Funds and feelings

The Happy Girl Scouts held an amazing fundraiser for us last weekend. There was a silent auction which included two Kenneth Wyatt paintings, Glen Dougherty brought in an antique toy tractor, and many other amazing donations.  There was a baked potato bar and donations were accepted. The money will go into a separate account to help us with the lengthy stay we are facing around Libby's surgery. We are humbled and grateful beyond belief. Many thanks to all who helped prepare this event and to those who donated.

We report June 26th for paperwork, brain implants go in on the 27th. Libby should be released on the 28th. We are to return on July 1st and the battery packs go in on July 2nd. She should be re-released in July 3rd.  I will not be driving her almost 300 miles home in between the hospital stays. We will be in a hotel room resting and healing.   I am just not okay with being so far away from her docs between surgeries.  I want to be within a mile or two of the hospital. 

Libby has agreed to this surgery with the condition that her sister and her cousins be there.  We will do everything we can to make sure that Mariah, Jasmin and Xavier are all there.  (The rest of us are chump change apparently.)   

I cannot stay in the Ronald McDonald house for many reasons. First and foremost I just can't.  I become so overwhelmed by the pain and fears for their children that I forget to care for my own.  Early into this journey, during hospital stays I would not be able to eat or deal with my own fears for my own child because so many others are so much worse off than our Libby. 

I need to be able to focus on her and our loved ones.  This trip especially, I'm going to need to cry, eat, sleep, pray, cry, and even drink privately.  The dam that has held my emotions at bat for so long cracked a few weeks ago.  After sobbing uncontrollably at school while on the phone scheduling this surgery, I have cried quite a bit.   Okay, a lot. 

I wish that my mother and Grandmother could be there, but I am not sure how that could happen. Grandmother is 97 and though amazing she is frail and doesn't travel. My mother isn't mentally or physically stable enough.   

When Libby is in the hospital Rachael and I sleep in her room. When she is out we generally stay in the motel that is as close as we can get to the hospital and is affordable.  One day we may need to take advantage of the amazing Ronald McDonald houses, but not yet.  

We have not asked for any monetary help but are very grateful for every one's support. Whatever form that support comes in. 

Planting is some m&m's to see what the Easter bunny will

Bring.... Happy Hopping and feel

As blessed as you are.