Friday, January 4, 2008

MONDAY IS THE BIG DAY!!!

Kaidence is loving life. No more IV meds, breathing tubes or oxygen. All she has is a line in her chest to help so that we can draw her rejection medication levels when she goes home without her needing to be poked. She will go home on 15 medications so I may be pretty darn busy but that's ok. She looks great!

Monday is our big day (supposedly). Kaidence gets to go home. Can you believe it? We are so excited. We are so ready and at the same time so sad. I know that sounds crazy but most likely only those that have been in our shoes can understand this. Since July these people at the hospital have been our life. They have been there for us in our darkest hours. We are going to miss those relationships terribly. We have made so many friendships and these are the people that Kaidence knows. So many first for Kaidence have happened in the PICU including all 3 of her teeth. I also feel so sad and my heart aches for all of our friends that could not bring their babies home. Part of me feels guilty and yet I know that they would never want me to feel that way. I will celebrate these little angels everyday as I raise Kaidence. I will think of them and the lessons I have learned every time I look at Kaidence. I have cried all night as I have thought about our friends that we have met along the way. I want them to know that I love them and that they hold the most dearest place in my heart. I will never forget the time that we spent exhausted and worried as we talked over our little ones beds. I will never forget the spirit that could be felt in the unit as a little one returned home to our Heavenly Father. These lesson of life are forever in me. Thank You to those that have cried with me, laughed with me and worried with me. And now thank you to those that rejoice with me.

13 comments:

Becky Wertz said...

Good luck!!! Our Prayers will still be with you

Jenn said...

We want you to know, we truly rejoice with you. If I didn't understand what all of those 15 medications were for, I promise we would be waiting at your door to welcome you home. It is tough to leave the PICU. We do miss everyone there. We hope you have a great last weekend. Have a big party and know we will miss being there. We know Ian and Kaidence were their own kind of best buddies and treasure the time we got to share with your famly. We love you guys.
Jenn, Justin, Emily*

Crystal said...

Wow. As I read this post I could completely relate to everything you said. I was so excited to go home and yet so sad to leave all the people and friends we had met behind. I too felt guilty that I was leaving with my baby when so many of my friends had to go home without theirs... But I am SO excited that you are bringing Kaidence home. What a wonderful blessing.
Many Prayers!
~Crystal (Noah's Mommy)

neeleynews said...

To the two of you comes our greatest love, respect, and admiration for the way you have sholdered this tough parenting task. We can only imagine the stress of the "lows" and the elation of the "highs" that you have shoulders through these past few months. Please accept our love and friendship.

Always,

Mike & Jayne Neeley

Anonymous said...

CELEBRATION TIME Can you believe it. I know that all of you have looked forward to this day for soooooooo long. We are so happy for all of you and Kaidence. I know that there will be many adjustments. But it should be easy compared to what you have been through in the last 6 months. We know that our Heavenly Father will continue to guide you in what you need to do for Kaidence. We will fast for you again this Sun. Let's hope that it is all up hill from here. There may still be some bumps in the road, but with God nothing is impossible. Congratulation on a long awaited day. We Love you all, Aunt Deb and Family

Kingsford Family said...

Yea!!! I'm so happy for you that tears are falling on my keyboard! Leaving the PICU will be sweet sorrow but the love and support you have felt through this journey will continue even after you take Kaidence home. Good Luck and enjoy every minute!

Michele

carolyn q said...

WOW, can it really be? This is the day you have waited so long for and now it is soon approaching. We are thrilled that you can now move forward with her at home and get back into a "normal" routine.
Thanks for doing so much for IHH while you were in the PICU in reaching out to others. Your family is truly and inspiration.
Hugs,
Carolyn

Megan and Alyvia said...

I am so HAPPY that you get to take Kaidence home, what a journey it's been! I am so glad I got to meet all of you at the PICU, what a great support it was. (We still miss the PICU people too.)
Give Kaidence a big hug and kiss from us!
Love,
the Hansens

Jen said...

My prayers of gratitude are with your family today. It's unbelievable the recovery she's made, after so long she's suddenly going home. What an amazing miracle. We think of you often--we miss our PICU buddies terribly--friends and staff alike.
our love as always,
Luke's Family

Ashley said...

I am so happy for your family. I hope that when my daughter, Kelsi, has a transplant she does as well as Kaidence. (She wont have it for at least 10-15yrs.) Good luck with everything. Kaidence will continue to be in our prayers.
Ashley Wiley

Melissa said...

I hope that Monday really is the big day. I'm glad that Kaidence is doing so well with her new heart and that she has such a loving family.

The McOmie Seven said...

Wow! I am so excited for you! I agree, it is the best of times and the worst of times. Please know that your friendship has meant the world to us and you will always be in our prayers. I hope that we will see each other soon. Until then, God bless!
The McOmie Family

Dixie said...

I just got home and Denita told me the news. I can't believe it! I am so happy for Kaidence and the whole family. I will be thinking about all of you of Monday. What a way to start a new year. Good Luck with everything! You will always be in my prayers. Love, Aunt Dixie