Monday, April 25th we headed back to Salt Lake City to discuss the results of Hailey's MRI as well as the details of her surgery with the surgeon. He confirmed what we had been praying for. The cyst on Hailey's back at the bottom of her spine was filled with just spinal fluid. Before, there was a chance that part of her spinal cord was tethered inside as well which may have resulted in more challenges growing up such as an awkward walk or even a wheelchair and bladder & kidney issues. Neurological problems were a concern as well.
Tuesday morning I handed my baby off to the anesthesiologist who took her back for surgery. They said it would take about three hours or so. When she came out of surgery, she was still a little out of it, laying on her belly with her eyes closed and softly moaning. She hurt. You don't know the feeling of helplessness until you see your 6 week old baby laying in a hospital crib moaning because she is in pain and you, her mother cannot pick her up to comfort her.
For three days she laid on her belly. Through feedings, through diaper changes, she didn't move except for the occasional turn of her head from one side to another so that she wouldn't get a stiff neck. She cried. She screamed. She healed.
She is home now and has had to remain on her belly for two weeks but those two weeks are almost up. She will be able to lay on her back for the first time in her life. First normal diaper change. First time in her bedside rocker. First time being held normally. First time in the car seat without the really cool pad Daddy made for her. We will be celebrating a lot of "firsts" in the next few days.
Above all the "firsts" though, we we will celebrate the "constants" too! The constant fact that God is good, that He is faithful! That He works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And man, this kid is Called!
Just like In The Beginning, "you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). In Hailey's Beginning, what satan meant for evil, God has & will continue to use it for good. She has the scar to prove it ...and another has the scars to prove it.
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
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Thank you Jesus!
And thank you to all of you who prayed for our baby girl.
xoxo, kerri
***For Part One of Hailey's story, click here!***