COUNTDOWN TO ATLANATA

We have hit the one week countdown to our long awaited surgery.  We have seen Matthew go through so much theses last three years we are so glad that this part of the journey is coming to an end.  After the surgery then we can focus on what caused the problem in the first place and help to find out what causes his stomach pain.  He is a strong kid.  He has always impressed me.

At this point all we know is that Matthew will have his sigmoid colon removed next Monday at Emory.  We had seen a surgeon in Chattanooga a few years back and the had never  preformed this surgery on a child so we knew it wasn't common, but I never expected what the surgeon said to us about it's rarity.  He said that at his office, which sees patients from all over the southeast, that he will preform 1 every 3 years.  This fact was confirmed when I spoke with the scheduling office last week.  I was informed that no one in the office is familiar with the process and that they will have to speak to the surgeon about how to prep Matthew for the surgery.  There is a chance that we will be checking into Emory on Sunday and the surgery will be on Monday.  I could care less about if the office staff knows about the procedures, I just want the surgeon to, and he does so that's enough for me. 

Now comes the difficult part.  I was terrified to see them take Cheredith away to put tubes in her ears, I can't imagine how its going to be watching them roll away Matthew to do an uncommon pediatric surgery.  Then comes recovery.  Matthew has a very difficult time waking from anesthesia, so I hope that he wakes up easy this time.  Also Matthew has never spent the night in the hospital and we will be there for around 4 days.  We manage Matthew's autism by preparing for change and by keeping a routine, two things that will be difficult in the next few weeks.  He is a fighter and I know he will do great.

Now to brag on my family.  First of all Cheredith..  She has taken a back seat to so many of these things but never complains.  Her main concern has always been for Matthew. She always ask for prayer for him and always takes good care of him.  This week at school she had a bad asthma attack and she really scared me.  I am so thankful that Patrick will be coming home to stay with her once Matthew gets settled in the hospital after his surgery.  We both want to be in both places at the same time but can't and I am so thankful he will be staying with her during this difficult time.  He is an amazing husband and dad. Cheredith will be staying with some good friends of ours will we are both down with Matthew.  I am so thankful for them. 

I am usually a planner and like everything laid out in front of me, however this will not be the case in the next few weeks.  Any one who knows out situation knows all we are going through not related to Matthew's surgery.  We are a strong family with a strong faith and we know that God will see us through this all.  Keeps us all in your thoughts and prayers and keep Matthew's surgeon in your prayers as well.  I am so ready to get these next few weeks behind us, for Matthew to have one less thing to fight through.

Back to School

Well, summer break is officially over.  Book bags are packed, lunches packed and clothes laid out.  Cheredith starts middle school so as you can imagine she is ready.  She loves school so tomorrow can't get here fast enough for her.  Matthew on the other hand routinely yells out "I hate school" when ever the topic is brought up.  Just a few hours ago he tells me that he is finally getting excited about going.  That is a huge turn from him refusing to get out of the car Thursday at school so I could run in paper work to the office. 

So much has changed since the beginning of last year.  Cheredith doesn't look at all like she did last schoolyear.  She is no longer dancing but will be cheering for Chattanooga Valley Middle School.  So proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone.  I have seen her dance and even had the opportunity to teach her in dance but she has even surprised me.  She made All-American at camp as a 6th grader.  I can't wait to hear all about her first day of middle school.

Matthew had never played sports this time last year.  Since then he has played basketball, soccer and now football.  Sports are is life.  He loves sports so much, and of course as his mom I must say he is great.  I really enjoyed watching this past Saturday watching Matthew score a touch down. I am a very proud momma! 

This summer has been amazing.  To be able to spend days with my kids, our trip to New York, and lazy summer days it was amazing.  Even though our trips to Atlanta have been not for joy, but for doctors they have been great.  I enjoy ever minute we have had. 

As I send the kids to school in the morning and go to work myself, I am excited to see what this new school year will bring.  So much is going to change, that is part of life.  I am sure there will be lots of joy, tears and laughter.  All the things that go into growing up.  This year may be starting of a little strange with Matthew missing the second day of school for a trip to Emory to see a Neurologist and then to see the surgeon about his stomach surgery, but getting better isn't always easy.  I am thankful that we have finally found some doctors who understand and are wanting to help.  I know how blessed my life is even in the middle of mass craziness.  I have a wonderful husband who is my best friend, two amazing kids, family that listen to me and friends and a church that inspire me.  As much as I dread the routine and early hours I can't wait to see what all is to come.