Baby Steps Forward

On Thursday, Zabrina went to school and did chapel with her students. She talked about God being the vine and we are the branches,and we are to bear fruit. Then the children traced their hands to be the branches and added grapes that they cut out. One of her little girls in the class, told Bri she found out that she could let her hair grow and then cut it and give it to Zabrina. How caring it that! So if Bri shows up as a red head ~ you'll know where the locks came from. Everyday, I see more of my daughter returning. I did not realize her road to recovery would also include Zabrina having to reclaim her life ~ she is doing it ~ she is made of some amazing stuff.
The picture with this post is one of the gifts Zabrina received from MHCA ~ they sponsored her surgery. From the day Zabrina was diagnosed, her students have prayed and believed that God has already answered. God tells us to have a "child like faith"
and we have been given many examples to model after:)
Friday is an appt with the radiation oncologist ~ Bri would like to skip this step and honestly ~ all of us who love her would like that too. But Dr. Friedman says it is a 3 step process and this step has to be taken. Keep praying ~ I know you are ~ thank you

Finding the new normal

As you know the surgery went as planned. Zabrina recovered very well and the pain was maintained. She was sent home with a drain to prevent infection which was not only burden physically but it made her feel tide to the hospital. Last Wednesday we had the post-op follow up and everything looked good and he pulled the drain. That drain must have been attached to a switch inside my wife because she walked out of that appointment a different person. The sun was shining, she had no more tubes attached, and just a feeling that we just might make it through this.

Everyday has been better since. The energy level is increasing slowly but surely, more importantly is that her ambition to do more is increasing rapidly. So well infact that we escaped on a whim to Columbus for the weekend to see Rob and Sarah. A great low key fun visit. We made it over to Fishinger and Kenny for service on Sunday morning to say some thank yous and meet with some people who have been in this battle with us. Everyone was thrilled to see Zabrina and couldn't believe how well she was doing.

Sometimes we forget she is only a little over a week post-op, and I know she wants to be able to do more. She does great for about 3hrs than can use a little lay down to recharge. Everyday is a little better physically and could not be more proud of her.

My Phoenix has risen from the ashes.