Dodging

Rounds are now finished and it looks as though we have been able to dodge the OR for the moment. Not forever, but for now. Ashley's doctor examined her, looked over her labs, and then looked at us with her hands held up in the air as if to say, "I don't know what happened." Then she actually did say, "You know why she's doing better don't you? Its because I told you to call her daddy." Next she told Dave, "I wouldn't have asked you to come if I didn't think we were going to need you to be here. She looked bad enough that I was very concerned." I just smiled and reassured her that we appreciate her and she had NO reason to apologize. We would never forgive ourselves if he was not here and we lost her. In my heart I know she is doing a little better because of the many, many, many prayers that are being prayed over her. Thank you so much.

Ashley will have to go into the OR, but at this point the longer we can wait and allow some of this infection to clear the better chance we will have. Our surgeon said if it becomes emergent then by all means we will take her in and do the best we can, but one of the major concerns about opening Ash at this point is whether or not they would be able to tell between injured areas that need to be removed of infected areas that just need time to heal. Of course the other danger is the risk of spreading the infection. If we can hold off then we will and for today we get to hold off. Knowing that Ashley is going to lose a section of her bowel is very, very frightening to us. We have walked this road with our sweet Ashely before and our prayer will be that enough of her intestine has survived to still be functional. We will not know that for many, many weeks to come.

Trying to figure out if Dave should leave is another difficult area for us. Obviously he dropped his responsibilities yesterday and ran. He needs to work in our office and take care of our patients. He needs to earn an income for our family. He needs to be there for our children. What do we do? Ash is still very sick and she and I will more than likely be here in the PICU for a while. Is it safe for him to leave today? We have no idea. We have many decisions to be making and are looking for direction.

Your kind words, encouragements, support and prayers are so very appreciated. I could never say thank you enough for loving the Lord so much that you love our baby.