(Here is why I haven’t written much lately for this blog. And why it may be a while before I post again.)
My younger daughter (with her husband, 2 1/2-year-old daughter and 5 month old son) has been moving from our town to the next town over, 30 minutes away, for the last 2 weeks. Their leases overlap so everything didn’t go at once. Maybe not a good thing for a couple who are organization-challenged and procrastination-inclined. (She didn’t get those traits from her daddy.)
The retired man I live with has helped A LOT. My job has been to watch and care for and amuse the children. The toddler still takes a good nap. That helps. The 5-month-old is still totally nursing, will take a bottle of pumped milk and can go about an hour or 2 before Mommy-withdrawal sets in. One day we drove to the new house to get his mom–we couldn’t settle him down. After that, my child care and his mom stayed together.
My older daughter’s 8-month-old baby is having heart surgery on Thursday, 9/27. Her abnormality was diagnosed the day after she was born and she has grown and developed well since then. The surgery is necessary to guarantee a normal life as she grows into adolescence and adulthood.
We know a couple of grown women who had the surgery 30-40 years ago. Each has lived with no restrictions ever since. We have confidence that all will go well for the baby. Our concern is mostly for our daughter and son-in-law. When one of our children hurts, we hurt.
Our mantra these days is right foot, left foot, right foot, breathe. (Thank you Anne Lamott.) We know that love and prayer and support always help. We are surrounded by many friends who are praying. We feel it. And we are all grateful.
Amma Ponders 
Sending good thoughts your way! I have a nephew who was born with a heart defect and had several surgeries. He’s been tearing up the world ever since!
Thank you, Susan! My daughter calls it a stealth condition–not rare, but nobody seems to know that babies are born with this stuff.
When times are hard the timeline is as short as two steps and the next breath. This too shall pass–and the world will right itself. Hang in there Robin!
Thank you, Adrien. Yes, “the world will right itself.” And so far I’m breathing.
you are loved, and by extention your family is loved. we are holding all of you in the Light, asking God for: peace and love and strength and healing and hope and guidance and laughter and hugs and so, so much more!
Thanks, girls, all of you. It helps.
I wish I lived close so I could help. You all will be in my prayers.
Thanks, Barb. I wish you were closer, too.
Holding Stephanie & family very close. Let
me hear how things go. And I will send u
calmness & an extra dose of energy to
See the move on thru to completion. I know
you will miss having them as close but
thankfully it’s just 30 min. And no doubt they
can get more house for their $. Love $ light
For tomorrow!!
“calmness and an extra dose of energy”–perfect! Exactly what I need. Thanks, Jane.
holding you all in my heart.
and on-call to send new shoes – if/when you need them 😉 xoxo
Only if you paint happy flowers and bugs on them, please!
Gentle peace to you and your family, Robin, and great confidence and deep wisdom to the surgeon and caregivers for your grand-daughter. I send my blessings to all of you…I’ve worked as a chaplain in both neonatal and cardiology units: there is so much to be grateful for; try to rest in the knowledge that these are knowing professionals.
All is well, she is good and we are grateful! Thanks for your kind words.
Lots of love and prayers to S & W & M!!!