WOW!
To say that we are overwhelmed with everyone's thoughts, prayers, and kindness is an UNDERSTATEMENT!
We just got back from out of town last night. I am writing this in the wee hours of the morning to reply to everyone. GOD BLESS YOU ALL for CARING SO MUCH! To turn on the computer and pull up DIS and see so many beautiful, caring posts FILLED our hearts and brought tears to our eyes. We just couldn't BELIEVE that so many people, complete strangers mind you, would extend such warm and kind thoughts to us.
Thank you to ALL you WONDERFUL people from the bottom of our hearts!
The update, so far, is there is no family going on August 17 that has contacted us with less than full occupancy. (Can't imagine why
) We knew it was a long shot. It sure was touching to hear from so many that wished they could help though. We are still hoping there is a family out there that hasn't read this yet or a family travelling on this date that can put the word out to others they know who are travelling then too.
In answer to both public and private e-mails, her shots have to be given nightly, they have to be drawn up (not pre-measured) and sterile technique MUST be followed in order to keep from introducing bacteria and other germs into her body via the needle and the injection site. Training someone properly and them being TOTALLY comfortable injecting a three year old child, and restraining her (so as to keep yourself from being kicked in the face or landing the needle somewhere other than intended) if necessary, is of utmost importance. It is awfully difficult to know and love a child that is not yours and find the courage and willingness to give them an injection that you know is going to hurt them, make them feel crappy inside afterward and make them mad as heck at you for the moment. Most people don't even like GETTING shots, much less the idea of giving them. Honestly, I wouldn't want to do it either (if I was in their shoes).
We have also looked into having a home nursing service come in nightly to do the injections, as was offered as a suggestion by someone. Complete strangers rotationally (different staff/changing shifts) would be coming in every night to give her a her shot. Different people unknown to her, coming nightly, is going to add quite a bit of undue stress and panic to her 3 year old mind, especially without the reassurance of her family. She has been put through an unbelievable amount of stress for being so young already. She had previously been placed with 4 other caregivers in another country, prior to us, been subjected to rural third world country "medical" beliefs and practices, that though done out of real love and concern for her, would be considered torturous and abusive by US standards, gone without her basics needs being met for weeks, and a whole lot more. The whole situation is very worrisome. The answer may well be not to go.
We have been tossing it around in our heads over and over from every which way. If it is not meant to be, it is not meant to be. I am thinking about sending a friend of mine in my place to help with the other two kids and make things go smoothly for my husband as well. He really does need this vacation, as do our oldest kids, who need a chance to loosen up and be kids for awhile again. They have taken on a lot of responsibility this year, though it was unintentionally and unexpectedly.
God always has a way of working things out. We thank you ALL for your prayers, warm and kind thoughts, and the true caring of strangers that came through so evident and strongly in the posts. God bless you ALL and THANK YOU for bolstering our hearts and minds. You have no idea how much we needed that tonight and the effect it will continue to have on us in the months to come.
I'm falling asleep. Got to go to bed before I make no sense at all! BLESS YOU ALL!
Sincerely,
Liz and family
