Be Encouraged

On her way to the Scope and Biopsy

At the end of Ashley's biopsy the GI doctor looked at me and said, "Trish, lets just be encouraged." I love this guy! He has the best, most positive attitude of any doctor we have ever had. He is so dedicated to these children and their well being. I truly appreciate him and I can't tell him that enough. We all love him. So, I am taking his advice tonight and I am going to "be encouraged." From what we saw on the screen this afternoon the bowel looks to be a little better in some areas. For that I am thankful. In other areas it is obvious that it doesn't look too good. I will be interested to see if the pathology supports what we have seen with our eyes. Tomorrow we will know if the treatment has worked or if we hit her with even bigger guns in our attempts to rid her body of rejection. I can't imagine the side effects getting any worse, but they assure me they can if we have to switch to round three. It will include a different immunosuppressive drug that we have never had her on. All I know is that the doctor told me, "If we have to use that it won't be pretty." Again, lets just "be encouraged", and not worry about that until we get there. I truly believe God gave me those words today, and I am going to hold on to them.

Ash is grunting pretty hard this evening. The nurse thinks it is because of the effusion. I hope it is only the distension in her tummy from the scope. We will just watch her through the night and see what happens. She feels pretty miserable tonight and I have tucked her in under a soft blanket and dimmed the lights so she might drift off to sleep. Even all puffed up she looks sweet and beautiful under that pink blanket. Her cheeks are a little flushed making her look like she is rosy and glowing. I can still see those long lashes and her pouty little lips. As she lays there I sit and stare at her beauty and I am thankful she is here.

Dave and Allison are out on date night. Dinner and Putt Putt. Its alway the same. When they first started "dating" they carved their names in the tunnel at the putt putt place. Dad loves Allie. Each time they go she searches the tunnel to make sure it is still there. I love that! She called this afternoon and asked me to help her figure out what to wear. How I wish I were there with her to help her get ready. Thats always the funnest part of date night. I love the time we spend together as she gets ready. She was really looking forward to going out with just her and Dad. I am so glad that Dave takes the time to make her feel so special. Blake called and shared with me that he was having a great night. He is watching the Red Sox and Indians game and rooting for the Soxs. The winner will proceed to the World Series and we can't wait for that. He is so excited as he gives me the run down of the game. I just love that kid. I miss him so much my heart aches as I hear him talk and talk. I wish I was home watching the game with him. Nan made his favorite chocolate chip cookies for him tonight and things just couldn't be better for him is what he said. She sure did put a smile on his face. Blake's two favorite things in this world are baseball and chocolate chip cookies. What a great way to spend a Friday night.

Well, I am going to go pick up our baby gherkin and rock her for a while. I can't stand to hear her struggling like this. I hope I can eventually get her to fall asleep. Thank you guys for supporting us through such a tough day. I know things are going to get better, after all we are concentrating on the phrase "be encouraged." Thats the best thing that he could have said to me today. Good night everyone. Trish