Friday, December 12, 2008

One Year Ago...

One year ago on this night I was sitting in a place I vow never to be again---Caribou Memorial Hospital---just the name sends my nerves flying.
After almost 48 hours in this wretched place my blood pressure could not take another moment and my dear Adam needed crazy, protective mama bear to come out roaring for him---all moms out there will know these moments in life where something just comes out from deep within and you just have the look on your face of "don't mess with my baby or you'll have me to deal with!". I was so at this point and beyond one year ago tonight---there was just a turning point that night of enough is enough, I'm not taking this anymore---Adam was so weak and many of you know the details of the story, but I've realized that at the time I was in crisis mode and it hasn't been until after the whole ordeal that it has sunk in how very blessed we are that things fell into place when they did so that we could still have Adam with us. From every creditable source, we have learned that a child will die within 3-5 days if intussusception as serious as Adam's was goes untreated. Well, one year ago today we were on day 2, entering day 3. And although we were in the named hospital above, it was going completely untreated!
So, on that cold, foggy night we were raced by ambulance to the small airport in Pocatello to get on the Life Flight plane to go to Salt Lake airport and on to PCMC. Those Life Flight nurses were amazing, after major anxiety attack involving a lot of crying, yelling at the staff of the mentioned hospital, breaking out in sweat and rash--I was so calmed by the Life Flight nurses, they took charge and ripped out every tube and IV that was in Adam and replaced them and informed me on every detail I needed to know.
After arriving at PCMC, Adam condition was immediately treated and he was in surgery and then recovered there for nine long days. Being there for nine days gave me an unforgettable gratitude for life and health. It truly is such a blessing to have healthy children.
I search for words to express my love for Adam and nothing seems sufficient. I will settle to keep my feelings to my heart and simply say I love him beyond measure! And I look at that picture above (which was actually taken towards the end of his hospital stay) and think that little Luke was still in me, waiting to come and it's hard to imagine life without him. And Julia and Jack that were so sweet and loving through this whole experience and continue to be so wonderful. I love these children so much, I love Aaron so much and am thankful that his heart also swells for these children.
I am thankful that the date is December 12, 2008 and that Adam is healthy and full of life today---what a difference a year makes!

5 comments:

Rob and Mare said...

Oh man. I remember those few nights. I'm so glad sweet Adam is okay! You are such a good mom Cort. You just held him the whole time. You have an awesome little family! :)

Craig and Cricket said...

Just reading this brought tears running down my face. I can't imagine. Adam (and all of you kids) are so lucky to have such a mom, who will take on whatever roll needed in their behave. I just wish I could have seen the mama bear roar at that so called hospital. Adam is darling just like all of them. Like you said, what a difference a year can make!

Cari said...

What a scary time! We were all so worried about Adam and you. I'm so glad that just a short year later Adam is thriving, you are well, and Luke is healthy and happy. What blessings!

We missed you last night. Stupid snow.

Craig and Sarah Peterson said...

I'm so glad he's doing so well. You are a blessed family. And we are all so blessed to have Adam in the family. PS you're not so bad yourself Cort. We love you and appreciate your example.

April said...

Wow! I have been lucky not to have been through anything like this, but my heart goes out to you. Children are a blessing. When they are sick it is so difficult. It sounds like you did just what needed to be done. Your awesome!