Happy 3rd Birthday Ava!

Today is a wonderful day. This was the day Ava was born. I remember being so terrified of all she would have to endure. She was not allowed to take a breath on her own. As soon as she came out she was lifted up so Brian and I could see a glimpse of her then she was whisked away quickly to the adjacent room. She was hooked to so many tubes and wires. We prayed so hard she would survive. We knew her odds were not that great but we also knew that God was in control. No matter what happened this was our daughter and we were doing ALL we could to save her.

More times that I want to count we nearly lost her. I remember leaning over, looking at her tiny body. I made a vow to her whether she lived or died I would do all I could do to make others aware of what Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. This birth defect does not discriminate. AND still to this day the survival rate is only 50/50. Each time I hear of another family getting this diagnosis my heart drops. We know the pain. We know the fear. We know the hope that exists in the soul of the parents, family and friends.

I decided to do another video to celebrate Ava’s fight this last year. She has been such an amazingly, strong little girl. She absolutely loves life. I am honored to be her Mother. She has made me pay close attention to details and to never take a single moment for granted. In this video you will only see her happy and smiling face. Ava gets very sad when she sees pictures of her sick. (me too) SO this is a fun video celebrating all she has accomplished.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We will continue to keep the faith and believe that Ava is restored. I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL her supporters. You have made me laugh. You have made me cry but most of ALL you are always here.

 

To My beautiful daughter Ava~

 

“Mommy is so proud of you. Remember when you were growing inside of me I told you that if this was all the time we had that Mommy was okay with that. Little did I the fight you would continue to show. You have been through more than I could ever imagine. You are the Sun that lights up my world. You are the apple of your Daddy’s eye and you know you have him wrapped around your little finger. Your sister’s find it hard to understand sometimes all your illnesses that take over your body. They adore you and are so thankful you joined our family. We love you with ALL our hearts. Please keep climbing and know that we will always be here every step of the way. Know that God brought you to us for a reason. We need you and you need us. I want you to have the Happiest Birthday EVER, my sweet child.”

 

~Love Mommy

 

Please help us CELEBRATE Ava’s birthday today….tell a loved one how much they mean to you. Kiss and hug your children. Call your Mom or Dad and let them know you are thinking of them. Life is too short….LIVE IT TODAY!

 

~Terri