On The Road Again

I left this morning around 8:40am, heading back to UAB. Leaving wasn't as traumatic as I had feared. Natalie was sleepy from some cold medication so I hugged her up and put her in the bed. Elyssa had just started watching "Super Why" on PBS, so I had to get her attention to give her my "good-bye" speech. I sat her in my lap and asked her where I had to go today. I had been telling her that I would have to go back to the hospital since I had gotten home in hopes that my leaving might be easier. She knew how to answer my question. She said, "You have to go back to Birmingham." I explained that I was going to get Daddy and Victoria and I hoped that I would be home in a few days." We hugged and I told her to be a good girl.

Next I hugged Mark's parents (they were staying with the girls this morning for my mom). When Elyssa saw me hug them, she knew I was really leaving at that moment. She immediately clung to my leg. She walked with me very closely out to the garage with Mark's mom following behind us. I hugged Elyssa once more and told her I loved her. I put my last few things in the van and went back for one more hug. It was then that Elyssa started crying and calling my name. It was so sweet. Thankfully, Mark's mom had brought bubbles for them to blow and distracted her with that. She cried a little more and then was okay. She and Grandmother left to blow bubbles. It was a peaceful departure for me. The Lord answered my prayers!

During my drive to UAB, I listened to a wonderful CD called "The Breath Of God." The music arrangements in the background are a little hokey, but the CD is great. It's a narration of tons of Bible verses that flow back-to-back. I was so encouraged by the verses being spoken. A verse that especially ministered to me was James 1:2-4. Here is that wonderful verse:

"2) Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3) For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4) So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

God reminded me that Victoria's situation is an opportunity for Mark and me to grow. It seems weird to be joyful for this testing, but we can be joyful because we have seen God move in such mighty ways. God has worked and we have been amazed!

God continues to work in Victoria. This morning at 9:30am, the breathing tube was removed. So far, the doctors and nurses seem very pleased with how she was doing. They said she has done much better with the removal of the breathing tube this time.

Today, at 1pm, I was able to help give her a sponge bath. I also fed her 2 1/2 ounces of breast milk! She was very hungry and was satisfied after filling her little belly. The doctor feels 99% sure that she is "over the hump" and looks for her to be in a room in the next few days.

We continue to put our trust in God and remind ourselves that He is in control. He is a good God and we are thankful that He is on our side!

PS - We were surprised by an old college friend today. Brett Burleson drove over from Tuscaloosa to visit with us and Victoria at 1pm. We felt so blessed that he wanted to come see us! Brett serves as the Spiritual Maturity Pastor at Valleyview Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. Thanks, Brett!! We love you and your sweet wife, April!