Reunited and it Feels So Good!

May 14, 2009

Airica was doing SO good!  Like I had mentioned before we had a wonderful social worker, Patricia.  She helped us talk through the big decisions, our feelings and emotions.  She talked to us about letting Alyssa see her sister when she came to visit Mommy today.  I wasn't sure it was a good idea.  The last time Alyssa had seen her sister was that night that we had to peel them apart.  Although she was doing better, she didn't look better if the last time you had seen her she was normal.  

Patricia thought that it was a good idea for many reasons.  Airica was doing better and she could somewhat interact with Alyssa.  Also, even though we were all being so optimistic and positive, the truth was that we were living day to day.  Alyssa deserved to see her sister, and by trying to "protect" her by keeping her away maybe wasn't the right thing to do.  I agreed we should try.

The hospital made special arrangements for Alyssa's visit.  They had a counselor from Child Life meet with her before hand.  Child life is a wonderful program that helps prepare children for the things that are happening to them in the hospital in kid terms.  They also work very hard to help keep the kids happy.  They prepared an activity for Alyssa as they discussed with her what she should expect when she  went into the room to see her sister.  Alyssa made matching bracelets for them to wear, and she would put hers on and then put Airica's on her.

Alyssa was so nervous as she entered the room.  So was I.  As she walked in Airica was in and out of sleep.  Alyssa walked to the side of the bed to see her sister.  She kind of froze up.  I told her to hold her hand and talk to her.  As Alyssa said I love you sissy in a quiet broken voice, Airica woke up.  Airica was so happy to see her sister.  Alyssa started to cry as she saw her sister there in the hospital bed so differently that her last visit.  

Before we could comfort Alyssa and let her know it was ok, Airica did the most amazing thing.  Airica waved Alyssa to come closer to her her face.  She looked into Alyssa's eyes as to tell her it was ok.  Then she pulled Alyssa's head into her chest, rocked her gently, and rubbed her head so that Alyssa was no longer scared.  This simple gesture brought rest of us that were in the room, witnessing this love, to tears.

Alyssa then talked a little more to her sister, gave her the special bracelet she had made, then said her goodbyes as Airica drifted back off to sleep.  This gesture had taken all of Airica's energy for the day, comforted Alyssa, and touched the hearts of the rest of us.  Love never ceases to amaze, is stronger that we could ever imagine, and we were blessed to see it that day!

(right after their snuggle)

(saying bye bye and love yous until next time)