A Moment of Gratitude

I hoped I would be posting something like this soon!

Kaitlyn is now DOCTOR FREE!!

Last month, Kaitlyn's food therapy appointment went so well, they didn't think that they needed to see her again.  I was beside myself at how far we had come in such a short amount of time.  Kaitlyn basically went from being afraid of food, considering it to be "un-safe" and living on Carnation Instant Breakfast and juice to eating like a normal two year old  - all in less than six months.  It's AMAZING.

Then yesterday, we had a doctor visit with her specialist Dr. Sutton.  I worried he would push the next surgery which would have been more invasive and removed her from food completely, feeding her through a tube for a month as she healed.  Luckily, after our conversation, he gave her a clean bill of health and told us to only return if the symptoms came back.

I know that many of our friends and family have been praying and thinking of Kaitlyn during her difficult time.   Shayne and Dad gave Kaitlyn a healing blessing, and some family participated through fast and prayer.  Others sent positive thoughts, kind words, or thoughtful gestures our way.  We couldn't have made it through the past year without the love and support of such dear friends and family.

Thank you everyone for believing that Kaitlyn could teach herself to eat despite her difficulties swallowing past the diverticulum (pocket) left in her throat.  And to Kaitlyn; we are so proud of you for enduring these hardships with strength and bravery.  You really are braver than you believe and stronger than you think.  We love you.

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"Every year we buy a Christmas ornament to represent our year; one for the family, and one for each child. This year we bought the Willow Tree "Angel's Embrace Ornament" for our young two year old, Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn has had a rough year including many doctor visits and two surgeries. This ornament represented how we felt as parents during all this, and how we would have rather embraced and protected her than have our young child endure such hardships.

It also represents the angels watching over her that we believe held her close and were with her when we could not. Kaitlyn is a very strong, brave two year old and through many prayers and great doctors, yesterday she was given a full bill of health. Thank you, Willow Tree, for making such a beautiful ornament to represent this emotional year. Seeing the ornament brought us to tears as we knew it was just what we were looking for."