Mingled tears and laughter
Tomorrow Charlotte is leaving the hospital that has been her home for the past three years and going into foster-care. Leaving the hospital is a milestone we have waited long and prayed earnestly for her to reach, but while we rejoice with her we feel at the same time as if our hearts were torn out as we’re told to say goodbye. We will continue fighting for her, and hope and pray she will soon be truly at home, among people who know and love her.
Darren was at the hospital this morning for an emotional goodbye. I wish I could post the pictures taken then, but the regulations are still in force and I don’t want to make new trouble, so I will do my best with description.
Our little girl is quite well after the last illness, and her face is bright and alert. Only the oxygen tubing for her nasal cannula mark her as an oxygen dependent baby as she sits on Darren’s lap in the hospital room, by the little cot she had so long slept in. She is peaceful but alert, moving her chubby arms about. Close by is a colored crate with her toys, and on the other side, the small bed… a simple metal frame such as is common in hospitals, but decorated and framed with many little mementos of love for the little one who was here so long, fighting so hard.
As much of her soft dark hair as they could gather is drawn back to a tiny plait at the top of her head. The rest frames her little face; sometimes frowning and stubborn-looking, sometimes bright and eager as she responds to the world around her.
Later she is prepared to go outside in the pushchair; a few tubes of oxygen are placed in the carrying-basket underneath so that she can be mobile. She looks warm in her furry pink coat, and the little knitted cap that covers her head, and if you were there you would have agreed that she was the cutest three year old in England. But when she is wheeled outside, and the pushchair stands for a moment alone under the eaves of the main entrance, she looks suddenly very small and vulnerable. How we wish we could gather her up and take her somewhere were she would always be safe– from sickness, from hurt, and from the cold and indifference with which we always seem to be greeted whenever we must deal with The System.
Please keep Charlotte in your prayers over the next days and weeks. God has protected her throughout her short life; though there were many times we were powerless; and he must continue to do so. Pray for us too, Darren and Debbie especially; that we would have peace knowing our baby is safe in his care, that we would know what the next steps are for us, and that we would have wisdom and patience as we deal with the courts, the NHS and the social services in the upcoming days.
Baby Charlotte Is Leaving The Hospital…
When Charlotte Wyatt leaves the hospital, the moment will of course be bittersweet. Just over two years ago, the Wyatts were in a bitter court battle for Charlotte’s life. At the time, doctors said, …her life is measured in months……
Trackback by Slobokan's Site O' Schtuff — 20 December, 2006 @ 3:52 am
My heart breaks for Darren. I pray that she will be able to come home to him soon and that Charlotte will be placed with people who will love and cuddle and care for her like she is there own until that day comes.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Comment by Jennifer — 20 December, 2006 @ 2:38 pm
My opinion is that Charlotte should have been allowed to die. She was extrememly premature and would not have survived without continued resusitation.
Now she is a severely disabled child, and also dependant on a tube feeding her with oxygen, and is only just now expected to leave hospital after 3 years. Her parents struggle has caused the breakup of their relationship, separation of their other children from their father and caused the father to attempt suicide. What good has come of all this?
Comment by Steve — 20 December, 2006 @ 2:41 pm
Steve-
How arrogant are you to suggest that you decide who should be given the chance to live and who should be left to die. How sad is it that you think a child’s death is preferable to a child living if you percieve that child’s care to inconvience “more important” people.
I lack the ability to address you further without significant vomiting.
Comment by Jacqueline — 20 December, 2006 @ 7:44 pm
Steve, its opinions like that which should be kept to yourself especially when this family are facing such pain. Noone is born into this world that does not have a plan and a purpose. Charlotte being alive has caused noone to split up or attempt suicide as we are ultimately responsible for our choices and the decisions we make.
All make mistakes, but Charlotte is not a mistake. She is special and doesnt need the likes of you to tell her that, she is special just because she is Charlotte. I think she is absolutely gorgeous, she has proved the doctors wrong in so many ways and has amazed us all with her determination and progress. We love you Charlotte, Jesus loves you and you are blessed.
I thank you Jesus for the charge of angels watching over Charlotte in her new home and pray that He builds Darren up and shows the system that the best parents are Charlotte’s own parents, the ones who love her and have given the last 3 years of their lives for her. Lord give them strength and the determination not to give up, but to fight in faith and prayer and let him know you will not let you down.I believe in miracles and Im believing for a miracle for this precious family. Dont believe the lies of people who dont understand the great task God has given to you in raising and fighting for Charlotte, the media or even your own doubts for one second. Debbie, dont settle for second best, God’s will for your lives is perfect and that which He has spoken to you will surely come to pass. There are many many people on your side, praying for you and willing you on. Dont harden your hearts, be found with Jesus, at this time,in prayer. Seek His will for your marriage and your children.
Love to you all from a friend in Christ.
Comment by Claire — 20 December, 2006 @ 10:07 pm
I don’t think Steve was actually talking to Charlotte, unless I am much mistaken, she cannot read or use a computer.
Jacqueline, you ask the question “how arrogant are you” - are you not the more arrogant to disrespect the opinion of another person in such a fashion? Pleasse, keep your vomiting thoughts to yourself!
Comment by Stefan — 21 December, 2006 @ 7:04 pm
I, too, consider Steve’s comments to be beyond the pale. It’s sad to see that our society has fallen so low that people actually grudge a child life and actually imply that, since she has turned out to be disabled and to need the relatively minor help of additional tube feeding (she also eats by mouth) and some nasally administered oxygen (neither of which is major “life support”), she would be better off dead. How sad, and worse than sad.
And here’s an interesting point: The DNR was placed on Charlotte pretty early on. The family, in fact, did _not_ get their wish that she should be in line for repeated resuscitation. In the end, she didn’t need it. But I don’t somehow think this factual correction would matter that much to one like Steve. No, it’s that she’s turned out somewhat disabled and that he blames her for, by mere existence, causing “trouble” to other people, that makes him say it’s too bad she didn’t die earlier, that it would be better for all concerned if she were dead. What a horrible way to think.
May God bless and protect Charlotte.
Thank you Hannah for all you have done to keep us updated about her. Please let us know further anything you might learn. Our prayers are with Charlotte, Darren, and also Debbie, wherever Debbie is in all of this.
Comment by Lydia — 22 December, 2006 @ 1:17 am
I do not say I am agreeing with this Steve, but is it wrong to count the cost of this situation?
Think of the other children of this poor smashed family, perhaps alone and forgotten in a cupboard whilst the parents fight their government and fight eachother? At least now perhaps they will be noticed.
Comment by Stefan — 22 December, 2006 @ 7:16 am
My prayers and care are with Charlotte, her mother and father. and family and all those who are supporting them all. Debbie, Darren and the family all need to be supported, perhaps at times carried, until they have regained their strength after the enormous trauma, grief and struggle they have been through over these past 3 years. Yours has not been an easy path and your gift has been the light and gold that lives within and shines from your daughter Charlotte. She is a miracle and a blessing and shines through all of this as a constant light in the dark. For those of us who are fortunate to see her light, this is our blessing. For those who don’t, this is their loss. This family needs support, not criticism for all they have gone through for the sake of love. God bless you Charlotte as you take the next part of your journey. To Debbie, Darren and family and friends I wish for you healing and strength and continued compassion and love. You are an extraordinary family, going through extraordinary times, and doing whatever you need to do to keep going. Bless you all. I hope you gain comfort in knowing that you are not alone, and are all supported and respected by so many people as you continue tying to do whatever you each need to do to support Charlotte in your own ways. And may you have comfort in knowing how loved your special daughter is to people who have never even met her and live oceans apart. My prayers are with you all. To Hannah and those who have worked with you, thank you for connecting Charlotte to the worked through your continued work over these past 3 years. Your love for Charlotte has been a beautiful blessing for you all. All of your love, however it has been expressed through the website, is just beautiful and this is the work that Charlotte is weaving for all of us who are awake enough to recognize the gift. My respect and appreciation for you all is enormous I will never forget Charlotte. I hope you continue to update any information you can through the website for she will sit in my heart always. Your right, she is a special child. Cheryl
Comment by Cheryl Hamden, Adelaide, Australia — 22 December, 2006 @ 9:56 am
I cannot imagine the pain that this family feels having their child forced into foster care after all they have gone through. I pray God will bring this little girl back to her father’s arms and that He might work a miracle in her parents to bring them back and have healing in their marriage. It is extremely difficult coping with a severely ill child but they are very special and filled with love. We have had the privilege of taking care of our Sarah who just turned six. She is on a ventilator and feeding tube but she also has a great life. She goes to school and plays in therapy. She can travel with her portable vent anywhere. She gives us the greatest joy and the biggest smiles. She is better than a hundred children to us. She is our special gift from God. You don’t know this love until you have a special child of your own.
Comment by Carol M. — 23 December, 2006 @ 11:20 pm