True Grit

Today, I spent the afternoon with 2 of my favorite women, who manifest "true grit" in the real John Wayne fashion. Now let me characterize true grit as it is defined by these 2 ladies.

I was fortunate enough to get tagged to drive today. Driving means that you get to go up to the hospital, go through the security of the unit clerk, hang your stuff in a weeny little locker, then wash your hands thoroughly up to the elbows. After doing the preliminaries and assuming that you make it into the ICU without scaring too many nursing mothers, whose primary concerns are not their modesty, it is cool time.

The first true grit candidate is only 23 days old. How is it that she can even qualify for John Wayne status, you ask? Just by being here!! Numerous medical personnel have told us of the valiant struggle that Clare went through to live the first few days. The first 3 days of her life were indeed full of miracles. The correct decisions on urgent care were made over and over again. Her outlook is unknown; time will be the proof of her abilities. Today, as I held her in my arms, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with her strength. She has fought through a potentially disabling stroke, has almost lost her little arm to ugly, festering sores. The arm alone is obviously painful and her recovery from that is ongoing but promising. Every once in a while today, her little eyes would open and she would quietly let out a whimper. She has manifest great determination. We hope for much, much more.

We want little Clare to continue to amaze. We pray for her recovery. We are all grateful that she is here. I am reminded that it is so important to pray that our children will safely arrive.

My other special lady shared the miracle of birth with this, our 10th grandchild. Jadi is a magnificent example of persistent, loving motherhood. She has sacrificed her recovery from major surgery to be at Clare's side for many, many hours each and every day. Each night, when she comes home from the hospital, she is totally spent. Her emotions and physical strength long departed. She has suffered serious infection from the surgery, yet is pushing herself to nurse her little one and provide time with Anna and Cooper.

My head bows in gratitude for Jadi. I am so thankful that Clare has come to their home, she has the best Mom and the best Dad. My advice to to my dear daughter-in-law is that she needs to take some time to heal. We need her at her best.

One of my heroes of the week is son, Spencer. He is even tempered and kind to his other very needy children. We know they are both exhausted. Anna and Cooper are proving to be very understanding and easy to hang out with.

Thank you to all who are lifting their loads. May God bless this family.