William Unplugged

We're done, William. We get to go home. . .forever. No more hospital stays. No more tubes. All done. I can't believe it. I am thrilled, relieved, so very grateful. And you are doing awesome. The surgeon stopped by today and said, "He looks great. Do you want to go home tomorrow or tonight?" Daddy and I were speechless. You still hadn't even pooped. Daddy asked the surgeon if he was concerned that you hadn't pooped yet. Dr. Harrison said that he wasn't. He said it will happen, it may just take more time. He knows you. He knows that you take longer to do everything ;) And sure enough about an hour and a half later you pooped and it was big. Daddy was here alone with you and this is what he had to say about it in an email he sent: "It finally happened...and in an atomic fashion. I won't say more as I don't want to have to relive it again." Needless to say, it was big. Even though Daddy doesn't want to relive it we are both thrilled it happened.
Yesterday they took out your epidural and your catheter. Later in the day your IV went bad again. They sent for three different specialists to give you a new one and after six pokes they couldn't find a good vein. So, you went without IV fluids all night and did great. You are hooked up to NOTHING. (They took out your nose tube a few days ago.) You don't have any tubes. We ran into one of your docs from the PICU tonight and he said "Oh, William Unplugged." It is absolutely amazing to walk over to your bed and simply pick you up and carry you anywhere. We can go for walks, to the playroom, up and down the elevators. Your spirits are lifted. The sparkle in your eye is back. You smile more. Happy Day.
So what now? Good question. Maybe more restful nights, more play dates and excursions out of the house, more hugs and kisses, more back to normal. Even though I do believe our "normal" is not what it used to be and I don't think it ever will be again. In a good way. As I have said before, we are all changed from this. We look at you and at each other in a different light. We appreciate what we have and try (and don't always succeed) to see the silver lining. We know it could be worse. We have seen the worst. But we have made it to the other side with a little more perspective and appreciation for our family, friends, and faith in God. Little man, I love you. I love you so deeply I can't and won't ever be able to put it into words. You have helped me in ways I can't explain. I want you to know that without family, friends, and our Heavenly Father we can't do it. We won't make it. Rely on those things. Please, always have faith and know that you are personally known and watched over by a loving Heavenly Father. You may not always see it or feel it. But He is there. Be patient and have faith. It will all work out. You're proof of that already.

I love you. I'll see you at home!!