Day 3 post op 

Jake came to me last evening and said, 

“Hey… you could go to Dallas tomorrow. Avry is stable. She’s not on the trauma unit anymore-Do you want to go?” 

I hadn’t even let myself imagine it was an option after Monday’s surgery. But yeah—I did want to go. 

 
“Rose, I got this. Go. You need it.” 

I knew she was safe with her daddy. But still, it felt big—this would be the longest we’ve been apart in 3.5 months. And yet, it was exciting too. I just wanted to be around my people. I didn’t sleep much Wednesday  night- I was tossing and turning worrying-is this really with the right decision to go so far away?? 

And those 9 hours in Dallas…

 

I’ve never felt so deeply cared for. The healing hugs. The steady stream of kindness. The prayers. The genuine presence. I’ve always known these women as my hype girls—but today? I was held by their empathy. I didn’t want to leave because I felt so carried. 

 

It was the strangest convention day I’ve ever had—and also the most meaningful. I know with everything in me that God placed this circle around me for such a time as this. I’m so thankful. 

 

I couldn’t stop thinking about our trip just before Avry’s diagnosis—
These friends saw her living her best life and spent that week with us! -walking the beaches of the Bahamas. Avry still talks about her “friends from the cruise but especially “Karter Beth” It feels like a lifetime ago… and yet, it’s only been 3.5 months.  There’s something super special about those friends that got to live that last perfect week with us before this storm…

 

I made Haley promise—when Avry is well enough, we’re taking our little girls on another trip together. 💝 

 

This afternoon, Avry called me and asked if I was coming to the “hos-ti-bowl” to her. 

 

I was already done after a few hours. Physically and  Emotionally spent. And ready to be back by her side. This was my first time really being “out,” and it was both exhausting and healing. I’m so grateful for the reset. For the reminder of who I am outside of hospital walls.  For the love that surrounded me. I would have loved to spend 2 more days with them! 

 

To everyone who loved on me today—you helped me feel my smile again. Thank you. 💝🌈 

 

Meanwhile, Jake is being super dad—as always. 

 

Avry didn’t have quite as good a day as yesterday. Jake said, 

“We flirted with a fever for a couple hours, but it passed. Hoping we’re out of the woods. Drs said this is  normal- Days 2 and 3 are adrenaline days— Days 3-5 the body deciding if it can heal on its own or if it’s going to slip into fever/infection.” 

 

“She’s slower today. Sleepy. Chill. A little more grumpy. Content to lay in bed. She hasn’t eaten.” They discontinued the morphine drip and switched to oral meds. She’s tolerating feedings at a very low rate. 

 

And tonight—she called me and said she missed me! 

 

Oh, my heart. I cannot wait to kiss that sweet bald head, and let her wrap hers tightly around my neck.