Matt and I had an amazing opportunity today as we spoke to the NICU staff that saved Abby's life. We loved thanking them for taking care of our daughter. We loved showing her off. We loved seeing so many familiar faces.
But what was the most amazing part was that we were able to share our faith and hope in Christ with so many people. How could we not tell Abby's story without giving credit to the One who performed all of the miracles?! There may be no medical explanation for why Abby's spine is straight, her sight and hearing are fine, her rib gaps are closing, or her cognitive ability is on target....but we know why.
We were impressed with how reflective the group as a whole was and how they really seemed to be taking our concerns and suggestions to heart. While our talk was mostly about Abby's miracles, we were also asked to include some ways the NICU could improve. There were a few things that we wish had been different, most of wish involved communication, and the staff had an open dialogue at the end about ways that they could avoid those problems in the future. We even heard a few doctors discussing how there needs to be training on how to be a better communicator.
One of the greatest comments that was made by one of the doctors is that they all need to remember that they really do not know the outcome of a situation, and it is wrong to make something sound certain and take away a family's hope. She then said that Abby is living proof that doctors don't always know. I agree. :)
At the end, we brought Miss Abby in (she was hanging out in a little side room with our nurse) and they oohed and ahhed over her and remarked about how fat she had gotten. :) It was awesome for them to see her.
I think it was really nice for the staff to hear a success story when, all too often, there's a lot of sadness in the NICU. It was really nice for us to be able to share it too!
Over the next few weeks, I will be working on a few other writing pieces related to our life with Abby. I am constantly floored by how God took a seemingly hopeless situation and turned it into something so beautiful and FULL of hope! While I never would have pictured my life this way, it's exciting to see the opportunities God is giving us that we never would have had otherwise.
Thank you guys for praying. I was surprisingly calm throughout and only choked up a few times. (If you know me, you know that's no small feat!) :)
Here's a sweet little picture of Abby playing with one of the respiratory therapists who took care of her a lot. I meant to take more pictures, but I was too busy chatting afterwards!
But what was the most amazing part was that we were able to share our faith and hope in Christ with so many people. How could we not tell Abby's story without giving credit to the One who performed all of the miracles?! There may be no medical explanation for why Abby's spine is straight, her sight and hearing are fine, her rib gaps are closing, or her cognitive ability is on target....but we know why.
We were impressed with how reflective the group as a whole was and how they really seemed to be taking our concerns and suggestions to heart. While our talk was mostly about Abby's miracles, we were also asked to include some ways the NICU could improve. There were a few things that we wish had been different, most of wish involved communication, and the staff had an open dialogue at the end about ways that they could avoid those problems in the future. We even heard a few doctors discussing how there needs to be training on how to be a better communicator.
One of the greatest comments that was made by one of the doctors is that they all need to remember that they really do not know the outcome of a situation, and it is wrong to make something sound certain and take away a family's hope. She then said that Abby is living proof that doctors don't always know. I agree. :)
At the end, we brought Miss Abby in (she was hanging out in a little side room with our nurse) and they oohed and ahhed over her and remarked about how fat she had gotten. :) It was awesome for them to see her.
I think it was really nice for the staff to hear a success story when, all too often, there's a lot of sadness in the NICU. It was really nice for us to be able to share it too!
Over the next few weeks, I will be working on a few other writing pieces related to our life with Abby. I am constantly floored by how God took a seemingly hopeless situation and turned it into something so beautiful and FULL of hope! While I never would have pictured my life this way, it's exciting to see the opportunities God is giving us that we never would have had otherwise.
Thank you guys for praying. I was surprisingly calm throughout and only choked up a few times. (If you know me, you know that's no small feat!) :)
Here's a sweet little picture of Abby playing with one of the respiratory therapists who took care of her a lot. I meant to take more pictures, but I was too busy chatting afterwards!
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