Bella's Butterfly Kisses: Not So Terrible

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Not So Terrible

The first day of the weekend is over and thanks to our fantastic family and friends it was not so terrible. I can not say enough how grateful I am for all of the support that we receive on a daily basis. I actually sat outside today, which for me is a big deal. I sat in the front of the house reading a book on life after death. The sun was beaming and it made me feel like Isabella was giving me a big hug. It is not the hug that I want or will ever want but I guess that it is the hug that I am going to have to get used to. I only sat outside for fifteen minutes but it is all about baby steps. I know that I need to go out into the world but I am not ready to face life. Inside my house I feel safe and secure because everywhere I look I have reminders that Isabella was here. When I enter the world I do not have those security blankets and it scares me a lot. I think that I am starting to understand that Isabella would want me and her daddy to be happy. She was such a happy person and would not recognise her daddy and I in this miserable state. That does not mean that I am going to start living it up but it does mean that when I have a not terrible day I am going to hold onto it tightly. Therefore today is a day that I am going to hold onto tight and try to gain strength from each moment. Sweet Dreams Sunshine

8 comments:

Jenny said...: It is extremely hard to allow yourself moments of happiness, peace etc. In the beginning I was constantlly overwhelmed, how could I laugh and smile when my 18 month old wonderfully awesome child is dead. I'd berate myself, tell myself I wasn't honoring her memory. It took me awhile to understand that I have to move on but It doesn't mean I leave her behind. Thinking of you; April 10, 2011 at 1:37 PM
marisa said...: Thank you Jenny. Your comments are more helpful then you know.; April 10, 2011 at 1:56 PM
Jan Moir said...: Hi Marisa,

I've been thinking of you; and I asked Angie to resend me this link. I've saved it now so that I can drop in and see your thoughts.

It was awesome that you had some time outside...I think sometimes that nice weather brings a smile inside of us too.

Today is my Dad's Birthday and I wished him well in a note much like this site....telling him to watch for the Balloons....in a little while I will be releasing a Balloon into the sky for my Dad...I'll send a second, Pink with Butterflies for Isabella...

Huggs,

Jan Moir; April 10, 2011 at 3:03 PM
marisa said...: Thank you Jan,

I will say a Birthday prayer for your father and I will let Isabella know that it is hi special day.; April 10, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Angie said...: Hi Marisa,

I was so pleased to hear that you sat outside for a bit yesterday to enjoy the sunshine. I'm sure Isabella was so happy too! Maybe the sunny days aren't so bad after all ??

I saw a plaque at a friends house yesterday that I thought was very appropriate for you and Frank. It simply said "LIVE IN THE MOMENT."

Do whatever feels right to you. Like you said in your post, BABY STEPS. We will be here to hold your hand and help you with each step you take.

With all my love,

Angie; April 10, 2011 at 4:30 PM
Lucy said...: I'm sure Isabella and Don have already met and are together in a very wonderful place. She would be mesmerized by his deep voice I remember so clearly, and he'd be telling her stories of how her Mommy loved to swim in his pool on hot summer days. They will both be in my prayers tonight and always.; April 10, 2011 at 8:28 PM
Chris M said...: Glad to hear you could enjoy the sunshine Marisa. Sorry I missed you on Saturday. I'll be by again soon.

PS - I brought you a book called "The Power Of One". It's fiction. Not really about loss or healing, but just a really amazing story about strength and triumph. It's one of my favorites, and I thought you might like it.

All love....

Chris; April 11, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Patricia said...: You are teaching me so many things Marisa. You and Frank are a beacon of light and I'm glad you are allowing yourself to feel the warmth of Isabella.

See you soon,
Love
Patricia; April 11, 2011 at 3:03 PM

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Group A Streptococcus: The Facts

(Information courtesy of Directors of Health Promotion and Education - http://www.dhpe.org/)

What is Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep)?
-a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin
-the letter "A" is in reference to the specific classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus
-in some cases Group Strep A might cause no symptoms of disease, while in others, it can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening
-it is spread by direct person-to-person contact
-can usually be treated with anti-biotics

What are the related infections?
-mild illnesses: strep throat or impetigo
-serious illnesses: scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, postpartum fever, wound infections, pneumonia

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-strep throat: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
-skin infections: red, weeping skin sores
-scarlet fever: the above symptoms plus a characteristic rash on the neck, chest, skin folds and inner thighs

Ocassionally, a more deadly strand of Group A Strep can bring on two rare, but severe diseases:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis
-often called the "flesh-eating disease"
-an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue
-occurs when the strain enters through an opening in the skin
-for unknown reasons, the strain becomes very aggressive, releases a toxin and destroys flesh and muscle

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever and sever pain, swelling, heat and redness at a wound site

Note: In Canada, 3-7 people per 1 000 000 are affected each year with necrotizing fasciitis, which is approximately 90-200 cases per year. 20-30% of these cases are fatal.

2. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
-causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure
-damages kidneys, liver and lungs
-toxin causes irreparable damage to tissue and organs

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever, dizziness and confusion
*this disease has no sign or symptom that make it distinctive from other illnesses

In all instances of Group A Strep infectiosn, symptoms will appear quickly, within 1-3 days.

What are some preventative measures?
-wash hands thoroughly and often
-ask your doctor for a throat culture for a sore throat paired with a fever
-keep wounds clean
-seek medical attention for infected wounds paired with a fever

How is Group A Strep contracted?
-the bacteria are carried in the discharges of the nose and throat of an infected person and/or in infected wounds or skin sores
-the bacteria spreads when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person
-the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes
Note: When an infected person is ill, the risk of contamination is the highest. People who are infected with no symptoms are much less contagious. Household items like cups, plates and toys do not play a significant role in the spread of Group A Strep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone.

What is the treatment for Group A Strep infection?
-various anti-biotics
-early treatment may limit the risk of death but does not prevent it in every case