Friday, May 30, 2008

Friday Morning

The first thing that comes to my mind right now, is that one week ago today we were anxiously waiting as we had just sent Drew off to surgery. Can anyone believe that was only a week ago? It feels like it could have been months ago to me. I am so glad to have him sitting next me, awake & eating bacon (that's good for your heart, right?) and watching dinosaur videos. No, he's not happy, but when you think about it, what does he have to be happy about? He's only four, it's not like he understands the concept of enduring the pain and indignities now because he will be so much better off later. He only knows that he has pain, he can't be held by his mommy & daddy, his voice is weak and we can't understand what he wants most of the time, he doesn't have the energy to get up and play, or even sit up by himself, he has to wear a diaper even though he's potty trained, and it takes at least 2 or 3 people to help him get on the potty. Throw in a poke for a blood test this morning, and waking up to two nurses bugging you and I can't say that I would be smiling either.

But, he did have a very good night and slept most of the night. Still no roommate, so Dan had some good peace & quiet too. Praise God for that! He ate some breakfast--bacon, a couple bites of muffin, some grapes and one piece of cantaloupe. He also drank most of his chocolate milk this morning. Haven't heard any plans for today, but I imagine (and hope) they'll take at least one more chest tube out. He is down to .25 liters of oxygen and still satting at 98! Still the only smiles we see are forced, when we ask him to say cheese for the camera.

Here are some pictures from yesterday, as promised:

Kristen & Shae bringing Drew some dinosaur presents

Drew and Shaelyn

Saying cheese for the wagon ride

Drew going for a ride

Shae is pulling and Ava is pushing

Thank you Vanessa for the balloons!

Eating some breakfast

I want to say thank you to everyone who has been by to visit, sent cards & gifts, brought meals and remembered us in prayer. I am trying to make a list of everyone who has been so thoughtful and generous so I can send thank you notes, but I think it is inevitable that I will miss someone. Just know that it has touched us deeply to feel so loved and cared for by family, friends, and people we haven't even met. It brings to mind one of my favorite verses:

2 Corinthians 1:4-5
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

Thank you for comforting us.

14 comments:

DeAnna said...

Glad to hear that things are still going well and getting better. It is good to hear that he is eatting too! His smile will come back this is a lot for adults to understand let alone a brave 4 year old! Loved your verse!

Taria M. said...

As I sit here crying tears of joy for the tremendous strides that Drew has made in a week, I thank God for his blessings upon your family. Your story and family have blessed so many people (even those you have never met!), and it's amazing that you are all so strong and faithful. Every time that Drew comes to my mind I say a prayer for him, and for all of you. Thank you for taking the time to update us!

Jennifer Herring said...

I too want to thank you for keeping us all updated! Dee's right - his smile will come back. :-) And that's a wonderful verse...

-Jennifer

Kristen Ewers said...

I just wanted to let you know that Shae was really mad we had to leave last night. She thought it "wasn't fair" that you and the grandparents got to stay and we had to leave. When I explained that we needed to go back home, she insisted that we should buy a house right there so we can be near Drew. She loved her visit and can't wait to play with Drew again! It was so good to spend in person time with you so we know better how to pray. Love you all..
Kristen

Kate said...

drew will smile again soon. he even said night night to eben last night, that was very sweet. i love and miss all of the bright himmel-lights that shine so bright!

The Portas said...

Baby steps, one day at a time. Every day you'll see a few more smiles. Drew has come such a long way and you two are such loving parents. You all should be so proud of yourselves!

Thanks for the pics and the update!
xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Bless your hearts; it DOES seem like a million years since the surgery. So much great progress in one week -- praise God indeed!

The verse is perfect! It's really heart-warming to read these updates, and to see God healing Drew a little more each day.

Love you, Lori

Unknown said...

I'm sure it's seemed like an eternity for you, but he has made such amazing progress in a week. And you're right...this is a lot for a 4 year old to deal with.

It's not through the triumphs in life that we grow to be a stronger and better person, it's through all the trials and tribulations. I'm sure you can attest to that! He is obviously very strong and so very lucky to have such wonderful parents. Just know that when all of this is through, he will be incredibly strong for all he has endured. And through Drew, God has touched so very many of us already!
Praise be to God for all the prayers he has answered thus far!
Carrie

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I love your vent for Drew. Of course he is sad. I would be too. He will soon be playing with his friends again and smiling. Everyday he looks better and better. One would never think it was only a week ago that he was in surgery.

It was cute to hear him say "night, night" to us last night. I'm glad we were able to talk to you briefly.

We are praying that your finding strength and energy to get through the day and night.

Hope to see you real soon!

Love,
The Scott's

kritiostodd said...

Just wanted to let you know we are reading the blog several times a day. Thanks for the pics...they make us feel like we are right there with you.

Hang in there!

Jen

Anonymous said...

This has been an amazing week! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! We are still praying for you all, and sending love your way!

LOVE,
Beth

Amy, Steve, Molly, Paige and Garrett said...

Hey Andrea... Love the pictures of Shae and Ava helping with the wagon. Too cute! It was great to see your family today. You're doing a great job! We'll continue to pray for quick healing and a compliant patient! :)
Amy

Lexi and Linzi said...

Thank you so much for the update today! I just love to see the pictures, even if Drew isn't smiling right now...I know he is inside:) He's got a wonderful family and lots of friends that are sounding him with love and support and a LOVING God who is looking down on him with a huge smile for what a Brave Boy he is!!!!! Praying for you guys everyday!

kritiostodd said...

I'm pretty sure the cantaloupe and grapes cancel out the bacon! Well, that's how my diet works, anyway. Glad to hear of the progress...
Todd