Say hello to our brave little champ.

before surgery

Zachary has been having headaches for the last couple of days. After a phone call to the neurosurgeon, we brought him into the er for a cat scan of his brain. Sure enough, his shunt was blocked and not draining the fluid. We had our suspicions and had mentally prepared for this outcome. But, still nothing will ever prepare you for the helpless feeling of watching your child being wheeled down the hall for brain surgery. Let it be known that this type of brain surgery (a shunt malfunction) is a relatively simple procedure ...for a brain surgeon! Does that ease my mind...heck NO! But, knowing that Zach is being watched out by a Heavenly Father who loves him certainly does. During a prayer for Zachary Jeff felt the "still small voice" whisper to him, "everything will be fine". He was put to ease. And, ultimately so was I. In addition to peace from prayers, Jeff provides me the added assurance and comfort I crave.



Wednesday night at midnight Zach was taken into surgery. 2 hours later we were holding him in our arms. He was a brave little champ. The surgery went better than expected. He woke up hungry, wanted pizza as early as 6:00 am.

after surgery(obviously)Zachary was so polite and charming he had the nurses, dr's and the anesthesiologist wrapped around his finger. What a dear little child. Since, he did so well, we were discharged Thursday night. He had grown accustomed to all the attention, and at one point commented "Whew, I sure am being pampered" With an endless supply of pudding and a fully stocked game room, he was reluctant to leave the hospital. Surely, he was well of aware that life at home would resume to normal.

In my constant pursuit to equalize the attention for the girls during Zach's hardships, I must mention his sweet sisters. Ellie is laying beside her brother right now, reading him a story. She nurtures and takes care of him like only a twin sister can. Both girls made him get well cards and offered up their favorite stuffed animals for the hospital stay. Love those girls, what perfect sisters.

I must also mention our amazing friends! Everyone pitched in and offered us help. Thanks to Mia, for letting me drop off 2 sleepy girls at 11:00 at night. The girls loved their 1st ever sleep over. Meals, Meals and more meals. Thanks to everyone willing to prepare us dinner...or lunch in some cases. So many sweet gestures, cookies and little gifts for Zach. Wow, the generosity of our friends in Omaha astounds us.