Our Butterfly Flies Free

Alyssa Brooke Howerton
Born: August 31, 1991

Looking across the green grass of a warm summer day, a butterfly lands on a rock and takes a look around. Yes, says the butterfly, I like it here; I think I will stay for a while. No one could have ever dreamed how much influence this decision to stay would have on so many, and how many blessings would be delivered by this angel sent to encourage and bless the lives of all she came in contact with! This blessing that arrived would come to be named Alyssa.

Sitting in church was becoming increasingly uncomfortable that blessed morning. The labor pains were getting too close together. Getting up itself was an ordeal, but the time had now drawn near. Arriving at the hospital, our blessing was almost ready to enter her new world. An hour and a half later, she was in position to be born. Just as the water broke and the time had come for delivery, she turned. The Doctor scheduled a c-section immediately and proceeded to deliver our beautiful angel to us. Alyssa was born August 31, 1991; in Tyler, Texas.

This precious little one came into this world with all the normal hopes and anticipation of all young parents. Little did we know what a special arrival we were about to receive. Soon this glorious day took a confusing turn that changed our excitement and joy to confusion. Our day became dark and gray with confusion and concern. “No No... not my baby”! I don't understand! What is this, “Spinal Bifida and Hydrocephalus”? She had the most serious form of Spinal Bifida called Myelomeningocele. This is a defect of the backbone and spinal cord, which don’t close properly before birth. My Alyssa's hips were terribly bruised and battered from the birthing process. Seeing her, my heart sank as I was told of her condition. After being anointed and blessed, they took my newborn angel away. I knew it was for the best, however so hard and confusing to see her go with the medical staff.

After three long days, I was finally allowed to see her again. After our transfer, The Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas became our new home. The doctor's explained to me what our options were and what to expect now and in the future, if indeed she survived. "Please, Please", I pleaded, fix my baby! It was explained that they were unable to repair the nerve damage, but they could close up the back. Doing anything at this time would be very dangerous for Alyssa. She had lost weight and would have to at least regain birth weight before anything could be done. It took a week for Alyssa to gain the weight necessary for this first surgery. The doctor didn't really give us much hope; “take her home and give her all the love you can”. The medical team explained, my learning how to administer the cath and how to give her suppositories to help her be able to potty regularly was the top priority before I could take my Alyssa home for the first time. She was paralyzed from the waist down.

An appointment was made for her in two weeks. The doctors were open and honest with us and did not expect Alyssa to make it to that first appointment. Chances were that she would go to sleep and not wake up before that critical two week period had elapsed.

A very strong little girl was present and accounted for at that two week appointment. Now strong enough to have the surgery needed to put a shunt in her head to relieve the fluid on her brain. Two months later they were able to go in and close her back. After a long recovery period, we were able to go home again.