A Thankful Heart

Yesterday our daughter Kylie had her 7th surgery, a nose revision and a hernia repair.  First and foremost we praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for smooth surgeries, for giving her doctors and nurses wisdom and skills that they need, and for the prayers of many people praying specific prayers for Kylie and her family.  This was the first time that Kylie was not terrified in the pre-op room.  Many people were praying that she would not be scared.  We were amazed at how well she did.  We were in there for 2.5 hours because one of her surgeons was still in another surgery.  Kylie was able to draw beautiful pictures on her sheets while nurse Pete drew, and even her mommy and daddy. It was much fun.  Not a surprise to those who know Kylie well that she had the nurses and doctors laughing.  This was also the first time that they didn't have to give her "happy juice" to leave pre-op without us.  In the past she has needed that because the separation was too hard for her.  This time she held a nurse's hand to WALK to the operating room.  I get teared up typing this as I think about it, but yesterday I had so much peace and was able to leave that room without tears (maybe I was dried up from all the tears I shed at 4:00 that morning).  Seriously, I had that peace that only comes from Christ.  Vanderbilt is a wonderful hospital and we are so thankful for the terrific doctors and nurses.  They make you feel as if we are the only ones there. 

Currently, Karsten and Kylie are sitting in my bed making Buzz Lightyear paper airplanes.  Karsten bought her two gifts from the gift shop during her surgery.  I've never seen anyone love his sister as much as Karsten does.  I truly believe that is a gift from God that He has used in Karsten through his pain.  Even though he was 2 years old when his brother went to heaven, it still affects Karsten today.  He has a brother, he's just not here with us.  Through his loss, God has given Karsten a thankful heart, not taking his sister for granted.  We know that things don't always go the way we have planned.  I think, too, that's why it's even harder for us when Kylie has surgeries.  God uses our prayers, but sometimes they may not be answered the way we had prayed for. 

God is sovereign in our joys and sorrows.  We celebrate these wonderful times.  Thank you all for your prayers and we ask that you continue to pray for Kylie as she is recovering.  She still has many surgeries in her future if the Lord allows.  May our boast continue to be in our Healer, Redeemer, Creator, and Savior Lord Jesus.