when hours seem like days...

Yesterday was a long day.
Perhaps that is an understatement.
The surgery lasted two hours past the doctor's prediction and four longer than we hoped for. Oakley came through just fine, with the best news being that his ear bones were intact and were allowed to stay. {thank you, God} He was a trooper, and when I complimented his bravery, he almost smiled and told me I didn't even feel a thing.  

While my sister and her husband waited, and probably watched people come and then go, Gramma and Auntie were the entertainment committee. We toted Chelsea around town in Gramma's lime green bug, with air rushing our faces and our hair blowing wildly. Her chatter made us laugh and grin... and we couldn't help but encourage her love for fashion as we did a few errands.

For a few hours, we lived for her with gusto... and waited on the chirping of text message updates. It was a day of bravery, all around. Holding back the worry-tears can be hard work, and the impromtu prayer session in the shoe department was certainly necessary.

And when it was all said and done, and I was on my way home again... the weight of the day settled over me. Tears rolled, and even as relief was covering me, a sliver of anger danced on through. The whys and the hows and the doubt knocked on my heart and only speaking them aloud would let the banishment begin. The need to let it all go and let forgiveness seep in is right in front of me... but so was this little boy's face.  and the stitches around the back of the ear. and the next surgery he faces. I'll get there.

I thank you for your prayers.
There is certainly comfort in knowing there is a circle of love spinning around you and the ones you love...