The first amazing blessing is the trip only took 1 hour and 15 minutes because of a huge gift from a dear friend. He insisted on us flying in his plane to Greenville, ordinarily a 5 hour drive. I felt like we were floating on the clouds. The peace of the Lord was with us! It was such a clear day and the sun and clouds were beautiful. I really want a plane now. Unfortunately the size plane we would need for our family would be very large and very expensive not to mention we could not afford the smallest plane, perhaps a glider ~ Anyway, my fear of flying is gone. YIPEEEE
We met with the surgeon I was hoping we would see. He recommended a bilateral Boyd amputation. We knew her right foot needed to be amputated, but thought her left would be okay. Because this dr. has worked with many different lower extremity deformities he was able to tell us the left foot would soon have issues. The strangest thing happened when he told us what he thought should be done - PEACE. It all became so clear and we both knew that this was the answer and that he was the dr.
Ten years ago I would have crumbled at the words or mentioning of amputation for one of my children. It is drastic and once her feet are gone she will be labeled by the world as "disabled". My heart breaks at the thought of her little twinkle toes being gone. I have cherished every night her little toes as she falls asleep. Something about me rubbing her little toes is soothing ~ she loves her toes. It will not be easy when they are gone, but I am so absolutely grateful that once they are gone she will run. I fully understand the gift of walking and running and precious Ruthie will do both.
It may be difficult for others to understand why we are rejoicing ~ we just know this is the plan for Ruthie and are believing that this in no way will hold her back from all He has planned for her life.
Her surgery will be in July in Greenville, SC at Shriners. They will remove her feet and then take her heel and attach it to her main bone in her shin with pins. She will be able to walk on her heels! Isn't that amazing! She will have casts for one month and then return for another surgery to remove the pins. The cast will be removed, she will have one month of healing and then she will be fitted for her prosthetics.
This fall will be such an amazing season in Ruthie's life. We are all blessed beyond words for the light she is in our lives. She is a JOY!
This fall will be such an amazing season in Ruthie's life. We are all blessed beyond words for the light she is in our lives. She is a JOY!
5 comments:
Wow, I'm sure it feels good to have a plan...and peace about it all.
I love the post about your literary girls and your son being in a big bed now. As I looked at his quilt on his bed....(sorry) it made me nauseous. I remember looking at a similar quilt when I was pregnant and going through morning sickness. Isn't amazing that after all these years, colors on a quilt can make you feel that way!
All your kiddos are just adorable.
Get a second opinion. The Shriners are not the greatest hospital in the world. You will never forgive yourself if they amputate and then you find out there where other options.
So glad for your peaceful decision. My dad worked for a bit at that Shriner's hospital before he started practicing in Gastonia. I was about 2-3 at the time and remember living nearby the hospital. Godspeed and I will look forward to hearing all about sweet Ruthie's progress.
Oddly enough, my dad (the orthopaedic surgeon) is missing one of his toes. When my Tucker (now 9) was little he used to talk about Pa's toe being in "Toe Heaven". He was very concerned about my dad being without one of his toes and was so comforted that it was in Heaven with all of the other toes people had lost. So cute.
Missing you always,
Erica
Wow, amazing what can be done these days! Praying that things go well for all of you. Blessings
Justvwanted to pop in and see what and how Miss Ruthie was! Hoping you all are good! Hugs as you figure and prepare your plan for her....If you ever wanted a to consult at CHOP you are welcome here! Maia is having surgery in Ohio 7/30 and we will be away 2weeks!
take care-HUGS
Donna
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