Exhaling

Princess Pinky is home, well on the road to recovery from her tympanoplasty.

We were given another of what we refer to here as "backwards blessings." Some cholesteatoma had recurred since August 2007, this time growing around her malleus. Had the original graft from her surgery in August healed, there would have been no reason to suspect regrowth of cholesteatoma until her hearing began to decrease dramatically in that left ear. By then, the cholesteatoma would have partially or fully destroyed the malleus; no reconstructive or corrective surgery exists for such situation.

While we hope this is her final surgery, we've put it in His hands and will pray, pray, pray while we exercise a more vigilant approach to detecting any recurrence of disease.

And there is one more blessing.

In that recovery room, where she stayed for almost six hours as she suffered through episode after episode of vomiting, an after-effect of the narcotics in her small body, I saw a glimpse of the woman my daughter will grow to be.

Strong.

Resolute.

Unflinching.

Prayerful.

Indomitable.

And I was blessed twice in knowing my hands, my heart, and my love have helped in shaping this fine girl.

WM