Monday, May 7

Breaking News: Collin and his mom arrived in Omaha safely. Collin has been "admitted" and now they are just unpacking and getting used to the room. Collin has a small private hospital room with the World's Largest Crib (according to his mom), a single bed and a bathroom, so his mom will be staying at the hospital with him. Apparently the bi-plane they arrived in gave them quite the turbulent ride, but Collin slept the entire time. His mom said that she was really sad saying "goodbye" to his nurses and leaving Tucson, but as soon as they arrived at UNMC, she knew it was where Collin is supposed to be. She really needs a nap because she got little or no sleep last night, and a doctor was arriving so we cut our conversation short. When we talk next I will let her know of all of your sweet messages of support and love. Suddenly I feel like I can breathe again!

Saying “goodbye” is never easy, but it’s harder when you are sending away a piece of your heart. Our precious grandson, Collin Matthew, left for Omaha, Nebraska a few short hours ago and he took huge hunks of our hearts in his tiny hands.

I know it’s not easy for his parents to be separated for the first time in their young marriage; they would fight it if it weren’t for the potential to save their baby’s life. They have faced and overcome more in the first eight weeks of his life than most parents (thank God) will ever have to deal with in their entire tenure as parents. However, lovingly and skillfully, Collin’s mom and dad have met each challenge as if they were professionals. Each blood transfusion, every procedure, the tubes and the bags and the i.v.s, handled as easily as if they were no more than binkeys, rattles or diaper wipes.

So, now our precious grandbaby is en route to the “promised land”, where they perform procedures on newborns like “intestinal rehabilitation” and “intestinal or liver transplants”. Now OUR baby, my husband’s first child, is heading out, alone with HER firstborn. Please join us in our prayers and support for our little family; Collin and his parents, Erin and Matt.

During this time, please give them a chance to acclimate to their new surroundings. Please don’t call their cell phones unless it is an emergency; they may not be able to answer pages or texts for several hours. Please be assured that when Collin’s mom or dad is able, they will contact all of their family and friends to update us on their situation. Your love and support (and prayers) are so important to us all, and so very appreciated!