Year ONE

One year ago...52 weeks ago...365 days ago...life as we knew it would change forever. At this time last year Nick and I were kissing Jackson good bye as he was rolled in to surgery. Our son was nearly 5 months old, and had never left his hospital bed. Decision making that ultimately effects the quality of life for your child was "new" to us. It was scary, sad, and a big realization that life as we know it would never be the same.

Tracheostomy.
We read all of the pamphlets, books, and instruction manuals on how to "care" for a trach...  It didn't sound too challenging. What they don't prepare you for is the mental toll it takes on you caring for a "sick child."

Jackson on his way to surgery.

The procedure itself went very well. We were told it could take around 3 hours to perform the tracheostomy, g-tube placement, and ingunal hernia repair. Just an hour and half later Jackson was back in his room recovering.

Jackson, a few minutes after surgery

As much as I would like to forget that day and all of the emotions, tears, and anxiety that came along with it, Jackson would not be here today if it were not for this procedure. God was watching over him. His prognosis when we left the hospital was poor... he was sent home to be "comfortable"... He sure showed them! Today 1 year later his prognosis is Excellent.

I would love to type more and elaborate on the entire day, but it's making my head hurt just thinking about everything that went on. Some days it feels like yesterday... and other times it feels like an eternity. God Speed.