Wednesday's Post - June 28th

I can't express to you all how much your words lift us up and keep us going. Last night's gathering at Lakeside was just what the doctor ordered. Alex smiled the whole time and loved riding the rides and eating dinner with all his friends. Zoe enjoyed her first amusement park ride and I don't think anyone that saw her face will ever forget the pure joy she expressed. I love watching kids ride the rides at Lakeside, they are always so full of life and the smiles are contagious. I can't thank Susan, Jo-Nell and Karlyn enough for getting this event together. I'm sure others assisted and our appreciation goes out to you as well.

My mother, sister and 5 year old nephew arrived late last night. Steve and I had fallen asleep on the couch watching a movie after a long talk about today. Stephanie and I stayed up for another 30 minutes or so talking. She had some good questions and comments. I was explaining how I have had to go numb and just get through the days. She said we are in "battle mode"; which I believe is a wonderful way to describe how we are getting through this. Does that mean we will have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? (ha ha)

Dr. Handler, the neurosurgeon, met with us yesterday afternoon. He talked about the risks of surgery and what would happen in each scenario. He also told us that Alexander's brain will be monitored the entire time so they will know immediately if anything has gone wrong. We also found out that a nurse will be in the operating room that will call out to us and let us know what is happening and how Alexander is doing. Everyone is optimistic that Alex will be able to see fireworks Tuesday, even if he is in the hospital, they take the kids to the top of the parking garage and view several shows each 4th.

Alex went to school yesterday and had a great day. His friends had alot of questions for me when I showed up on the playground. Steve and I talked to Alex afterwards. We showed him the picture of his big brain and the "bump" the doctors were going to look very closely at and then fix. He had some questions, "Will there be eye drops?" was one. He did not like Dr. King's eye drops last week. He also said "I don't like bumps!" After we told him he would be in the hospital for a few days and that either mom or dad would be with him the whole time, he continued to play. On the way to hospital, he did ask us "Will I be okay?" Of which, we answered YES!! So that is about all of the conversation we have had about that.

Alex just finished his pancake and root beer breakfast and can not eat for the rest of the day. He can have clear fluids until 11:45 at which time the fasting begins. We will be at pre-op at 1:45p and surgery will begin at 3:45p. Steve is going to wear the "bunny suit" and be with Alex when they put on the gas mask. When they did this Friday, it was very difficult for me since that was the first time Alex was scared and started crying. Just too much for a mom to take.

Ok, well I am going to go play, hug and kiss my boy. Please keep sending us all of the positive energy, love and prayers you can. We need each and every one of you.

God Bless, Gwendolyn