I Can do this!

That's Maeve's mantra so far. We've been talking a lot lately about having a positive attitude and about courage and what it means. So everytime before she has to do a procedure, she speaks out her words of courage to herself.
"will you be scared?"
"No! I CAN do this, it will not hurt me. I choose for it NOT to hurt."
"You know, crying is ok, its alright to cry darling."
"No! I choose to face and conquer my fear! Tell the nurse I'm ready now."

So far, she's done 3 finger pricks (more to come), one port insertion, one lumbar puncture. AND no tears at all! We've brought along a whole lot of prizes for her to unwrap after each prick or poke, which keeps her happy. I wish all the other kids in the ward have such an option, but most are foreigners, so won't have the luxury of bringing a whole lot of presents along for their child.

Maeve's positive attitude and almost adult-like manner of speaking has earned her the nickname of "the little adult" here at the ward! I eavesdropped on her conversation with a volunteer,
Maeve: I won't need to do finger pricks anymore after chemo 4.
VO : You may need to, just so that Prof Quah will know how you're doing. He's not God you know.
Maeve: I know he's not God. But God gave him wisdom surely.
Vo: ....yes....indeed....

So, contrary to my fears, my little one has not lost her faith and hope in God and I shall not too. I know He will carry us through.