2 years ago, about this time, life as we knew it was...normal. It is unreal to think that 2 years have passed since Reilly, for lack of better words, exploded. Today, she is having the time of her life on her 101st day of school. Big celebration yesterday for being 100 days smarter. She has tumbling tonight and is preparing for her review this summer. Big girl gets her medicine and writes it down herself. She wants to be dropped off in the back of school, to walk in by herself, because, with her hand on her hip, she says "I'm not a baby anymore."
And she's not. She's a big girl, in more ways than she can possibly understand. Reilly has experienced unbelievable medical situations. She charms most everyone and takes each step in stride. To see her, unless you know, there are very few outward indications that things on the inside aren't so right. And granted, my girl is doing AMAZING. She feels fine, she feels normal (half the battle in my book). She acts like a very precocious 5 year old is supposed to act, except she takes medicine every day and sometimes has to remind us not to forget. She closes her eyes and almost never cries for weekly bloodwork (though we do get to do it at home through a finger prick most of the time now).
I would like to think that it is a testament to fantastic parenting, but in reality, Reilly is a testament to God's amazing grace. Who would have known that Dr. Noel would be on-call that Monday night. Who would have suggested to us to seek out world-reknowned physicians in Chicago that specialize in just this type of thing. Who would have known that these kind, compassionate, knowledgeable people would quickly become such an integral part of our lives. She smiles through the adventures and burgeons my strength when I just want to cry because there is nothing further I can do. I cannot make this go away. I have to place my daughter's life, her health and well-being, in the hands of doctors and specialists and trust that my research, knowledge and their expertise combine to make the right choices.
Then, I think about it and I am just thankful. I'm thankful that we get to enjoy this wonderful little person who makes us laugh, makes us go crazy, and who you can't help but grin and giggle with. Such joy. And so, today, on this 2 year anniversary, I'm happy with the way things are.
I have learned so much these past two years...
I know a lot of stuff about the human body that I never cared to know. I know that the best way to combat fear is with knowledge and preparation. Feed your curiousity and take away the unknown. Once you make a decision, do not second guess yourself - seeds of doubt will make you crazy. The people that I love the most are the ones that give me hugs and make me smile when I don't even realize I need to. I've learned that if you make enough noise when things aren't going right, someone that can help usually pays attention. I've learned that you cannot, for one second, forget about the "medical situation", but sometimes it is perfectly fine to go out and party like a rock star and own the moment. She may not ever get the opportunity to experience that again, so if you are going to do it, DO IT RIGHT and DO IT ALL THE WAY!!! I know that some of my favorite times with my kids involves really loud music and dancing like fools in the kitchen. Everyone should try it, I can think of no better way to cook dinner. I have learned that I have really amazing and spectacular family and friends.
Reilly goes back to Chicago in just under 2 weeks and then we will mark her 1 year date from her surgery. Time is flying by!
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