all things new

Wonder is bubbling in our room this morning.  Joyful wonder.  

Emma talks, eyes wide open in amazement.  Her voice sounds different!  

Even through all the swelling, which is inevitably altering the tone of her voice a bit, her words are clearer!  She sounds different and she likes how she sounds.  We both keep giggling and smiling.  She is beside herself and enjoying it.

"Go home, Momma?"  

Yes, sweet Emma Kate.  We are, indeed, going home.  Today!  

Total miracle.  Honestly, a complete miracle, these twenty four hours past.  

We are off of morphine, eating vanilla pudding and beef broth followed by a bit of vanilla yogurt.  Walking around a bit, playing with our doll { who is complete with a new adorable outfit of nightgown, robe and slippers for the hospital stay, of course!}, commenting on Little Foot in a movie and telling me her mouth is "all better"!

After lunch and a second dose of an oral medicine, we can begin the discharge process, anticipating a home-going about 3pm.

Oh my stars!

Jim had to go into work today due to some urgent work issues, so my mom is going to come down to pick us up and Kris is fetching the littles at school.  Cooper skis his last nordic race of the season this afternoon and Jeb is prepping for a choir concert tonight.  Luke has basketball.  A regular old day and night, all in all.  Boy does it sound good to return to home.

And not just to me, either.

Little Miss Emma is more than ready to return home to her people.  The beauty of that, is that she is also securely content to rock and play here with me, too.  The care and love she is allowing me to lavish on her and she is receiving with open arms is so beautiful to behold.  What strides we have made together.  

Last night Jim and I reflected back on her dental procedure in December.  Eight short weeks ago, and yet an eon in the journey of her heart-strides.  SUCH a different scenario this time.  All night long she turned to me for comfort and nurture.  And found safe harbor.  It was such a beauty.  Hearts enfolding one another and both finding wonder at the gift of it all.

"Hi", with a huge glowing smile, my daughter intones.

"Mom", she tries out the word and finds it liking.  

"Hi, Mom", again.

Oh, Emma.  Hello.  In new ways each day, hello.  

I love you so, my daughter.  

And today we go home.  Right where we both belong.  Together.  

One huge step in Emma's physical renewal complete.  And a grateful family, of not just Jim and I and our children, but our whole family and our circle of friends.  Family that cheers one another on and stands alongside upholding and sustaining one another through all the "stuff" of life.  How sweet this "stuff" is to us.

Thank you for journeying right along with us this past day.  With all that it brought.  What a celebration of goodness and mercy, lovingkindness and healing, peace and comfort, hope and faith.  We have a hero.  His name is Jesus.  We love Him with you, and you with Him.

{p.s.  Jim's dad is singing slightly off kilter and color songs as he receives his pain meds in Virginia.  He's in great spirits, doing well, and keeping us all laughing with his intrepid spirit and infectious encouragement.  He's the one that just had open-heart surgery and he's making sure to lift the spirits of everyone around him in turn.  Totally Dave.}