Anthony recieved his first open-heart surgery on December 6,2003.
I arrived at the hospital shortly after his father around 1100AM. Already having an angry infant on my hands(he couldnt eat for several hours ), I walked onto the pr-eop unit and I could sense the fearful and insecure feeling in the room.
As we set and waited to be called by the nurse that would escort us to surgery, Anthony's father, myself and Anthony took a walk together down a hallway in the hospital. We looked to each other with silent emotion , acknowledging the nauseas stirring we both felt inside. We hugged and kissed our son, and absorbed all of his warmth.
Shortly after the nurse came in and called us , as it was time to head to surgery, my world stopped turning as she called out my precious baby's name. As we got our things together, Anthony's Grandmother Terri and his Aunt hugged and kissed him and sent him away with their love and blessing. Anthony's father's girlfriend as well as my boyfriend both as well gave Anthony their love. And away we walked into a portal it seemed that held the fate of our son's future.
When we arrived to surgery we became acquainted with the staff, and we were asked to leave so Anthony's preparation could begin. I held my baby to my chest and I whispered,"baby, you have to go and meet some new friends now. Remember it is always okay to go to sleep, I love You and Thank You".
For the next five hours, we remained in the waiting room. We recieved hourly updates as to Anthony's well being and progress. We knew when they began the procedure, when he went onto bypass, came off of bypass, and when his heart began to beat again on its own. After 5 hours Anthony's procedure was over and successful.
Anthony remained in Pediatric Intensive care for two days . On the fourth day, Anthony returned home with a smile on his face. My little man astonished several people with his steadfast recovery.
Now, at nine months, Anthony is crawling, walking, and talking. Despite Anthony's illness and future procedures, in the present Anthony is indeed well.
I frequently think of when I had to turn my back and walk away from my son. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Here I was his mom and I couldn't put a band aid on his owie. I had to relinquish my son to God and his will.
Everyday of my life I wake up with a reality that my son will face these difficult times for the rest of his life, and then I remember telling him "Thank You" , as he went into surgery. I wanted to thank him for the pleasure of knowing him, his spirit, his smile, his touch, his warmth, his growth, and his unconditional love. Anthony truly is my Angel.
Check back for more updates this summer!!!!
Thank You,
Julie&Anthony!!!!
