Flower Girl

I have been paralyzed by the idea of blogging for the last couple of months. It's been a very rough year so far; for me, if not for Keira. Sickness after sickness hit us all followed by a fairly traumatic hospitalization for RSV for Keira, which was simultaneous with my work at the Idaho legislature and the passing of Idaho's first CMV law. Throw in a confusing, stressful, and prolonged exchange with a dear old friend, I was ripe for a bout of depression when the bill passed. And, in fact, when I got the news that we had indeed reached our goal after months of tireless effort, I did not celebrate, but burst into tears and yielded to the darkness I felt descending. I fell into a metaphorical pit that I didn't/couldn't climb out of for a couple of months. That's all been hard to speak of and I hope to elucidate it here at some point. 

Fortunately, there was a very happy event this past week, a good time to venture back into blogging. I really do want to continue to keep all of our supporters in the loop and keep a real, raw account of her life and our process as her parents. 

On Saturday, my sister-in-law, Stephanie married her love, Tolga. They felt strongly about including our kids, and particularly Keira, in their wedding. Liam, a "junior groomsman," pushed his sister, the flower girl down the aisle. 

Though happy to be involved, Jeff and I were concerned about the big day for Keira. She has not been herself a lot of the time lately. We've also continued to find that Keira doesn't handle the heat well. She gets hot fast and cools down only very slowly. She doesn't seem to sweat much. Even 20 minutes on our back patio at dinner time in the 90 degree heat would have her retching and vomiting. The forecast for Stephanie's wedding, held at Sawtooth Winery, was 102. Needless to say, we figured we'd call her flower girl debut a success if she managed not to throw up during the ceremony. 

We had lots of good help on the wedding day. Friends and family sat with Keira in one of the few air conditioned rooms indoors at the winery until picture time and then again til the ceremony. She was a little blitzed/dazed, as expected, but it was clear that Keira enjoyed her role in the festivities. 

Grandma Sharyn lovingly sewed Keira's dress, telling her about the process as it unfolded and, finally, trying it in her and helping her finger the lace and tulle. We also did Keira's hair up nice, had her nails done, and put sparkly sandles on her to match the bridesmaids. While getting ready that day, Keira seemed to perk up, to some degree understanding that it was a special day. The best part was when I showed her the flowered garland that was to adorn her wheelchair and put a large bouquet of poppies and roses in her lap. This, it was clear, tickled her. 

Like the little man he's becoming, Liam pushed Keira through the grass and stood with her at the front of the wedding. Keira held her head up and didn't retch. Don't get me wrong, it was a hot day, but the breeze was a blessing and the heat was forgettable during the lovely ceremony. 

Grandma Sharyn and Grandpa Ron promptly took Keira home after the ceremony and she slept like a baby. The following morning, I reminded Keira of the previous day's events and when I asked her if she would like to wear her special dress to Sunday School to show her friends, her smile said it all. 

Congratulations, Aunt Steph and Uncle Tolga! Thank you for loving us and including us in your big day!