Family..Best Medicine Ever

Tonight as I sit in Annabel's hospital room with color twinkling lights, listening to Christmas music, smelling my new Christmas Sentsy Candle I am so thankful for my family...
Today was a day that I didn't sit and dwell on medical issue, fighting for everything Annabel needs, or thinking about tomorrows and the what ifs....
Today was a day spent with family. It was also a better day for Annabel. She thrives off the attention and interaction with her brothers and sisters. Today Tara and Colette stayed with her while Carly and I ran to Target. Our goal was to bring so Christmas to this hospital room. We brought decorations to hang from the ceiling, Christmas clings to put on the glass in the room, twinkling colored light for Annabel to look at, a Christmas stocking for Annabel, a welcome mat for all who enter her room, Christmas CD's and Christmas DVD for Annabel to watch. We probably made too much noise today in her hospital room but we had so much fun. Tyler had his drill in Houston this weekend nearby and was able to come spend the day with Annabel also. Derek and Mel took in the Rice vs. Lamar basketball game and then came by to visit. Thursday was Tyler's birthday and since we were not home to celebrate we decided to go across the street from the hospital for dinner. Thank you to Tanya who drove over from her parents home to watch Annabel. It was so nice and just what I needed to be able to be with my family at this time. As we came back into the hospital lobby, a familiar face got up to approach Mel and I. We realize we had not seem him in many years and he had taught a few of our children when they were younger. He looked at our large family and he said are these all your children, I smile and replied yes they are! No mother could have been prouder...
When I began this journey with Annabel, we thought it would be so brief, days , weeks maybe a month or two! I brought her into our home willing to do this all on my own, meaning care for her. I didn't want them to become too close to her, didn't want things to disrupt their lives by me not being there for them, basically didn't want them to get hurt. None of us imagined her sweet life would have been so long! None of us thought we could have fallen so in love with someone so little. Annabel continues to have this amazing hold on all of us that make us come together even more. She is truly the glue that bind us together.
As we enter this Christmas season, I feel so thankful to everyone who continues to pray for Annabel. I truly think of everyone lifting her up to Jesus and praying for her. It is so comforting to know that when I am lazy, tired or just plain forget that all of you continue to do so..