Surgery Day - September 29, 2008

We would like to say a great big THANK YOU to Jawanna's parents, Freddy & Sonja Carter, for driving all the way to Birmingham from South Mississippi to be with us through Abby's surgery. They stayed with us for 2 days until the hardest part was over. Thanks, Mom & Dad! Also, we would like to thank Jeanne Anderson and Peppi Garrett for driving up from Mobile, AL, and staying with us all day the day of Abby's surgery. You guys were all wonderful and we couldn't have done it without you!



Waiting for Surgery



The Dreaded Hospital Gown....but doesn't she look adorable??!




Here is where we had to hand Abby over to the medical staff and walk away. Talk about crying your eyes out! But she was so good and even reached out for them. She never even cried...it was us that did the crying!

Today was probably the hardest day of our lives, but in the end we are SO BLESSED to say that Abby came through her surgery with flying colors! We serve a awesome God who took care of our precious Abby. The big spot on her back (the size of Michael's fist)is GONE and she still has full function of her right leg and both arms. The team of doctors and nurses here at Children's Hospital have been wonderful and they have taken extreme care of our Abby. Dr. Blount says that she is doing remarkable and expects her to recover to full function as before surgery. Isn't GOD SO GOOD!!!!!!!

Another prayer point: Dr. Blount first told us that she would for sure have to have a Shunt put in her brain next week to drain excess spinal fluid. But yesterday he said they were placing a drainage tube in her brain for after the surgery to monitor the output of spinal fluid to determine if a shunt is needed. We want what is best for daughter, but we are believing God that she will not require a shunt and ask that you stand and believe with us.

Also we are believing God to heal her left leg. Last week as Jawanna was doing some physical therapy with Abby and stretching her left leg she pulled it back, which is
amazing considering she does not use it all. So please believe with us that God will complete the healing process.

We want to thank all of you for standing in faith with us and know that your prayers were all felt. We are grateful to have so many people praying for us. Also thank you for all the e-mails and phone calls they have been so encouraging in a time when we needed all we could get. We love all of you. Cannot wait for everyone to meet Abby.