Love Note to Nellie

Dear Penelope-

Today is your big day!  You made it!  You have been through so much leading up to this surgery.  Mama and Papa are so proud of you.  You have been so strong and have taught us more than we could have imagined.  You have given us a new appreciation of life and how fragile it can be. You have helped us fall to our knees in prayer and strengthened our relationship with the Savior.  The Atonement has become so real in our lives and has given us a new appreciation for the ever-encompassing love of our Heavenly Father. 

Yesterday was a rough day leading up to your surgery.  We were at the hospital a lot longer than we had anticipated.  You ended up having to have your blood drawn, two x-rays and another echo cardiogram done. You handled everything perfectly.  You really are a dream baby.  Mama had high hopes of spending all day cuddling you, instead I got to comfort you through your last set of tests. You fell asleep in my arms as we took a tour through the PICU.  I almost lost it as I walked through the hospital looking into other patient’s rooms.  I was so scared for what was to come.  You kept me warm and gave me the comfort I needed. 

Last night we went to dinner as a family, afterwards we came home and you and I took a bath.  I put you in your new turtle jammies and snuggled you close to me.  Your Grandma and Grandpa Parker, aunts, and cousins came over to give you a kiss before your surgery.  Your dad gave you the most beautiful blessing.  I knew at that moment everything was going to be okay.  The spirit was strong in our home.  You are such a special baby.

I was able to feed you for the last time at 1:00 AM  GiGi came in and layed by your door.  I held you tightly to my body as I nursed you back to sleep.  I knew this would be the last time you would be sleeping in your own crib for a while. 

We woke up at 4:30 AM to be to the hospital by 5:30 AM. As we arrived you smiled and waved your arms.  You would have never known you had just been fasting for your surgery.  Everyone at the hospital loves you. You melt everyone’s hearts that you come in contact with.  We met one last time with Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Hansen.  You are in such good hands.  Dr. MacDonald assured us as he walked out the door that you were going to be just fine.  We said one last prayer before I handed you off to the nurse.

It was so hard to hand you off into someone else’s arms, but knew you were going to be in good hands.  We are now awaiting each phone call as they give us updates on your surgery.  Your grandma’s are here keeping your papa and I company.

You have had so many people praying and fasting on your behalf.  Even strangers that have never met you are praying.  There have been so many words of encouragement that have helped uplift us.  Many miracles have already taken place.  The hand of the Lord has definitely been in our lives.

I love you more than I ever thought possible. You are my sweet, precious, most beautiful baby girl.  I wish so bad I could have had the surgery for you.  I would do anything for you and want you to know how much you mean to me.  You are our whole world and make each day worth living to the fullest.  We will be by your side each step of the way.  We love you forever and ever my baby girl.

Love,

Mama and Papa.