One Year Later: Surgery

Today is March 31.  It marks one year since Clara had her repair surgery to fix her diaphragmatic hernia.  As we explained then, this was really just a small step along the way for her.  It was repairing what caused her problem (underdeveloped lungs), but it didn't solve the problem itself.  Still, it was a critical day in Clara's recovery and one that we have remembered today with yet another surge of gratefulness and awe at God's handiwork.  As Sweet Mama said today, "we're sure thankful to be on March 31, 2012 instead of March 31, 2011."  We remembered the anxiety, the fear and the worry that we felt last year on this day.  We also remembered the incredible love, support, and thousands of faithful prayers that were offered for Clara one year ago today.  And on many many days since.  

You may remember from last year that March 31 is also recognized as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day.  So many of you wore turquoise last year on this day for Clara and for the other babies born every day that are fighting for their lives because of this birth defect.  This day will always hold special meaning for us as we celebrate the important step to recovery that it was for Clara.  

Here she is, post-surgery, one year ago today: 

And here's that same sweet belly today.  Scars are fading.

This is what I wanted to do so desperately last year, and couldn't.  So, today, I soaked it up.  And here's a little post-nap stare down too.  

One bonus shot too.... totally candid (hence the cell phone picture!)  I'm sure Rufus appreciated being read to this morning.  Poor puppy no longer has any personal space....

Say it with me: Thanks Be To God.


P.S.  Chrissy, weren't you supposed to run a race today?!  Well, um, yes.  This is the problem with announcing ambitious goals intentions to the whole internet, I suppose.  I did not run the Cooper River Bridge Run today, as planned.  I've had a wicked wicked foot injury (plantar fasciitis, for any of you who've had it) that has literally crippled me.  So, I haven't been able to train and decided not to do the race.  It was a good call. I tried running again one day this week and could barely move the next day.  So, I'm walking for now, resting, icing, stretching, wearing inserts and doing all the other stuff I'm supposed to, along with hoping that maybe by fall I'll be able to pick an event to train for.  Gulp.