A Difficult Decision

20 years ago, we made the very difficult decision along with Erika who was now 8 years old, to have her feet amputated. It is funny how the Lord has a way of preparing you for the unthinkable. We knew Erika had pain and we knew there were many scars and wounds on her feet. We never thought about amputation. Her braces were not in the right direction which meant her legs didn't bend at all. Once they were removed, her legs could bend a little bit! When we went to get Erika all we knew from the orphanage director was "her joint don't work".

After consultation with the orthopedic surgeon, his suggestion was amputation for the best life outcome for her. This was a whole new level of thinking! And I reminded myself that Sarah was an amputee already and I was already familiar with prosthetic legs and surgeries. Isn't it amazing how God doesn't remove our obstacles but walks us right through them? He provided for Erika and Sarah to be together for life, orphans together, amputees together, sisters together!

So, the decision was made and Miss Erika wanted Purple Tennis shoes which went on the gurney right into the operating room! Purple tennis shoes were a symbol of hope! While we didn't know what the outcome would be, it didn't matter, it would be better than the pain she was dealing with all the time and her inability to really walk.

Would she really be amublatory? It was a chance we all agreed to take. And is she! OH YES! She walked down the aisle at her wedding to her favorite song. She learned how to drive with no accommodations, and she walks by faith.

Mike's dad Ed, made this slide show for us and I'm, so thankful he did. What a journey. And YES she walks and it is such a joyful thing in my heart!

Sisters

Anna and Erika..... Enjoying each other.

 They said they miss being together. (sharing the same room)

So now they are spending time together outside of their room. :)

Sarah's Surgery

We are HOME!  She did so great!  I can't believe we made it home so quickly!

 Just arrived

 Surgery Hair

 Time for bed.  Telling Daddy good night.

 The elevator

I

 In the holding area

 Waiting while Sarah is in surgery

 Resting

 resting

 Pastor Justin stopped by

 Awake again

 What a surprise on the rooftop of the hospital.

 Santa arrived in this helicopter.

This is the giant tree in the atrium.  Right after this, we had lunch and then headed back home.

Off To The Hospital

Tomorrow morning, Sarah and I will leave for the hospital.  She will be having surgery on Tuesday to trim the bones in her leg. 
She has grown so much that there is no room left, and it has caused her much pain and discomfort.

Please keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery, so she can get back to doing what she does best; dancing and soccer and gymnastics and having a great time. :)

I will hopefully be able to post from the hospital.  If not, I'll get Daddy or Erika to do a guest post. :)

Startled!

You would think after all these years I be used to extra legs laying around.  I guess not. 
Erika left her legs in the van, after we got home from the hospital. She didn't have them on because she is testing out her new legs for a week.

So today, I got into the van and while waiting at a light, I glanced down to get something from my purse and saw feet right behind my seat.....and for a split second, I was really startled!  LOL
They are now in the closet where they belong!

My van needs a bath!

New Legs

 Yesterday Sarah finished her appointments for a new leg.  She brought it home and likes it very much.  Erika's legs are still a work in progress.  We have had double appointments for the last few months trying to solve problems with fitting....
Staying in a small room for what seems like an eternity can make one rather.... well.... SILLY. :)

 The Great Leg Mix up. :)

Sarah thinks her leg looks rather large!

 Trying it out!

 I think she likes it!

And into the elevator to go home!
Erika will have 2 more appointments before delivery. They sent her home with unfinished legs so she can take notes on problem areas .We go back September  6 and turn them in, and then..... this LONG ordeal will be over. Until next time. :)

Jumping and Overcoming

I took the girls to Gymnastics free play yesterday.  It is usually a smaller group for the home school association, but being summer, it was MUCH larger.  In fact, there were about 50 children participating.  When we walked in I heard Sarah groan.... "Oh great, I'm going to get asked a bunch of questions."   I just hurt for her sometimes. 
Alli offered, "I'll take care of them!"  Um. No Alli, that won't be necessary. LOL 

There were a few of those "mean girl" types gawking with mouths hanging open like Sarah was some sort of freak of nature.  She politely asked them to stop staring when it got out of hand.
That daycare group left and then things were much better for her.... On the way home, Sarah said, "Mom, did you know that there is something wrong with every single one of my limbs?"  "EVERY ONE!"   We all got a bit of a chuckle out of that. :)

Yes, Sarah, but look at all you do!  She has been on crutches for a last few weeks off and on due to pain issues.  She stayed on crutches for a couple of days before the gynmastics event so she could jump.  And boy can she jump! :)

I sure do wish some of these children's parents would teach them about differences.  Honestly, to open your mouth and say OMG is so far out of line, I don't know how to express it..... it is off the chart inappropriate, but we see it ALL THE TIME!  
Sarah is a sweet girl. She is kind and funny and talented.  I HATE it that she has to go through such scrutiny.  I LOVE IT that she NEVER gives up! :) That's my girl!

Arms and Legs and Doctors Oh My!

 Sarah has developed a hard lump on her forearm over the last couple of years, after she had surgery for a tendon transplant.  It was looked at 2 years ago, and they said it was normal.  Then, 3 weeks ago she complained of pain. The area was a little red and swollen, with that lump looking much larger!
I made an appointment for her and they took x rays today.
The verdict is, that the bone is trying go grow around that transplant.  She most likely just irritated it being Sarah.... :)   There is no tumor, which was my biggest fear.  YEA! So she is a healthy girl. :)

While we were there, I noticed that she also was walking a little crooked, so we headed down stairs to prosthetics to see if Dwight was available. He was!  So she now has another centimeter added to her leg. :)
He also ground out the leg to make more room, as she has grown.

He also said that Erika's legs were ready to try on.... We tried them, and there is some tweaking to do.  That won't happen until after camp.   Which is next week! WHEW!

 Waiting for the doctor to come in at hand clinic.

 Now we are in Prosthetics..... waiting for the leg to be lengthened.

 Erika trying on new legs.... Sarah still waiting....

Oh my precious girls.  So fortunate to have them in my life. :)

Sarah, Why Are You Hiding....

under the table?  I turned in my chair and saw this:

And then, when she didn't answer, I saw a more complete picture..... just a less complete Sarah.  LOL

Apparently somebody has sore leg.

On Being Different

We have been going to gymnastics for a full school year with our home school group.  I remember the first time we were going, Sarah was nervous because she didn't want to answer questions about why her leg is missing, what happened, why her fingers are missing.  She would LOVE to just go and be part of the group!  After the first session, that was how it was all year.
But school has let out, and now the monthly free play is open to all.  We knew there would be a lot more kids there, and on the way, she started to get nervous.   "Oh mom, I'm not sure I want to go!"
"But Sarah, you LOVE gymnastics!" 
"I know, but there will be new kids and they will ask me questions!"
"So, what are you going to tell them?"
"I could tell them a shark bit my leg off!"  Alli was dying laughing.
"Or you could tell them be careful fishing in the lake!"  :)
"Or I could tell them I was just born this way!" 
"Yes, that would be good!"
"But then they will ask why and keep asking and I won't be able to just play!"
"So what will you do after you answer a question and somebody won't leave you alone?"
"Get mad?"
"Will that help?"
"No...."
"I'll tell them I answered, and now I want to play."
"That sounds great to me, although I like the alligator idea!"
:)
And then, she bravely went in and faced about 25 kids. 
And were there stares?   Yes.
Were there questions?    Yes.
Did she tell the alligator story?  No.
She said, "I was born without a leg and fingers."
Did somebody pester her to death?
Yes.
Did she handle it well?
VERY WELL.
"I've answered your question, now I want to play."
And she did.
By the end of the session, she was having a wonderful time.

I never dreamed of the conversations I would have to have with my children.
They are so brave. :)  And I am so glad they have each other!

The Princess and the Prosthesis

We had a very early appointment at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital so Erika could pick up her new legs.  They are a lot different than the ones before and will take some getting used to.  There were a few bugs to work out, but I think she will like them.

We started out with Robert coming to say hello....

 GO TO COLLEGE! Was the message this a.m.  :)

Then we started the final fitting..... "The Princes and the Prosthesis" is what we deemed her today. :)

There were a few "kinks" to work out. :)
 Anna came along for the Appointment:

She took them for a test run:

And then we headed back home:

We had a good time and then headed back to the hacienda for SCHOOL! :)