A Few Answers

So the surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at noon. Until then, the goal is to keep lil' AG out of pain. Her Heavenly Father has mercifully kept the pressure at bay this morning. She is sleeping/snoring beside me with her little lips & tongue twitching every few minutes to show she's dreaming. Ana has Havyn out for a long walk (and hopefully a little nap-on-the-go). We have a wonderful nurse, Danielle, who had Ava Gray a few hospitalizations ago - we really like Danielle.

In case any of you were wondering what I was wondering (since they're going in anyway, can Dr. Kelly do his follow-up at the same time, so AG can just have 1 surgery, vs. 2?), the answer to that is no. The neuro team feels it's too risky to have any extended surgery while her brain and spinal column fluid are exposed. That makes sense (but aww shucks, it sure would have been nice to do it all at once!).

For now I am listening to Ava Gray breathe in and out & to the words from Sandra McCrackens' song "I Can't Help Myself." Both are conduits of grace......

Can't Help Myself  

I confess the things, I am afraid of

Thorns and danger just around the bend

I pray for tongues of fire and bands of angels

To come and circle 'round me like a fence

Chorus:  I lift my eyes to the hills,

where comes my help?

I lift my hands, empty hands

I can't help myself, can't help myself

No, I can't help myself

My enemies surround me like an army

Within without the battles raging on

I pray the spirit would be strong and mighty

For courage through the night until the dawn

Chorus

Oh trust the lord, my soul and all that is in me

Oh trust the light to show my darkest parts

With wounds of truth and love, a friend who has known me

A fool would keep his secrets in his heart

Chorus