23/09/2021
One year ago today, we placed our sweet Zoey and our trust in the hands of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. I will never forget the feeling of placing her in the arms of the anesthesiologist and watching them walk towards the operating room. I will never forget the hours spent staring at the monitor in the lobby waiting for Zoey's name to move from the "operation in progress" to "in recovery" column. I remember the relief that washed over us after meeting with Dr. Ma after the successful six-hour surgery. Everyone tried to prepare us for what we would see once we were allowed to see Zoey in the ICU. While it was so hard to see her like that, she was sedated and comfortable. Nothing can prepare your heart for the moment when your child wakes up in pain and you can do so little to comfort them.
Zoey recovered at an incredible rate and impressed her medical team. She was released from the hospital after only six days! She had a lot of healing to do, but our family was cleared to travel back to Okinawa after a month. We will never be able to thank all of our family and friends that hopped onto planes and in cars to travel across the country to be with us during that time. We love you all so much!
Zoey has grown into a sweet, feisty, little animal lover. She is very funny and strong-willed like her big sister Lilah. Ellie and Zoey have received almost exact growth measurements for the past six months. It helps to have a carbon copy to compare her growth with. Our little heart warrior is truly incredible and strong! ❤️
