The past couple of weeks have been tough ones. A lot of stress, a lot of uncertainty and a bit of worry tossed in for good measure.
On very short notice we were informed that a spot had opened up for our son to have surgery. We’ve known since he was a day old that he had a funky heart and that surgery would very likely be in his future. Yet despite knowing this and having had nearly 2 years to mentally prepare for the inevitable, I found that you can never be prepared for something like this when it comes to your child.
We received a call on Monday telling us there was a flight available on Wednesday and surgery would be on Friday. We had the option of delaying the surgery as this was very last minute, and the thought had crossed my mind, but why? Why did I want to delay the inevitable even further? What did I need more time for? To warm up to the idea that my baby was going to have surgery? To get organized and make sure everything was taken care of?
Like I said, nothing can really prepare you for this. I’ve had nearly 2 years to “warm up to the idea” and we don’t really have that much going on that would need to be organized or taken care of. I was scared. That’s what it came down to. But after about 5 minutes the logical, more rational side of me kicked in and we decided to go. This is where family comes in and where they carried us for two weeks.
We made the decision to leave our 8 month old son with Grandparents and Aunts. We knew he would be well taken care of and have a ton of fun playing with his little cousins. This was the most difficult decision to make, but in the end it turned out to be the right one. With all of our attention and focus on our little guy who just had surgery, our youngest certainly wouldn’t have gotten the attention and care that he deserves.
The dogs were well cared for walked, played with and fed all as if we were still here. My sister and her boyfriend stayed in the house to make sure it was lived in and kept up. Emails and phone calls were plentiful while we were out West, each one more comforting and reassuring than the one before. There was a lot of positive energy being directed our way and, while I can’t speak for Gwynn, it really kept me going. Being able to leave at the drop of a hat isn’t a luxury that many people have but thankfully for us we do and for that I am truly grateful.
After nearly two weeks away Thank-You doesn’t seem to cut it but it’s really all I can do. There is no way to repay them for dropping everything for me and my family on such short notice.
Thank you for lunch before we left.
Thank you for driving us to the airport and taking the van.
Thank you for watching J and keeping him happy, safe and well fed.
Thank you for the white, green and blue light that filled every corner of our lives.
Thank you for walking, feeding and playing with the dogs.
Thank you for cleaning our house from top to bottom so we didn’t have to do anything of the sort when we got back.
Thank you for cutting the grass.
Thank you for the full tank of gas in the van.
Thank you for the groceries and dinner in the fridge when we got home.
Thank you for the warm reception at the airport complete with signs and balloons for E.
Thank you for the crumb cake, cream puffs and kebabs a huge help while we get back on our feet this week.
Thank you for the HUGE teddy bear for E.
Thank you for the prayers and positive thoughts.
Thank you for the flowers and bottle of wine.
Thank you for the tattoos, bubbles and art smock for E.
Thank you for your kindness, love, generosity and understanding.
I simply can’t put into words how much I love my family and how grateful I am to have them. I only hope that one day I am able to reciprocate on the same level. So thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you. You have all made these past two weeks a thousand times easier than they might have been.
See also:
Keeping It Short And Sweet: Anatomy Of A Thank You Note
Keeping Perspective Through The Tough Times
How To Live The Life You Want: Follow Your Dreams
Photo courtesy of: TonyVC
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Comments
I’m glad that everything went as smoothly as it did, and that you’re back home safely. Family truly is a wonderful thing.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Song Remembers When
it is so lovely to hear someone being so thankful for their family, I am so pleased that everything seems to have gone well x.
Jane D´s last blog ..Living Life As If Each Day Might Be Your Last.
Sherri – I had a similar experience when my second daughter was born. My wife had to return to the hospital for a week. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law stayed at our house and cared for our newborn and our five-year old all week while I went with my wife to the hospital. They dropped everything at a moment’s notice to help us out. Thank you is never enough!
Jeff@MySuperChargedLife´s last blog ..Top 7 Traits of Interesting and Engaging People
First, Sherri… I am SOOO glad everything went well. I wondered if you guys had taken your 8 month old with you, ’cause that would’ve been tough for him AND for you. You are very fortunate to have family close by.
I wanted to add that sometimes friends, or even strangers, can play that role. When Hunter had his surgeries our neighbors (who we’d only known for about a year) did all of these things for us. I could hardly believe the outpouring of love and compassion.
It really renewed my faith in humanity!
Lisis´s last blog ..Adventure: Taking a Giant Leap of Faith
It is amazing when something happens where you find love. It is so encouraging to have love pop up while it can lie dormant under normal circumstances.
It showed me that what you normally don’t see doesn’t mean that it isnt’t there.
Especially love and thanks for sharing this beautiful story so we get reminded.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Jesus would be proud of me, I can do miracles too.
Sherri, I hope all is well with your little guy and that he is making a speedy recovery.
Families can be a wonderful expression of love in action. Also the way that you allow your loved ones to contribute to you and help you when you need it is so lovely to hear.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.
Ann-Marie Fagan´s last blog ..Jesus would be proud of me, I can do miracles too.
What an amazing circle of family/friends you had to help you during this time. You were able to focus on your little guy who needed your love and attention. So happy that you can look back on this now and your little one is on his way to a healthier life.
Suzanne´s last blog ..To Me, From Me
Hi Sherri,
I hope everything is going as smoothly as it can, under the circumstances.
Having a network of people who care is priceless. No matter what happens I always know I’ve got a lot of backup. Thanks for reminding me to think about that.
David Cain´s last blog ..Secret Lessons From Sesame Street
I am so glad that everything went so well. You are in my thoughts and prayers as the recovery ensues. But what a blessing for you to see how loved and supported you are! Everyone should be so lucky!
Carol´s last blog ..My Daughter…My Friend
Hi Sherri,
It was indeed very unfortunate that your son had to go through a heart surgery at such a tender age. However, it is precisely this unfortunate event that brought out the bonding and love that you and your family share. This is one of those unfortunate times which, ironically, shows you how fortunate you are.
Cheers~
Mark
Mark Foo | TheBigDreamer.com´s last blog ..Your Best Insurance And Retirement Plan: Start A Business
Thank you all for your kind words and for sharing your stories. Things are slowly getting back to normal here and the little guy is recovering quickly. Kids are amazing!
I am very fortunate to have such a supportive family and I am also aware that it’s fairly unique so I really try to not take it for granted.
Thank you all again for your support and kind words.
Sherri
Sherri,
Reading this post a little late, but wanted to let you know that I am so thrilled to hear everything with your little man’s surgery went smoothly and hoping that the next couple of weeks, ect of recovery go smooth and quickly!
You are such an encouragement– thank you for sharing your big heart of gratitude in this post!
Blessings,
Lisa
Lisa´s last blog ..Skeleton Self Care in Challenging Times
Sherri, what a wonderful outcome to such a difficult situation! I’m so glad your son is doing better. That is wonderful!
Family can definitely be a blessing. I’m glad your family was there for you.
Hugs & Love to all of you!
Mary
@ Lisa and Mary – Thank you both for your kind words. Our little man is indeed doing well and making a speedy recovery. He gets stitches out tomorrow so that should be an “interesting” doctor’s visit.
Good to see you hope you’re both keeping well.