dr Adams, the ED team, the Lifestar team, and any others that March 22 morning – your quick assessment and actions that morning were the difference between hope and despair for us. I cannot express the depth of my appreciation for your work, your skill, and the fact that Amber is here with us today because of you. I ask that the prayerful readers of this post join me in praying that God bless these medical professionals, and all medical professionals around the globe, that they may have the strength, clarity, and will to apply their skill everytime the need arises, providing great care as they did for Amber.