When we left the hospital with Avery nearly 12 years ago, the staff stuck her bedside charts in our bags. The charts consist of two pieces of card stock, tri-folded. One side provides an area for identifying information. The other side is lined out to provide nursing staff with a small area to make daily notes about the infant's care. This chart begins on May 22, 1996, the day Avery was admitted to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and ends 163 days later, on October 31, 1996, the day she was released. The notes tell a rather grim story for the first 100 days: days spent "chasing" her. "Chasing" is the word they used for keeping her alive and as stable as possible. The final 63 days show a bit more optimism. While certain serious setbacks were encountered, her survival was more certain those last two months.
But at some time early on, one of the staff drew a picture for Avery on her chart. With red pen, they illustrated a sunny, outdoor scene, complete with flowers and trees. And between two trees is a child, sitting in a swing. It's a child-like drawing, but prophetic as swinging has been and remains one of Avery's favorite pastimes. It is obligatory, like eating or sleeping.
So as I prepare for the birthday festivities tomorrow, I am again reminded of our good fortune, of the depth of Avery's courage and strength, and the power of positive thinking.
Happy Birthday Sugar Pop!
No comments:
Post a Comment