It's happening so quickly!

     "It's happening so quickly!"  That was my response after receiving a call from a radiology nurse at Children's Hospital on last Monday, October 2nd.  With a very calming tone, she wanted to speak with the parent or guardian of Kerstin.  After pleasantries were exchanged, she told me that she was in fact calling to schedule Kerstin's appointment to have her G-J tube placed.  I must admit that I was caught a bit off-guard by the quick turnaround. I was even more surprised when she stated that the procedure could be done this Friday the 6th or Wednesday or Friday of next week.  I said, "This Friday? It's happening so quickly!"  I paused, I guess she thought I had hung up or something.  I grabbed my datebook because another one of Kerstin's appointments had been rescheduled to this week, I told her that Friday would not work for us. 

     Believe it or not, the Sunday before, I had mentioned to my family that I felt like there would be a call from either the doctor or the hospital about scheduling the procedure.  So I was mentally preparing myself for this by writing down possible dates.  This did not become real until Jenna (nurse from radiology) called.  Real did not become so emotional until the call.  The tears came...it is real, again.  No matter how minor it may be said to be, it does something to the emotions because, Kerstin is my child!  My girl child!

Dates of possibility.

     So, on today, Kerstin will be having the procedure to replace her g-tube with a g-j-tube.  Kerstin is strong.  This new feeding tube will only help her even more.  Having to have the g-tube became touching but it was for her good and this g-j-tube will also be for her good.  

More to come...

"One Small Ripple"

   

     One small ripple...ripples in a pond.  We have heard the expression that we are all connected in some way; our connections are intertwined in ways we may not even be aware.  Also, the ripple effect is often considered when we think of how one action can flow out to other areas and people around us.  Those actions can be negative or positive.  Well, I like to think of my daughter, Miss Kerstin as a ripple.  She is a ripple in a pond of so much love!

One Small Ripple

     While watching one of her favorite PBS Kids shows, "Splash and Bubbles" with her, I heard the sweetest little song about making a difference.  "One Small Ripple", the lyrics of the song:

"I'm gonna make one small ripple.

Yeah, I believe a little thing like that 

can turn into a big ol' wave.

I'm gonna make one small ripple.

Can you imagine what a difference 

a lot of little ripples could make?

The tiny things we do today, 

make a world of difference half a world away.

So, if I had the chance I should make my ripple

something good.

You'll be amazed, I know it's true. 

I hope you get inspired too. 

With one small ripple coming from me and you.

And see what my small ripple can do."

     The song made me further think about how I have been told numerous times how Kerstin has touched so many with her smile, her will, her strength.  You see, this child of mine has been through so much but she still manages to smile and inspire others, not just locally but across the state country and around the world!  She is my light, my life and I truly hope that her ripple is making a difference.  It has for me, and I don't mind sharing this journey of "Growing With Kerstin" with you all! 

More to come...