A Day For Remembering......

Well, here it is, March 1st 2007, the official anniversary of Connor's long-term admittance to Children's Hospital. Even though there had been numerous ER visits, overnight visits and even a 1 week stay at Mary Bridge Hospital last year between Connor's birth and the first of March, today is the day that we will remember forever because it launched a journey that we certainly did not buy a ticket for.

Today there is snow on the ground in so many places of Western Washington, but last year it was unseasonably warm and Randy was out mowing our lawn for the first time of the year. It was warm and I remember wanting to plant flowers that day. Randy was preparing to leave for a 2 week military trip that departed the next day so he was busy, busy, busy with getting the yard ready so I wouldn't have to worry about it. I remember noticing throughout the day that Connor seemed a bit warm, but we just pushed it off on the weather until late afternoon, when I was on the phone with the pediatrician and every time I took his temp it kept going higher and higher. In a panic I took him to the doctor and it was confirmed that he needed to go to Children's. How I remember that drive back home to our house to say goodbye to Randy and pack a small bag for Connor and I. Who knew it would literally be months before we were back in our home, sleeping in our own beds. I remember the uncertainty in saying goodbye to Randy and the tears that fell that night as we worried in separate cities for our little boy.

I remember getting to Children's and parking in the ER lot hoping that we would not have to stay. I was met there by my sister-in-law, Maureen (who, by the way, was a HUGE support and encouragement during all of our hospital days!!!) and we waited in the ER for any kind of word on what was going on with Connor. How I wish I would have known then that an explanation would not be in the cards for us for months. Our Little Bug suffered silently and anonymously for so long as he baffled all the doctors and nurses. Those first few days he was such a fighter. He fought and he fought until that dreadful day on March 6th when we rushed him to the ICU and we almost lost our precious son. Oh, just remembering makes my heart sick and my eyes begin to pool up with tears.

And then I look across the room at our Little Bug playing with his toys and bouncing in his bouncy seat and I have to say, "Thank you Lord for the miracle of our son!" His life was spared on numerous occasions because of the prayers of God's people and the merciful nature of our Heavenly Father. I am humbled by my memories today and of the friendships that we made with precious families at Children's Hospital and of the little angels that hover above us as their journey took them into the arms of our Lord. There are many who still struggle. There are many who still grieve. There are many who rejoice. There are many who are still in the battle with illness and disease. May we never forget our journey and the road we have traveled and those we have met along the way.

"Oh Lord, we rejoice because you are a good God. We trust in you still and we remain in your hands. Protect the children near and far and hold them close to your heart. Thank you for our journey with Connor, although we didn't ask for it, it was your will that we travel it and it is your will that we continue upon the road to healing. Lift up our heads to see your plan with our precious son and thank you for this day that we remember how it all started." Amen!

Lovebug Hugs,
Randy & Lori