July was a tough month for Jen at Unique But Not Alone — her precious little girl Grace, who has already had a medically complex little life, suddenly found herself facing surgery.
The hospital is a tough place to be at any time, but repeat stints with a kiddo who has already been through so much — well, let’s just say it’s in my Top 5 of “Things I Would Prefer To Never Do Again”. I’m sure Jen has similar sentiments.
The thing about hospitals and children is that every time you go, you are faced with a host of memories and fears that you wish you’d never known. No matter how many surgeries you’ve been through with your child, it never gets easier and you never stop worrying.
On the eve of Gracie’s surgery, Jen faced down those memories, worries and fears in a beautiful way — with gratitude. Her July 22nd post, Gratitudes, was a beautiful song in a sudden storm. Jen, you are an inspiration and I hope this little award encourages you to keep singing through those dark times — and pass it on when you find someone else singing a similar tune.
Oh, and Jen — hug Grace for me, will you? 
award blogging award In The Life of a Child Singing In The Rain Award In The Life of a Child’s Singing In The Rain Award
Oh Michelle,
You’ve touched my heart with this. I’m sitting here with tears of gratitude for this wonderful blessing. It was a bit of a tough day, and here I am now experiencing the wonder of God’s joys…perspective shifted for the better and grateful for online friends who are indeed a gift.
Thank you very much. I will be sure to pass this along to a worthy recipient when the time is right.
Jen
August 7th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Oh, Michelle! You are such an encouragement to so many! This award is awesome, and bravo to Jen for going through that hard times with such grace.
August 8th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Even the fear of my child having surgery is tough for me to handle… and I’m so lucky because it will probably not have to happen.
My 3 yr old Julia has a small VSD (hole in her heart) that has not yet closed on its own. But the doctor says there is a good chance she’ll be okay anyway and not require surgery. But even the thought that she MIGHT need surgery is enough to throw me into panic. I don’t know how I’d survive the reality and even worse repeated surgeries.
My heart and prayers go out to you Jen and to all the moms who have to go through a child’s surgery.
August 9th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I hope it all went well and yes, my heart goes out to kids and parents in that situation.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:49 pm