Best Therapy Ever

Yesterday was a special day. Everyone had been trying to get a smile out of Lydia. Around 6:30 pm I think I got a small smile out of her by trying to tickle her neck. It wasn't much. I knew in my hart that she wouldn't smile until the kids came. We asked the charge nurse if our kids could come see her because it has been 3 weeks in the ICU. She gave us special permission. It was the best thing I have ever seen. She finally smiled. She did more than that. She laughed, wiggled her whole body, and shook her head back and forth. It truly was the best therapy that she has had here in the hospital. The kids stayed for an hour. We sang together Dallin and Spencer read her books. She absolutely loved every minute of seeing the kids. Everyone was crying when we sang Families Can Be Together Forever. When the children and I left Lydia cried hard. It was one of the most special family moments that we have ever had. I know that there needs to be rules but I think therapy like this can't replace anything else. It helps people heal when they are happy. As silly as it sounds, it is like the Monster's Inc. movie. Instead of scaring people to get their scream for energy they find that making people laugh is an easier way to get even more energy. I feel like the one hour she had last night will give her the energy to finish healing. She was so docile until they came. Janene said that she was able to still get her to smile and move more later last night. A smile and a laugh last a long time in a persons memory. A lot longer than a frown or grumpiness. I pray that I will never forget this special experience and that it will help me to overcome and grumpiness and frowns that want to creep onto my face.

I posted some new pictures and vidoes of Lydia smiling, laughing, and wiggling on the transplant link on the right side of the blog. Or, you can just click here on Transplant.