Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Comfort in community

One of the most amazing things that I've seen is the complete outpouring of support of Aaron and I. Food, flowers, offers of running errands... but some things are blowing me away.

The town fire department flew their flag at half mast yesterday for us. And they have set up snowplowing for the whole winter, along with plans to bring the ladder truck over on Sunday afternoon to put up our Christmas lights. They were desperate to do something - and here I was feeling bad for the poor ambulance driver who I basically tossed Nora at on Friday and screamed for him to help us. For most of the emergency/health care professionals we have worked with over the past 3 days, this is the first time they have dealt with something like this. They seem just as heartbroken as Aaron and I. And it is amazing the support they have given us.

Maggie is doing wonderfully. We got home from the hospital last night. She was in the hospital for 48 hour observation pending results from her and Nora's blood work, and also putting her on a broad spectrum of antibiotics for safety. The first blood work results on Maggie came back with bacteria in it - but my doc was pretty sure it was a contaminated sample (the bacteria was a bacteria commonly found on the skin), but until the confirmed otherwise, would continue her on antibiotics. By Monday, we were sure it was a contaminated sample, so they drew another, and by noon yesterday we had confirmation that nothing was wrong with her (and second opinions confirming that again) so we brought her home. And she's been wonderful. She had a bottle at 8 PM, slept until 11, another bottle at 2:30, and then slept until 5:30. We managed to sleep also - which to me was a small miracle... but every time we heard her little 'chirp' from her bed (which we moved to within arms reach of my side of the bed) both of us would giggle a little. My one moment of panic was that she woke up at 5:30, but was mostly just chirping (which for her is a warm up to full on screaming. The girl knows when she wants to eat). I was just laying there waiting for her to really wake up - because she is easier to feed that way. Well, I guess we both feel asleep again, because I woke up at 6:30 in a total panic that she was quiet again, and ripped her out of bed (she was sound asleep and totally fine. The girl is going to have no startle reflex when she is older). I'm sure it was easier for her to sleep here than at the hospital where she was hooked up to the IV and what seemed like a million monitors.

I am so thankful that I am am surrounded by this wonderful community that is just allowing me to concentrate on my Maggie, Hulk and our grief. Everything else is totally taken care of.

41 comments:

Kandi Ann said...

You are in my Prayers and on my heart so much. I came here through Michele and my heart is broken for you and so full for you too. So Blessed, yet so torn. Such a rough place to be. xoxo, and all my love, Kandi

Jen said...

I'm so glad you are being taken care of. I have thought of you all so often since I learned the news, and I can help but think that if it makes me this sad, how horrible it is for you. I'm mentally sending lots of love and hugs.

Ruth said...

I am so glad you are being taken care of. There are a lot of people -- local and via the internet -- holding you in their thoughts.

CrazyFiberLady said...

I'm so happy to hear that Maggie is well and home. I truly wished that I was closer and could lend a hand. My best to you, Aaron, Hulk and Maggie, you're in my thoughts.

Morgan Owens said...

I've never read your blog before until now and I'm praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I'm so happy Miss Maggie is home and doing fine! Thinking about you all!

~Shari said...

I am very glad to hear that Maggie is ok and is doing great.

My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. *still sending prayers your way*

The Boncoddo's Blog said...

Sending you love and prayers in this trying time. Your story has made me hold on to my little guy (and husband) much more tightly these past few nights. I appreciate your willingness to share and pray that love and peace fill you and yours.

Serenity said...

Just want you to know I am thinking of you. And I'm here if and when when you need something. Anything. Even if it's an ear.

Thinking of you.

xxx

Allison (Ali) said...

That's amazing for your community to do that for you.

You and your family are in my prayers daily.

Frieda said...

Cece, I am so glad your community has stepped up to help you. I wish I was close to help you out but know that I think about you and your family and million times a day and say a prayer for you to continue to heal. XOXO

Malloryn said...

Cece, I'm so happy to hear that Maggie is home and doing well. It's great that your community and the people close to you are being a great source of support. I'm sorry for the pain you are in, and I'll keep your family in my thoughts.

K @ ourboxofrain said...

I am so happy that Maggie is doing well and is home with you and Aaron and Hulk.

If there's anything you need (really, anything), whether it be now, three weeks from now, three months from now, or three years from now, I'm not far away.

Thinking of you.

amysue said...

What an amazing community you live in! I'm so glad you are wrapped up in their love and care.

Still keeping all of you in our prayers.

Be well.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss and I am happy that your precious Maggie is doing well. {{hugs}}

Michele said...

Our town EMS, fire, and police were amazing when our twins were born early and died. Small towns can be wonderful places.

Praying for you. Praying without ceasing

Lucia said...

I am thinking of you too. When Taz got sick we had much the same experience. It's quite amazing. I wish I lived a little closer and could do more for you.

Katie said...

I am so glad to hear that you are being taken care of. I really wish that there was more that I could do besides leave a comment.

Thank you for taking the time to update us. I will be following along to see how you are doing in the coming days, weeks, and months to come. Please post if there is anything tangible that people can do for you. I know I am not the only one that would like to DO something, whether it be sending a care package, or aking a donation to a worthy cause in Nora and your familys' name.

Deborah said...

Do you live in a small town? That is amazing and wonderful. I think firefighters are trained to be able to run in and fix anything that's wrong, and they're very uncomfortable when they can't fix something. But I'm glad they're able to help you out, and that you have Aaron, Hulk and Maggie to comfort and cheer you in this time.

Just me said...

Continually thinking of you all. Love to Maggie and Hulk and their mommy and daddy.

Carrie27 said...

I'm glad that your community has been there for you and your family during this difficult time. Many prayers for you and your family.

Unknown said...

So very very sorry for your terrible loss. May you continue to find blessings to help you through this.

HereWeGoAJen said...

It is such a relief to hear that Maggie is okay. I have been quite worried about her.

I am thinking of Nora and of all of you.

Erin Stanton said...

Cece - You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. You are such a special person. I know how deeply you love. Your children have a wonderful mama. Hold them all close - I know you do! XOXO - Erin

Nonnie said...

You are such a strong lady, Cece, and I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank goodness for the blessings in life; it's those things that get you through these insanely impossibly hard, awful times. You and yours are in my prayers.

weebug said...

I feel such an intense frustration that I can't actually do anything for you guys. But know that you are close in my thoughts and prayers, and that you are loved.

Annalien said...

I have been thinking about you constantly for the past few days, even when I wake at night! I still cannot believed this has happened. I am praying that you and your family may find strength and peace during this difficult time. My heart goes out to you!

Beautiful Mess said...

It's such an amazing feeling when people surround you like you have been surrounded. I'm glad you have Maggie home and so much support. Your in my thoughts and prayers, hon.
*HUGS*

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you are receiving this outpouring of support. And even more glad that Maggie is doing okay! Still thinking of sweet Nora and all of you. ((hugs))

Lolly said...

You-all have given light and love to so many people with your challenge and the grace with which you handle one of the greatest sorrows. How good it is that the love of your home community wraps around you even as your internet community tries to do the same. Sweet love to you all as we send you many virtual hugs.

Momasita said...

I'm so glad that you and your family are being supported and well taken care of. It must have been a huge relief to realize that Maggie is ok. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tracy said...

Cece, I am so incredibly sorry for everything you are all going through, but am glad you are finding comfort in friends and family. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sara said...

What an awesome story about your community and the fire department. I have to say that I have welled up with tears a number of times the last few days with you all on my mind - you're in my thoughts and I'm so glad to hear that all is well with Maggie.

Allison said...

**Lurker from Preg.org**

I am so sorry for your loss. You are handling it with such grace and beauty and that is truly admirable.

I am wishing your family all the hugs and love in the world.

All my best,

Allison (OneLuckyScoop)

Carole Knits said...

Hi Cece,
I just heard about this from Ruth at Woolyheaded. I am so so sorry that this has happened to you. My heart goes out to you and your family.

calliope said...

oh honey. I have been thinking of you ALL non stop. I want to crawl through my computer and make you a thousand casseroles and clean your house and hold your hand. My heart is with you.

Cat, Galloping said...

I came here from Sarah and just couldn't think what to say, but I've been thinking about you and your family nonstop.

I don't know if you'll ever have peace of mind with Maggie, but I highly recommend the Angel Care monitor, which has a movement sensor. The alarm will go off if she stops breathing. Thought it might help you.

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Tara said...

I'm glad to hear that you have some help and support and that you're able to just do what you need to do.

You continue to be in my thoughts.

Heather said...

I'm so sorry. I just saw the news. Very very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Vicki said...

I am so sorry. I am thinking of you and how hard it must be to be happy for your children at this time. To mourn one new life whilst celebrating another must be truly truly difficult.

I hope you and your family can find peace.

(VickiS, p.org)

MyLifeMyWorld said...

I'm so glad so many have reached out to your family during this terrible time. It's nice to be taken care of, may God give you strength during your time of mourning and loss.