Preparing for Surgery

We are now just a few days away from surgery. Joy knows the date on the calendar that says "Joy's Cast". And her request is that it be a "pink cast"! We are not exactly sure if what is about to happen is truly registering, but how can she really understand "surgery" until she is living it? Every now and then she will randomly blurt out, "Doctor fix legs . . . Joy jump!" She has also occasionally stated, "Joy no like that cast." (Yes, she does often speak in the third person!) She goes back and forth from acceptance to denial. We aren't even sure if she really knows that there is anything wrong with her legs, since she has never known any different. However, she is such an observant little thing! I have watched her attempt to cross her unbendable legs several times "like Mommy and Mia". She also is aware of the fact that she falls a lot. Yet, she takes it all in stride and rarely cries or complains. Technically, it is her hips that are the culprit of the problem since they are both dislocated. After her hips are placed into the formed socket, the doctor believes that the knees will probably line up better. However, Joy will most likely need surgery on her knees as well. Invasive surgery is extremely painful, and 5 months in a body cast is a long time! We are trying to think of it in small doses rather than in its entirety.

Amazingly, we have very dear friends whose daughter recently underwent surgery on her hip. Joy was able to see what it looks like to be in a spica cast and to ride in a wheelchair. They have shared their pearls of wisdom and a plethora of practical advise about living with a spica cast. God is so personal, once again! It is knowing these same friends and their daughter's history with hip dysplasia that prompted us to be open to adopting a child with this same condition. Our God cares about every detail of our lives, and we continually stand in awe of His constant guidance and provision. When Joy's wheelchair arrived last weekend, the first thing she said was, "Just like Sarah.". :) She hopped right in with a huge smile on her face! She has already learned how to navigate herself around the house. Of course, it will be a bit different once she is in the cast, but the practice is so helpful.

 

We have been so incredibly blessed by how the Lord has shown His love and care to us through our church body. The consistent prayers and words of encouragement are a comfort to our hearts. And just last evening our care group surprisingly showered us with a care package full of treats, gift cards, numerous crafts, and items to keep Joy occupied during her state of immobility. Wow! We were so blown away by the generosity and love that went into this gift! We are humbled and grateful beyond words. Joy was pretty excited when she saw this . . . !

 

 

Thank you, everybody, for your love demonstrated through this amazing gift! We feel so loved!

 

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10