Double Digits for Oliver

10 years old is such a milestone in a child's life.  Sounds more grown up than just plain old number 9.   Oliver made that milestone yesterday, the 4th.  To think that our youngest is now in the double digits is a thought that Dave & I aren't sure we are comfortable with.  Too bad, though, right?  Can't stop growing up from happening, so we stop, take a look at our children, increase the hugging, and remind ourselves to take more pictures!!

At Oliver's first exam in the hosp. after his birth, the Dr. heard a heart murmur.  Knowing the history of Solomon's congenital heart condition, the Dr. sent Oliver for an echo.  Sure enough, he also had a coarctation of the aorta.  They prepped him to be flown to Hershey for surgery.  At 3 days old, Oliver had the narrowing repaired, which was done through the ribs on his left side.  He spent 5 days in the PICU and was sent home with a nervous mama and papa.  He thrived and grew quickly. 

However, like Solomon, he had a weakness for croup.  Over the last few years, whenever he got a simple cold, it escalated quickly into a tight cough and the need for meds that aren't good for a person.  These episodes became more frequent and more frustrating.  At the beginning of January, this year, we saw a pulmonary specialist at Hershey.  She suspected he has reflux, which was confirmed with an Upper GI.  We then saw a GI specialist, who also wanted to do some tests.  Fact - reflux can cause respiratory illness - just in case you didn't know. :)  Today, Oliver had a bronchoscopy (where they take a look at the airway with a scope) and endoscopy (taking a look at the esophagus and stomach) done at Hershey.  Both tests looked good, but we still have to wait for biopsies to come back.  He was a trooper today!  So proud of him!  However, I became a wreck!  First of all, they wanted Dave & I in the room till he was put to sleep.  I wanted to be there for Oliver's sake and he remembers us rubbing his arm and legs while he went to sleep.  But, watching the Dr. put that mask over his face and watching Oliver slowly lose conscientiousness is not a picture I want to store in my mind.  It was my undoing.  I know that I have shared before that I have scars from all the scary medical events we had with our children.  Scars are the markings of hidden pain and scary memories and sometimes those scars open up and all the hidden is relived.  That is what happens to me and today was one of those times.  I relived the anxious moments in that waiting room and hallway, the anxious moments of standing beside the boys cribs wondering when, or if, they would come home.  Hershey Hosp. is a great place!  They save lives, just like they did for Solomon and Oliver.  But inside those walls are many parents, children, brothers and sisters, and grandparents every day experiencing anxious moments for loved ones.  Life moves on and those moments, including the feelings and emotions, become past tense, but for me, and probably many other people, they remain in our minds and hearts forever.  Maybe for some, it a mother thing, or personality thing, a perspective thing or what ever else thing, but I know it is a real thing.  I also know that words of thanksgiving can be proclaimed from the silo tops, for we can celebrate each birthday knowing what a gift, what a blessing, our children really are.  Thank you, Heavenly Father!

Happy 10th birthday, Oliver.  We loved you meal selection of mashed potatoes, meatballs and corn and you did a great job decorating your big cookie!

Until next time................