Cinco de Mayo has a Whole New Meaning to Me

By Irene Williams, Ph.D.

Growing up, I was the 6th of 8 kids. My parents worked hard to put food on the table. I had a brother die of cancer when he was 17 years old. As a young 10-year-old, I thought that time of my life was the worst. However, I do remember going to parades as a child to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It was part of our culture, and also taught in our schools.

Until, Cinco de Mayo of 2022 when our then 10-year-old daughter, Evie, had a brain aneurysm that tore and an arteriovenous malformation diagnosis. She had to be rushed to the hospital. I really didn’t know why that day was so important for our culture. But, with Evie’s new condition, Cinco de Mayo has a whole new meaning to me.

Instead of the Battle of Puebla, it was a battle to stay alive! Evie had a 6-hour brain surgery that night to reduce the swelling of the intercranial hemorrhage. The wait that night was the most difficult because at any time, they could call my husband and say she didn’t make it. But Evie Had Other Plans! The next two years would be trials and tribulations for us all in helping her recover. With rehabilitation and waiting for the day that she would wake up from her coma, the pain was unbearable.

While there is no comparison of the Battle of Puebla to Evie’s condition, I take the day personally now. I use it to remember her life before this tragic event and what her life could be once she makes a full recovery. Don’t get me wrong, we still love to eat Mexican food. ?We also play Spanish or Tejano music for Evie to listen to as she recovers. I feel like the music helps her remember me and my personality. The music is essential to her healing, and it helps me, mentally. The music reminds me of my late father who used to play the music so loud that the neighbors could hear it.

In the end, God has the final say and we will do what we can to take care of her any day of the year. As we approach the two-year mark, we pray for strength to continue to be here for Evie. We ask Him for mental clarity so we can keep going on this difficult journey and make sound decisions. We are in our own battle and need His guidance.

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Thank you all for your prayers and support!

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Find out what happened to Evie.

But Evie Had Other Plans

ISBN-13: 979-8374834543

Format: Paperback, Kindle Edition, or audio format

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Prayers for Evie Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/422784986352813

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ireneaw31/videos

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11-year-old brain surgery survivor, on path to recovery. EverythingLubbock.com. https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/11-year-old-brain-surgery-survivor-is-on-the-path-to-recovery/

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Lubbock family asking for early brain screenings after 11-year-old daughter suffered aneurysm. https://www.kcbd.com/2023/03/22/lubbock-family-asking-early-brain-screenings-after-11-year-old-daughter-suffered-aneurysm/

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12-year-old Lubbock girl makes ‘significant strides’ one year after brain aneurysm rupture KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com

https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/local-news/12-year-old-lubbock-girl-makes-significant-strides-one-year-after-brain-aneurysm-rupture/

with Toby Williams

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