One year ago this weekend (2/16/07) our little Brea was admitted to the hospital in Baton Rouge. I'll never forget the cardiologist walking up and handing me a box of tissues and saying "You are going to need these". He sat down and began to explain what was happening to our baby while the nurses were hooking her up to all kinds of wires and tubes and adjusting her ventilator.
It was exactly one year ago today (2/18/07) that she was airlifted to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock after coding in the PICU in Baton Rouge. There are so many people that came to the hospital that night while we waited on the jet to come and they will forever be special in our hearts. Dirk and Danielle...we miss you so much and love you for taking care of Brooke and Baker that weekend. Lori, we miss you and can never thank you enough for getting to Baton Rouge so quickly to help with the kids. Dana, Sue, Garnett and our River Community Church family...bless you for being there from the first moment.. You cried with us and prayed with us. Sue, I will never forget standing at Brea's bedside and telling you that I couldn't pray for a heart for Brea...I just couldn't ask the Lord to take another mother's child so that mine could live. You understood what I was saying and you suggested that I pray that families finding themselves in the situation of having to decide to donate their child's organs or not would make a decision that would allow Brea to live. Thank you...I needed to hear that and I wasn't thinking clearly enough to come up with it on my own. Ron, (Dr. Waldrop) you will always be so very special to us. Seeing CPR being done on your child is something that I would never wish on anyone but I am so glad you were there that night when Brea coded. Dr. Brummond...thank you for being honest with us about Brea's condition. As hard as it was to hear...you didn't sugar coat anything and we needed to hear it just the way that you said it so we could understand the magnitude of the problem. Thank you for taking all the time you did with us to explain every detail and answer our questions. There are so few doctors in the world that make you feel like you are their only patient but you have always made us feel that way when caring for Brea and Baker. Last but not least I want to thank Brooke and Baker for being so strong and brave during such a stressful time in our family. You guys showed Mommy and Daddy what you are made of and we are so proud of who you are. You sacrificed living in your home, going to your school and doing the activities that you love so that we could focus on your sister getting better and that says a lot about who you are! Brooke, I will never forgive myself for not being able to be there for you when you had your surgery but I knew that you were in great hands with Gommy, Ms. Danielle, Ms. Dana and Ms. Jamie. I'm sure there are others that I am missing and I hope you will forgive me. It was a stressful time in our lives and what I remember most is the love that I felt from each of you.
The drive from Baton Rouge to Little Rock was torture but it was so comforting to know that Danny's dad and stepmom were there waiting for the plane to land. Thank you Bob and Lanelle for being there for Brea for us. Someday she will be old enough to understand how special that was. I can't say enough good things about the staff at ACH. You guys ROCK! You cared for Brea from day one like she was your own child. You are worth your weight in gold and I am so thankful that Brea was sent there to be cared for by the best! Janet, Kathy, Dr. Frazier and ICU West...we are coming to see you in April for Brea's one year post transplant check up and I can't wait for you to see the vibrant little girl that Brea has become! She is just like any other two year old...sweet, into everything, naughty at times and full of LIFE! Thank you for everything you did for her and us during our stay there.
I learned so much about myself through this journey and my faith in the Lord has never been stronger. I cannot sing His praises enough for the things He has done nor will I ever grow tired of sharing Brea's story and the miracle of her life. I KNOW without a doubt that God has big plans for this precious little girl and I am so honored to be her mother. She has brought so much joy to our home. Her laughter is contagious and she has wrapped each of us (including her sister and brother) around her little fingers! She oozes love and she has given us so much more than we will ever be able to give to her.
Yes, we are blessed. Blessed with three beautiful children who are unique in every way...from the hair on their heads to their personalities they are special. I truly must be the most blessed woman alive. Thank you Lord!
Here are some photos from one year ago and some from just recently. Enjoy!
