It is very hard to believe it has been almost six months since Chloe's surgery. Some days we really don't even think about it at all because she is doing so well, but it is always at the back of our minds. Maybe we'll see her scar at the top of her shirt or come across a receipt from the doctor or a paper from the hospital, and she still takes medication every night. But Chloe had probably the best winter she has ever had as far as illness goes: only a few colds, no flu, no stomach bugs, and no major breathing issues. Ever since her pneumonia last September, she gets wheezy when she gets a cold, but either her inhaler or a nebulizer treatment will do the trick. She has a cardiologist appointment at the end of this month, but other than that, she has not been to the doctor all winter! She is having an awesome year at school and had absolutely no problems due to all the days she missed this fall. She had some fun things happen recently, including turning ten in February, winning best in show for all the girls with her car at our church's pinewood derby race, enjoying St. Louis with her family over spring break, going to the American Girl store in Chicago with her mom, sister and both grandmas, and winning a gorgeous brand new bike from the Grand Rapids Griffins, our local AHL hockey team!
Last month we had parent-teacher conferences at school for our children. Chloe's teacher shared this paper that Chloe wrote about how God has been with her. We so appreciate all the support and prayers we received before, during and after Chloe's surgery; we thought you might like to read it:
God has been with me a lot this year in many ways. First and the biggest way is my second heart surgery. He gave the surgeon a new idea he had never thought to try before and when he tried it, it worked! All through the I.C.U. and general care with His healing hand holding me. He has given me the energy to get back to normal, catch up on school work, and recover from it quickly. He answered all those prayers and concerns.
This year I've also gotten much closer to God than ever before. I accepted Jesus last year and this year I've seen Him work many miracles in my life and they just keep on coming. When I talk to God I feel that my prayers will be answered every time. Not always with a yes but answered. I know I can say anything and He won't care.
Chloe VanderLaan, March 2010
