The Waiting

Today was a long day of waiting.  For the second time this year my niece had to have a surgery for a brain tumor (it's not cancer, but it's still a problem). While it was supposed to be a shorter surgery than last time, it actually went much longer than expected, but along the way updates seemed to imply things were going well, and in the end they were able to get the most they could, which may or may not be all of it.

Given that this is the child of Becky's sister, she was of course at the hospital all day starting around six in the morning to lend support, get food or coffee and just be there for her sister and brother in law.  It was a long and stressful day for all involved, but in a way it was less stressful than last time.  This time we know what we're dealing with, and there isn't the terrifying weeks of waiting to find out what kind of growth it was. 

It's terrible to have such a small child afflicted by health issues like this. They are young and innocent and they don't deserve to go through things like this. Many children go through things even worse than this around the world, so by comparison this situation in our family is manageable. Though, of course when these situations arise it doesn't take long before someone comes out and says something like, "well this is in god's hands," or "this is just part of god's plan," or "have faith." I really can't deal with those lines of thought because if that's the case then you have to acknowledge the fact that if god can"take care" of this, then it was god who allowed it to happen or to do it to begin with.

I also have to give props to my wife, because the amount she gives for the people she cares about I don't think is appreciated. At times many see her as a prickly cactus who but if you're stuck in a desert she's there filled with water to keep you going.  It's not a perfect metaphor...  She is steadfast in her devotion and will be there when it matters with no complain, no thought of "inconvenience" and is just what you need. I think she gives herself crap for being like that, feeling like she's neglecting others while she's focused on higher needs, but she's not.  In fact, she's a shining example of what it truly means to be supportive. It's comforting to know that Sal has such a great model to look up to and see how one should care for their family.

With the day behind us now comes the period of recovery, and I'm sure Sal's "best friend" will be on the mend soon and ready to play. She's a great kid and a rockstar who won't be down for long.

Picture(s) of the Day: 
Picture 55

Sal and her "very best friend" Izzy earlier this year having some fun playing at grandma's. Sal told me that when Izzy is all better she can come back and play at grandma's house again.