Never take a single breath for granted

I heard this song the other day and it made me think of Carley. So I had to make another video. I promise this will be my last. Anyway, when you listen to the song, pay close attention to two lyrics that really apply to Carley.

“May you never take one single breath for granted!”

Considering Carley struggles for every breath she takes, it really brings so many things into perspective. How many times do we ever stop and think about breathing. How many times do you hear a baby cry and wish they’d stop? I know I have. Yet, I’ve never heard my baby Carley cry. It’s so weird that I’d give anything to hear her cry, because it’d probably mean she’s in some kind of pain or upset or uncomfortable, but just to hear it would give me security in knowing that she was fine, that nothing was wrong with her and that she really isn’t facing the prospect of painful surgeries every two years. But she is and you know what, it’s still better than the alternative.

Another thing that I’ve taken for granted are the nurses that care for Carley. I’ve never met a more dedicated and caring group of people than the nurses in the NICU. As we get closer to having Carley home, my wife and I were talking the other day and she asked me “What if she doesn’t want to come home with us. What if she wants to stay with the nurses? I mean that is the only home she has ever known?” And I told her “You know, how lucky are we that our little girl is treated so well in the NICU that she wouldn’t want to leave. That when we aren’t able to be by her side, nurses line up ready and willing to give her all the love and care we aren’t able to because of work.” And it isn’t like they only treat Carley that way. Those nurses genuinely care for every child that comes through that NICU unit. They say it’s easy for one bad person to ruin the reputation of a whole group of people. But no matter how many bad nurses I run into from now until I die, I won’t ever consider them anything but angels.

“Promise me that you’ll give Faith a fighting chance”

When I heard that verse it was like God was telling that I had missed something. Maybe there is a reason we changed her middle name from Kay to Faith at the last minute.

I don’t know why, but I never imagined she’d be such a fighter. Boy was I wrong. I know sometimes I wanted to give up on her, but I just couldn’t. I mean there was no way she should have made it this far. No way. But look at her now.

I’m just going to step aside and know that no matter the outcome, I gave Carley Faith a fighting chance!

So remember, if something comes up, dance. Only one of two things can happen. You either succeed or you fail. If you fail, you now have a new lesson in life. So go on, dance. I know Carley's dancing! Your dance should be easier. And while you’re at it, pledge to the Children’s Miracle Network.

She's come a long way!!