Surgery Has Begun

She’s in. The surgery has begun. And she’s been so brave.
We spent a few hours just meeting with the team that will be working with Tess today (Dr. Shamberger, the anesthesiologists, nurses and liason staff). And if you remember how highly I spoke of the Child Life Specialists here, there was another one working in the pre-op holding area. I thought they were really great people. She brought Tessa a loud, electronic Dora game. Enough said.



They dressed me up in the gown, gave me the little hair net and a mask. Tess said I looked great. I’m trusting her, but I have my doubts. Tess was given a mask and hair net for Growlie, Justin’s stuffed monkey which he gave to her to help her be bwave this week. Joanna had to stay in the waiting area because of her pregnant status, so Tess said goodbye to her momma and then we started off for the great OR adventure.

She was so brave. She didn’t cry, whine, or even act upset at all as we sat her on the OR bed. They let her play with the mask for a few moments before connecting it to the gas. She let us place the mask over her face without any objection. When she started to feel a bit woozey, she turned her head away a bit, but allowed us to turn her back. Within one minute, her little eyes rolled back into her head and she was snoozin’. They had warned us that she might twitch a little as she fell unconscious. As we were laying her down, she jack-knifed her legs into the air, almost kicking the anesthesiologist in the head. Way to go, Tess. Give ‘em hell.

Actually,
Lie still, child.
Be quiet and be at peace.
O God, guide the surgical team.
Grant them expertise and precision.
Great Shepherd,
Protect her little body from all pain,
Her spirit from all lonliness,
Her heart from all fear,
Surround her in this place.
Be near, O God, to our baby Tess.
Rejoice over her with singing,
Quiet her with Your love.
O Lord Jesus.