Columbine 10 Years
Ive been pondering a lot today about this anniversary. I remember it so clearly. As the tragedy was unfolding in Columbine we had our own tragedy unfolding in our lives. It has been 10 years today that we found out Emily was seriously ill. Today we met with Dr. Astle our pediatric opthamologist. We met with him exactly 10 years ago today with our 10 month old daughter. He delivered the news to us that day that Emily was blind and something was wrong along her optic nerves and that he highly suspected a tumor of some sort. We were devastated and returned home awaiting an MRI the next day to see what exactly the problem was. I remember watching the situation unfold on TV in Columbine and crying tears for those students and for Emily. I remember holding Emily and looking at her tiny little head and wondering how something so terrible could be going on underneath the surface. I couldnt believe it and I remember wanting to take her and just run from it all. It was a terrible day in my memory and I remember it acutely...and it has been 10 years! Ive been thinking all day about the whole experience we had with Emily. She has many questions about how we knew she had a tumor and what the surgery was like. It has been interesting to recall those memories and share them with her. I even downloaded today the one CD that would calm her thru all of this....Andre Bocelli. To this day, Mike cannot even listen to the CD. I can because Emily's story has a happy ending. She is perfect. She does everything any little 10 year old girl can do. She loves life. She loves to laugh. She does not dwell in self pity at the doctors appointments and medications she has to endure. She simply does it and understands it is part of her story. Today the girls said that maybe Heavenly Father gave her the tumor because he doesnt like her....I quickly corrected that thought and said Heavenly Father sent us here to be tested, we all will have different tests, and this happens to be one of Emily's tests....when we pass our tests we can return to Heavenly Father with our heads held high. We then talked about different tests that we might be given and how we might endure them. I was sure to point out (tho so easy to forget) that we will not be given challenges we are not strong enough for. Heavenly Father knew Emily was strong enough and brave enough and could overcome this challenge in her life. It was such an uplifting moment with my girls! I love each one of them. I love Emily and the challenges she faces. I love that her story has a happy ending.
We also booked a new surgery today. After much deliberation and debate over the last 10 years we have decided to fix Emily's eye. Her eye waivers and does not follow her good eye. We have decided it is time to fix it. So May 28 is the day! They will pull her muscles around her eye tighter so that it will be able to follow her good eye more closely.
And on a lighter note....the girls also asked today
WHAT CAUSES A TUMOR??
I said...well if you come up with the answer to that..you will be a billionaire. Stephanie says, "Ok come on guys...let's all figure it out! Let's put our thinking caps on so we can be billionaires! So that is the latest money making scheme around here. Forget chores..they are going for the big bucks!!
7 comments:
Happy Anniversary Emily!!! You're amazing! You have been such a trooper thru everything you've had to do. I know you'll do great with this new surgery too. I'm sure it helps that you have great sisters that have been so supportive too, and now a little brother. You are a great example to them. (Plus, you have the best parents in the world!)
We LOVE you Emily! We will be fasting and praying for you. I KNOW Heavenly Father loves you more than we can understand!
happy... um idunno,but happy. we are all happy and glad for emily. happy emily! i think i want to join in on this money making scheme. so count me in! but anyway we LOVE you em!
This was such a touching post! I admire your strength through it all Emily (especially all those doctors appointments!!) Just think the the toughness and perspective on life you've learned before heading into those teenage years, it will come in handy!
You are a beautiful girl and we love you to bits!
I had tears remembering 10 years ago as I sat with you in that MRI room when Mike walked out with the news. I remember all the people that fasted and prayed and even Mike's friend that worked at the COOP Gas station, who did not go to church, but he told my mom, "tell Mike I'm fasting for his baby girl." We were all so blessed that she recovered and that we have her in our lives. She is a darling, wonderful girl that we all adore!
Just reading this touch my heart and made me remembered when Sofia was almost the same age as Emily and we found out that she had meningitis... I am so glad I had the chance to know Emily! She is a beautiful girl! We are going to pray for your coming operation!
Ok .. totally tearing up! I can't believe its been 10 years.. it really feels like yesterday, I totally remember sitting at dunhams house watching all the columbine stuff on the news and you rocking emmy! What a blessing Emily has been to me and to our family.. I just love her to pieces! Emily I will send ya some treats for a fast recovery.. any requests?? too bad I can't be there to pass out by your bedside!haha LOVE YA!
Happy 10 years to Emily! You guys are an inspiration to us, just begining a crazy road.
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