the elephant

How do you eat an elephant? 

One bite at a time.  This is the advice that Patty was wise enough to share with us this morning when they stopped in to visit. Shawnie and I have talked a lot about that today.  This surgery has definitely been an elephant.  And she just keeps on chewing...

Today has been much, much better than yesterday.  First thing this morning we headed over to the wheelchair shop here at Shriners to pick up her new chair.  It took a while to get it adjusted just right for her, but from the time she first sat in it, she was all smiles.  She already ADORES it.  Even under the influence of the heavy narcotics she's on, she was able to take right off and hasn't had any trouble at all adjusting to it.  They fitted it to her perfectly and even put on an extra fancy, extra padded, extra expensive seat to help with comfort during recovery.  While we were over there, we had surprise visits from some of our favorite people!!  She smiled more this morning than she has in a week.  She spent the majority of the afternoon in her chair, it has a pretty awesome recline on it and that comfy seat couldn't be beat.

Keith was SO Excited this afternoon to take Shawnie out in the Big Room to meet the Jazz players.  She got an autographed basketball.  This is so embarrassing but I can't remember who the tall guy is, the other one is Jeff Hornacek.  Her ball has their signatures on it, as well as Andre k..... and some other guys that I couldn't read. 

Please meet Butterscotch.  This puppy has been right next to Shawnie every second since we left home for the hospital.  It is the perfect size to keep her shoulder in the perfect position to keep her back perfectly happy while she is sleeping/resting in bed.  Thank you for thinking of it, Shelley.

This girl has been spoiled rotten and showered with love from all over.  Every time anyone walked into her room, they commented on the love that was oozing from posters, pictures, presents, blankets, teddy bears, treats... (Pumpkin cookie recipe, please?)
We are so grateful for such thoughtful friends.  She recognizes that she is blessed, and that because of the love and prayers of wonderful people, she has strength to overcome anything.

Tonight, our room is empty, except for a few things.  Tomorrow morning, first thing, we are HEADED HOME!!  There are only 2 kids left in this entire hospital, it's been a rather quiet evening.  It's hard to believe that we've almost made it through the first week and she is doing so well.  I feel really bad because I wanted to take pictures of everyone who visited her, and I don't think I got a single one.  So you'll have to come back and visit her at home so that we can try again.  We're so grateful for the time that good friends took to travel so far to remind her that she is loved. 

Starting now, the updates will be turned over to Shawnie.  She's ready to take it over, and it will be fun to remember it from her perspective. 

Thanks again, we love you all.