Chloe and more……July 23…From Dana
July 23rd, 2008 Posted in Daily News PostThe news to report regarding Chloe remains twofold. What I, or others report are from a unique and close perspective. We all have yet to understand how Chloe is processing, recovering and uniquely wondering what all the fuss is about.
I can tell you what I know for sure. This child brought an amazing awareness to four people who otherwise would agree on nothing. I bow to this child of ours. She came through us and does not belong to us. She is of the world. I remain steadfast in her healing. And this means the four of us remain on the same page, of the same book. Can we do this? I stand in a yes. She did the work, now lets be humbled and move towards her best healing.
Colin said to me “Mama, I think if you want to be friends with Daddy, you gotta be friends with Ramona”. I so loved this observation. Why not? I’m open. I saw Ramona’s gifts in the early days…and I did say to her, “Thank you so much for providing the autograph book for Chloe’s hospital doctors, nurses to sign. I can’t tell you all how instrumental this was. We learned the nicknames of her doctors/nurses and it made such a strong connection. Keep in mind that Chloe was in the hospital for weeks. We made new family there. Many nurses cared for her days on end, Nights on end. Thank you Ramona for the book, for taking on extra shifts for Dave to be there in critical times.
Grandma Lee. Thank you for you. You were here during a critical, private time of healing. I had some rest time because you were here and I knew all would be ok.
Dave. We won’t lose our open communication because Chloe opened this door wide. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m not.
Sandy. You own the website called chloewatts.com, and for your vigils HERE at life changing moments, I kiss your feet.
Ron. I named you Batman but you already knew. You love her and I so adore this and more about you. The blogs kept others in the know and the healing took place. You’ve no idea, if the save her life cards could be dealt, you’d be a wealthy man. I know how much you gave. Only I know. But that’s okay with you, because you are batman. He, who does things in silence with no 2nd act or applause.
Kevin and Laura. Your quiet presence at the critical times; During Chloe’s surgery, her MRIs, filling in at the hospital to provide me with much needed breaks, just your ability to see what was needed ahead of time and providing. Staying on top of things. I love you both.
There is an unsung hero. And Him, I’ve been thinking about for days now. My nephew Jeremy. He created this website, Overnight! He created a beautiful, newsworthy, forward thinking place for us all to meet. I believe and I know, if save her life cards would be dealt, he would be amazed at the amount received. Jeremy, stop being humble. Nod in the knowing that you made a difference. YOU SAVED HER LIFE TOO. You put people together in one place to send thoughts/notes/prayers/love. You made it happen. I so love you.
Regina. My niece. You FELT it. The urge to BE nowhere else. You made your life different because you loved Chloe. YOU and Jeremy and Kevin and Laura made Colin’s 13th birthday count. You cleaned my house when I didn’t care. And yet, I care now. You left it well. You made LIFE count here. You know the girl-power of our family line. I so adore you and love you.
I weep as I write this, I do. And of course I would save best for last.
Chloe was scared, and sad…about yesterday’s doctor appt. Nothing was resolved about her NG tube. Today, there were several phone conversations regarding this to feeding clinic personnel, dieticians etc. I called Chloe ASAP to tell her that she can choose an 8-hour time frame during the day to be unhooked from the feeding pump. Imagine this. FREEDOM! I don’t know what the pump/backpack weighs but it’s a small load to carry. Her reaction was “oh I knew”. As if she was waiting for us adults to get it together. We have appointments with a dietician/medical director of the feeding clinic to evaluate where we are at and where Chloe wants to be. I sense the importance of having all of this knowledge in place. Chloe wants a plan to be tube free. WE all want that for her. Keep in mind, however this has been a lifeline. She ate NOTHING for over two weeks. And so, bothersome as it may be, the NG tube saved her life as well.
Chloe, yesterday had a hankering for Schlotkys (restaurant in Tualatin) and so I mentioned the possibility of going there when I see her this weekend. Food, for her is medicine and no matter the craving….strawberry milkshakes from Mikes, Mango smoothies….we all GO FOR IT.
Know what else I know for sure? Her brother Colin is on top of how to save a life, how to love life, how to sing Christmas carols in July and believe. He celebrates life like no other. He made her giggle today as he was following her around while she was on the phone with me, to bug her….that’s good. That’s normal. That HAS to be healing to her. So for you Colin, I give great thanks, great love because you and Chloe get it. You both GET IT. Nothing else needs saying.
My message is for the children. You are so beyond we adult types. Thank you for teaching us to be vulnerable and strong and weak all at the same time.
In Grace,
The Mama
26 Responses to “Chloe and more……July 23…From Dana”
By Kat on Jul 23, 2008
Dana,
VERY powerful. I felt every word you said with emotion. Don’t they say it takes a village to raise a child ? I have really seen it here in the blogs and especially in yours tonight. Prayer, support, love, etc, is what’s needed, and what every child needs, and like you said, they teach US to do this.
Thank you Dana, and i’m so so greatful Chloe is getting stronger every day !!!
Love to you all from deep in my heart,
Kat~
By David on Jul 24, 2008
Dana:
Ramona and I want to “Thank You” for writing the blog for 7/23. I chose not to post a blog because I respect what you had to say, and appreciated it. Rest assured, Chloe had a good day yesterday – a little rough emotionally in spots because Grandma went home, but overall a “pretty good” day in her words.
By Grandma Lee on Jul 24, 2008
Thank you Dana for writing such a from the heart entry for yesterday. It touched my heart too. I am glad that I was able to give you a few relaxing days to recharge a little. You really needed it. And I enjoyed every minute with our Chloe. You know without saying that I am here if you need anything. It was not easy leaving but I know in my heart that she is getting healthier, and stronger every day. I will be praying for all of you everyday.
Love always,
from your “Other mother”,
Lee
By Laura and Kevin on Jul 24, 2008
Dana, you have a true gift – of being able to express your emotion in writing. Kevin and I are both working out of town right now. The blog has been especially great in keeping us connected. We are so relieved and happy to hear about Chloe’s progress. The photos have really illustrated the amazing turn-for-the better she made.
Love, K&L
By Sarah Koch on Jul 25, 2008
I’m just now posting this, not having been able to get to my computer yesterday.
I also was deeply moved by what you said here, Dana. Colin’s insight was pure, true, remarkable, and you appreciated it, accepted it, and ran with it.
There’s so much healing going on here, on so many levels, and I couldn’t be happier for all involved.
Love,
Sarah
By Helen on Jul 26, 2008
I love that you all see that it is a time for the whole family to heal. It only seems right that it is once again the children that teach us how to forgive, love and be happy.
Your blog, Dana, made me cry…..again! You are such an outstanding woman and I love you so very much.
Give Chloe and Colin big hugs and kisses from Carly and me.
Thank you all for keeping this blog so I can find out how she is doing and not have to bug someone to get the information. Because I would!! I especially love seeing the photos, because they say more then words. The glow in Chloe’s cheeks, the color in her skin, her smile and that she is hungry and eating.