The Miracle - A New Life

For those of you who read last week's blog, this is part 2 of our recent journey. Enjoy!

LaLa and Gus

Friday morning, June 7th: Kelly called to let us know that Gus was taken to the NICU for low blood sugars.  It was difficult for them to see him in the NICU but they were able to go in at every feeding and stay with him.  Meanwhile Ken's infusion was started at 4:00p.m. in the hospital that same day and they told us we could home afterwards.  We were nervous about the side effects of the drug but were ecstatic we would be able to go home after 11 days in the hospital.  The nurse monitored Ken's blood pressure and temperature every 15 minutes and  increased the infusion rate every 30 minutes.  It was a long process but thankfully he did not have any adverse reactions at that time.  The infusion was not finished until 1:00am.  The nurse really did not want to discharge us but the doctor had signed the papers and we were ready to go.  At 1:30a.m. Ken and I were walking through the hospital lobby heading to the parking lot.  There was not a person in sight.  We did not care we were going home!!! I spent the day Saturday watching and asking Ken constantly, "How are you feeling?"  He kept saying he was fine.  I was so excited about leaving Sunday morning to go help Kelly and meet my grandson, Gus.  But I was so worried about leaving Ken after that powerful infusion.  I kept praying and asking God to protect him.  Of course our oldest daughter, Stefanie and our three granddaughters were so excited about "taking care" of Pa.  I left very early Sunday morning.  It was one of the hardest goodbyes for me and Ken.  We had never been away from each other for this long but I knew I needed to be with Kelly, Alex and Gus. My two weeks with Kelly, Alex and Gus were the best medicine for me.  I talked to Ken every night and got "updates" from Stefanie on Ken.  Ken had a follow-up appointment with the transplant doctors and they were happy with his levels.  He had a few minor side effects from the infusion but was able to work through them. I missed him but I was enjoying "Gus watching" with Kelly and Alex.  The whole visit put life's joys and sorrows into perspective.  I was taken away from the daily worries of tests, medicines, side effects, etc. and put into "Gus' world."  If you asked Kelly and Alex they would probably say I was a big help for them with night time feedings, cooking and cleaning.  But in actuality they helped me so much. They showed me the immense joy that new life brings to a family.  They gave me renewed energy to face the challenges that we all face in our lifetimes.

Pa and Gus

That smile never left his face!

Finally the day arrived that we were all waiting for - Pa meeting Gus for the first time.  After many delays in the airports, Pa arrived 5 hours later than anticipated.  Alex, Kelly, Gus and I parked and surprised him at the gate.  He could not get Gus into arms soon enough.  He was smiling from ear to ear. The pictures speak better than any words I could write.  This was one of those life moments that you will never forget.  The births of our children and grandchildren are what make our lives meaningful.  The next 7 days were filled with early morning rituals of Pa singing, whistling and rocking Gus with "his famous" bounce.  Kelly, Ken and I took Gus for walks in the park.  We enjoyed the time together making plans for other visits to Greenville.  The goodbye was hard but it was time for Kelly, Alex and Gus to have their family bonding time and it was time for Ken and me to get back to New Orleans.

I am reading Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly.  He talks about living authentic lives - "those leading authentic lives are not looking over some hill or around the next corner to some elusive future happiness. They simply try to be all they can be, here and now, and that brings with it a happiness all its own."   Ken and I wish for all of you the here and now moments.  Enjoy those moments!

Until the next time may the Lord carry us on our journey,

Pat

Proud Parents