She is Going to Walk!

What Happens When a Mad Girl Takes Her Own Hair Out

Hiding the Hair with Mr. Sheep!

A miracle is going to happen tomorrow! Vanessa is going to walk. If there is one thing I have learned about my eldest daughter, it is that nothing will stop her when she sets her mind to something. So I have no doubt in my mind that tomorrow at 10am, a miracle is going to happen at the Denver Children's Hospital! When the doctor's saw her 7 weeks ago, she was not at all a happy little girl. She was in a lot of pain, and very fearful of the staff. A few nights ago, however, we were marveling at her straight legs and examining her scars when I asked if she was glad that she went through all the pain of the surgery. She said yes and we talked about her thanking the doctors when she sees them. Of course that will also be a whole lot easier now that she speaks way more English.

So here are the logistics of what is happening: My husband and Vanessa flew out of Phoenix tonight and arrived to the Denver airport where they were picked up by a van from the Denver Children's Hospital. They were able to get a room at the Ronald McDonald house for tonight and tomorrow. They even enjoyed a warm homemade lasagna meal from volunteers even though they did not arrive until 8pm! Once again, I was reminded that I really don't need to worry so much but rather have some faith that all the loving people out there will be right where they need to be. She will see the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow morning, followed by the physical therapist and then they fly back to Arizona on Wednesday. Vanessa will then be starting school just like any other kid (but with equipment and assistance of course). We have ordered a pediatric walker, as well as a set of forearm crutches so that she will have mobility aids as her legs strengthen. The school has been great so far and have already been in touch with their physical therapist and  have a plan together to get her the needed accommodations at school. We met her teacher and she is a very kind woman experienced in teaching English Language Learners (also being one herself).

Why am I explaining all of this? Because sometimes I need to pinch myself that this is a reality. As I have said before, when we met Vanessa, I was not actually sure that we could pull this of. Here we were, not all that stable in our own lives and already parenting three kids and paying off the expenses from two previous international adoptions. There were times when I really doubted that we could get her here. Then I doubted our strength as a family, and definitely questioned my own ability to care for her emotional and physical needs. I am serious when I say that a few of the days in the hospital, when Vanessa was in her worst pain, were the worst days of my life, and we have had some pretty bad days. Then moving to AZ, I really had begun to believe that we were just plain insane!

Are we crazy, maybe? Is my family a bit overwhelming? Ah yeah! Are there days when I have questioned my own judgement? Definitely. BUT I am crazy in love with my kids! There is no question that this is the path that I was meant to take. I don't believe that things just happen by chance and I have definitely learned that if you really prepare, reach out to others, and have a whole lot of faith that things work out. Vanessa is living breathing proof.

And just in case I needed one more reminder to have faith, we got another reminder. My husband, who  graciously passed up a previous job offer to keep his schedule open for Vanessa's surgery, has been offered and accepted a new position in Arizona. Not only is it in a very nice suburb, but they also did not need him to start until after this weeks trip back to CO with Vanessa. Really, what are the odds?

Painting a T-Shirt at Denver Children's

Leaving the Hospital, 7 weeks ago