Thankful on Thanksgiving

There are many things I am thankful for…Here’s a list of my top five.

1. On Sunday, my gut told me that Jax needed to go to the emergency room. Technically, his symptoms weren’t “terrible” and we’ve managed similar symptoms at home with no issues. But something was telling me to take him in. I always second guess myself on the way to the hospital. Am I overreacting? Should we be doing a better job of managing his asthma? Did I miss earlier symptoms? Am I a good mom? According to his doctor, if we would have arrived just two hours later, Jax would have ended up in the intensive care unit. I trusted my intuition and Jax got the medicine he needed to stay safe. I am thankful for mother’s intuition.

2. Jax has bad lungs. Respiratory illnesses, even just the common cold, are his kryptonite and can wreck havoc on his ability to breathe and therefore live. I am thankful for medicine that helps my son breathe.

3.  We spend a lot of time in the hospital. (This was Jax’s fifth hospital stay this year.) At some point, hospital life has become “normal” for us. On the way to the ER, I told Jax we were going to the hospital because he was sick and needed help. “I love the hostable!” he replied. “They have great toys there!” I am thankful for the staff and Child Life Specialists who help make our stays a bit brighter.

4. When you’re cooped up in the hospital for an extended time, things don’t get done. Groceries, bills, chores, and self-care all fall by the wayside. Hospital stays are easier with friends who take time out of their day to send kind words, bring care packages, and serve as our special delivery driver (you know who you are !).  I am thankful for friends and family who have our backs.

5. After the initial excitement of new toys, unlimited popsicles, and hours upon hours of TV wore off, Jax wailed “But mama! I just want to go home! Because I like home!” He endured multiple IV pokes, blood draws, yucky medicine, and people in masks and gowns descending upon him in droves (how scary that must be for a child!) during daily rounds. Even though he hates it all, he still laughs, smiles, and (mostly) cooperates. He’s my hero.

Today, we got great news! Jax’s oxygen levels were good all night long! We got discharged this morning and are now snuggled up comfy on our couch recovering. I am thankful for home.

Author: Andrea M

Oh man, what an adventure! I went into labor unexpectedly when I was 23w3d pregnant. Jaxson was born weighing 1 lb 8 oz. A tiny little peanut, but boy was he feisty. He still is! We love it now, but we probably won't when he is a teenager. I write about our journey and all other things that come with it, including a brain tumor. We look forward to "meeting" you - come hang out with us...we're pretty cool. View all posts by Andrea M