Amazing Madelyn Grace: Day by day.

I can’t even lie, today was a harder day.

The progress from yesterday made today’s small setback feel so big. Seeing Madelyn’s eyes (even the eye rolls) and her smile made everything feel like it was going to be okay. We know that today’s events are for the betterment of Madelyn’s condition, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Especially for those of us with little to no patience (Lilly and Leah. Scott’s holding us down.)

The breathing tube is back in for now. The doctor and nurses said that her windpipe was starting to collapse and her tracheotomy was starting to have a few issues, so they sedated her and intubated her. She got a good bit of rest today which was needed and beneficial after her restless day. While seeing her with the breathing tube is not ideal, she was calm and prepared for it. Her nurse Baylee (hey girl hey if you’re reading this) assessed Mad every few hours and she was good about opening her eyes and following her commands. She glanced over for a moments and saw some visitors and wiggled her feet. Almost like a dog wags its tail. She can also still give us a quick smile and mouth the word “water” with the tube in. The satisfaction of her first sip of water is going to be so powerful; I just know it.

She still looks at us a bit confused and she seemed a little nervous about where she was. It breaks my heart that she doesn’t understand any of this, and I just wish she didn’t have to go through this in the first place. Even with her confusion and anxiety, she will still flash us a smile if given the chance.

They redressed her wounds today and the spot on her thigh has healed, and her feet and the one on her head are healing well. Very grateful for that news!

Madelyn’s strength is admirable. It’s hard to see her this way, but I know it’s even harder for her to have to be the one in the hospital bed, unaware of what is going on. I hope that when she rests she dreams of happy moments rather than scary ones, and I hope she feels the love and the prayers. I have a good feeling that she does; she wouldn’t be here if she didn’t.

Today was just a small step back but the light at the end of the tunnel has not been dimmed. There will come a day when she will be laughing and cutting up again, and while we all wish that day will be tomorrow, her healing will just have to take its time.

Isaiah 12:2 -Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense ; He has become my salvation."