Many of you have asked about how my sister is. Well, I have to be honest. It has been a rough day. Danielle is in a lot of pain. Her face and mouth are hurting her, but she is also very uncomfortable because she has had to sit in the same position for 4 days now. (She can't lie down because of the surgery.) Because there isn't much for her to do, she has also had a ton of different thoughts and emotions that have begun to overwhelm her. (What is her face going to look like? How will she be able to pay for all of this? etc...)
It is very hard to see her in so much pain, both physically and emotional. I don't really know what to do for her, so when some of you have asked if there is anything you can do, I haven't really known what to say. But I have tried to come up with a few things.
1. Pray for her!
She is going to the doctor tomorrow and will probably be getting her stitches out. We are also hoping that he will be able to give us a little more information about what the future holds for her. She is very nervous about both the pain she will most likely go through tomorrow, but also about what he has to say. Pray that her appointment goes well, that we will walk out encouraged, and that her pain will be gone. Also, continue to pray that she will recover quickly and with little to no scars.
2. Encourage her!
I know that some of you don't know her, but if you would like to write a comment on my blog or my dad's blog, or send a quick e-mail, I know she would really appreciate it. My e-mail is stephanievanalmen@hotmail.com. I will make sure that she reads whatever you send. If you would like to send her a card, that would be great too!!!! E-mail me and I will give you an address where you can send one for her.
I will be the first to start....
Dear Danielle,
I am SO SORRY! I don't know how to put into words how badly that Josh and I feel. We both love you very much and it has been horrible watching you have to go through this. Please know that we care about you so much and we want to do whatever we can to help you.
You have been so strong. I know you are in a lot of pain, and that all of this is scary, but you have to believe that everything is going to be ok. I know that you are struggling, but God is going to take care of you. Don't worry about what the future holds. Just take it one day at a time and trust that God will see you through it. You are going to be just as beautiful when all this is done. I know it is hard to see, but every day you look better and better.
You are very special and I know that many people are thinking of and praying for you.
I love you, Danielle! And I am always here for you.
Love forever,
Stephanie
****Update: When Danielle went to the Dr. today, he did take out her stitches. It was painful, but she was brave. Well, until she passed out, but she is ok. Her face looks much better! She says that it feels a little better too. She isn't feeling the best. I think driving from Raleigh and then the whole Dr. appointment was a little much for her. She is resting and excited to be able to lay down again. She has another appointment next week. Her prayer for then is that her face will continue to heal and that he will tell her she can put some make-up on. For now, she is just going to continue to get some rest and will be wearing the new hats that we got her. (Her Doctor wants her to shield her skin from the sun, plus it will help to cover the cuts.)
Thanks again for all the kind comments. They are such an encouragement to her.
I have also heard that there have been a few of you who have tried to leave a comment, but my blog is all messed up. I am not sure what the problem is. I refreshed my template, so hopefully that will fit it.****
I'm constantly praying for your quick recovery. I know you are in a lot of pain and worried about how things are going to turn out, but just as Steph said, do not focus on the future. Focus on today, and all the blessings God has given you already. TRUST He will continue to take care of you and your healing. You are blessed to have such a wonderful, loving family and friends to surround you during this major time of need. Know that there is many people praying for you and God is listing and WILL heal you, you are and always will be such a beautiful person!
Much love,
Michelle
We love you!
Daniel and I are praying for you! We know that God is going to hold your hand through this whole thing!
I just want you to know that I love you and think you are a strong person even if you don't feel strong at the moment. It's amazing what you can do when faced with a tough situation. God has surrounded you with people that care about you. You can get through this. I have no doubt that you are one tough cookie!
I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. I know that this is a tough time for you. Please hold onto the faith that you will be healed completely and you will be feeling better soon!
Love,
Dawn Massey
I know it's been tough and I really wish I could be there to give you a big hug or just sit and watch Gilmore Girls with you. But you will get through this. Despite how you may be feeling about things remember-God has blessed you with an infectious, sparkly, effervescent spirit that everyone sees with they look at you. Nothing-NOTHING can ever take that away from you.
~Cindy