One year ago...

A year ago… where to begin??
A year ago September 28th all I wanted was for my daughter to live.
I placed no conditions on that prayer. I feel that my prayers were answered. I know that my daughter is a miracle. Please know that I do not use the term “miracle” lightly.
Temperance Tessa Thompson lives. She is a thriving one year old. She is full of spunk and possesses a personality that unique to her old soul. She teaches me (and others) daily lessons in life, faith, love and spirit.

While Tempe was in the Neonatal Intinsive Care Unit I asked for friends to email her letters so that I could read them to her while she was on ECMO. I read all of the emails as they came in and when we arrived home I placed them in a drawer and have not had the strength to get them out until today. I really want all of you that prayed and thought about her to know how well she is doing. I also wante you all to know that I am weeping like a baby in Starbucks. But it’s a happy cry. It’s a beautiful, thankful for every second I have her cry.
A little about Miss Tempe..
She LOVES food!
She is crazy about baby dolls. (and real babies)
She has a look that makes you think she is reading your mind. (she may be)
She “knows” good people.
Her hugs and kisses have melted grown men.
She is super smelly!
She will eat/wear your ice cream.
She thinks pulling off Jaspers “ears” is a great game.
Her dancing skills are well, mad.
She is a totally mommas girl. With no qualms about it.
So for a more medical update… Tempe is on NO medications. She does have some tightness in her right hand that makes her hold her little hand tight and tuck her thumb under. We take her to occupational therapy twice a week with an amazing OT here in Bedford and she goes to the Jackson Center once a week. That’s pretty much it. Really, she is pretty perfect.

I really hope that all of you know that I have not updated this blog because things are going well. Amazing really. Ryan did 7 ½ months in Afghanistan and made it home in August. It took a little time but Tempe and Ryan are finally getting along. Like I said, she is a momma’s girl. Needless to say, I was a little busy while he was gone. So were my mom, dad and brothers! They are the best parents/grandparents/uncles in the world. They completely live and represent unconditional love.
Jasper finally hugged Tempe the other morning and she was not interested. She kisses him and he usually pushes her away. He refuses to share his cars with her, so it is a good thing that she loves baby dolls. They will eventually like each other. It only took me and the boys about 20 years. Ok, maybe 25.

So, I will shut up now. I could go on for days. I might, be prepared. Please know that your letters to her are treasured parts of our family history. They are going to be placed in Tempe’s scrap book and I will read some of them to her every year on her birthday. She will always know about all of you and the part you all play in her life.
I am forever thankful…
Tessa Lou