Ella had a great day.

However, it didn’t start off so good. Ella was due for her last round of synagis about a week ago, but the medicine didn’t show up. We had to go through insurance again, get approval letters, etc. In any case, the medicine came yesterday, so we wanted to get it administered as soon as possible. The nurse was willing to come this morning between 10 – 11am. Unfortunately, she was running late. By the time she arrived, it was 11:15am. Ella was very upset as the needle poked her twice, once in each leg. Unfortunately, her OT appointment was right afterwards at 11:30. The nurse and occupational therapist literally passed each other at the front door. Ella was still upset and so it made the OT session a total failure. Although I was doubtful, we still tried feeding. That didn’t work, so then we tried just playing (reading books, playing with her laptop, etc.). Ella was not even willing to do that activity. She was done.

All it took was some beauty sleep and Ella was smiling again. It was such a nice day here in Denver – sunny and 75 degrees. So, I decided to take her to the outdoor mall that is 5 minutes from our house. She got excited as I put her in the car…and to think…we were not going to a doctor’s office!

While we enjoyed the sun, we also took notice of the tulips that were in full bloom in various colors around the mall. I had to stop and smell the flowers for the day.

Wow, it was touching to me to read the inspired words that the Lord gave Josh to write to our son on yesterday’s post. I think it perfectly describes where we were at during the entire experience and describes the peace that He has given us through this time.

I’m so thankful for all of you out there. Some of you post comments and many do not, but we know that you are walking the journey with us and the support is invaluable. All of the thoughts and prayers are not going unnoticed.

Yesterday was a hard day emotionally and physically for me, but I’m amazed at how the Lord has truly provided peace. Once born, the doctor recommended that we do not look at our son, simply because of his condition. He was trying to be sensitive and thought it might engrain a bad memory. Yet in that moment, I really had the desire to look at our boy. So the amazing doctor that God provided to us, was patient and gentle as he showed me everything about our son. I took several minutes to soak him in. It confirmed everything we could see on ultrasound. I had the chance to look into his little face and take in his little fingers and toes. Those few minutes truly helped me say goodbye to him.

It brought the song “Praise you in this Storm” back to my memory. I will never forget hearing this song for the first time in Florida while Ella was in the NICU, only 10 days after she was born. At that time, we were not sure of the Lord’s plan for Ella. It was morning and there was a thunderstorm outside. My alarm clock went off with this song playing. It was a new song for my ears and one that will always hold special meaning for me. It just seems appropriate to share it again, as the words ring true for this season of life.

This song is by by Casting Crowns. You can listen to it below.

[mp3]music/praiseyou.mp3[/mp3]

I Will Praise You In This Storm

I was sure by now God,
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say, “amen”
and it’s still raining.
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper
through the rain,
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands
And praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm