Hanging in there.

In the top picture, Wyndham was 'pretending to be asleep'. She did this most often when a doctor or nurse came around asking too many questions. She would pretend to zone out in hopes that maybe they would just leave her alone. I thought it was cute, and funny that she had such a sense to come up with her own 'coping mechanism' while she was in the hospital last week. The part that helped me really feel a sense of 'everything's going to be okay' during this uncertain time was the fact that she was trying so hard to 'be herself'- even when things were so different and difficult for her. In the photo I took I had just told her "I love you" both verbally and with sign language. She pretended to close her eyes, but as you can see, she still signed "I love you" back to me. It's the little signs of 'normal' that I was seeing in her that helped me to stay more calm and assured that she would be alright.
My personal coping mechanism is seen a little bit in the next photo. After I had taken her picture I was about to turn my camera off, but as I turned to walk toward the window I just felt I had to capture a picture that represented 'me' at that moment too.
I hadn't fully prepared for 2 nights/3 days away from home, and had to re-wear my clothes one day, but I was thankful that I had my 'necessities' along with me that helped me to hang in there for some of the long hours. If you've never spent time in a hospital, consider yourself blessed. Hospitals are really hard to get rest in- even with the best care. There is lots of noise and disruptions and lights and beeps and it just doesn't feel like home. My pillow goes everywhere with me...and it is one thing I have learned to grab on our way to the hospital after several experiences. It's just one small thing that really makes a big difference to me. Even if I only get an hour of sleep a night. My Bible is a tremendous source of comfort, encouragement and peace. I literally can flip open to almost any given page when we are in the midst of trying times and it seems that something 'jumps off the page' and speaks directly to my heart. I find it amazing that God uses His word- written long, long ago, to help guide and give assurance in ways that are timely and relevant. No matter our circumstances.
Today, I am letting some of you know that Wyndham isn't doing so well again. She had a rough day yesterday and we are concerned for her even more today as she has not kept food/drink down and just isn't looking or feeling herself. Her MRI has yet to be rescheduled, so I will be sure to post an update when I know more about that procedure.
We're just really keeping a close eye on her and waiting to see if she just has a bit of stomach flu or if there is something more serious going on.
We continue to appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Sometimes it feels like our family 'gets picked on' more than others in this life. But we feel blessed in many ways and continue to remain confident that even the 'down days' have value and purpose- beyond what we can see.
It's the thought of Heaven and a glorious eternity that we keep our eyes focused on at such times. Life really isn't about coping...but more about hoping. That's what keeps us all hanging in there. I trust it's what keeps you going in the midst of life's storms too. Thanks again for walking through the rough waters with our family. We truly appreciate your friendships, love and support.