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Leslie Nelsen
04-16-2008, 01:21 PM
our little Eliana was having open-heart surgery. So many of you precious friends were praying for her. So many of you encouraged me countless times as I struggled in the months leading up to this day.

I'm spending time today reflecting on things - well, as much as is possible with my sweet children. ;) I find it important to remember. This past year and a half has given me much to remember - to be thankful for - and to have opportunity to praise God.

Thank you precious sisters for being the body of Christ to me so very many times. I felt very isolated for many months and your prayers and notes of encouragment were a sweet comfort to me. I thank God for all of you.

I'm posting pics and more ramblings on my blog if you are interested. Here is some of what I've posted.

One year ago, our sweet Eliana's heart was repaired! We praise God for His faithfulness in walking us through this valley. We are thankful for our family and the many friends he placed in our lives that helped to ease the pain and difficulty with prayers, words of encouragment and acts of service.

One year ago, so many people were praying for our little girl. Some of my friends were fasting while they prayed. Friends on the FIAR board (my homeschool community) set up an around the clock prayer calendar for Eliana. I was humbled and blessed immensely that people cared so much for our little girl.

One year ago, we slept through our alarm! How could that happen on such an important day? We rushed to get ready and get to the hospital so very early.

One year ago, we handed our little girl over to two very kind men (the anesthesiologists). I remember watching one of them cradle her in his arms as he gently carried her down the corridor to the surgical room. The sun was coming up in the window in front of them and they looked so relaxed and calm.
...

One year ago, I continued to see God answer prayers for Eliana's care. I watched her heal rapidly and was so very thankful to see her smile again.

One year ago, the end of a very difficult and dark time in our lives was marked by a healed heart. This didn't mean that things suddenly become easy or without pain or trial. Not at all. I know that those who have experienced something similar though will understand these words ... It's so much better on the other side of surgery!




I feel like you are all connected to my sweet girl in a very special way. I wish I could hug each one of you. Thank you from the depths of my heart for being there for me so many, many times. Thank you for loving my little girl. Thank you for picking me up when I was down and distressed. Thank you for loving on me when I felt weak, ugly and worn out.

Thank you for being precious friends.

With much love,

Hollie in SC
04-16-2008, 01:24 PM
I'm so thankful that you were able to hold Eliana with her healthy heart this morning....instead of just her little bow. :hcry: Praising God for your little girl and the blessing she is to all of us. :group: :kiss: Give her hugs and kisses!

Mary FL
04-16-2008, 01:26 PM
This is a wonderful day! Blessings and love to all of you, Mary:kiss:

Jill S
04-16-2008, 01:38 PM
Wow! I can't believe it's been a year. I hope today is full of blessings and life and love. Give little Miss Eliana a kiss from her FIAR aunties! :kiss: :kiss: :kiss:

Katie
04-16-2008, 02:29 PM
:hcry: \o/ :group: :kiss:

Jessica Vega
04-16-2008, 02:33 PM
:clap:

Rachel Jane
04-16-2008, 02:38 PM
Wow! I can't believe it's been a year. I hope today is full of blessings and life and love. Give little Miss Eliana a kiss from her FIAR aunties! :kiss: :kiss: :kiss:


Did that year go as fast for you as it did for us????

:hcry: :kiss: :hcry: :kiss: :hcry: :kiss: :hcry:

Candace C
04-16-2008, 02:59 PM
I can't believe it's been a year either! Leslie, thank you for sharing your memories with us...your precious little girl...your thoughts, struggles, prayer concerns and heart with us. We are blessed to know you!

:group:

Michele WV
04-16-2008, 03:04 PM
:hcry: She is lovely, like her mama. So thankful for both of you:kiss: :group:

Leslie Nelsen
04-16-2008, 03:04 PM
Did that year go as fast for you as it did for us????

:hcry: :kiss: :hcry: :kiss: :hcry: :kiss: :hcry:

:no:

This year has been filled with so very much - from Eliana's ng-tube, to g-tube surgery to salmonella and more. It's been anything but rapid. :lol: It seems like a long time ago that she was in heart failure in so many ways - and then I look at the pictures or read the words from that day and I'm back in an instant.

:group:

Nikki
04-16-2008, 03:12 PM
:group: Celebrating Eliana's sweet life with you today, friend; thanking God for using both of you to direct so many other hearts to Him. :group:

deleise
04-16-2008, 05:29 PM
I'm so thankful that you were able to hold Eliana with her healthy heart this morning....instead of just her little bow. :hcry: Praising God for your little girl and the blessing she is to all of us. :group: :kiss: Give her hugs and kisses!
Oh my, the bow thing always gets me.:hcry: I can't beleive it has been a year. What a wonderful example you have been for us Leslie. I'm thankful I got to be a part of it through prayer.

laurie in ok
04-16-2008, 05:36 PM
I love you Leslie! :group:

mariah m
04-16-2008, 05:52 PM
Rejoicing with you, Leslie :group:~

Ami
04-16-2008, 06:01 PM
A whole year -wow! :clap: :group:

Julie Y
04-16-2008, 06:45 PM
:hcry:

rachelmn
04-16-2008, 07:35 PM
:group:

stacy z
04-16-2008, 07:46 PM
:hcry: God is so good!

Lindy
04-16-2008, 08:54 PM
:group: Thanks for sharing. I too, can't believe it has been a whole year.

Love your blog and the pictures. What a precious family you have.