The Silver Lining: Moments Worth Hanging on To

Dear Isabela,

With such mixed emotions, I am doing my very best to prepare you for what will be your 3rd major hear surgery. Your Papi and I talked this evening about how awful we feel that you really do not know what you are about to contend with. We have been trying to "hype it up" for you for the last several months by making it sound like this huge party that will be "oh so fun!", just to strengthen your spirits and relieve any potential fear. Sadly, it will be anything but that. Knowing that, besides me, your Papi, Crystal, all your friends, Pops and Grandma have been a big part of sending you off to your hard work of healing by making sure you have such special, fun filled days prior to the surgery. The most lovely part is that I didn't really have to ask anyone to join me. You are so loved and treasured, that every single person you have adored in your 4 years, has asked to be a part of it. I will admit, that there were times that I really just wanted you for myself. But, once again, your Auntie Valerie's wise words prevailed and reminded me that I need to share you with this world. The most magnificent thing is, that you appreciate every bit of that love.

(missing Kendrick, Dylan and Reagan)

I also want you to know that I just can't wait to show you off in the ICU. While you were there and intubated most of your 6 month stay, I sat or stood in your room very quietly and inadvertently listened to the sounds around me. Sadly, a lot of those sounds were of children not being so nice to their nurses or their own parents. I do understand now how easy it is to want to have a softer approach in raising a child with special needs, but I swore to your nurses when I left there that you would return with tenderness, appreciation and respect. I have no doubt that everyone there will find it so easy to love you...just look at how you turned out!

I hope we succeeded in giving you the happiest life you may have wished for. I promise to comply to all of those other wishes that you have been banking as the "after surgery" activities. Yes, even the very dreaded Chuck E. Cheese. Until then, I am talking with God so intimately and strongly, all the while, looking for that same woman who was filled with so much vigor in caring for you in that hospital for those 6 months. I will be that woman, once again, just for you. Whatever it takes.

So, I present to you, from my eyes, your Special Moments :

Easter was a little different for us this year since you are not allowed out in public before surgery. There was no church service and no family gathering. But, we still managed to have so much fun!

This is you just taking a moment to admire the confetti-filled egg...love it!

You just adore surprises, especially when you know they are coming!

The Easter treats from Mami and Papi!

On the HUNT!

Yup, the advantages of having an egg hunt in isolation, you get to find them ALL

Crystal came in at midnight days before your surgery...a surprise visit!

Here you are having Easter egg fun with your "Lelo" (your grandpa)

Christina sent us many many of our favorite treats all the way from Portland, OR since she can not be with us (Miles is ill). Starbucks gift cards for everyone, books for me and you (Ellie Wiezel being one of my favorite authors!), cute jammies that you put on instantly, fine chocolates that you may not appreciate as much as I will, 100 calorie treats for me to have with my coffee and a gorgeous rosary that I will be hanging at your bedside for praying. Christina oh so loves us!

Just because...
look at her jammies, Christina!

Christina is so very good at spoiling ISabela...and Mami!

This is on Easter, two days before surgery. Diego just had to visit you!

Taking a stroll on a beautiful day..

Our traditional Easter "cascarones".

Crystal receiving her special chocolates from a little cholatier we know of in NYC, Jacques Torres.

You and I went to our very first motion picture at the theatre. You were done after the first ten minutes, and I agreed that it really wasn't an appropriate show for you.

Here you are protecting both you and Walker from the sun's rays.

I love how Cavett just had to wait for you to change into your swim suit and as soon as you were ready, both of you just so naturally clasped your little hands and hurriedly headed to the spa. This would be your last time in his house in Houston.

Tia Anna got you your new beautiful baby to take with you to the hospital. You chose such a beautiful ensemble---a High School Musical one! You even named her Gabriella!

You are very amused here... building a bear??!?!

Our just-girls-slumber party in Austin, TX, Crystal's dorm room!

You seem to be overwhelmed in the college library!

Trying to carry this book over to the table, even though it's almost your size!

Crystal got you two a cupcake off of Congress St. in Austin,

Nothing makes you happier than being surrounded by food. You love Edemame! We went to this special little Thai restaurant in Austin and asked the chef to make us our own off-the-menu dishes!

Here you are as we are shopping for Crystal's Spring wardrobe. You couldn't help yourself and had to try on a Maxi Dress too!

Walking down The Drag with your big sister...in college.

(tilt sideways!) Walking in the mud...on purpose!

WE gotta have a pic of you two playing "doctor"!

You just love Ms. Gail from Grand Saline...you just loved this fun!

Going through the many activities you got from your "Happy Heart" Party!

Your Pops has been here about 3-4 times a week, he just can't get enough of you!

You raided the sticker cabinet in the hospital's Heart Center! you LOVE stickers!

Your last day of school before isolation. I was told by many of your friends that they love you so much. The little girl pictured is Tirza. When we left, she cried uncontrollably for you. As a matter of fact, your teacher aid told me that she believed you were the most popular student all the way up until 8th grade! Apparently, everyone knows you and loves you...no surprise there!