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  • Through A Mother’s Eye

Through A Mother’s Eye

14

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Words cannot express the level of thanks and gratitude we have for each and every person who took time to pray for our sweet Clare this past week. Our Father heard each and every word lifted up and He showed mercy, mercy which is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

She had spinal surgery to untether a tethered cord and to remove a dermoid which had formed over her spinal cord. It’s hard to explain the feelings a parent has knowing their child is going to undergo major surgery. Some of you know this feeling, some of you may not and hopefully never will.

It’s this feeling of fear – fear of the unknown. What if something goes wrong? What if the surgery is unsuccessful? What if the surgeon finds more than he had prepared for? But Joshua 1:9 tells us to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I came back to this verse over and over and over again during the days leading up to Clare’s surgery, knowing that I would not find one ounce of peace in fear. It’s still not easy to turn your baby over to the anesthesiology team and watch them wheel her down the hallway. The silly juice she drank just before that moment eased the fear a bit, providing some sweet moments giggling and smiling just before surgery. Yes, it’s a scary thing, but we must place our trust in God and not fear. We can do the best that we know how to do for our child and the rest we must leave up to Him.

The other thing I learned was to truly stay focused on what matters. My husband and I, in our opinion, made the absolute best decisions we knew how to make regarding Clare’s surgery. We researched, we read, we asked questions. In the end, I had to stay focused, focused on Him. Exodus 15:2 tells us “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” I had to focus on Him.

Fast forward to today – three days after surgery. Clare was released from the hospital, is doing beautifully and we pray each moment that she continues to do so. We still have to be careful and pray to avoid infections or complications. Were there long, sleepless nights? Yep. Was every second consumed with comforting or entertaining Clare? Yep. Were there moments of pure exhaustion? Yep. But she is the strongest little lady I know and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else these last three days. She still has a few weeks to finish  healing  and recovering, but the doctors feel that the incision looks beautiful and that she is doing wonderfully. We were able to pick her up for the first time yesterday which was like a long embrace after time away. And she was on her feet for the first time today and was all smiles.

I’m so proud of her. She is amazing. And I’m so thankful for a wonderful loving husband who wouldn’t have been anywhere but by her side. And I’m thankful for family who stepped in to help on every side, and for hundreds and hundreds of you who spent time praying for Clare. Thank you. 🙂

 

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baby, burke, Children's Hospital Pittsburgh, Christ, church, Clare, daughter, dermoid, Faith, hope, hospital, Jesus, love, pray, prayer, spine, support, tethered, tethered spine, thankful

14 comments on “Through A Mother’s Eye”

  1. Jennifer Schleef says:
    July 27, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    Praise the Lord for her recovery! I am praying for you all. Much love to you as she heals.

    Reply
    • Daniel Burke says:
      July 27, 2012 at 8:28 pm

      Thanks Jen! We’re excited to see you guys in NY this summer!

      Reply
  2. Lauren says:
    July 27, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Love you guys and sweet Clare!!! So thankful for a successful surgery and recovery. Prayers for continued healing!

    Reply
    • Daniel Burke says:
      July 27, 2012 at 10:22 pm

      Thanks Lauren. Your prayers have been felt and appreciated.

      Reply
  3. mom says:
    July 27, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    Clare is a tough little girl…like her mother. Jennifer, you were so focused. You amaze me. Clare is blessed with wonderful loving parents. I thank the Lord for His direction. He was with you and your little family, but also ahead of you, leading the way. You and Dan found her the best surgeon and hospital.

    Reply
    • Daniel Burke says:
      July 27, 2012 at 10:23 pm

      Thanks for being at our side.

      Reply
  4. Stacy Mariano says:
    July 28, 2012 at 6:48 am

    Thanks for sharing this journey with us, Jennifer. It has been a privilege joining you in prayer for Clare. What an awesome thing to place our trust in God and see Him work. We’ll continue praying for Clare and all of you as she recovers. You are loved.

    Reply
    • Daniel Burke says:
      July 28, 2012 at 7:18 am

      Thanks Stacy. We feel blessed to know you and Tom.

      Reply
  5. Melissa says:
    July 28, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    I just wanted to say that i’m very happy your Claire is doing so well. I was praying for strength for her, for Jen and for you. I hadn’t known exactly what your family was going through.
    i’m an old friend of Jens from growing up. I will continue to pray for you guys. Take care of each other.

    Reply
    • Daniel Burke says:
      July 29, 2012 at 11:06 am

      Thank you for the prayers and encouraging words. We know God is with us and are reminded by people like you!

      Reply
  6. holly gideons says:
    July 28, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    Praise the Lord! We are thankful for the good news and we will continue to pray for a smooth recovery!

    Reply
    • Daniel Burke says:
      July 29, 2012 at 11:07 am

      Thanks Holly! It just isn’t the same having one of us in the hospital without you and Mike around. We miss you guys!

      Reply
  7. Jill Weber says:
    July 29, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    Praise the Lord!!!!! I was SO happy to hear that all went well with Clare’s surgery! I will continue to keep all of you in prayer.

    Reply
    • Daniel Burke says:
      July 30, 2012 at 8:17 am

      Thank you Jill!

      Reply

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