Christmas in hospital

We have spent nearly a full week now in hospital with Chloe, who has pneumonia in one of her lungs. It has progressed from half a lung, to a whole lung and now she also has a significant infection in the pleural fluid which surround the lung. I'm writing this from the hospital canteen as we wait for her to come out of surgery to have this fluid drained (and a drain will be left in over the next couple of days). All of this has happened over Christmas and sadly both sides of our families have had quite subdued celebrations.

We have had a few good moments, like bringing Livia to the hospital on Christmas morning to open stockings. It was so lovely to see how happy both girls were to see each other. Chloe has had better moments too, when she has visited the play room and made various things. We managed to have a few hours day release on Christmas Eve to visit my in-laws.

Unfortunately Chloe has gone downhill since then and we have moved to a specialist hospital in London. It is scary to see the child you know disappear from view for a while, especially when she has a fever. Chloe seems to cope by becoming very withdrawn; not talking or smiling. It's been hard work trying to be encouraging and happy around her when both J and I are feeling worried or stressed.

We have had a great deal of support from friends and family which has been great. I've really welcomed people sending me verses or words they've had for us, because I'm finding it difficult to focus on praying or hearing from God. I'm thankful that God understands this and is speaking to others for me. One picture that I keep having, is of angels guarding Chloe's bedside. When I'm feeling helpless, it's comforting to know that God is a very present help in the darkness. This verse has spoken to me in particular:

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

 Matthew 18:10

I know that God loves my little Chloe and I can trust him.