Update on Ella

Ella had her appointment with the surgeon last Thursday. Her x-ray looked really good and even one of her condyles had almost moved back into place. Her wires holding her mouth shut will be cut Tuesday. The brackets (they look like braces in the picture below) will stay on for another 6 weeks and we will use rubber bands at night to keep her jaw shut and in line. After 6 weeks, we will make a trip to the OR to have the brackets removed. If you look at Ella's picture, you will see that she is bruised on the left side of her nose and under her eye. That is because there is a wire going up there that goes through her dental plate and back down around. Because of that wire, it will need to be removed under sedation. Once that is complete, she will wear a specially made appliance, at night, for 6 months. She will only be able to eat soft food during the next 6 weeks (it's definitely better than just liquids through a straw) and we are still not sure if she will need more procedures down the road. Her swelling is down and her energy is returning. Her pain is essentially gone and we are amazed at her recovery. I am personally inspired by her attitude. Her perspective on what has happened to her can only be a God thing. The one thing that I find most inspiring is that she is not focused on herself. One of her friends bought her a bunch of craft thread and she immediately said that she wanted to make thank-you bracelets for everyone that has given her a gift. There have been a couple of remarks from a certain little girl in our neighborhood about her face looking "weird" and Ella's response was, "mommy, she just doesn't understand what has happened, maybe I can explain it to her." I was wanting to punch the little brat and she had understanding and compassion for her. As much as I want this to be over for Ella, I realize that God is working in her life and wooing her to himself during this time. He is so trustworthy!