Coping with surgery part 2

OK, Here's the 2nd half of what I did to cope with my daughter's impending surgery. The list goes on and on :) Miss part one? Find it here: 

Coping with Surgery Part 1

My sister in law, the hairstylist I mentioned before did a fundraiser for my cause & we organized red streaks in our hair in February.

I wanted a way to bring awareness to CHD with something I could wear every day the month of February. I created these CHD shoes to wear everyday! And for Heart awareness day I brought my A game!

    

I wanted my daughter to know she was loved and many people were thinking of her while in the hospital. So I decided to pick certain people and family members to create a one of a kind 6x6 square of fabric that we would see together as a quilt for her. THIS WAS AMAZING! I bawled like a baby when it was done, so beautiful- meaningful. I was blessed with another heart mom who was able to create this amazing quilt.

Next up, I told ya, I like to be busy, is my book I wrote for her. I met with the child life specialists to see exactly what would happen to her. From there, I decided what I wanted her to know and what I thought was appropriate.  This took a ton of time and energy. I illustrated it and put many significant clues in the illustrations as to it being for her. It was wonderful. I published it through my school's Student Treasure program.

I wanted to give her something special for her heart day. I searched for a beautiful, real heart ring and presented it her the morning we left for the hospital. In addition to the ring, I wanted her to have dolly like her. So I found this FB site, The Cutest Dolls Ever, and I picked the doll for my daughter. From her hair and eyes to her clothes and scar. The doll is beautiful.

   

Before going to the hospital I wanted to have a Suitcase filled with new things needed- button jammies, movies, slippers, ice pack, leggings, photo album, journal, and other little stuff.

I prepared stiff for a glow party at the hospital. We invited 2 family members (all that was allowed in the room, but they rotated) and gave the nurse some stuff. Fun, fun!

Throughout the months preceding surgery I tried to collect heart decor and fun things to decorate the boring hospital room as well. 

I needed to have a small token of my appreciation for anyone who came in contact with our family. Each person meant so much and played an important role in my daughters care. So I made heart pins. I bought the hearts, glitter painted them, added the stitch and pin back. We put them in cute mesh bags with thank you tags. All supplies from the Dollar Tree! Every doctor, nurse, specialist or volunteer got one!

And then there's those doctors, the miracle workers. I needed just a little more. So I prepared and framed a heart wordle for each doctor and of course, Nurse Natalie! Each was so appreciative!

These things helped me occupy my time until surgery came. I knew I could not control any part of surgery and the outcome, but I could control my outlook and my energy. I needed to turn that stress into positive things to get  by. After the girls went to bed, I did these things, during lunch I worked on this. Basically any time I had to think was filled with these projects. It helped- it really did!

What have you done to help yourself or others cope? Please share your ideas...I LOVE hearing what you have found to work or help! 

Please comment below!

Kellyxxoo