Back in LA...for a week

Operation Smile event


Susan and Josie




Josie and Teresa with Werner and Florie Cajas (Teresa's parents)




We are back in LA and enjoying the beautiful weather. Izabella's departing words to me in Michigan was, "darling you are not in Kansas any more. Please bring back some warmer clothes" as I was leaving in my capri pants and flip flops with a high of 50. We are looking forward to experiencing the fall weather...after a week of 90 degrees in the desert!!

On Friday we went to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to visit Teresa (Josie's sister). She is in there for 3 shunt revisions. Yikes. They had to externalize 3 of her 4 shunts because there is infection somewhere in there and they aren't working. The shunt in in the ventricle of the brain and drains the fluid from the brain into the stomach where it is passed through urine. (very layman's explanation). Josie only has one shunt and hasn't had to have a revision to date. Poor Teresa has had to have a couple revisions. This time they are going to be able to put back only 2. When we walked in yesterday, Teresa saw Josie and immediately started cooing, laughing and smiling. Werner (her Dad) said that is the first time she has smiled or talking in 2 weeks. The miracle of the sister's bond. Teresa was so happy to watch Josie and have Josie sit in bed with her. The nurse finally came by and made us leave because you are suppose to to be 16 to visit right now. If she only knew how much healing probably took place during the half hour we were there she would have thought differently.

Also during our visit to Childrens Hospital, we got to see Susan Knight Josie's PT. We were all so happy to see each other. I was happy for Susan to see Josie and the progress she has made. We were sorry to miss Jenn who is back east. Hi Jenn!!

Last night I got to go to the Operation Smile gala in Beverly Hills. We had the pleasure of meeting the founders, Bill and Kathy McGee. What an amazing organization that helps kids worldwide with cranial facial deformities mostly cleft lip and palate. Their son, Billy McGee, is a cranial facial/ plastic surgeon at CHLA with our surgeon Mark Urata. Thank you McGee's for a wonderful evening and all the time you have put into helping children.

Please keep our sweet Teresa in your prayers. She has a couple weeks ahead of her in the hospital and another surgery to endure during that time. She is such a warrior. You can't imagine what she has had to live through and is still so happy. We love you so much Sister!! Our love, Jenny and Josie