In One Week

For anyone unaware of what’s been going on in my life regarding my two-year-old, Riley, I encourage you to check out these other posts first. They aren’t long and it will put what I’m about to say into context.

Riley’s Journey thus far:

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

In one week the life of my baby girl will change forever. All of our lives will change forever.

Overly dramatic? Perhaps.

Perhaps not.

The fact remains that in one week my little girl will be undergoing major surgery.

This will hopefully correct her chiari malformation and resolve her headaches without any detriment or impact to her daily life down the road. Hopefully she doesn’t have any long term fears of surgery or anesthesia–the horror stories we’ve been told are things we hope and pray our baby girl are spared from.

As parents, this surgery will forever be in the back of our minds. Every time she falls down, plays sports, dances, jumps, car accidents–this surgery and procedure will be in the back of our minds.

Maybe it will be different. Maybe something will happen to reassure us. But not right now.

Not so dramatic in my mind.

Since my last update Riley’s headaches are getting worse and worse. We’ve seen her push through the pain so she can keep having fun and other times she’s crumbled into our arms when it’s just too much for her.

While it breaks my heart, it’s encouraging to see her fighting the pain so she can go to the bathroom or enjoy the things she loves like tickling, laughing, running, jumping, and screaming–especially with her big sis! It gives me hope that she’ll fight through the pain of her surgery and soar through recovery. “Life is pain. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” – Princess Bride.

We take so many things for granted.

If your head exploded with pain when you laughed what would you do? Laugh harder or try not to laugh?

Riley chooses to laugh.

And for anyone out there struggling, if that doesn’t inspire you, then you might want to re-read this little girl’s story.

Thanks to everyone who has been following our Riley’s story. We very much appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers!

This week is going to be a long one. Filled with preparation, packing, and a pre-op appointment.

Until next time.

–DSY