Once upon a time...

I sat in a birthing room at the University Medical Center of Tucson and listened to a surgeon describe my precious grandson's chance of living past eight weeks as "about a ten percent chance". I vividly recall Collin's first day in the NICU...how scared we were, how foreign all of the protocol was and yet how kind and caring the wonderful staff of nurses, p.a.s and nurse practitioners were. (I even had a soft spot for the sweet young nursing students who manned the reception desk!)

I believe, with all of my heart, that those special people were God's instruments in the miracle which Collin's life has been. All of the special cares (especially the ones involving Collin's parents) each made an impact on the ability of Collin to live the wonderful life he is currently living. I KNOW that certain phrases,images and experiences changed Erin from a terrified new mom to a confident caregiver who gives the current medical team a "run for their money".

Going back to the NICU with a healthy (mostly) Collin was bittersweet. Turning the corner at the end of the Maternity Ward hallway is way too literal for comfort. Walking between the walls of picture memorials to former NICU patients is (and was) emotionally draining; yesterday my emotions ran the gamut from dread to exhilaration and a tiny bit of guilt that our little angel actually has made it OUT of that wing and is literally running back down it again! It makes me yearn to know the "end" of his story...every detail before it happens, about how he slays this "dragon" and lives happily ever after! Unfortunately it's real life and I have to watch as it unfolds.

Special nurses Gene and Cher (you've read about and seen their pictures on this blog before) were there; Cher came in on her day off. We were able to see other nurses (equally as caring and wonderful, but Cher and Gene had worked as Collin's main caregivers and definitely worked their hearts out to save and sustain Collin's life.) The nurse practitioner, Lisa, was there; it was awesome to watch our confident and intelligent Erin discuss the current "gastroschisis protocols" with amazing Lisa, who listened intently. A special treat was when Erin and Collin ran into Dr. Thai (the neonatal intensive care unit doctor who told Erin that she had to "buck up" and deal with Collin's illness at one point). Erin credits her with instilling the special resolve she has to champion for Collin when it comes to his medical care.

Please, enjoy the pictures. If you are inclined, say a special prayer for the special individuals who have answered the calling of caring for ill children. God bless them all!