One year ago today, Nicole had her brain surgery. We sat in one waiting room after another the whole day. We were finally able to see her at 8 pm. What a relief we don't have to go through that again this year, and hopefully never again.
I have been reflecting on this quite a bit lately. I guess because last year everything was so different. Nicole's school year started with doctor's appointments and surgery. Zack's nerves about 6th grade were quickly shifted to his concerns and emotions about Nicole. We celebrated Keith's big 40th birthday with a dark cloud hanging over us. Grandma and Grandpa came to visit, but it was not a fun visit. It seemed to me like everything was going in slow motion. My world stopped when we entered Primary Children's that morning and did not start again until a couple weeks later. Life slowly resumed to normal, but it took weeks.
At times, I am amazed we went through that since life seems so "normal" again. As I reflect on her surgery, I feel a great deal of gratitude. Nicole was able to return to her happy, active, intelligent self. She is the same, as if nothing ever happened. I know it could have been so much different. I am grateful I got the same girl back that went into the operating room last year. I am grateful for modern technology and skilled doctors. I am grateful the hair they shaved has grown back, even if it gets curly in humidity. I am grateful all of us made it through and returned to our lives a little more humbled. I am grateful for loving grandparents who dropped everything to be here to help us, especially Zack. I am grateful for family and friends who made sure we were all recovering and doing well. I am happy to have 4 healthy Flemings in our house.
4 comments:
See...one year later and everything is back to normal (just curly humidity hair as a reminder, but that is rare in Utah). Nicole, you recovered quicker than I did after my surgery!
Many, many people love Nicole, (well, all of you, really) and we were collectively praying for her full and complete recovery, as quickly as the Lord would allow, as well as for strength and comfort that the rest of you needed. The priesthood blessings doesn't hurt either, in a case like that, for everyone's sake. We are just so grateful things are back to normal for all of you. We LOVE normal!
:) Shauna
A difficult and trying experience, but everyone came through with flying colors! We are proud of Nicole for being so brave, and for Zack for being such a great support to his sister.
I love it that I can look at Nicole, and forget that she ever had the surgery. Not because it wasn't a big deal, but because she has moved on with life, like it never happened. She is definitely the same wonderful girl, and that makes me happy :)
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