The Final Chapter

She spent the first years of her life in and out of the hospital, fighting for survival.  (Read: Miracles Happen, Finally Home) 



During the hospital stay to repair her TEF - over six months



There were many times that the doctors said she would not make it; they said that she wouldn't survive the week, the day or even a few more hours... (Read: Claire's Hope, Homecoming)



the second hospital stay - over 5 months



But somehow - and we know with confidence that it was through miraculous power - Claire lived. She lives. (Read her Amazing Story)

released, for the last time

Knowing that Claire was soon to leave us and join her forever family, we decided to take her on a little trip, the destination being the hospital where Claire spent a good portion of her life, nearly died at multiple times, and has been the talk of the doctors, nurses and surgeons for years.

Of course they recognized her.


meeting the surgeon who saved Claire's life, multiple times

The look in the eyes of the doctors who fought for Claire's life was priceless. They were proud, they were honored and they were touched. So many times they needed to pick up the phone and call us to give us grim news, inform us that she wouldn't make it, tell us that there were no options left... but an equal number of times they called to say that she had pulled through. Again. 

with another surgeon who fought hard for Claire's life

So, before we left the hospital, we asked if Claire's doctor would give her one last checkup. He gave her a full exam and said that she is doing great.


the final checkup

She shouldn't be alive, but today she is doing "great" and right now, at this very moment, Claire is meeting her adoptive family.

And thus closes the final chapter to Claire's amazing story at New Day Foster Home. We're sure that the next eight years of her life will be just as full of miracles and awe (though we sure do hope that there are no life-and-death-situations thrown in), and it brings a big smile to our faces and even a few tears to our eyes to know that she will be spending the rest of her amazing life with a family by her side.

We love you, Claire, and we cannot wait to see all of the wonderful things laid up in store for your life.