Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Wednesday, June 3

Hello to all. It is late and I'll post this quickly. Clay had a busy day playing in the playroom. They did not downsize his trach tube today or cut away the granulation tissue growing over his trach tie. The therapists did not have time to make him a new, left, leg splint. This will all be performed tomorrow. I will also be meeting with the care coordinator, childlife specialist, and social worker in the morning. I was supposed to meet with them today, but it didn't work out. Hopefully we'll get a chance to meet in the morning. They are going to address the fact that people may stare and how to face the public when we leave the hospital. I get too emotional when I think about this & I'll post more tomorrow. Praying always & thanks to all!

11 comments:

  1. That has all crossed my mind as well. I know it is going to be a new challenge, but I am just so thankful that Clay is here and so lively. I knew the day would come that you all would have to think about getting out into the world away from the hospital. That place was welcomed for the safety of your child at first, then the dread that you had to be there in the first place set in after the first week or two but now it is a haven where you don't want to have to think about leaving . All the emotions that must be running through your mind right now. I wish I had words to comfort you on this new phase but I do know one thing...the same God and Heavenly Father that got you through the first phases will carry you right on through the next one...and the next one...and then it will all become a blur...a way of life. Just remember...God isn't through healing and working miracles on Clay yet. Clay may surprise you with his own ability to accept the present. He may be your big stronghold that God uses to smooth your pathway. He is such a champion. I love you all so much and I have really come to love your son. I feel like I know him through this wonderful blog that Jenae set up. God will carry you over this next threshold and this may be one of those times you see only one set of tracks. Clay is a wonderful person and will do fine. Just follow him....and follow Him, like you have been doing. Keep remembering...This too shall pass. Clay has a bright future ahead of him and that is what you have to consentrate on. I love you so much and wish I could just hug you...one mother to another. It is now the darkest before the dawn and when the sun comes up it will be a brighter and prettier morning. Joy cometh in the morning and you will be going home to a wonderful circle of family and friends. God has been working through this and preparing them as well You aren't alone at all. Love and prayers, earnest prayers, to all of you. Carolyn

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  2. I've had to deal with the stares before in my own life and that is no fun. I've learned to go forth with a big smile like nothing is wrong and it throws folks off so much that they are almost afraid to even look at you. I wish I had a dollar for ever time someone had denied that they were staring at my head. I'd be rich. I think smiling a great big smile and trying to appear really happy is about the best way to avoid some stares. Folks don't pay much attention to you after they get through the uncomfortable stage. If they think you are totally happy, you would be surprised how little interest they do take in you because some folks are just out there looking for someone to stare at and those are going to be the folks who stare the most. If you catch someone staring at Clay, look them straight in the eye and give them a big smile and just keep looking at them and smiling. Make it a point to notice them as much as they are noticing you. I promise you that they will stop staring. God Bless

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  3. I've been following along (via RSS feed) although have only left a comment once before. It's monumental that you've come to this stage now. For so long, you were so focused on the physical healing but now there are other aspects opening up, too, and the road looks suddenly uncertain and scarier again...but this is your road and his road now. And it's true- the One Who helped you up to now will still help you. You still put one foot in front of the other. You still keep going forward one step at a time. Clay is a little boy, happy to be alive and playing with his toys and friends and brothers. Lean hard on your friends and family and the One above... and take deep breaths...

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  4. Yes - those same thoughts crossed our mind as well. It is so easy to say "look on the inside" to see the real person - not the scarring,etc that asks "what happened?". Clay is a beautiful person inside and this will be what we hope people will see. We look forward to hearing about Clay's progress, even after he goes home. We love you all and don't want to lose touch. Dawn & Pam

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  5. Amen to all of the above posts. A new part of the road you've been travelling, and it will have its own set of beauties in the midst of the rest. God is using little Clay, as well as you, his family. It is a blessing he is so young; these little ones tend to deal with these things a little better. We have no doubts that your cheering team across the country will continue cheering and pulling and praying for you all. You do have a support team...in your hometown, as well as everywhere else!!! We are all thankful that Clay is living today, and has come so far in his healing process already. Big Hugs to all of you.

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  6. Wow, Carolyn Nelson couldn't have said it better! Lots of thoughts and prayers.

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  7. Dee Dee isn't it wonderful how you can express your feelings on your concerns & you have so many wonderful people respond? We have all been with this far & plan on staying for any help you may need or want, the phone lines are open. Chance just brought me a project for Carson, so anything I can do, I will. Blessing to you all. Carlita P.

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  8. I wanted to add that Clay looks absolutely beautiful just like he is today. He is one totally adorable kid with a beyond awesome humorous personality. He is going to go out into the world covered in pressure bandanges. Those are going to be on 24 hours a day. The only thing that folks will be able to see for awhile is his personality coming through. You may get a lot of folks asking what the pressure bandages are because they simple haven't seen them before. Clay is probably going to burst back into the world with no fear because he is so little, I think that if you follow his lead you will be just fine. I also think that when those bandages come off that there will really nothing to worry about. Also you may have folks staring at him at times because, even burned, he is still cute as can be. He will heal very well. In the meantime, just follow his lead. If he asks you why someone is staring at him, tell him that you really don't know maybe they think that he is really cute. God Bless

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  9. Not feeling so great today, but I wanted you to know that we have been praying for this since day one. My boys especially, have prayed for this as they understand what it is like to be made fun of for different reasons. They remember how all the burn victims looked in the burn center and have not asked, but begged God to keep Clay from being made fun of or receiving weird stares. This will make Clay a much more compassionate person throughout his life! We are praying!! Love you all! Missy

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  10. Our computer has been sick for 2 weeks so we are playing catch up. We are so glad Clay is improving so much and talking about going home, that is good news. I really think a lot of the stares will be out of pity, and naturally wondering what happened. He is alive and doing better, that is all that matters. God and his people love him no matter what, and everyone who loved him before will continue and probably love him even more. B&E

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  11. You all have been on my heart all day. It is a new challenge, and a daunting one, but I think Clay's million watt smile will be the greatest tool in facing down this challenge. It is tough and people really are sometime thoughtless, but what a great opportunity to share Jesus Christ with the world in all that He has done for your family!
    Mom and Dad, know that going home is so very exciting, but can also be so very exhausting. Take care of yourselves and each other and continue to let others minister to you by bringing meals, cleaning your house, whatever need you have, let others serve the Lord through serving you. We continue to pray for you all and are so thankful for the miracle that is Clay Fite!

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