This is a continuation of a true story.
If you didn’t read PART I, you can find it here.
Here is the REST OF THE STORY.
My daughter had just had open heart surgery at 4 months of age. She was experiencing potentially fatal post-op complications that the cardiologist had warned us about. We could go in and see her again in about 90 minutes.
I knew that my little tiny daughter was on the brink of life and death. I could barely stand the emotional trauma. I remember wanting to leave my skin, to get away from the pain, but knowing it was impossible. There was no escape.
My family decided to go grab something to eat; my husband asked me if I want to go, but my stomach was in knots. There was no way I could handle any food. I couldn’t leave my little baby either. I told him I would stay. He left with my parents and his parents to a restaurant around the corner. I sat and waited and prayed. I prayed a lot. Finally my husband and family returned. And then it was time for the next visiting period. We headed into her pod in ICU. It was pod 3; I still remember.
I wanted to reassure my daughter that she would be okay. Could she hear us? She had been medically paralyzed, but I thought maybe she could still hear us. Only two of us were allowed by her bed at a time. I was there with Mr. CH. I wanted to hear that she would be okay, but there was silence. I wanted someone to say she would live, but no one would say it. And so, being a mother, I took the only action I could, I said what I wanted to hear.
I told her she would be okay. I told her that we were there waiting for her. I told her that Jesus had sent his angels to keep her safe. I said that there were all around her, keeping her safe.
And then the most amazing thing happened.
My husband chimed in. He said, “That’s RIGHT! The angels are around you.” I looked at him strangely. I was speaking in faith, but he was not one to say something was so, unless he had seen it for himself. This left me with questions. Why did he say that? Mind you I was grateful he was in agreement, but I felt he knew something I didn’t.
After we left, I asked him why he mentioned the angels. He said, “I saw them.”
What???
That’s right. He said there were two very large angels on the building on either side of her window. It was Christmas time and the hospital had mounted two angels made from wire and electric lights on the side of the hospital. I ran outside to see them for myself. And there they were. Sure enough there was Elise’s window right between the angels.
The emotion overpowered me. I knew that I knew she would be okay. That was my sign.That knowledge was critical to my sanity in the coming weeks. There were more pulmonary hypertension episodes and other problems. Even as trouble loomed, and despair sought me out, I held tight, knowing my child would survive. Every time we came home from the hospital and my eyes fell on the her empty bassinet, the sadness crept in, but still I did not doubt. I had been given a sign.
After 3 weeks of being medically paralyzed the doctors allowed her to wake up. They wanted her in a regular hospital room for a few more days as they watched her. Finally it was time for us to leave. Just as we were packing up her things, she spiked a fever. The doctor said it was a particularly nasty bacteria, and that she would need antibiotics supplied by IV for weeks. We would be stuck there for many, many more days. I said, no she will be going home as planned. (I was speaking in faith alone.) The doctor looked at me like I was crazy. He said, “No, she will need to stay for an additional 3 weeks.” I did not accept his announcement. I had seen the angels and my faith was strong. After our little stare-down, he said that the infectious disease physician would make the final call. My mother-in-law said, “Well you don’t want her going home if she needs to stay.” I replied, “Of course not, but what I want is for her to come home as planned and not need to stay.”
The infectious disease physician reviewed her case and said that the antibiotics could be administered by feeding tube, and we were free to go home. Hallelujah! Free at last!! Free at last!!
The road hasn’t always been easy. Even now we have issues to deal with, but when I get down, I remember that day, and how two really big angels gave me hope.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO MY DEAR FRIENDS.
For the story of Elise, I’m listing all of the posts in chronological order.
For her birth story, CLICK HERE.
Next open-heart surgery part I, CLICK HERE
open-heart surgery, part II (you are here)
Dealing with stares and a feeding tube. CLICK HERE.
Getting back to my new normal CLICK HERE
This story first appeared in print for ANGELS ON EARTH, a GUIDEPOSTS publication.
The facts are the same, but I completely rewrote the story from scratch to avoid any copyright issues.
Thanks for sharing-faith is a strong thing! I have a younger brother who has Down’s Syndrome I know a little of what you have gone through-the joy!
“Still I had no doubt. I had been given a sign”. Beautifully said, beautiful faith.
Anita, I’ve had 2 daughters with very serious health issues and I understand your pain and deep faith that arises from such dramatic trials we walk through. While we wish our children to never suffer, I’m so very grateful for the gift of faith and perseverance! I’m sure you’ve experienced the same. Thank you for sharing your miracle story once again. Merry Christ-mas
Thank you Donna!!
I could feel your heartache and pain as I read your story. I felt God’s presence as you shared the angels. And, I kept hearing his word, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.”
Thank you for sharing.
This is beautiful, Anita. Just beautiful. I have a dear friend who has a Down Syndrome son who just turned 21 this week. He has brought them so much joy, despite his limitations.
What a blessed story, Anita! Thank you sharing this. I’ve often wondered about your miracle daughter and the story behind.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sure that this was hard to write again, even tho its been a long time since that day she was born. She is diffinately a blessing! Peace
I Believe. What a beautiful story. And your daughter is absolutely gorgeous. God blesses parents with special children.
Thank you so much Susan. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for sharing that beautiful story. It must have been beyond agonizing for you in those early months. Thank goodness for your strong faith and those perfectly placed angels.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful story Anita. What a thing to go through, for all of you. It was even more special reading this as my own daughter’s name is Elise.
Thank you Anita for sharing such a strong faith based story and the story of a beautiful young lady.
Thank you for sharing your story. It was beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your story of your beautiful miracle! I particularly love the photo of your two gorgeous girls filled with laughter and joy!! A blessing indeed… 🙂
What a beautiful story…thank you for taking the time to share your miracle with us! 😉
Ohhhhhh Anita,
I was captivated by your story. How personal, lovely and joyous!
I burst into tears when I saw the two angels!!! I love you and your family very much and appreciate your zest for life and how you let The Lord shine through you through your blog! YOU are the REAL deal!
Big hugs,love and laughter to you and yours!!!
Aww thanks Carol Sue. You are MY inspiration!!
What a BEAUTIFUL story and something so personal to have shared. I truly believe in signs like this, too. What a blessing you have done for so many people in the same situation — to give them hope and, perhaps faith, to see them through to look for their sign too!
Thank you April.
Look at your sweet girls giggling together. The angels knew just how much they would need one another, the bond they would have.
Thank you Anita for sharing that ,children are truly a blessing from God,i can’t say anymore i have something in my eye.
Beautiful story Anita. Thanks for sharing.
She is beautiful as God meant her to be!
Dear Anita: Thank you so much for your lovely story. What heartache you have gone through! Your daughter is a beautiful child and you and your husband are amazing parents.
I have lost my younger brother, both parents, grandparents, in-laws, and most recently my husband but I can’t possibly imagine how you felt during that surgery and the worry after. God has given you strength and those angels are still watching over your family…you are blessed.
{{HUGS}}
Joy
Thank you for sharing your heart, and faith with us. I love the angels that watched over your precious girl. I believe in angels with all my heart.
Merry Christmas my friend.
Anita…I so loved reading your story about your precious daughter that is truly an angel sent from heaven to enrich your lives with love…you demonstrated a strong will and love that got your daughter through the most difficult times at birth and in her early months…and you still demonstrate that love and devotion. Beautiful story.
I am not religious but a great believer in fate. Fate had told you that your love and prayers, and the two angels would light your daughters path. I have had times when the only thingi had was my gut instinct and gone against the “authorities” to be told there was no hope, but the feeling was so strong I could not do anything other. These times my bloody madness and gut feeling have seen me through. I am so happy that your little girl was such a fighter and gave you hope. Her will and your gut feeling have seen you both through bad times and good. Every time you look at your beautiful daughter, just remember that a mothers love will beat most odds.
Your daughter is beautiful! And what a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it! What a remarkable faith you have! May God continue to bless you and your family. Happy New Year!
Thank you for sharing your touching personal story! You and your faith are an inspiration to many.
Elise is truly your Chrtistmas Angel!
Thanks for sharing Anita, and Happy New Year to you and your Precious and Beautiful Family!
Warm Regards,
Cyndee
Elise is truly your Christmas Angel!
Thanks for sharing Anita, and Happy New Year to you and your Precious and Beautiful Family!
Warm Regards,
Cyndee
What an inspiring story. I had a very, very special little angel who was with us for 13 short years and is now with Jesus. God bless you and your family!
ANGLES ARE INDEED HERE WITH US, THANK YOU FOR REMINDING US
Yes even if we don’t see them Heather.
Anita, thank you so much for your very touching life story. I know that we have all been through trials that make us hit bottom from time to time but nothing is worse than when it effects our children. The love that Mother has for a child is unspeakable. Only our dear Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ truly know our feelings and only through their love and blessing can we cope through times like these. Indeed our lives are in their hands. I am so grateful that there is someone that is all knowing that is my dearest friend, not only in times of need but in times of joy. I know that they send us angels to help comfort us and guide us in our lives. Happy New Year. Jo
I appreciate your sweet comment so much. Yes having an ill child is certainly rock bottom.
Oh, MY~! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story of your love and the ‘eyes’ you had to see the Miracle that was being given you.
We had our our own Miracle Day Story 28 years ago before Christmastime and his story still is told to that dear one each Birthday.
May each one who reads this story that you’ve so eloquently told, be moved to choose to see the miracles God does each day.
XOXO
Carolyne, I would love to hear your story!!
Blessings to you and yours-thank you for sharing your experience and the faith connected to it-we need more witnesses of what faith has given us-what a blessing that sweet girl must be!
What an incredible story. You should read up about Nathan Purdy and what this young man, whom I know personally, do with his time.
Anita, this story is awesome. And your daughter is beautiful. We serve a wonderful and powerful God!
A trely beautiful story, so full of faith. My husbands cousin is 50 and has been a true lesson in how downs syndrome family members can change your life. Kyle has taught me more than any member of the family. He tells me how it is and has matured into a truely wonderful head of the family. He is now taking care of his mom that has alzheimers disease. What a wonderful cousin he has been to us. Thank you for your story. Di
I know exactly how hard things have likely been for you, but she’s a beautiful young lady and looked like a sweet and happy child. I’m so glad you got your miracle! Happy New Year! Xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. I needed to be reminded that God really doesn’t care what man says. Nothing is impossible with God.
Very true Susie.
Brought tears to my eyes!! Faith is a God send at times of desperation
Have a happy and heathy year ahead
Thank you Francoise. Have a blessed new year.
Thank you for sharing your story. Your daughter is beautiful today!
Anita, Thank you for sharing your beautiful story about faith and hope and the miraculous gift of your sweet daughters recovery from surgery. I love the photos you took of her. She is beautiful!
Thank you for sharing your story. I was in tears at the angels watching over her. I’m a big believer in signs, and have received many of them from my brother who passed away on New Year’s Eve 2007. There are angels among us!
So sorry to hear that Jenny.
What an amazing story and journey you had, I am sitting here with tears running down my cheeks. I cannot imagine what you must have gone through, our children are just so very precious. How blessed you all are that your daughter survived and has grown into a beautiful young woman. I pray that you have many, many more years together. I believe in God and I believe that he does send angels to look after us and our loved ones.
Thank you for sharing such an important part of your life with us. It brings me back down to earth about what is important in life when I hear stories such as yours.
Lee
What a story! Your precious daughter is your gift and you have given us readers a gift by sharing your story. Thank you! God’s plans are amazing, unexpected and filled with a Father’s love… Happy New Year! xo, julie
God must love you very much
To have entrusted you with this special gift!! Take care if tiur beautiful gift and love her!
Ann
Thank you for sharing your families story Anita. Having endured a similar situation with our youngest daughter at 4 weeks of age (different medical condition), I know only too well the horrendous situation you experienced. Words don’t really portray the emotions of such despair, but I completely understand your mother’s intuition. I had it too and there’s that amazing moment when you just know. You trust your gut, the signs and faith. Like you, we have a healthy active 17 year old that defied the odds and we are thankful every day. Elise is your little miracle and a beautiful young lady.
Hi Anita! I remember reading your story in Angels On Earth. I loved reading that publication! What a small world blogging can be. Thank you for sharing it again! God bless you and your family this New Year!
Wow that was a long time ago LuAnn! I’m impressed. Thanks!
You are so fortunate to have a heart open to love, faith and hope. And to have accepted your child, no matter what. Two wonderful gifts you have been given.
What a beautiful daughter and such a heart wrenching story. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hugs, Jamie
I am just seeing this amazing story, Anita and want to thank you for sharing it with us, your readers. You have been through such turmoil but Elise is a beautiful young lady now, and I am sure you would agree, a big blessing! XO, Pinky
My third child was born with a cleft lip. Being a paediatric nurse I immediately knew we would have some tough times ahead. As a mum you just want to take away their pain and for things to be normal. He had his last surgery at the age of 20. He is now a father to a beautiful little girl, has a great sense of humour and recently finished his degree. Your daughter is beautiful and clearly very loved. I enjoy you instagram and the sharing if your story.
What a beautiful story Helen. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter.
Life can surely throw some curve balls. You and your husband embraced this sweet child from the very beginning.
What a lucky and sweet young adult she is to have you as her parents.
Nancy
Happy Birthday to you, beautiful daughter! It’s 2016 and I’m just now reading your life’s story.
What a beautiful family you have and I’m especially, fond of your mother with her gifts and talents which she so freely shares with so many of us via email. Most of all tho is how she’s loved and nurtured you through your 23 yrs.
Praying your day is happy and blessed!
Thank you for sharing your story and of God’s faithfulness during so many uncertainties in your
life’s journey. Your are amazing!
Oh Anita what a beautiful story about your lovely little girl. She is truly amazing and bringing you and yours so much love.
Thank you for sharing this miracle. God is good and he sent his angels to watch over her.
Mary
It looks to me like she is full of joy! I have a cousin with a mild case of Down Syndrome and she will be 67 in a few days. Life is never dull!
Anita,
I just found this article even tho I look at your blog every day. Your story of Love and Faith was so inspiring. I don’t have any children of my own so I can only imagine your struggles. But from the lovely pictures it looks like you’ve done a wonderful job raising a sweet and special and beautiful young lady. God only gives us what He knows we can handle. Thank you for sharing your journey with your readers. God bless you and your family. You will remain in my thoughts and my prayers.
God bless you and your husband, YOU ARE THE ANGELS! Your beautiful daughter was sent to you for a reason and you accepted the challenge beautifully. I had an intern who has Downs Syndrome and I fell so in love with the sweetheart. I know she and her family has gone through similar events and I have so much respect for all of you. Again, God Bless!
Your story touched my heart deeply…as I sit here and write this through tears, no, sobs, I am reminded of how blessed we are. I too, am a mother of two children who were born with congenital issues, and know the reason my daughter is alive today is because of my faith. Shockingly, my husband and I had a surprise third child when I was 43, who was born without any genetic issues. Life throws us several curveballs, but somehow HE pulls us through.
Thank you for sharing such a personal story…I experienced so many of your same emotions when my daughter was in the hospital. God Bless you always.
Thank you for your wonderful Christmas story. I love miracles everyday that lift my heart up to the Angels around us.
I can’t imagine why anyone would be critical of you sharing your story. Those of us who have never experienced what you have been through are in awe of how you have handled the situation. Your strong marriage and faith in God has sustained you. Both your daughters are beautiful! Be blessed my friend.
You are brave to bring to the surface all your painful experiences. I too have a painful story. I won’t go into detail. But my third child was to be my last, he was almost 9 lbs after a difficult delivery. He was the most angelic child I had ever seen, people would stop me in stores to tell me how beautiful, he was breast feed for 14 months. To sipped this up, at 15 months he had vaccinations that made him ill it was downhill from there, after a few years of evaluations, he was diagnosed with autism, this was early 80’s it was not well known let alone how to treat it. He lives in a group home today is totally on verbal, has no sense of danger many problems. But as the years went on I realized what a perfect condition he is in, he knows nothing of sex, drugs, and rock n roll, I jokingly tell people today, how safe he is from the world as we know it. When he was younger I wished he had been born with down syndrome or just retardation he would have been better off. When I felt sorry for myself, I would see things about so many children with these horrible deformities and medical issues he didn’t have and realize no matter how bad I thought I had it, so many others had it worse. There is a prophecy in Isaiah that talks about the eyes of blind being opened etc. I heard a brother in my congregation who was blind say in order for all those prophecies to be fulfilled” someone has to be blind it may as well be me.” It gave me a new perspective all these years later that that difficult things happen to good people. I am no better than anyone else why shouldn’t it have been my son. I don’t feel it is a test from God that he chose me to have an autistic son. I believe that because of the world we live in this happened, no doubt it will test your faith, patience, endurance.God does not cause defects, we inherited sin from Adam n Eve they caused it. There is another text that says James 1:13 says “With evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone. I only read the first two parts of your story and I am not saying that you blame God, I just wanted you to see my point of view on situations like ours and hope I can bring a measure of comfort. BTW your daughters are lovely and I know you are proud of them both. Thank you for sharing.
Your story is so strong and moving. You were right to hold on to those angels on both sides of Elise’s window. Not everything is a coincidence.
Your daughers are lovely.
S
Words fail me at this moment. I was truly touched reading Elise’s and your family’s journey. I have so enjoyed receiving your Cedar Farm emails to view the beautiful photos, but the photos of your two daughters touched my heart. Thank you for sharing your story and your family.
May the future bring you much joy and happiness.