11.05.2010

Sewing for Strangers


Of all the tests they ran on our baby Maaike the game changer was the sleep study. Connected at almost every electron Maaike looked like she was ready to enter the Matrix. To help ease the anxiety of the ordeal the nurses take the children and/or parents to a special closet filled to the brim with blankets. The kids get to choose any one they want to wrap up in during the test and then take it home with them. The blankets come in every possible color and fabric choice. All made by hand and donated so that the little ones can feel a little extra love and warmth. I choose a blue daisy blanket with yellow crocheted edges for Maaike. That night and several times since I have wondered about the woman who spent all that time to crochet the edges of a blanket so beautifully for someone she didn't know and would never see. Despite all the sewing I've done I have never learned how to crochet and quite frankly the long needles and hooks kind of creep me out. But how wonderful for this woman, somewhere, to share her talent with us.
Up until this point Maaike was fooling us all. She seemed to be doing quite well and I was planning on heading back to China to reunite with my husband and two other kids. Our ENT was set to call me with the results on that Monday and I had my return flight on Wednesday, but Monday came and went without a phone call. I called their office on Tuesday and got a, "I'm not sure. We'll let him know you called." Tuesday afternoon the ENT's nurse called back to say that the doctor would like me to come in on Wednesday morning to get the results. So Tuesday night, feeling ticked off at the world, I put my flight on hold and let my husband and kids know I would not be coming back on Wednesday, but hopefully Friday. But, of course, my fly day would never come as the results showed that Maaike was dropping below healthy oxygen levels more than 100 times an hour. She would need to go on oxygen right away and schedule a tracheostomy.
Now the dreams would have to change. Out was the adventure of raising our children in China, exploring the far East, our children learning Mandarin, and our apartment view from the 35th floor. I'm not sure what comes next or what we are to learn from this experience, but as I snuggle Maaike up in her daisy blanket I feel assured that there will be kind and generous people to help us along the way. At least I have one new dream, to start sewing for strangers.

9 comments:

  1. Very well written!

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  2. Health problems in our children are so hard! Here is our journey http://bids2calvin.blogspot.com/search/label/PRS
    We will pray for you in yours.

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  3. When my son spent several months in the hospital I spent an afternoon at home sewing several blankets together out of flannel. Then I took them to the hospital and crocheted the edges day after day. By the time he was out I had a huge stack of blankets and burp cloths with crocheted edges. It was relaxing amid all the stress. I donated them all. The crochet pattern on your blanket looks similar to one I used called hugs and kisses. The thread cris crosses to make x's and give your baby kisses.

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  4. It's so hard to endure through the crazy things life throws at us. I don't know your situation or even what health issues your little one has, but hang in there. At birth my daughter failed her newborn hearing screenings ... after two and a half months of failed/inconclusive tests she was sedated for a hearing test which found she had significant hearing loss. I remember that night and thinking my baby will never hear me say "I love you." I'm thankful that technology is working (praise god for hearing aids!), and for the continued hope that comes even when we don't think we can find hope. Good luck on your journey; I'll be praying for you and your family!

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  5. You have a beautiful daughter and a beautiful family. Wish you all the best.

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  6. Anonymous6.11.10

    my third child, my son, was born with a mitochondrial disorder. its changed everything about our future. i don't know you but but we have so much in common. i feel such compassion and empathy for you and your darling daughter and your family. *hugs*

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  7. What a sweet story. Thanks for the inspiration to donate handmade goods. It is awesome to know someone put love into that blankie and that you and your daughter feel that generous love. Many blessings

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  8. My heart goes out to you - not only because of your dream coming to an end but for the stress of your baby's health. I think that as much as we like to think we are in control there is a masterplan for us and we are all at the mercy of fate. All we can do is show love with all our hearts. Here's hoping you can realise your dream of living in China at a later date.
    Hugs, Melinda.

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  9. Our third child was born at 28 weeks and we had to immediately return to the US from Tokyo. I, understand your ordeal, both dealing with a critically ill child and having your family plans unexpectedly altered. But know that whatever happens, happens for the best, even when we don't fully understand. You are doing well and you continuing your blog despite all the changes is a testament to that. I am praying for your family's well being and the health of your beautiful baby girl.

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