Well, thank goodness that's over. Leo is home and almost back to his normal mellow self. He was a trooper for the surgery; breathing on his own again with only the LMA tube giving a little assistance. He's setting all kinds of new trends at the 'Hitch. The PICU experience was interesting. It had a more laid back vibe then the NICU, and Leo had a whole room with even a picture window. But no place can compare to home.
We are getting more hospital savvy however, and know what to expect, and even who to expect! I used to feel pretty isolated and lonely up here in cold VT without all my dear friends in NYC, and gripped a lot about it to Justin this past summer. However, that was all B.L. (before Leo). Now we have all these new friends and connections that were all forged by him. We figure if he sticks around long enough, we will get to know everyone working at the hospital. Kinda knowing the docs, the system, and even seeing familiar faces in the hallways, makes for an easier time. Dare I say that it almost smacks of routine? One of the nurses checking Leo in told us of a family in line before us whose child was on his 15th surgery. I cannot imagine the level competence and patience that those parents must have. They are probably like hospital zen masters, with bottomless wells of acceptance. We ain't there yet, but we do have The Far Side. Here's one that gave us serious giggles that even brought out the nurses to see what all the ruckuss was about.
Anyway, thank God for laughter. Thank God for tears, and thank God for all our wonderful friends here and there and everywhere. By the way, all your comments are amazing, and even though we can't respond to every single one, please know that we love to read and reread your loving words to us.
We are getting more hospital savvy however, and know what to expect, and even who to expect! I used to feel pretty isolated and lonely up here in cold VT without all my dear friends in NYC, and gripped a lot about it to Justin this past summer. However, that was all B.L. (before Leo). Now we have all these new friends and connections that were all forged by him. We figure if he sticks around long enough, we will get to know everyone working at the hospital. Kinda knowing the docs, the system, and even seeing familiar faces in the hallways, makes for an easier time. Dare I say that it almost smacks of routine? One of the nurses checking Leo in told us of a family in line before us whose child was on his 15th surgery. I cannot imagine the level competence and patience that those parents must have. They are probably like hospital zen masters, with bottomless wells of acceptance. We ain't there yet, but we do have The Far Side. Here's one that gave us serious giggles that even brought out the nurses to see what all the ruckuss was about.
Anyway, thank God for laughter. Thank God for tears, and thank God for all our wonderful friends here and there and everywhere. By the way, all your comments are amazing, and even though we can't respond to every single one, please know that we love to read and reread your loving words to us.
Thanks to God. Glad your little lion came through alright. The cartoon made me laugh.
ReplyDeletelove to you all,
john brantley
You guys are great. I can just see you getting a good chuckle..amidst all the stress. Glad to hear that. We've been in the hospital some with our kids and it's surprising how quickly it can seem routine. At least you've got a world-class institution there to care for your little Lion.
ReplyDeleteYeah - Leo and the dinosaurs! Well, he's way ahead of them: he has parents like you. Glad to hear the surgery went well.
ReplyDeleteSo glad all went well for Leo, he is a true warrior :-) Loved the cartoon as well...laughter is the best medicine:
ReplyDeleteHumor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
We all need to do more of this each day! :-)
Gload you're all home.
So glad it went well! He's a little trooper.
ReplyDeleteIf you think that's funny, you should see some of the hospital Far Sides!
There is no place like home. It must be the greatest feeling when the little trooper is back in the refuge of the familiar walls with its familiar routeens and rythms.But,thank God for hospitals!You have embraced Leos medical issues so valiantly and learned so quickly to look at the choises you have and not the choises that have been taken away from you.You guys are the greatest and make us proud.Keep doing what you are doing day by day by day.....And by the way keep laughting it is the best madicine for everything that ails you.
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers and love your way.
Leo is quite a cutie! I love all of the new pics you guys put up, keep 'em coming! We are so glad to hear about Leo's successful surgery - and that you are making new friends and feeling a little more at home. Amazing how this little kid ties so many together! He is always in our hearts and our prayers, as well as all of your family. My suspicions are that Leo is probably holding out on us; he must have a very special relationship with God, knowing Him and everyone at a basic sensory level. You never know, maybe he recognized Christ in a similar way.
ReplyDeleteMiss you all, and give Leo a kiss for us -
Melanie and Michael
Another "insideful" joke in connection with little Levka phenomenon:
ReplyDeleteA student in a college philosophy course was having trouble making heads or tails out of a reading assignment the teacher had given him. So, he went to the professor after classes and asked for help. 'Would you mind if walked while we talked? I'd like to stroll down to the zoo.' the professor asked. 'Sure' said the student. He picked up the book and left with the professor. So, the two walked down to the zoo, having a deep discussion about the contents of the reading assignment. When they got to the lions, the professor took the book, and tossed it into the lion enclosure, where it promptly landed between two of the great cats. 'So there', the professor said, 'If you want to get the most out of that text, you have to learn to read between the lions.'
So? Our family too, like this student, is blessed now to read the book of life between the lions. ;-)
I liked the old layout of the blog, and I like the new layout too :) I also love the "Leo's Story" quote on the right side. God bless you guys. You have all been in my prayers since the beginning. I would like to see some updates, as I haven't checked this page in awhile, and I was disappointed to see that the last post was almost two months ago.
ReplyDeleteMuch love in Christ,
-Manoli