A Reflection of 2012

As I sit here and reflect on 2012 I cannot help but be so grateful how far the kids have come despite all the bumps in the road medically. We have an amazing support around us of Family, Friends, Nurses, Doctors, Therapists, Teachers and the list goes on. We could not have gotten through 2012 without each and every person.

In February Callie underwent tonsil and adenoid removal. We also asked for one of her ear tubes to come out as she was having issues along with a nasal scope. We just felt she was not breathing through her nose correctly. The surgery went well, however it did result in a septic blood infection which meant we had to give her IV antibiotics. This was our first treatment of IV meds at home. We also learned her nose was not open and were referred to other doctors. Getting to the correct doctor became a challenge and it was not until July when we connected with the correct person. After that appointment it was September when we got in for a second opinion. Although we still had not got anywhere on her nose all the tests that were ran resulted in a new finding. Her brain was growing, however her skull was not. It was 1 complete fused bone. She would need to have surgery on her skull to make it bigger before doing anything else. In October she underwent her first skull surgery along with neck surgery to remove a small bone. The surgery once again went well, however ended up in a terrible infection at the incision site of her neck. We were right back to IV antibiotics at home. This time it was not so simple. The line broke twice and we finally took it out and put her on oral antibiotics. This resulted in an allergic reaction to a medication she had been on many times in the past. Since the surgery she has been amazing. She is so happy, loves to crawl all over and look for her brother. When he is at school she crawls to his bedroom at the end of the hall to look for him, only to find he is not there. It is so much fun just to watch her move and smile. I truly cannot get enough of it. When I lay on the floor she loves to lay on my head and give me kisses, which is more like a big slobber, but it is so cute when it is your own child. I am just so amazed each and every day when that surgery has done for her.

As for the rest of Callie’s year she also ended up having her eye surgery in May, which also resulted in and infection. Thankfully this one we were able to take care with oral antibiotics. It seemed very major at the time, but looking back at her year it really was minor. In and among all the medical and trips to the clinic she still sees all her therapists. They still come to the home instead of sending her to school. Hopefully this fall she will go to the class room. She has an amazing team of therapists and teachers that work with her. One of her goals at the beginning of the school year was just to sit through one book. She is now doing 3 very well! Callie still loves to hear herself talk and look at her Best Friend in the Mirror. She goes everywhere with Callie.

As for Zak, he too has had a bit of a rough year. Thankfully it only started rough and the end was good. In March he got pneumonia and after doctoring and 3 trips to the ER he ended up in the hospital intubated (tube down his throat breathing for him). He had actually went to the clinic on a Monday afternoon and was doing great. Around 4:30-5:00 he started to cough and took a huge turn for the worst. We still really have no idea what happened to him. There are many theories, but no solid answers. He spent 4 days intubated and on day 5 we went home. I can honestly say I have never been so scared for my child’s life. I was a wreck! Thankfully he recovered well. It took him a few weeks to get all of his energy back. He did end up with a case of Bells Palsey from the infection. Slowly this went away too. By May he was doing well and at school he took a bit of a spill. Over the curb in his wheelchair and onto his face he landed, resulting in a broken nose. Once Zak got over the pain and shock he was back to himself. (Literally a few hours later.) He still has the scars to prove his battle. Zak has been such a happy BIG boy this year. He still loves his toys and all his friends at school. We are always hearing cute little stories about how he is hugging his friends at recess or trying to look up the little girls skirts. Everyone also tells us how wonderful he is to be around. He is truly a little blessing and so well mannered…most of the time. It has been 1 year now since he has had his new adaptive bike. We brought it to school for him so he could use it during gym. He has been doing amazing moving it and slowing learning to turn the wheel.

In between the visits we spent much of the summer in the pool in our back yard. The kids just loved it. Zak was swimming on his own with just an air tube around his chest. Callie loved to splash, but she was a bit more fussy on the temp of the water. Family and Friends were over most weekends swimming during the day and having a camp fire cook out at night. The new house has been amazing for the kids and allowed us to do so much more with them while having fun!

Big news for Shared Blessings in 2012. We officially became a Non-profit! We hosted an open house and two play groups at the end of the year. Santa was even able to join us for the last play group where the kids and families were able to get professional pictures taken! If you are interested in helping or donating to Shared Blessings in 2013 check out our website at http://sharedblessingskids.org/ or e-mail to admin@sharedblessingskids.org