Today I am letting my daddy have a guest post. Enjoy!
Well, where to begin? What a rollercoaster ride...only there is no fun on this one. It is true: parents never stop worrying about their kids. And in this case, I have had the distinct...um...what do you call it when you sit by your child and watch her struggle to heal, watch her deal with every challenge with courage, grace, and dignity? That. I have stood by her, held her hand, calmed her fears, and wiped her tears. I have had to be strong, even when I wasn't strong. She needed me to be strong. I can tell you that SOMEONE has been praying for my strength, because I sure don't have it on my own. But by the grace of God, I get to be her daddy. I am so very proud to be called that.
Now, I have had to help her make that most difficult decision she has had to make. This is the decision she mentioned previously. It absolutely crushes me to know my baby has this terrible decision to make. That doesn't change the facts, or the outcome. Nor does it change the fact that I feel guilty just feeling sorry for myself. It is her that was in the accident, her that has had 19 surgeries, her who is currently NPO for her next surgery, her that has had to make the tough call.
This all seems so surreal, like something you read in Reader's Digest True Stories. Surely I am not old enough or mature enough to help her make this decision. These big things were always the responsibility of the parent.......oh...I AM the parent. How the heck did THAT happen??? (but I digress)
By the way, where do parents go for answers? And the answer is God, of course.
So, we have gathered all the information we can find, consulted with as many doctors, nurses, PT's, family, and friends as would stop and listen, we have charted pros and cons to either decision, hashed it out, discussed it until we can't discuss any more. We have exhausted every question we can think to answer. Her doctors have been fabulous to answer all of them to our complete understanding, and then asked us for more questions. We have guessed, and then second guessed our guesses. But I think she has made her final decision. It is a decision that obviously came after weighing everything and looking into the future. It is a decision with no room for regrets.
It soothes my soul to see this woman, my baby girl, be strong enough to decide, yet vulnerable enough to need my comfort.
I love you, Jenny. More than words could ever express,
Dad
I am so grateful to be a part of this family. Jenny, your struggle has been long and hard, and I am truly inspired. I cannot believe how long it has been, and that after all that hard work that this is the outcome. I want you to know that there are many, many people thinking about you, supporting you, loving you, and most of all, praying for you. You are an amazing woman, daughter, lover, sister, giver, joker, and above all, believer. It is that belief that will see you through it all. I want you to know I will ALWAYS love you, and will ALWAYS be her for you, like so many countless others. I only hope you can use what strength I know you have to face this challenge head-on. I know the road ahead will still be bumpy, but soon, very soon, we will look back on this moment and actually be grateful; grateful you are still here to fill our lives with the joy and light you always bring.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Renee Moore, I am willing to fight for you every single step of the long and arduous way. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS. AND THAT IS A PROMISE I AM WILLING TO SIGN FOR IN BLOOD.
I cannot WAIT to take you home, and take the first step with you, and to see your life as it once was.
Home Sweet Home is only a few steps away...