Dear Journal~

Louie here.  I am okay, but I am worried about my fifteen-year-old daughter, Rhiannon Cypress Marie, who has cystic fibrosis.  This morning, she called me; when I went to check on her, she was coughing and couldn't seem to stop.  Her cough, already junky and "loose" sounding, sounded rather ominous:  it sounded like a car that couldn't start.

She then threw up what seemed to be a lot of blood all over the bedclothes.  She started crying, and my heart started hammering.  I knew exactly what was going on, and it wasn't good.  Her lungs were bleeding.  I called Dr. Emmons, her primary pediatrician, and he told us to meet him at the ER.

So I sit here at the ER, while Rhiannon is being tended to.  I don't know what's going to happen, but I am scared.  Very scared.

Pastor Bilkey is here, as are several other members of my church; their presence is very reassuring.  I wish Bill, my husband, was here, but he's at work.  I must get a hold of him during his lunch break and tell him what is going on.  Ronee' called, as did Johnathon, and I told them to kep their sister in their prayers.  They wanted to come up, but I told them to stay put unless she got worse, but for now, it was a waiting game. 

This has happened once before, plus I have taken care of others with cystic fibrosis, so this is familiar territory for me, although it can be very terrifying for both the patient and those tending to them.  Yet all we can do is try to reassure them that the bleeding will, eventually stop, and take care of them as best as we possibly can.

Well, Dr. Emmons is here, so I will go.  Just pray it isn't anything serious; I (and Rhi) would greatly appreciate it!  I felt so bad for her when I saw her crying and saw all the blood all over her bed!  Poor baby girl!  My heart broke! 

Rhi will probably be admitted, but for how long, I have no clue.  I'll keep you posted as things develop. Just keep her (and us) in your prayers; they weuld be greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance!

~Love, your friend, Louie Sandusky.  :(