Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A Year To Celebrate

Happy Birthday Gabrielle,

Thank you my wise, sweet girl for everything you've taught me.  When you were born and we found out about your diagnosis I didn't know how I could possibly do it.  I desperately prayed to the universe that you would be healthy.  That you would live a life as I knew it.  With your diagnosis, we collapsed and our world fell apart, but with your smiles, your touches and your energy, we have been building ourselves back up and now we stand tall.

You have taught us so much.

You have made your daddy the best daddy ever.  Never have I seen a man rise to the challenge with so much love and positivity.  He faces every challenge, every set back with nothing but courage like a soldier in battle.  He is with you in every step you take.  He sings and dances with you and when he does he fills you up with all the love he has. Enough to last you an eternity.

You have taught us so much.

You have made your brothers the best brothers a little girl could ask for.  Never do they get jealous of all the attention you get.  Instead, they stand proud, they show off for you, and ask to cuddle and hold you relentlessly.

You have taught us so much about our bodies. Your brother James has learned that some babies have nurses and doctors to help them and some don't.  Before you Gabrielle, we naively assumed that all bodies are healthy.  But they are not.  We have learned all about lysosomal storage diseases and you make us sound so smart with all our fancy new medical language and knowledge.  I know how to give meds through an NG tube, I know how to heparin lock your central lines, change the caps, and the bandage while maintaining a sterile field. I can work a feeding pump, oximeter and probe, and I know what a suction machine feels like in my nose, and I have tasted a gazillion medications.  You have opened our world to the world of cellular biology as we try to understand what is going on in your little body.  I have learned to advocate for you and have become a mini expert on your diagnosis.  You, my smart and wise little girl, have stumped the smartest of doctors with your medical needs and symptoms. But I have learned. I know exactly what you need.

You have taught us so much.

Thank you for showing us a world full of amazing people that I otherwise would have never met.  They get the heartache, the pain, the joy and the love.  They get the strength of the human spirit and they understand the miracle of a healthy child.

You my sweet baby girl have made me wiser.  You have made me stronger. You have made me more appreciative.  You have taught me that we don't need much and that love can get us through the toughest of times.  When I look at you with your tubes and tape on your face, I see the most beautiful girl in the world.  I see a little girl with wisdom in her eyes and love in her heart.  I love you Gabrielle.

Happy 1st birthday to the bravest and most beautiful girl I know.

Your mommy for ever, and ever, and ever,

Amy


15 comments:

  1. Amen. To the most beautiful baby and mama I know.

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  2. Happy birthday Gabrielle!! Beautifully written, Amy. The photo of the two of you is extraordinary...xoxo

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  3. i've never been around a baby more at peace, that would/should otherwise have so much to be upset about. she's without a doubt the calming influence of the family and makes me love being around her. see you guys soon

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  4. Beautiful. Happy birthday Gabrielle!
    ~the tiny light team

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  5. Happy Birthday Gabrielle ♥ Amy what beautiful and true words ... Gabrielle has some amazing parents and brothers :) Best wishes for Health and Happiness for Gabrielle ♥
    Lots of Hugs...XOXOXOX Amanda and Kaitlyn

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  6. Happy Birthday to Gabrielle...from a complete stranger that thinks of her often. Your family is an inspiration to so many... xo

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  7. Happy birthday sweetheart - from another complete stranger in a whole different province. Your story moves me more than you or your family will ever know.

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  8. Imagine the world if every child was given the love expressed in this message. Very moving.
    Keri

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  9. Beautiful, happy birthday Gabrielle you are a shining star.

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  10. Happy Happy Birthday Gabrielle! We are so excited to celebrate with you tonight, my sweet niece! See you soon! Love Auntie Julie xoxoxoxo

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  11. Gabrielle,

    We are so happy that you have come this far to enjoy life with parents that advocate for your health and your daily needs. I-cell parents learn as situations come up and you have shown strength in life and love to come this far. Tara and I are happy that you can enjoy your first birthday with your family and we look forward to meeting you soon!

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  12. Wonderful birthday tributes........A very happy birthday to a very special little girl!

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  13. Amy that is so beautiful, Happy birthday sweet Gabrielle, can't wait to see you All on Sunday. Xxoo

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  14. I felt every single word in my heart, what a year - Happy Birthday Gabrielle!

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  15. In our very first post, I stated how we had no plans/interest in blogging about any of this. Crazy how things evolve, and we're so glad we did ... if only for everyone's supportive and encouraging words. Thanks everyone.

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