Team Awesome and Number 10.

Anyone remember the story of Team Awesome?

Well, I'm gonna tell it to you again.

HA!

Last November, we went to pre-op at the hospital for Gianna's FIRST EVER local surgery.

The Anesthesiologist told us this sweet story about how she saw someone collapse and went to help at the Peachtree Road Race, and how all the ladies with her had a shirt that said "Team Awesome". She asked them about it, and they told her "that they were ordinary people who wanted to do extraordinary things."

She told Gianna that she sensed something awesome about her. And then, a week later, she walks in the OR with a Team Awesome t-shirt for Gianna, and takes her back to the OR chanting, "We are Team Awesome".

Team Awesome was born in our home that day. You see, my very nervous little girl who was having a new Dr. perform her surgery in a new hospital with different protocols, immediately became relaxed.... and had fun on her way to surgery.

The kindness of a stranger.

Yesterday, Team Awesome headed for surgery #10.

TEN surgeries, most of which have been in the last 4 years of her life.

 The night before surgery we celebrated our last day of school (Whoop!) and had our pre-surgery guacamole. She was in heaven.

We went on a walk when we got home, and she said,
"Mommy, surgery day is a bit like my birthday. I get to see people I love, and I get to pick out dinner, and Aunt Ang brings me presents. It's a good day."

Could someone pass me a tissue?

This girl truly only sees the good in her condition and does not resent her life-saving surgeries.

 My brother spoiled us and had "Team Awesome" t-shirts made for the whole family.
She was thrilled.

Team Awesome woke up at 4:30 AM and headed to the hospital.
Ready to go.
Not scared.
Sweet notes in hand for the Dr. and the Anesthesiologist thanking them for taking care of her.
(Her idea)

An important part of the Team is Grandpa and Grandma who come to the hospital to watch the youngest members of the Team while the Parents and the Patient are doing "stuff".

Thank you to them for helping make Gianna's wish of having her family with her there a reality.

We love you!

All of Team Awesome piled onto her hospital bed for some pre-surgery giggles.

There was a PAARRTAY on the bed.

It's the Team Awesome's way.

This little girl, who is afraid of thunder storms, and the wind howling outside her window,

but can smile bravely in the face of surgeries and recovery.

It is real and genuine and true to life that this girl is just this joyful.

My favorite part. She is DONE. The surgery is over and I have my baby back.

Let the healing begin.

Still loopy, yet radiant.

Another surgery under our belt, and I get to take my lil' hero home.

May the Lord be praised for blessing us with such a precious daughter.

“Life is not meant to be easy, my child; but take courage — it can be delightful.” – George Bernard Shaw