A heartbreaking "first": No repeats necessary!

Grace, you spent your first night in the hospital at 17 months. That one night is enough for a lifetime. You had a very bad stomach bug. You were sick for several days. You got deyhdrated. Despite everything we tried, you didn't get better at home. So, we had to take you. It was heartbreaking. Heartbreaking as we watched the nurses try to put an IV in your chubby, cherubic arms... three agonizing times. You cried- a lot. So did Mommy. Daddy did too. We felt helpless. We felt guilty. Heartbreaking when they decided to admit you. You cuddled in bed with Mommy and your toys. It was a very, very long night.

The next day, and many bags of fluid later, your strength started to come back. You started to drink and eat again. You learned you hated the green Jello but that Cheerios were okay.

Then you found the Hospital hallway which is covered in fishes and undersea life. You ran around the nurse's station like it was your personal playground. I could feel the weight lifting off my chest. Your smile was priceless.

I still think about what I could have done differently. I think about how we have to be your strongest advocates, in every aspect of life. You are our greatest gift and we are supposed to do everything we can to keep you safe, happy, and healthy. We will. I promise you that. Sometimes, though, things might be slightly out of our control but it won't stop us from doing everything in our power to fix it.

This story has a happy ending. You made a full recovery. We took you home. Flowers and balloons waiting. And with a new appreciation for the families out there who have children who are chronically ill. Blessing to you all. You define patience and hope. And I have a renewed sense of gratitude for all the healthy moments we have.