3 Years Later!

Three years ago today we were heading north to see Jamie in the hospital as she chuckled at me for overreacting to her being there. And today I was sitting in another hospital room watching monitors once again and hoping and praying all would be well.
Three years ago my daughter and my angel, Lily, showed their strength and courage fighting their way through some tough times and life threatening situations. They have such strength and determination and they needed it back then.
Now three years later as I sit in another hospital room and watch the monitors and see all the cables and cords and listen to all the beeping and alarms it brings back the memories and reminds how that strength is passed from generation to generation. As I look at the strong, beautiful woman in the bed that I have grown to know and love so much, I can see her strength. I see it as she gives the nurses some back talk when she doesn't like what they are doing. When she walks down that hall pushing her wheelchair with determination, even though I KNOW it's not easy. Sitting up in a chair for an hour even though it causes pressure on her chest. The only thing she really struggles with is eating the hospital food, and who can blame her! After what she's been through she deserves the best dinners money can buy and more.
And this visit will probably end as the one did 3 years ago. Us having to head home before she gets to go home. Just like we had to leave Lily.  Still recuperating and still in pain. It'll be even harder than normal to leave this time. Harder to leave her behind.  But we know she'll be better and she'll have a better life once she's recovered so that will make it better.
So Lily gets it honest! She gets that strength and determination (and yes stubbornness) from her family line and it has served her well. And she'll probably use it to rule the house! Poor Jack doesn't know what he's in for! He just watches her and smiles!
Watch out world! Here they come!!!

And now for the rest of the story ... Part 2

So about an hour and a half after my last note about Jamie sleeping peaceful things changed dramatically (in case you hadn't already picked up on that.) At about 3:00 AM Jamie woke up to go to the bathroom .. Two and a half years ago that was the beginning of a note that described the exciting, dramatic, nerve-wracking (and even a bit terrifying) entry of my beautiful little granddaughter into the world. If you were around back then you remember she was only 2 pounds and could fit into her father's hand! SO TINY!!! I remember trying to get a grip on her size by measuring her body by my own ... Her head was the size of my fist, her fist was the size of my thumb, her arms were the size of my fingers, her feet and legs were so small and so perfectly formed! It's so funny to think back now on how much I focused on her legs and feet. I don't think I shared that with anyone but for some reason the perfectness of them brought me hope and comfort. Odd wouldn't you say? So many other things to focus on. Her mother, my daughter to worry about, to hopefully help recover quickly so she could get to go to her baby girl. Lily had so many obstacles to overcome, so many issues to outgrow and hopefully not have long term affects from. Yet those little legs with those strong looking muscles gave me hope. And she did pull through and she is this beautiful, feisty, booty shaking little toddler who steals hearts wherever she goes! (ok I'm a little biased) We had the pleasure of spending a week with her to get to know her and spoil her (don't tell her mom and dad) and watch how much she's grown! What a joy she is! I was so thrilled that Josh and Jamie would let her come down and that Paul and Kitty were willing to bring her. It was so wonderful to experience the life through her young eyes. So expressive vocally and running back and forth and just stopping mid-run to dance to the music. So fun and so funny! We took her into the M&M store and it was literally a kid in a candy store experience. Lily ran around over and over squealing with delight! Shouting out the colors, dancing to the music, not a care in the world. At Disney she giggled and squealed on the train and the carousel and the trams! I can't express how wonderful it was! The joy I felt to watch her and experience being a grandmother. People kept looking at the photos we've posted and say how much she's like Jamie. She's like her in so many ways and yet so different! I don't even know how that is possible! This little 2 year old darling has come into my life and stolen my heart and brought me such joy I can't even explain it. AND NOW in 2 months I'm going to be a grandmother all over again!!! A little boy this time, with all of his quirks and fun things at he'll do! He's already bigger than Lily was when she was born. Amazing and exciting! See you soon little guy!!!