What a Difference a Month Can Make

It started like a normal day.

M&M had school, the prince had occupational followed by vision therapy, nursing from 10-6, dance class, food store - just a normal Wednesday. What was NOT normal was the car that blindly crashed into my side as I drove to pick up the kids. The poor man was so shaken I couldn't possible be mad, it was an accident. My concern was not over the car, but in the delay the incident imposed on picking up my M&Ms. After the police report was taken, the afternoon progressed - off to dance then a quick run to Whole Foods. Conversing all the while with the insurance company, a representative from Special Child Services (the waiver program), and intermittently with David about the extent of the damage. Back to get my dancing superstar, and the race home to relieve Connie, today's nurse.

Again, all normal for Wednesday. But what was NOT normal was the car alarming with news ...Fuel Low. No problem, there was an Exxon close by, but my car said I had 0 miles left. I stop at the light, I can see the gas station through the intersection, when my car died. I ran out of gas! Literally, ran out of gas. I have heard of people-silly, unprepared people running out of gas - but not me.

So there we sat, cars beeping, arms waving, expletives flying - there's, not mine. I calmly called David. He raced to us with a gas tank in hand, flagged down a police officer, and pushed me out of harm's way. My tank was justly filled at the oasis, a.k.a. - the Exxon station. David and I laughed at the scene.

Do you realize how many times my car must have shouted a warning to me - Low Fuel, but I never heard it. My mind is clearly focusing on some other matters. David and I were not even upset with the afternoon events, no one was injured, the car was drivable, and after all - cars are replaceable. Not a normal reaction, but evidence of a perspective shift completely inspired from the places we've walked these past several weeks.

One month ago, Eamon's CO2 level made him "incompatible with life". There were difficult options being presented to us. One in particular was to allow "nature to take it's course". They assured me that Eamon would be kept comfortable. There weren't any promises that a trach would alter the nose dive his health, specifically his respiratory system, had taken.

But oh, what a difference a month can make! Eamon was trached, and continues to strengthen. The prince is NOT requiring supplemental oxygen. He is enjoying his days, sleeping through the night peacefully using the vent, and is most definitely compatible with this life - thank you very much.

I have tried, on several occasions to dress Eamon up in his new Disney shirt, Ears in place, holding the newly trached stuffed mouse. But something always seem to preclude the much desired photo (sorry Jod!) I have not abandoned the official "Ears for Eamon" photos, but wanted to give you a glimpse of his mouseketeer cuteness.

"Hey, what in the world is on my head?!"

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

What a difference a month can make!