One year ago today we sent our first baby off to have brain surgery. It was, by far, the most terrifying and difficult experience of my life. Being the amazing little fireball that she is though, she quickly turned our fear and worry into joyous gratitude as we watched her recover with flying colors.
We've posted the smiling photos. The happy, hopeful moments. I clung to those moments because they kept me strong. Now a year later I can share the tough photos. Marleigh is so proud of her story and her scar; she eagerly shows off the incision mark on the back of her head to anyone that wants to see it and happily explains to new friends on the playground that she's had brain surgery and has to play gently. Watching her go through the tough moments and barely blink an eye, to go through stress and pain and the unknown and not let it phase her... that's how I learned to allow these "tough" times to strengthen me rather than tear me down.
She's truly an incredible little woman.
Ninny, PawPaw, and mommy with Marleigh in PICU following surgery.
Marleigh in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit following surgery.
Many people assume that her surgery "fixed" her and was the end of her Chiari journey. Sadly, there is no cure for Chiari and the surgery is only to improve symptoms. Her journey is just beginning, as she will live with Chiari for the rest of her life. But seeing her grace and strength over the last year gives me absolute peace that she will handle it all beautifully.
Marleigh's incision 24 hours after surgery.
"And though she be but little, she is FIERCE."
- Shakespeare
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