For those of you that follow my twitter feed, you know that we were in the hospital last week with this girlie.
Five years ago, on Feb 9, she was burned terribly (3rd degree burns) on over 20% of her body. She was in the ICU for two weeks in an induced coma. They put her in that coma because the pain was too great to stand awake. When they put her in that coma, they told us that there was a chance she wouldn’t wake up. For two weeks we weren’t sure she would live through, and in spite of, her injuries.
But she did.
Two long months spent in the hospital, through countless surgeries, and she lived.
Our lives were changed forever the day her t-shirt caught fire. We live with those changes everyday, and we will for the rest of our lives.
Six years later, and her suffering still isn’t complete…she had to go in for an armpit reconstruction last Tuesday. The scar tissue in her armpit has contracted to the point that she can not lift her arm to even a 45 degree angle. It had to be released and reworked. We were in the hospital through the end of the week and spent most of this weekend sleeping it off. Thankfully, her skin “took” to its new location and she is already able to move her armpit more.
Today she woke up, found me, and proclaimed, “Mom! I happy! I better!”
So we are on the road back to normal.
xo
Tara
edited: I did my math wrong in the original post. Her accident was Feb 9 2005, which makes it five years ago, not six.
how sweet is she! and she must have an amazing family support as well to have that much love in her heart. thanks for sharing!
Wow, in so many ways it seems like just yesterday and yet, I forgot. Strange what time does. You’re a good mama.
thanks for sharing your touching story – glad things are returning to normal.
I a so happy that she is happy and that she is better!
Wow, Tara….thinking of you guys. Glad she’s happy….got a good momma!
Oh my. I saw your blog on another site. I live in OC and love photography so I thought I’d take a look. Wow. Your post gave me chills all over! I’m so glad your daughter is doing well after her surgery. I pray she continues to recover.
Praise God for that!
Can’t believe it’s been 5 years, that’s when I first “found” you and your blog. Glad McKenna’s doing better. My love and prayers are being sent your way.
xoxo
Thank you! Would love #1!
Happy her recovery is progressing! ***hugs***
Wonderful news about your daughter’s recovery!
This little lady is truly remarkable.
We love you guys.
Deb
I have “known” your family for five years. I’m just a stranger, but I am so happy that your wonderful daughter is thriving…it means so much…and brings hope to all of us.
Oh Tara. I had no idea. What a sweet miracle you have in your life. Oh that brave little girl. I am inspired by her strength to my core!!
My little guy passed away last week in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Primary Children’s Hospital. I know first hand the terror of watching helplessly as someone you love suffers. I’m so sorry you’ve been there. I’m profoundly grateful that your beautiful girl is still here to bring you joy. I pray that her recovery is complete and as comfortable as possible. xo.
SO happy to read McKenna is healing well. Keeping her and your family in my prayers.
Thank you for always being so honest, McKenna’s strength is inspiring!
Tara, August 16, 2003, our son got his hand stuck in the tread mill we no longer have. He had third degree burns on his right palm and fingers, basically sanding the skin from his hand. Obviously, not the extent of McKenna’s injury, but I can sympathize with what you have been through, and the road you have to travel in the future . We were in the hospital for a week, initially not knowing if he would loose his little 4 year old hand, or, if they were able to save the hand how much function it would have. We have had one corrective surgery since to repair webbing that formed between fingers and scaring that tightened too much to allow him to open his fingers completely. I am happy to say today my 10 year old son is a healthy, lacrosse playing, karate kicking boy with way more energy than his parents AND 95% normal use of his hand. Here is to your family and McKenna’s recovery.
Thank goodness……thank goodness. I am so glad things are going good since the accident.God bless
your daughter and your family will be in my prayers! She is so strong for pulling through, and I can only imagine it wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support from the rest of her family.
What a brave girl. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it was like for you all to go through what you did. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and although it is very difficult to adhere to that belief when it means your child is in pain, somewhere there is a greater good.
Glad the healing continues. I think of you often and McKenna especially.
may my thoughts and prayers for quick recovery reach you guys ASAP:)she sure is beautiful:)
she’s gorgeous. you’re an inspiration McKenna and Tara & fam. you have that special something that shows in your work. something so beautiful it can’t be expressed in words. <3 con'd healing to you sweet, beautiful girl!
I remember this like it was yesterday, as I started reading your blog regularly right after Gracie was born in December 2004. Wow. I’m so glad that the surgery went well. Kids can be so amazingly resilient.
I love your work, it’s so inspiring!. I was looking through your portfolio and I really loved the song that plays throughout it. Do you mind sharing what it is? I want to use it for a home video! Thank!