When we were growing up Lauren wasn't super girly but she could hang with Spencer and her cousin Wade. They were mischievous and they always had each other's back no matter what. Lauren proved although she was soft on the outside she was tough on the inside.
My mom crowned her "Little Princess" and she lived up to the title. The only niece and granddaughter for many years she took privilege with kisses, cuddles and this sneaky little leg move that landed her on your lap before you knew it! Although I am older she became a mother before me but it gave me a sense of wonder when she would give me advice about how to care for my daughter. It has been a privilege to watch her grow up. Even though she was the only girl she sometimes got lost in the middle of her brother and cousin. But there is a loving spirit that radiates out of her that everyone around her feels.
Even throughout this experience the nurses have commented about how Lauren is a fighter and about how strong her spirit is. That's part of what makes seeing her laying in her bed hooked up to machines with tubes sprinkled around her body so difficult. It's also difficult to cope with the ups and downs of her prognosis--or should I say what her prognosis may be.
After they decided to postpone Lauren's surgery it was a bit of a waiting game to get the results of her MRI. While the results seemed okay the doctor expressed concerns with Lauren having such an invasive surgery at this point, he decided that he wanted to take her off of the ventilator that have been helping her breathe.
JOY! We rejoiced in this news. Two hours after they took her off the ventilator they decided she was not ready. She was in too much pain and discomfort so back on the ventilator she went.
They also discovered that Lauren had a mild stroke. The word stroke is scary. It's a very serious medical term that in my experience had meant nothing good. (But I have also learned that a concussion can equal brain damage. Makes sense I guess....if someone scrapes your car it's damage--right? I guess some medical terms are much more literal than we all think.)
Her stroke may result in her having to go through some form of physical therapy for her right arm. There could also be the possibility of slurred speech when she does come too. We just won't know until she is awake and can talk to us.
For now they are weening her off of the medication that keeps her sedated so that she can slowly wake up. At the same time they are working on managing her pain so while she is awake it is somewhat bearable.
Our family has been doing shifts at the hospital because to us she is still our "Little Princess" and we can't imagine her being alone. It's a lot like watching her grow up all over again--we don't want to miss a thing. Every move of a leg, hand, opening of her eyes brings us such joy.
We can not thank everyone enough for your love and support during this time. No part of this is easy and although we have each other and our faith we know that each of us is hurting, worried and hopeful. Each of you help to not only heal Lauren but you help to heal each of us as well.
We like you can not wait for the day that she is back home. And we promise to give her all the cuddles and kisses that she can stand.
Keep the prayers and good wishes coming.
Love,
Us
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