Wednesday, April 1, 2009

How do we do it?

I can't count the number of times people have said to us..."I don't know how you do it?" I always give a version of the same answer...we have such a supportive family and friends, and at the time, we just do what we have to do to get Olivia better and focus on that.
I'm realizing more and more everyday that there's a whole lot more to it than that. We've always been amazed at how wonderful these doctors and nurses are. We know how much they care about Olivia, but after having our family meeting yesterday, it was so much more apparent. Dr. Deshpande (one of the intensivists) said he had called Dr. Torres (the other intensivist) after working hours to discuss Olivia and brainstorm. Her cardiologist, Dr. Shah, set up the whole meeting because he wanted to make sure we were all on the same page. He was worried that we may be having a difficult time being here for a month with no "real" answers. Her surgeon, Dr. Fortuna, thinks of her when he comes across different theories in research about heart kids going through chemo and always is sure to share these new thoughts with us. Her nurse, Bethany, spent time over the weekend researching different things related to platelet breakdown and chemo, even though she was not at work. It was her weekend off. The social worker up here, Sarah, checked on Olivia via a PICU nurse at church because she had been off for a couple of days, but noticed that people had been praying for Olivia on Facebook. The nurses from the cardiology office went out and bought Olivia a gift a few days after we had gotten here and the entire office signed it. The list goes on...
So, that is how we do it. We put Olivia in God's hands and He works through these doctors, nurses, and support staff to get us through each day. He sure did create some amazing people.

5 comments:

Lizzie said...

God sure did create amazing people and you guys are amazing too. Don't forget to compliment yourselves too. I am always wishing and praying for the best for you guys. Love ya

Judy said...

I'm so thankful that you and Zac have such amazing people rallying around you and supporting you in this journey with Olivia! I'm sure your list could go on and on with people who bless you and I'm so glad you let people help you and minister to you! I'm sure that's hard sometimes! I'm sure you long for a "normal" life, but one look in Livy's little face and it's all worth it! Just thinking of her waving to you as she's laying there on the vent makes me want to drive out there just to hug you guys!
I should also say this more often, but thanks for blogging! I love it that you blog so we can keep up with what's going on. I hope that you've found it to be a source of encouragement and not just another thing to have to keep up with!

The Gonzalez Family said...

Julie,
You couldn't have said it any better! I am amazed on a daily basis of the wonderful doctors, nurses, family, friends, and just people in general that are placed in our lives! God truly is watching over us! You are all in our prayers! May God continue to bless you and your family!

Anonymous said...

"How We Do It"....how amazing! What a beautiful blog...God has worked wonders in ALL of you! Take care!

Anonymous said...

Julie, Uncle Bob and Jack had a good time Tuesday after school. They went to burger King, had frozen coke,
apple slices, chicken sticks, I don't think Bob knew all that stuff was at Burger King, and guess what Jack had to remind him there was also play equipment there, this all took a hour, fun was had by both. Our prayers go with you everyday.
Uncle Bob & Aunt Karen