Tuesday, September 2, 2008

A Big Surgery for a Little Girl

Catherine, today was your two week B'day. It was a big day for you. The doctors put your organs back in place and built you a new diaphragm. You didn't have much muscle there, so they put in a patch and stitched it to your ribs. The surgery took about 3.5-4 hours. The doctors said your little lung was bigger than they expected (from now on, we'll call it your big little lung). This will help in the days ahead.

Before you went in for surgery, you woke up more than ever before. You were moving around and were relaxed. You found your mom and I. You were probably thinking, "that's a little blurry." I hear your eyes aren't focusing yet. But you seemed to recognize our voices and rest when we touched you on the head and hand. I wondered when we left if that would be our last memory. It was a very very sweet one. As I left, I tried to hold onto every moment (I wanted a video camera to soak up every detail). It reminds me of the way I felt the day I married your mom. It was a beautiful day, and when I stood on the altar, I tried to memorize her gaze, her smell, and her every move. Like you were today, she was stunning.

As we waited, your mom and I got icees and sat on UVA campus. We just talked about how much fun it was to interact with you. There was an unexplainable peace as we waited. A calm in the storm, of sorts. We talked about how, if you pulled through, we would bring you to the same store one day. We would take you to the bench we sat on as we waited for you.

You still have a long road ahead. We will be here when you wake up, my love.

Daddy

45 comments:

Bushes 5 said...

Donnie and Katie,
We have been following your blog for quite some time now and just wanted you to know that we are praying for you! Even our kids have started bringing you up in their prayers at school! (They go to a private Christian school obviously!)

Catherine is a very blessed little girl to have you for parents! We will continue to pray for health and blessings over your family!
Veda for The Bushes (Chip, Veda, Leah, Amy and Chaz)

Anonymous said...

Donnie and Katie, I am so glad and reliefed that Catherine made it though today's surgery. We all knew she could do it. He has her in His hands and will continue to make Catherine stronger in the coming days as she heals.

May you both find peace in the coming days and everyone will continue to pray for Catherine, you, and Katie.

I can't wait to read up on Catherine's progress and see more pics in the coming days. Catherine has the biggest cheering section ever, and I have the feeling she knows that too. Babies always relize more than we give them credit for.

Anonymous said...

I got to thinking after I read the post again. I believe that Catherine woke up more the usual to tell you guys that everything would be ok and that she would make it though the surgery. She knew she had a job to do and that she had you and Katie wating for her when she wakes up.

Abby said...

happy 2 weeks beautiful one. I have been praying for you all day. keep fighting...we all love you so much.

Debbie said...

Donnie & Katie, thinking of you all afternoon today - so happy things went well during the surgery. I just know Catherine
will be able to visit the icee shop and sit on that bench where you waited during her surgery.
Bless you all.
Love, Debbie Campbell

Robyn said...

Hi Donnie & Katie,
I am friends with Jennifer Yearty and she shared your blog with me and I just wanted you to know that you are all in my prayers. Catherine is a very lucky girl to have such precious parents! I will continue to pray for your little angel and for peace and strength for you both.
Love,
Robyn Washburn

Emilie Smith said...

Be strong, sweet baby! I love y'all, Emilie

Daryl V said...

We've been praying for you three and will continue to do so. We're so glad to hear that Catherine's surgery went well.

Daryl and Sara

Sharon - Mom Generations said...

Dear Donnie and Katie,
You have been given the greatest gift of Catherine... and Catherine has been given the greatest gifts of you two. The three of you are like petals from the same flower, rays from the same sun, sails on the same boat. Your great love for each other honors our Lord and your great faith honors our Lord. Even at her tender little age, Catherine has lived this love and this faith. Your long road ahead will one day lead right to your bench. Donnie... your words and your joy and the way you embrace each moment is magnificent. Simply magnificent. I continue to pray with all my heart and soul for all of you.

E said...

Thankful for the surgery going well, and for Catherine pulling through. We will keep praying in WA state.

Thanks for the update, Daddy Donnie!

MelissaR86 said...

Donnie and Katie, you have been in our prayers along with Catherine all day and we were thrilled when Aunt Margaret called and told us Catherine had come through ok. You are going to continue to be in our prayers and just know we love you! ~Melissa~

6 of Four Creations said...

Thank you for the update. I was praying today and am blown away by the strength of this little beauty and by the power of our God.

Sarah&Jason said...

Hi Catherine! I am Abby Harbin Dockery's sister, Sarah. I, too, have been following your blog for a long time now, and thought you should know I am here, enlisting even my near 2 year old in prayer for you. You are beautiful. This verse struck me today for you, and I thought I'd share it: "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Probably a few other folks are rejoicing with singing over you too, sweet little girl! We are singing and praying in Temple, GA.

Josh and Kate plus 2 said...

Halelujah! Praise the Lord! We are so happy to hear the great news again! Our family has been praying for your's for the past couple of months & it has been a priviledge and an honor to be distant witnesses of your strength, faith, hope, and love! May the Lord continue to be your solid rock through the days & weeks ahead!
~The Walker Family

Sarah&Jason said...

woopsie I forgot to give credit to Zephaniah 3:17 for that verse!

Anonymous said...

auntie shelly loves and adores you! sweet baby, you are so dear to my heart-i feel like we'll be best of friends =) still praying for you and mommy and daddy.

Mimi's Toes said...

I said a prayer for you, little princess at 1:00 Sept.2 during your surgery. I know that God is healing your little body. Your parents love you so so much. I love the family picture. The next family picture will be of your smiling face.

Anonymous said...

praise the Lord! i'm going to wear my UVA shirt with pride :) love you guys and will keep praying and battling with you - love, lindsey (shelly's roommate)

AtlantaMama said...

wow. thank you lord for your peace and grace. God is so good. That's awesome to hear that her lung is bigger than they thought. God is so good. We are still praying and cheering you on sweet Catherine! ><>

Our Life said...

I am so glad that things are looking good for this precious baby! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Farrah

The Cooley's said...

Our hearts are so full of joy for Catherine. We have faith and pray that God will continue to keep his healing hand on her little life.
Love and Prayers,

The Cooley Family
Chicago, IL

Jules said...

Thankful to read your report from today. I think of you often and pray for you as you walk this road.

(I'm a friend of Kelly's from your church.)

Unknown said...

everyone in buena vista CO is praying for catherine marie. we love her and we haven't even met her. can't wait to one day. much love to katie and donnie :)
--Leslie Goss

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thesupermanns said...

Kevin and i joined in prayer tonight...asking GOD to give Catherine much strength as she recovers....and for the very best help to be around you guys. I will be fighting alongside you guys...keeping you in my daily prayers.....

Beth Goff said...

PRAYING!!! I am so glad the surgery went well. Praise the LORD. I know He will bless your family!

Anonymous said...

We are so happy that Catherine's surgery went well and that her lung is larger than expected! This whole situation has been such a series of miracles!! We'll pray that she will continue to fight the way she has so far. We know that the Lord is holding her in His hands and has great plans for her.

Mary Ann said...

Dear Donnie and Katie,

Wow, What joyous news. May Catherine continue to improve.

Your example of trust in our Father is so inspiring.

My prayers.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann said...

Donnie and Katie,

The news that I just read about Catherine is so wonderful.

Prayers and love to all of you,

Mary Ann

Mary Ann said...

Dear Donnie and Katie,

Your faith in our Father is so inspiring. May Catherine continue to heal.

My prayers.

Mary Ann

Anonymous said...

Hey guys--Mom filled us in on how successful the surgery was! What a blessing! We're rejoicing with you and sending a prayer covering from afar! Love you all. Tons and Tons.--Tom and Katie

Anonymous said...

What amazing parents you both are. Your letters to Catherine always leave me in tears! She is truly blessed to have the both of you!

We are praying for Catherine daily. We are here if you need anything.

The Madaus Family said...

Thank you for the updates! I think about Catherine often I am amazed by the love and strength you have all shown over the past 2 weeks! Catherine is a fighter, thats for sure!

Curtis said...

Catherine is in my prayers. I look forward to following this blog that a friend directed me to. God bless your family.

amanda said...

new to your world but had to say hello and congrats!!

she is beyond beautiful...

such a sweet family photo below!!

sending prayers and hugs :)

akhbryant said...

Donnie and Katie,
I found your blog on facebook and my what an inspiration you are. Keep your strength! Thank you for fulfilling my 1 hour "quiet devotion" time today as i read from the beginning, with tears throughout! your family is in our thoughts and prayers and thank you for posting updates as you will continue to be an inspiration to my family.
the bryants (kevin, angie and hayes)
macon, ga

Anonymous said...

Catherine- Your nickname must be Miracle! That's what you are! Who knew someone so little could be such a BIG inspiration! What a mighty God we serve! He is SO gracious, SO loving, and SO good!! Keep fighting Beautiful One! love you!

Deb said...

Hi Katie,
Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you all and sending warm wishes and prayers your way!
Deb CMC NBN

K said...

I found you through a blog linked to my daughter-in-law's, she gave us a beautiful granddaughter almost a year ago. Your story has made me cry and take such great joy in seeing how wonderful your little family is. I pray that Catherine will have many days to share with you both sipping on Icees. Miracles do happen! Catherine is a gift of God, a true miracle.

Amy Plumb said...

Many prayers for your sweet baby!

Lauren Dufort said...

So glad to hear Catherine made it through her big day!

Jen said...

Catherine, Donnie, and Katie,

I was so glad to hear from Josh that the surgery went well! I have been praying for you and thinking of you all often. The staff at my church prayed for you Tuesday morning, as well. I am eager to see more beautiful family pictures!

Lots of love,
Jen

Grannalisa said...

I am so thankful that the surgery went so well for precious Catherine and I pray for a speedy recovery. You are all in my prayers!

Teri from CMC NICU said...

Katie, I am so glad to hear your little miss sunshine is doing so well! All are in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautifully blessed family! God bless. Love Teri

Anonymous said...

We are so glad to hear that the surgery went well. As always, we are thinking of you.