Six years ago on this day Wyndham was having brain surgery to place a shunt as a result of the extensive head trauma she received in the tragedy that struck our family. We were told by her surgeons that there was 'great chance that she might not even make it through the surgery'. She was small and had such a serious head injury and brain bleed- they warned us of the risks, but said they had to do this surgery because doctors are required to do everything they can in such instances.Her surgery went exceedingly well. Wyndham was conscious and off of the ventilator only hours later. The doctors and nurses were amazed. But the hardest part for them wasn't that she had survived the operation...but that they now had no prognosis to give us. They couldn't tell us what to expect because in reality, they never expected her to live.
In the past 6 years we have shed a lot of tears and watched Wyndham go through life facing challenges that are just second nature to others her age and size. She has had numerous hospitalizations and countless shots and IV's and logged hundreds of hours of therapy and rehab. It would have overwhelmed me, to tell you the truth, had her doctors and neurosurgeons told me what to expect in her life. I would have never thought I could walk through her struggles with her.
Here I am though, tearing up on the eve of a family wedding. Chip's brother will be married and Wyndham is walking down the aisle as the flower girl. We never could have dreamed this moment would even be possible in her life. Yet tomorrow it will be a reality. And I couldn't help but share this here on Nitty.Gritty. This is where I go to spill bits and pieces of myself, my family, our story, our miracles. Tomorrow many will actually see one of the miracles in our lives...a true, undeserved gift and blessing from God. He has healed Wyndham, even though the doctors had doubts and even as she continues to have ongoing challenges and hurdles in life- that we have yet to learn if/when she may overcome them. I am grateful and humbled that I not only have been privilege to be a part of her life...but that she is still here with us, teaching us, laughing with us, sharing her joy and making me and so many others believe in miracles. BIG miracles.
You know I will post pictures as soon as I get the chance. I have no doubt that there will be smiles on many faces. Tomorrow and beyond.
14 comments:
Way to go, Wyndham! Enjoy the wedding!
From a big fan in S Florida
Please share pictures (as if I had to ask) of your miraculous day!! I've said it before, but I'll say it again, Wyndham just had the most beautiful, contagious smile!!
good for you wyndham! go get 'em flower girl :)
She's a gift from God who has touched my life in so many ways.
Can't WAIT for the photos!
She is just beautiful, her smile is infectious. She is truly a gift.
As the mom of a child with special needs myself, I really know what you meant when you said that you are sort of glad you didn't know what the future held at some point...that it sounds so overwhelming. But when you're doing it, it is all managable because you love your child so much and to see the progress and those smiles makes it all worthwhile.
(((HUGS))) and hope the wedding is fabulous.
Karen in CA
August 10 is my birthday and I was turning 40 when Wyndham was in surgery. Today, at 46, I feel so blessed to know you and see the miracle working power of God in Wyndham's life.
Children are such a blessing! And Wyndham is such a shining example of that. Things happen in this life that we have no control over, but from which we learn so much. My nephew is autistic and has faced many challenges. When my sister-in-law asked his mother if she wished that he were different or "normal," his mother adamantly insisted that this was exactly what God had intended for their lives. If he was "different" or "normal," he wouldn't be the son that they knew and loved so very much.
Too many people have children because that's the 'thing' to do. They have them because they love them, yes, but they simply additions to their lifestyle...they miss out on God's truth that the purity of children can be our greatest teacher. I can't even imagine how hard some days are as you watch Wyndham not be able to do something another child can, but I can't help but think that in the purity she lives by, maybe she thinks other kids can't do it like her...
Much love,
Ade
xoxox
Thank you so much for sharing about Wyndham. She seems like such an amazing, beautiful blessing. Have fun at the wedding:)
It is so amazing! I know what we've been through is so very different the Wyndham's journey - but those moments where I see the "old Cole" or he remembers things from before surgery that I was sure he'd forgotten - it's enough to last me a lifetime. The things we didn't think we'd see - it's amazing. We were told by one therapist to get used to the walker, because he would probably always need it. Cole can now run (not fast, but still) walk quickly, hop, jump - so much. Things we were determined to see happen and things God blessed us with. I pray that we both see more and more blessings in our kids!! More than we could expect but just what He had planned!
Your story and your ability to share so much here is such an inspiration to me! We too are on a journey with our son that was an unexpected journey. I completely understand what you mean when you say that you were glad not to know what the challenges would be. Wyndham is so beautiful and I know that you celebrate every accomplishment she acheives! She really is the empitomy of true and unconditional love. What an awesome gift from God!
Ah, what an inspiration! Can't wait to see pictures from the wedding.
She is getting to be such a big girl. And more beautiful! Her smile grabs at my heart and won't let go.:)
Please do share pics of her from the wedding.
atta girl wyndham!!
keep proving to everyone just how amazing you truly are!!
xoxo
Post a Comment