Monday, December 29, 2008

Most Difficult Post of My Life

They look like real guns, don't they? They aren't. They are part of a new trend in toys.

These are "Airsoft" guns. They are marketed as safe because they shoot plastic pellets, or BB's.

Three days before Christmas, and just a few days after her 10th Birthday, My Taylor was shot, at close range, in the right eye with one of those.

It was a complete accident, no one was to blame. The gun accidentally went off.



After a trip to the Emergency Room, we were sent to the best ophthalmologist in town, actually out of town (because of the Holiday), the prognosis was a tough one.

If Taylor stayed on complete bed rest for five days, she may ..as in might, maybe.....be ok. She had severe Corneal damage. There was bleeding behind her eye, and the permanence of the damage couldn't be seen because of the trauma.

Christmas was.....horrible for her. She got a scooter she couldn't ride, video games she couldn't play with and art supplies she couldn't use. Through it all...she was a trooper. She kept telling ME it was ok, that she would rather save her eye, that the toys would still be there when she got better. My own little Tiny Tim.

Her Christmas Dinner was ......right here:

The chair where she spent 5 days. The only time she left it was to go to bed with me. Her Zoe close by. She wasn't allowed to lay flat, so I kept monitoring her at night to make sure she stayed semi upright.

Today, we went back to the Doctor. The news isn't great, but it's not bad.

Tay has a traumatic cataract. The blood is gone, she is showing improvement, but still cannot see. Her Dr gave her a referral to see a Retina Specialist next Monday. Dr sees some shadows on her retina that concern him.

Over the next few weeks, Taylor can resume activities. Slowly. She is not expected to resume normal activity for a couple of months. They will fit her for glasses to see if her vision can be corrected with them, rather than surgery.

The support from family and friends has been astounding. Nancy over at Nancy's Nonsense posted my plea for prayers. Putting her own health concerns aside for my baby.

Taylor's Grandmother is out of the country, so she doesn't know. I hope that when I do speak to her, that I have only the good news to tell her.

This is about to be a New Year...and quite frankly folks...........we need those prayers for a miracle.

Along with those prayers, we need a real good look at these "toys" and the damages they can do. If any of you know someone that knows someone, that can help either for more awareness, or education, or other parents that are going thru similar situations........let me know.

12 comments:

Mary said...

Praying for Taylor and your family. Just popped over from Nancy's.

Blessings,
Mary

Nancy said...

Just keep praying for that miracle! Our God is a good God!!! Bless her little heart...she has been on my mind every waking moment!!! Do keep me posted.....I care!!! I raised kids of my own, and it was always a worry whenever they were out of my sight. We, as parents, are never prepared for accidents...and they do happen, but this one is just the horrendous thing I could ever imagine a parent facing.

Love you, my dear friend!!! Hang in there....you're doing a great job as a mommy!!!

(((((( HUGS ))))))

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Here by way of Nancy...Praying for the best possible outcome for Taylor.

Hugs,

Diane

Renie Burghardt said...

Came over from Nancy's blog as well. What a terrible accident. Taylor will be in my prayers, Michelle. Please keep us updated.

Renie

Monogram Queen said...

Sending out extra strong prayers for Taylor and all of you!

Michelle said...

On New Years Eve.......

You all have strengthened, not only my faith, but the good in humanity. There are not enough words to thank you all for that.

Taylor remains determined to make her eye heal. If you all knew just how stubborn she is. She decided about a year ago that she was going to MIT. She will go out of sheer stubornosity!

Much love and gratitude. May all of you have the very best of New Years.

Beth Cotell said...

Poor Taylor! I am so very sorry to hear about this injury.

I will keep her (and you!) in my prayers. God is the great physician and can heal her eye.

hippo chick said...

Hi Michelle,

I've been away and just read about your plight on Nancy's blog. I will be praying.

Love and hippo hugs,
Pam

Carole Burant said...

Hi Michelle! I'm here via Nancy's blog and just wanted you to know that my prayers have been added to those of the others. My heart truly goes out to Taylor but she seems to be a real trooper:-) Please keep us updated on her progress. xox

Cheryl Wray said...

I had to backtrack after reading your recent post, so I could see what happened to Taylor. This is so tragic and it does make you wonder about these toys.

I'm SO thankful that she is doing better now.

Kimberly said...

I found you on Miracle Monday, at A Mom's Life.
I am so glad to hear that your daughter has a good prognosis! The Great Physician is our ultimate Healer, and we should Praise HIM on sunny days, as well as in the storms of life!

金瓜米粉Jason said...
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