Fontan Day 1: Heading to Charleston
I’m counting today because I woke up this morning, ready to tackle the day. I hit the ground running. For some reason, I feel like I’m more mentally ready to start this than I was three weeks ago. I held my breath all morning long, however, and have waited to pack because I think somewhere deep down, I thought that just maybe, I’d get another call from MUSC with a delay in game plan. It’s now 11 and I think I’ll pack.
It was Monday morning, March 7 around 9 that I got the call last time postponing Mary Clare’s Fontan. Maybe somewhere deep down I was hoping that it would be postponed forever.
It’s not. It’s here. And as much as mother can prepare to leave one baby behind and place her youngest baby in the hands of another, I think I’m ready.
Mel left for work to save the world in the few short hours he has left in Hartsville and I’ve got a mountain of laundry to do before I stuff our car with bags. It’s amazing what you think of at different moments preparing for such an extended leave of absence. I was hoping to plant a few ferns on the back deck, as I always do this time of year. (No such luck because of the rain today.) I ran to Wal-mart to purchase a new shower curtain liner, as I’ve been meaning to do this week. I have to drop off the girls’ Easter dresses for altering and monogramming and I cleaned out the Easter candy dish. I may go into the attic and pull out my Easter baskets and decorations to surprise McCanless when she visits our house with Mimi while we are away.
I have yet to pack.
Tonight we’ll check into our usual stay, and try to sleep. Tomorrow, bright and early, we’ll begin a day of pre-op for Mary Clare. We are here, yet again. Time is so relative. And so very, very precious.
10 Comments
Alli on March 28th, 2011
Good luck traveling today and pre op tomorrow! I am so glad you have been given a good mindset to tackle the next few days! Good luck decorating, packing, and getting ready for the long absence! I hope you are home with plenty of time to enjoy your Easter decorations!
.Judy Brown on March 28th, 2011
Dear Kerri,
I just saw Mel at the F.H. and gave him a big hug and told him that all of you (including Coker) are in our prayers and the prayers of the congregation and prayer groups at St. Luke. Wish I could have seen you and could have given you a big hug, too. I’ll just have to send love and hugs through cyberspace! We are here for whatever you need. Please keep us posted when you have a chance. I really feel so much better about all of this than I did 3 weeks ago. Don’t know if that means anything or not. Just know how much we care for MC and all the family.
In Christ’s love and grace,
Judy
Shannon Carter on March 28th, 2011
Lots of prayers as you head to Charleston. For some reason I always have a difficult time packing for these things too. Maybe it makes it all too real.
We’ll sure be praying for Mary Claire AND your family as you face the days ahead. And many prayers too, that you’re home in plenty of time to enjoy those Easter decorations with two adorable little girls decked out in those monogrammed dresses! 🙂
Erica May on March 28th, 2011
I know this is not something you want to do, but you will all be so glad when it is over! You will find strength you didn’t know you had! I am only a phone call away if you need to scream, talk or just have someone listen! We have been there and I pray your stay will be short and you will be home soon! Emerson prays for MC everyday!!
We love you all!
Erica
okelley on March 28th, 2011
My Ariel twins are ready to “suit” up with Ariel #3. We love you!!!!
Rachel Medlin on March 29th, 2011
You have ALL been in my thoughts–and prayers–these past weeks as you awaited this day. God bless!!! I love you each and every one!
Rachel
Carol Spears on March 29th, 2011
You and your daughter are in my prayers. I know what you’re going through right now. My son had his Fontan last June. God bless each of you!
Happy Heart on March 29th, 2011
Praying for the little princess today! God is faithful and will be with you every step of the way. We thank God for your beautiful family today and your love for princess Ariel!!
Heart Hugs,
Jeannie
HD8301 on March 29th, 2011
Kerri,
Yall are in my prayers and I know that the Lord will be with yall as He was with my family all those years ago when I had the Fontan procedure! Yall are an inspiration to me and if there is ever anything I can do please let me know!!!
Love Hanna
Rebecca on March 28th, 2011
This is all a part of God’s perfect timing! We are holding your girl so close to our hearts as she tackles #3…and praying for perfect peace from Above as you do what you have to do. We love you all so much and are believing that GOD works GOOD to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose!
Love & Hope~ Rebecca