I am not sure how people feel about the chicken pox vaccine.  But, wanted to share our story to see if anyone has had any simiar experiences.

My youngest, (who is now in the 4th grade) came down with the chicken pox when she was 2 1/2.  My son (who was in Kindergarten at the time) brought it home with him one day with his homework!  :)  A few weeks later it went to my middle child.  So, when my youngest caught it I was not surprised.. in fact I was a bit happy to have it "done and over with" so easily!  However, easy it would not be.

Unlike my other two, she kept getting sicker and sicker.  Daily calls to the doctor were answered with I was being over protective.. it is normal, ect..  But, a mother feelings should not be discounted.  Finally, 3 days later I demanded she be seen or I would bring her to the ER.  I brought her in the next day, only to be told not to worry and given some medicine to give her.

The following day, when I went to wake her from her nap, I noticed brusies up and down her body.  Horrified I rushed her to the ER.  At first I was asked the typical questions you would expect them to ask when a mother brings in a baby with brusies all over.. but, thankfully the doctor on call noticed the pox and asked the right questions.  Within a hour she was transpoted to All Childrens Hospital.  Within a 1 1/2 my life changes forever.

It turned out that she had a blood infection called DIC.  It was caused when one of the pox became infected and the infection went into the blood.  I was told that she most likely would not live the night.

How can a mother hear that?  My parents sent word to our friends and church members and I like to think that the Heavens were bombarded with my daughtes name that night.

The next day the doctors told me that they were going to have to take her left leg, with the hopes that it would save her.  The infeciton had gone to far.. and there was no other hope.  I kissed my baby and left her to God and the surgeons.  I remember going into the chapel by myself and yelling at God.  How could He do this?  How could he allow this to happen to MY baby?  After a bit of this I finally sat down and looked up that the cross hanging infront of me.  Your will be done, I thought.  If it is her time, give me the strength.

After what seemed like forever, the surgeon came out. The surgery went great.  They were able to keep her knee.. and they were hopeful.  I went into to see my baby, trying not to look at the flat sheet where her leg should be.  I sat down and a wave of peace came over me.  In that instant I KNEW she would be OK.  I KNEW she would survive.  I looked up and smiled.

That was 7 1/2 years ago.  My daughter is an amazing person who brings so many smiles to people we know and dont know.  She has done Karate, fashion shows, bike riding, and what ever she wants!  We have made it a point not to allow her to feel like she has a "disibility" but rather, she might have to find different ways to accomplish some things.

She is a Shriners kid.. and I cant say enough wonderful things about them!( On a side note.. if you have one by you save your soda tabs, they collect them to purchase rehab equipment for the kids!)

She teaches me so much... and I am thankful every day for the gift that she is.

If anyone has had experiences with their children.. I would love to talk about it!