This is a true story. In three parts. Part 1 is sort of a preface and parts 2 and 3… well, they’re doozies. Here we go:
PART 1
I have to back up to about May. We were preparing for CHA (the trade show in Chicago in July) and there was lots to do. I work from home which is GREAT, but at this time, I was working all kinds of extra hours, on the weekends, and even staying up till midnight to start working with the web guy who lives in the UK – which often meant I was working until 2 or 3 in the morning. I even pulled a few all-nighters there towards the end.
So May, June, and the days in July leading up to the trade show – busy busy busy. The hardest part was after the kids got out of school on June 7th. Until I’d taken the job in September of ’06, I’d been purely a SAHM and when the kids had vacation, we always spent a lot of time together. And now I was hardly getting to even make dinner for them let alone spend any fun time with them. But we knew this was just for a season and there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Flew to Chicago for the trade show on Wednesday, July 18th. My husband took the kids to his brother’s house to stay while I was gone and they were happy because they’d get to play with their cousins who are the same age. The trade show was busy but that was fun because it meant it was going very well.
(click here for more CHA pics)
On Saturday I did not even sit down until around 4pm! There were too many people interested in the goodies in the booth – which was fantastic!
PART 2
On Sunday however, I got a call that while my daughter Holly (age eight) was swimming with her cousin, she’d gotten a hold of the chlorine floatie which my brother-in-law had taken out of the pool and set by the side. It had been sitting in the sun and the water that was left in it was becoming more and more concentrated by the chlorine tablets. You’ve seen the signs on chlorine boxes:
So when she picked it up and it spilled on her hands, she got severe chemical burns. Ron had gotten some really bad flu and they don’t want sick people near burn victims because of the high risk of infection so I had to leave the trade show floor and get the first flight back to California. Not that I wouldn’t have wanted to fly home right then anyway – it was killing me that I was so far away from my baby while all this was going on. Ron picked me up from the airport and took me home just long enough so that I could get the other car, grab a couple things, and get to the hospital. And there was my poor baby with her hands all bandaged up. They decided that she should go to the Pediatric Burn Unit at Shriner’s Hospital since they were better equipped to handle this sort of injury. The next procedure would be cleaning and debridement (removal of damaged skin tissue) which is a very painful procedure. By the time we got set up to do this at Shriner’s, it was midnight. And the oral medication they had given Holly just was not enough for the pain. But they kept trying. I got frustrated and asked for an anesthesiologist. But this late at night there was no anesthesiologist (nor respiratory therapist which you need when doing serious pain medication) on call. It became obvious that she’d need an anesthesiologist, so we’d have to wait for morning. I slept on the couch next to Holly’s hospital bed utterly exhausted after having been up since 4am my time that morning and the physical and emotional drain of the day’s events.They did the procedure Monday morning. They weren’t going to let me be in the room while they did it, but I insisted. I needed to know (and see) exactly what was going on with my baby. I assured them I wouldn’t freak out or pass out or whatever, and they relented. Here’s a pic of her after the procedure:
You can see on her right arm where the stuff dripped down and gave her some minor burns.
I can’t tell you the range of emotion you go through when something like this happens. At one point, the doctors were afraid that not only had she gotten an infection, but that it had gone systemic as well. Scary stuff. Thankfully though, they ruled that out later and just a normal treatment of antibiotics would do the trick. We were also concerned about the long term affects of this. Would she lose any fingers? Or lose any range of movement from badly burned/tightened skin? And well… would it just look ugly? (think of her wedding day when it’s time to put the ring on her finger and she has a badly scarred left hand to put out there). After the procedure, they ruled out most of it and we were probably just looking at scaring. Time would tell.
While all of this was very difficult, there was something sweet about the time Holly and I spent together in the hospital. Just me and my daughter. Getting to spend more undivided attention with each other than normal. Especially sweet after me working so hard the previous months. But back to the situation… there was now the burn wound care to worry about. This is something Holly would have to be able to tolerate as well as something I would have to be able to do once we got home. So when they changed the bandages later on Monday, Holly had to be brave and I had to watch and learn. Torture. For both of us. Burn treatment is so very very painful. We spent yet another night in the hospital and after a few more dressing changes, we both got to the point on Tuesday where they could let us go home.
PART 3
It was emotional coming home. Ron hadn’t seen his daughter and Drew hadn’t seen his sister since she went into the hospital. And I hadn’t gotten to be home with my family since the Wednesday before when I’d left for Chicago. We were thankful that Holly was generally going to be ok and we’d just have to wait and see how bad the scarring was. I had to do one more dressing change before the day was over – the first one at home just me and Holly. It was so hard. She was in so much pain and was begging me to stop. In tears myself, I had to beg Holly to let me finish. “Please baby, we have to do this.” When she saw me cry she said “ok Mommy you can keep doing it”. But it was so hard, I can’t even tell you. But now that I was home, the kids knew we could spend some time together. So they asked if we could watch Star Wars together. It was so great just relaxing with the kids on the couch and getting to spend time like this for the first time in months together. It was the “exhale” moment for sure. And you know what happens in exhale moments. You finally have time to stop and think about all the things you have just been TOO BUSY to even THINK about up to that point.
About 20 minutes before the movie ended, I was thinking about this and that. And I was reminded about a part of my body that was sore that I’d noticed in the hotel room in Chicago, but was too busy to think about more than just noticing it. I was reminded again now. WHY am I sore there? (the “TMI” part of it was that it was my ‘ehem’ bosom that was sore).
And then… I should have gotten my period by now. Think, think, think. Uh, I should have gotten it two weeks ago. I’m like clockwork. Never late.
*gasp*
OMG, I’m pregnant. It hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. I knew that I was. And just couldn’t believe it. We have a ten year old son and an eight year old daughter. And we were done having kids. Had been done for a long time. Gave away all the baby stuff when Holly was three. Done done done. I had to wait until the movie was over, not wanting to interrupt the first thing the kids and I were getting to do together in so long. And when it was over I went to Ron and said, “I think I’m pregnant and I’m going to take a test” (thankfully I had one in the house). I took it knowing that I would have been surprised if it was negative. And of course, it lit up like a Christmas tree with the big fat “YES, you are pregnant” line showing up. Ron and I were stunned at the idea of having another baby. But he was really excited and happy. Which was so sweet. And was a good thing since I was more in the “freaking out” camp about this. We. Are. Going. To. Have. A. Baby.
PROLOGUE
Holly’s hands healed beautifully. We believe it was a miracle after much prayer. If you didn’t know she was burned, you would never notice anything. There is slight discoloration, but like I said, it is noticeable only if you know what you’re looking for.
I am now 29 weeks pregnant and due on March 18. We are having a girl and are thrilled about that. If you go to CHA in Anaheim in February, come by the Inque Boutique booth #3757 (I’ll be at the demo table) and see me as big as a house, lol.
Wow! What a story! Congratulations on your pregnancy. I’m also pregnant with our second child – due early May. Our older boy will have just turned 2 yrs old when new bub comes.
Congratulations on your little surprise! So glad Holly’s hands have healed. What a scare. These kiddos sure have a way of getting to you!
Have fun at CHA!
First~ Congrats on the new addition~ second, your work is AMAZING!!!! I just love your pages!! wow!!
and third, I wanted to cry reading about your daughter~ my eyes are watery and I can just feel your frustration as you were flying to be home. Couldn’t get there fast enough I bet~
Wow- I read a post of yours on SCS (I think on the AR thread) and came to check out your blog. Your year was full with its ups and downs and yet, you keep your positive attitude- thanks for sharing!
WHAT a story!! My goodness woman!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us! Congrats on the little one and much love to the older one!!! It’s been a rather…..uh busy….few months to say the least!! I’m so glad she is better!!! Oh and wonderful work by the way!!!!
Ummm…wow! What a blessing you have been handed! And believe it or not I mean it in both situations. It must have been so hard to have to do those things with your daughter but you guys have been able to bond in a way that so many mother/daughters don’t. And those bonds last forever! Your other blessing is obvious…a new baby! How wonderful!
Thank you for your wonderful creativity and I wish you much happiness in 2008!
Wow, that was quite a story, you had me in tears. I am so happy to hear that Holly’s hands have healed so well and big congrats on the baby! Good luck to you and your family!
wow!!!! congratulations!!!
your whole story was heart wrenching, and so beautiful, too. so {{hugs}} and prayers for you and your family as you continue to grow. 😉
Wow,
What a story. I am so glad it worked out ok for her.
Those chemiclas are so dangerous. I was always yelling at the kids not to touch the floater.
And congradulations on your pregnacy. I hope things slow down so you can enjoy your blessings.
Happy New Year
KK
PS Love your “Armore” page
Congratulations Kathleen. Unfortunately I won’t be going to CHA and will miss seeing your pretty smile and probably big belly! I bet you’re radiaint when you’re pregnant!
I had no idea about your daughter. So glad to hear she’ll be alright.
Take care and Happy New Year!
Laura Achilles
Kathleen.
WOW!
what an amazing rollercoaster you must have been experiencing during that time. I had no idea you were going through all of that.
So happy to hear your daughter is doing good and that your family will have an addition to love.
CONGRATS!
Big Huge Congrats on the baby!! Woohooo. I bet you are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Wish I could see you at CHA. I’m so glad your little one healed so beautifully. What an ordeal!!! Please keep us updated and oh — we all want to see a preggo photo!
Congratulations on the pregnancy. I am so sorry to hear what you have gone through with your daugher. I hope 2008 is a much better year.
Congratulations! I am so happy that your daughter’s hands will be ok.
Oh WOW….what a story! I’m so happy for you, on both counts!! I love happy endings 🙂
What a story! So glad to hear that Holly’s hands have healed. You both have great strength and courage. And congrats on the Little One. 🙂
Wow, what a story. I kept thinking of my own 8 yr old daughter while I read that and it make me shiver!
Glad she pulled through and look forward to hearing about your new miracle’s birth!
Amazing that your daughter has healed so well and what a blessing for your family to have a special addition coming along!!!!! Congrats!!!!
Poor little thing. Good to hear how well she has healed. Congrats again on the baby part. I can not believe you hid it so well for this long. LOL!!! And I cant wait to see you big as a house. I still dont want to stand next to you for photos. How sad is it that I still look bigger?!
hugs!
Wow! I just love stories with happy endings!!! I can imagine what you and Ron are going through when life presents a change in the road that was unexpected. So happy for you and I am sure you will find comfort in buying cute pink things again!
Congrats!
WOW! Kathleen, congratulations!!! Buying little pink things is just too much fun (trust me, I know this 😀 ). What a fun surprise, and your other children will simply ADORE that new baby. So glad Holly turned out ok. Best wishes to you in this last phase of your pregnancy and for a safe and trouble-free arival of your new baby girl!
Wow – what a story! I’m so glad that your daughter has healed and congrats on your little miracle.
Teresa
Kathleen,
I saw your name and had to read the post. It’s been too long since we talked! Congratulations!!!! If you want to get together and scrap sometime -let me know!
Oh my goodness!!! What a story! Big Congratulations to you. 😉 So glad to hear that Holly is fine – how scary! Can’t wait to see photos of your new little one. 🙂
Oh, Kathleen! You have never even let on that you were facing so many things all at once. You are such an amazing woman. I am so glad to hear that your daughter is doing well. I cannot imagine the pain you both felt during her burn treatments. My heart goes out to you!! And as far as your pregnancy, WOW!!! I am so very happy for you. I hope that you’re feeling well and that your pregnancy continues to go well. March is a wonderful time to have a baby. Big hugs, girlie! 🙂
Oh my gosh what a story! Congratulations and so happy for you that your little girl is doing well.
Wow! Kathleen, I’m so glad things turned out well for Holly. Huge congrats to you and the new little one! Thanks for sharing your story and big hugs to you.
What a great happy ending! So glad that you’re daughter is well now… and BIG congrats toyou on your pregnancy with your new baby girl on the way! 🙂
Wow Kathleen — what a heart-wrenching story. I’m so glad her hands are healing well — what an amazingly strong little girl she is. Burns are such intense injuries.
And a HUGE congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family — what a blessing!!
OMG. That’s the scariest, then sweetest story EVER. Congratulations!
Wow, what a compelling read. Congrats on your daughter’s healing and on the impending arrival of your new daughter. How great is that?
Hapy New Year!
so glad that your daughter made it through such a scary experience well. and so excited for you having a baby! congratulations. my mil and i were just looking at sweet baby clothes for my sil. made me a LITTLE nostalgic. 🙂 i’m going to cha, i’ll stop by your booth and introduce myself.
Wow, you had me almost in tears thinking about you changing those bandages and then smiling when you found out you’re pg! So glad Holly is ok and huge congrats Kathleen.. I bet you’re the most adorable pg lady! :0)
that is an amazing story…with a beautiful ending. My daughter was burned when she was still a baby. She was crawling and her arm went into the radiator as it was blowing up steam.2nd & 3rd degree burns… long story short…she is 18 years old now, and you can’t see her scar. God Bless you and your family.
by the way, you are glowing in your pictures!
What an amazing story! Huge congratulations from one who understands the shock…I have a 12 yo DS and a 7 month old DD… 😀 It’s wonderful…you forget just how awesome babies are. smiles!
Wow…what a story…it is amazing what life brings to us!
Oh lord – another one who does things like me. Kind of a “oh, well okay… we’ll do this now” existence. 😉
Congrats and *whew!*
What a great story! Thanks for sharing it!
Well, congrats on two fronts. The hand that is healing and the new little one. I can say that we had that kind of an unexpected discovery over 30 years ago and there was never a time after she arrived that we regretted that new person in our lives. Her birthday is next week! ENJOY! And, hopefully I’ll be at CHA so maybe we can meet!
Congratulations! I am so glad for you and precious Holly! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!
Oh WOW Kathleen!!!! My heart melted and burst again all in the space of that 10 minute read. What a story.
Congratulations and all the very very best. At 30 weeks pregnant I know you will still be beautiful. Hugs your way from NZ!
Nic
OMGosh! Definitely did not see this story taking that turn. So, very happy for your daughter that her hands have healed well and she’s ok. Congrats to you all on the soon to be new addition! How exciting! I was 9 when my younger brother was born – loved it. Doted on him (still do) – I bet your two older children will be wonderful helpers. 🙂
So glad to hear you sweetie is healed and everything is fine! And congrats to you on your pregnancy! My baby three was the best thing we could have ever done. And hey..you’ll have helpers now! Congrats!!
What a great story, congratulations on your little surprise!
Congratulations!!!!
Oh my dear! You certainly are a ‘multi-tasker’ aren’t you?
Sorry to hear about DD’s mishap & glad she mended.
Congrats on the ‘newbie’! So pleased for all of you!
Since CHA’s ‘theme’ is Fashion, I’m betting stamped maternity wear & onsies will be ‘showcased’ @ Inque Boutique.
Gives a whole new meaning to “guarenteed delivery”. LOL
Hugs!
Kathleen-so glad your daughter healed well with what she went through…what an ordeal for a young child. and when they are in pain, we as mothers are too. congratulations on the new baby. how exciting.
Kathleen,
Congrats!!! It was great to see you over the holidays. You are glowing!!
Regards,
Betsey Terry
I loved reading your story. Glad to hear your daughter is better. Congrats on your pregnancy. I am pregnant with a baby boy and due Jan. 26.
Wow, Kathleen! Congrats to you — what a story. So glad your daughter mended well. Hope to see you at CHA!
Congratulations Kathleen, what a heartwrenching and overwhelming story, but with a heartwarming ending. I could not imagine getting that call on one of my children, their pain is our pain. God bless, Darleen
Congrats on your pregnancy! So exciting!
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter’s burns. I can’t imagine how crazy that was for you! My sister works in the burn unit there at Shriners in Sacramento, she is an RN there. I am sure she got great care there as my sister says they are great at handling burn patients!
Wow! What a story! Congrats on your great news and I am glad your daughter is doing so well!
awwwwwwwwww.
how wonderful!
CONGRATULATIONS kathleen!
and so incredibly thankful that your daughter is okay now.
how scary.
Wow…you sure went through a lot! What a wonderful gift to come from such a difficult time in your lives.
So happy to hear your daughter’s hands healed well. I know how scary it is to have your child in the hospital and all the emotions you feel when you are there. I was tearing up reading your story.
I’ll look for you as I walk past the booth…I have been hoping to meet you for a long time (ever since you sent me that nice email a long time ago). 🙂
Wow…what a whirlwind of events! I am so glad your daughter has healed! I am so excited for your pregnancy! Yeah!!! We just had our little Colin this September…after what seems like a blink between babies as Sydney is turning two this month. Anyway…totally lovin’ the Mom thing, and I KNOW that you will be thrilled doing the Mom thing again even though your others are getting a little older now. They will love to help you and be the big sibblings. I bet you are a cute Mom with them. So glad life is going so well for you!
Again…many congratulations on all your blessings!
congratulations kathleen! what a roller coaster of a ride!
Oh my goodness, what an exhausting ordeal! I have been a Paramedic in NYC for 10 years and worked at one of the biggest burn centers in NYC. I have seen my share of burns, but when it is a child, it makes it different. You are a very strong person to do what you did. All I can say is you are all stronger from this experience and your reward will be a third healthy beautiful child! God Bless!
Thank you for sharing such a sweet part of your life. I know how terrifying it must have been to see your daughter go thru that horrible experience. My husband was treated in a burn unit after an accident for three months. They certainly are not gentle during the removal of dead skin tissue. However what joy in finding you carry new life and wish you the very best !
Norma (localocairis)
OH! What a story! Congratulations!
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing story!!! I’m so happy your gorgeous daughter has healed so beautifully!
Congrats on the pregnancy too! I had my twins at 39 too! All I can say is…..get some sleep NOW!!!!!
xxxJillGG
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing story!!! I’m so happy your gorgeous daughter has healed so beautifully!
Congrats on the pregnancy too! I had my twins at 39 too! All I can say is…..get some sleep NOW!!!!!
xxxJillGG
I am so glad that your daughter is OK. What a scary thing for your family to have to go through. Congratulations on your pregnancy – what a blessing!
Hi Kathleen.
So happy your little girl recovered so well. Here is to a wonderful 2008 with a new little one to share the joy of your past year!
PS I would love to come by and say hello to you at CHA.
Hey Girl, it’s been a loonnngggg time!! I was sorry to hear about your daughter but am happy she’ll be fine and that you’ll be adding another little girl to your family soon! How exciting!! I *hopehopehope* to make it to CHA and if I do you can bet that I’ll come by and see you (and pat your belly too if that’s okay! 😉
congratulations, kathleen!!! isn’t it amazing how the Lord works in the most unexpected ways?! 🙂 so happy for you & your family! 🙂
Wow, Praise the Lord for his goodness to your family and his provision in tough times. fantastic news about your unexpected joy! I am so convinced that it is God that opens the wombs of women, He blesses us with children planned or unplanned! My 3rd was also a suprise, and funnily my sister (3rd) was also a suprise! and what a JOY they are! Please pop to my blog and see the link for the SALT blog… you may find it interesting. Nice to “meet” you, best wishes and God Bless you, ruthx
I love it when the Lord throws in a funny for ya! Congratulations on the new member of your family, what a huge blessing this is going to be!!
Wow! So very happy for you. Holly is going to be just fine and you are going to be so blessed with another little one. That is just awesome. How are you doing with your goal to get back into a daily devotional time? I’m still struggling with mine. God Bless you and your family.
Congrats on the new little one. Welcome to the world of children born far apart. It is awesome. My oldest just left for college today and my little one is in the 2nd grade (10 years apart). It is so much easier than having 3 in diapers! Glad that your daughter is doing well. TFS
On Kathleen… that is fantastic! Conrats! Sometimes those “supprises” are just what you need. I “supprised” my parents when my mom was 40 , my dad 50, they had 6 children already , the next oldest was 9 , and my oldest sister was married and pregnant with her 2nd child. I have a newphew that is 3 years older than me, and a niece my same age. lol I felt so much love.. I dont think I really ever gave the whole (timeline), any thought until, I was about to have children of my own. lol
SO SO glad your sweet little girl did so well, in the end. What a scarey scarey thing!
Cant wait to see you at CHA!
Wow! Congratulations!!!
So glad your daughter is healing well!!
Kathleen,
It was so great to meet you guys. Looking forward to getting to know you more!!
Candi
My heart went out to you both reading your blog entry. So glad to hear she’s recovering nicely!
Congrats on your new bundle of joy!