Countdown to Surgery

Surgery #15 is Monday! The reality of that is starting to hit us.    

We are busy making plans, organizing the schedules and finishing house projects.

We are so grateful that our communities want to help! I do struggle to have an answer for what help is needed but if there is one thing I have learned through Em's journey it is to let others help. God sends help through his people. So here is what we have come up with. 

Most importantly, prayers. We are asking for prayers for...

• Em to stay healthy so the surgery can happen
• Safety as we travel back and forth to St. Louis frequently
• For the doctors and staff as they take out the current hardware and attach the halo
• A quick recovery from that surgery
• Great correction in halo, which will maximize her final correction 

If you have an Em shirt, bracelet or anything green Em would love to see them either before she goes or pictures on surgery day. Last time we hung them in the room to remind her that she has lots of supporters. 

Things we could use in preparation...

Em has been upset about missing Halloween. We have done a Pumpkin Patch, and have a hayride event and a costume chili dinner at Grams and Pops planned, but if anyone hears of any trick or treating opportunities this weekend please send them to us!

We are trying to get Jenson a phone so she still feels connected with her parents and sister and doesn't accidently get left anywhere. We are looking for an old, but not too old android phone to purchase for her. 

While Em is in the hospital she will have one adult with her staying bedside. The hospital doesn't provide food for the that person but they do have a small cafe that is open for breakfast and lunch only. 

We will be making lots of trips back and forth and will also be using the train to help as well. We typically buy gas at Break Time or Quik Trip.  

During the week Em will be doing physical therapy daily as well as occupational therapy, getting x-rays weekly and the rest of the time the recreational therapy or child life specialist try to keep her busy. Weekends are the hardest because they are not there. They do have games and movies that can be checked out on the weekend. Em loves fidgets, crafts, squishies, and anything else that might help pass the time. She will be doing her school work as well. 

Em and I have created a Giftster list for things that she would enjoy having while in her "home away from home." She loves all things squishy and fidget, could use any comfy clothes, shirts that button or zip (this is very helpful with getting them on over the halo), comfy socks, and any crafts. She wears a kids 10/12 or medium and shoes size 4.5 in kids.  We will continue updating the Giftster.

Em loves receiving mail at the hospital. They set it on her bed when she is out at therapy and returning to her room with a freshly made bed and mail waiting for her brings lots of smiles. We will also display any cards and pictures in her room.  There will be many trips going back and forth so we can also take any mail to her. 

The address is:  

Shriner's Children's St. Louis
Inpatient Emerson Poe

4400 Clayton Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110

We have been asked about meals. I think that would definitely be very helpful when she gets home and we are all here. Frozen meals would be helpful too. We frequent Chick Fil A, Wendys, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen and Bandanas. I am working on creating a Meal Train sign up. 

For Thanksgiving we will be looking for a St. Louis restaurant that caters a meal. There are a few times that family will be staying and we will use Haven House for that. 

If you are involved with Addi and Jen please give them extra hugs for us during this. Things will be different for them too. 

We appreciate all the prayers and support!

Em doesn't get to do bounce houses or trampolines but since surgery is happening anyways she got to enjoy a little bouncing this weekend.