One year ago today, I woke up having no idea this would be her last day with us. Although Evie was very sick, there was hope she was on the road to recovery. We were half way through...the doctors promised us that the road to recovery was rocky but if she could pull through for 7 days the rest was going to be fine. This was day 10; surely we were on the road to recovery.
God, in His infinite wisdom, knew fully what was yet to come. Looking back, I can see how he prepared us and equipped us for the day. It was 18 days since my hip surgery, a beautiful sunny day and we were going to try a car ride. My step-mom took me down to the school so I could walk the halls (spring break, no students in the building). It was evident that my ability to walk was improving but the car ride was difficult.
After arriving home, my husband called. Evie wanted to talk to mom...I can still hear her voice. She told me that little friends were wanting to play with her and she wanted them to go away. Dad explained that she was seeing them regularly now. At first they were outside the window, she was so disturbed by them he closed the curtains. Then they were inside the room wanting to play. She seemed to realize that no one else could see them. I asked her if they were angels; she didn't think so. I told her to give it to God, He would protect her as always. After all, He's a pretty big guy!She was content with that answer and gave the phone back to Dad.
A few hours later, friends were over to visit with me at the house. That's when the call from the doctor came through. She said that our little girl had taken a turn for the worst, the HUS (caused from e-coli) was taking a large toll on our little girl. She was already in kidney failure, fighting against her platelets clotting, and now a ventilator was necessary. The doctor said that if I could travel, now would be the time. God knew...friends were there with a larger car for travel. Not a word was needed as we hurried and packed, we were headed out of the drive-way when my husband called worried that the trip would be too much for me. There was no holding me back.
On the way to the hospital, the doctor called again. Evie developed a hole in her lung, her little body was filling up with air and compressing on her heart. We were a short distance away.
After getting to the hospital, I could sense the relief in my husbands eyes and the deep concern for what was happening. They had to put a hole in her side to relieve the air pressure on her heart...before the procedure I stepped next to her and said, "Momma's here". She began to move, like she wanted to wake up. The doctor said they needed to sedate her again and I was asked to leave the room. She knew I was there. For whatever reason, it was important to me that she knew I was there.
Family members began arriving to the intensive care unit, the waiting area and hallways were quickly filling with Evie's sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and friends. She didn't leave this world without knowing she was loved.
Together, we held her and loved her for that one last day. It seemed so unjust, not fair, she was so young...eight years old. Not understanding why...infinite wisdom came from her 11 year old brother. He explained to us all how Evie got a "shortcut to heaven". While the rest of us were still waiting, she was already there.
God, in His infinite wisdom, knew fully what was yet to come. Looking back, I can see how he prepared us and equipped us for the day. It was 18 days since my hip surgery, a beautiful sunny day and we were going to try a car ride. My step-mom took me down to the school so I could walk the halls (spring break, no students in the building). It was evident that my ability to walk was improving but the car ride was difficult.
After arriving home, my husband called. Evie wanted to talk to mom...I can still hear her voice. She told me that little friends were wanting to play with her and she wanted them to go away. Dad explained that she was seeing them regularly now. At first they were outside the window, she was so disturbed by them he closed the curtains. Then they were inside the room wanting to play. She seemed to realize that no one else could see them. I asked her if they were angels; she didn't think so. I told her to give it to God, He would protect her as always. After all, He's a pretty big guy!She was content with that answer and gave the phone back to Dad.
A few hours later, friends were over to visit with me at the house. That's when the call from the doctor came through. She said that our little girl had taken a turn for the worst, the HUS (caused from e-coli) was taking a large toll on our little girl. She was already in kidney failure, fighting against her platelets clotting, and now a ventilator was necessary. The doctor said that if I could travel, now would be the time. God knew...friends were there with a larger car for travel. Not a word was needed as we hurried and packed, we were headed out of the drive-way when my husband called worried that the trip would be too much for me. There was no holding me back.
On the way to the hospital, the doctor called again. Evie developed a hole in her lung, her little body was filling up with air and compressing on her heart. We were a short distance away.
After getting to the hospital, I could sense the relief in my husbands eyes and the deep concern for what was happening. They had to put a hole in her side to relieve the air pressure on her heart...before the procedure I stepped next to her and said, "Momma's here". She began to move, like she wanted to wake up. The doctor said they needed to sedate her again and I was asked to leave the room. She knew I was there. For whatever reason, it was important to me that she knew I was there.
Family members began arriving to the intensive care unit, the waiting area and hallways were quickly filling with Evie's sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and friends. She didn't leave this world without knowing she was loved.
Together, we held her and loved her for that one last day. It seemed so unjust, not fair, she was so young...eight years old. Not understanding why...infinite wisdom came from her 11 year old brother. He explained to us all how Evie got a "shortcut to heaven". While the rest of us were still waiting, she was already there.
2 comments:
"a shortcut to heaven" oh, the words of the young. You just want to hold on tight and never let go. I'm so glad to get to know you through our year study.
Love,
Lori - Mesa, AZ
Sweet friend, after noticing some comments on FB today, I went in search for the story behind the messages friends were leaving. I just wish I could reach through the screen and hug you right now.
Just wanted to send my love and prayers,
Joy
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