Homework

I'd like to begin today with a very special message to Madelyn's DAWG teacher. Many of you will be able to appreciate the absolute joy of this as you understand how much Maddy loves school and learning.

Let me make something very clear. Madelyn cannot talk with us. She cannot tell us easily what is wrong because she is on the ventilator for breathing, which makes this so very touching.

Yesterday, while working on her communicating with her parents Maddy seemed to be troubled by something. She began spelling out, h....o....m.....e...... Her Dad asked, " Do you want to go home?" Mad shook her head No. . ......w.....o...... Her Mom asked, "Homework?" "Are you worried about your homework?" HOMEWORK!!!! Madelyn was worried about HOMEWORK!
All I could think was how proud Ms. Johnson would be. Here she is, on paralytic drugs, fighting so hard to get well, on a ventilator, with a fever, with two strains of pneumonia, with all sorts of medicines and tubes in her, and she is worried about her Homework!!!!
This is why we love this kid! She has continued to amaze us each day! Joy fills my heart and overflows with love for her. SO proud to be her Aunt!

I think that today, as all of us move through our day we need to take a moment to be grateful for all the wonderful things we have and are able to do, without even having to think twice about it. Madelyn would do anything just to be able to talk with us.....and to be able to do her Homework once again. Be grateful for today.

To the Sacred Hearter's out there.....Maddy is here today because of you. You have worked so very hard to keep her alive and on the path to recovery. What I have learned by watching is that medicine is a combination of love, brains, and a little bit of Vegas all rolled into one. Some days it's a crap-shoot and thank goodness you have a whole lot of brains & love to ride out the storm as you try so hard to figure it all out for each of your patients. I'd say that with Madelyn, you're hitting the jackpot. Thank you!

Once again, if you have a cold, fever, sore throat, cough, etc. please do not visit the family. Madelyn continues to develop new strains of illnesses while in the hospital and we all need to be mindful about her health and not put her in greater jeopardy. Thank you for understanding.

Please continue to keep Madelyn in your thoughts and prayers today. We cannot thank you enough for all of your love in support. It comes in many forms and we are grateful for each and every one! Thank you.

Now, let's head out with the enthusiasm Maddy has for Homework as we live a day filled with Gratitude.