February 11, 2011
If anyone has ever told you that you fight like a girl, well, you can consider that a compliment. This Glory Girl has given that expression a whole new meaning. Let me tell you, there have been so many times that she could have given in, and she would have still fought an awesome fight! But I cannot tell you how extremely proud of her I am. She is a fighter, and I am honored to be her mother and to be able to witness this fight firsthand. It's not always pretty...it is filled with tears mixed with immeasurable moments of joy...it renders you weary at the end of each day...it evokes emotions that you never knew existed...but each moment with this Glory Girl is a victory.
An update on her present condition...Glory began spiking some fever a few weeks ago. Her heart rate was significantly elevated and her carbon dioxide levels were also very high. They have been running numerous tests such as for the flu, RSV, etc. They had to put her back on the ventilator. All of the tests that they have run thus far have come back negative. Based on a CT scan they did a couple of days ago, they believe the illness to be viral. Her chest X-ray has looked pretty scary the last few days. Whatever she is fighting, any type of respiratory illness could be fatal for her. Please pray that the doctors can isolate the type of illness that she has so that they can treat it accordingly. Pray for strength for her during this time. Also for rest and peace...she does not like being on the ventilator. This latest illness is all in addition to what she was already dealing with. We are still playing a waiting game to some extent...waiting to see if physical growth will cause her left pulmonary artery to grow and if her lungs will strengthen. With a small pulmonary artery and respiratory issues, she constantly battles low oxygen levels. Pray that she will continue to grow, that her pulmonary artery will grow, and her lungs will get stronger.
Will you please also pray for Eliana....that she will continue to thrive in this world, that she will have an appropriate understanding of the situation, that she will feel our love but, more importantly, God's love...
Oh, God, search my heart...I plead with you and stand with these family and friends that love this child...I stand in faith and believe that you can heal her body to any extent that you see fit to accomplish your will and bring glory to your name. I give her to you and trust that you know what is best for her. She is precious in your sight.
This Glory Girl's strength is amazing...I wish all of you could experience her for just a day. I only hope to be as strong as she has proven to be. I have talked to Philip a lot lately about the fact that one day I will be leaving this hospital, and regardless of whether or not God's will is for Glory to be with me, I will be different...changed. I keep telling Philip that I don't know who I will be. Well, as I think on this tonight, I think I know WHO I will be...I will be a child of God and a follower of Christ. I just don't know what that means for me yet, but I'm starting to get a little excited about finding out...
We love you all so much, and I'm so blessed to be able to share Glory's story with you....
Kerry
P.S. – Remember me mentioning immeasurable moments of joy? Well, attached is one of them… Thank you for capturing this gorgeous smile, Jason…