Day 284

     Katie had her port removed on Friday, and all went well.  The doctor made only one incision (verses the two when they put it in).  She has stitches on the left side of her chest.  Thankfully, she did not need platelets this time, so we did not have to worry about her having an allergic reaction.  Now that the surgery is done, it is a relief, and we are glad to have the port out. This is a milestone for us.  We plan to celebrate by going to California during Fall Break.  Katie will now be able to swim in public pools and play in the ocean.  Hopefully all will continue to go well and she will continue to respond to treatments.  We have been really blessed, and we feel so grateful for all the tender mercies we have experienced.    
     Last night, Scott got a big smile on his face and he said, "Katie is so sweet."  Almost on a daily basis, one of us will make this comment about Katie, and then we recount the events of the day that brought on this comment of sweetness.  Katie finds sheer joy in living.  She has such a naturally sunny disposition.  She lightens and brightens the mood in our family and home.  I am amazed at how one little girl can bring the rest of us "up" the way she does, but she does.  We are learning from her!  
    This week we have been reminded how fragile and precious life is.  Some friends of ours had a son pass away a few days ago.  He went running with friends on the high school track and had a heart attack.  This was completely unexpected, as he was healthy, and there we no known problems.  He was 36 years old.  He had a wife, a 3 year old, and a new baby.  His parents, who are our friends, have offered their continuing support to us during this difficult time with Katie - and now it is they who have lost a child (not us).  When I spoke with our friend, she said, "you know, it doesn't matter if you loose them when they are 5 or 36, it is so painful."   I have gotten a glimpse of that type of pain, and I hope not to know if fully.  Opposition is meant to be part of our earthly experience so we can learn and grow.  As a result, life can be full of unexpected twists and turns.  This has been is a humbling reminder of how fragile life is - that God is in control - and that all things are in His hands.  We should not take anyone or anything for granted. 
     Dallin H. Oaks said, “As children of God, knowing of His great love and His ultimate knowledge of what is best for our eternal welfare, we trust in Him. The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith means trust.”  (“Healing the Sick,” Ensign, May 2010, 50).
   Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "There are those among you who...have already suffered a full measure of grief and sorrow. My heart is filled with compassion and love for you. How dear you are to the Church. How beloved you are of your Heavenly Father. Though it may seem that you are alone, angels attend you. Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone."  ("Your Happily Ever After," Ensign, May 2010, 126).