Unexpectedly

After fighting with Children's Hospital for a week over surgery scheduling to put in Micah's 7th set of ear tubes, I got a call this morning that it could happen. That was nice. It only took 9 phone calls over the course of 4 days to make it happen. I am nothing if not persistent.

The local ENT said that they needed to check his heart and lungs to determine his state of health before the surgery could happen, and could I bring him in today at 12:30? They were sorry for the inconvenience. Really though, it wasn't. I was thrilled to comply. And not to have to drive to Pittsburgh for it.

The staff at the local ENT just adore Micah. It's his DS that they are in love with, actually. This makes me smile deep down in my heart. As we were leaving, another of their favorite patients came in. She's 27 years ahead of Micah, but she's walking our path. I was thrilled to make her acquaintance.

Her mother instantly recognized Micah, even though we'd never met. Her daughter had been to the x-ray department and met Sam several times before, and Micah looks a wee bit like his father. And then we proceeded to talk. About how blessed we are as parents of these children who don't hold grudges. About how difficult it is on occasion to live with a disability. About doctors and family and special programs. It was like meeting an old friend.

Parenting a child with Downs is a denominating factor unlike any I've ever seen. Parents of two year olds will chat over the Terrible Two stage, and feel a connection. I know, I've been there. But parents of kids with DS are like family. It matters not that we've never met before, we all know exactly what it's like walking in these shoes. We have our different variations, but we're family. We're there to help. We're there to encourage. We're there to give a hug. We're simply there.

It's one of the biggest blessings of being Micah's mom. The extended family is simply amazing.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I feel the same way about other Mom's who have lost pregnancies/babies - they just get it - ALL of it. I am so glad that you have your extended family and that they are there to offer you such love and support. How neat to run into the other Mom!

My name is Sarah said...

This is Joyce. Thankfully I am drinking hot coffee as I just read thru the last five or so posts. Wow so much is happening in your world. Exciting about Disney and what an added bonus for the kids of being in the village. Love the BILFH. I paid for two of my SILFH to come with us the day our oldest sons marching band all the way from Ohio played at Epcot. They stayed for less than an hour, one didn't even make the performance. They live in Orlando. Such is life - their loss hugh. Love the concentration on Micah's face decorating the pumpkin. So cute.

ds.mama said...

We are a big family, and I love it too!

Trisha said...

Yeah about the surgery! It will be so nice not to have to drive so far for it to happen! It sounds like your meeting at the hospital was wonderful.

Cecily R said...

I don't know if its because I haven't been here in a while (sorry I'm such a blog loser) or what, but gee whiz that made me get all choked up!

What an amazing family (all of it) you have!!

Karen Deborah said...

ah this is just great news and I really like your haircut in your new photo, I didn't realize that it was you at first.

HalfAsstic.com said...

I think I've mentioned to you before that I have a cousin I grew up with that is 2 years younger than me who has DS. I can understand what you mean as I saw the same thing repeatedly with her family interacting at Special Olympics and other activities that had DS children. It is so good to have peers for the children as well. ;-)

CC said...

I've found the EXACT same thing with adoptive families. Especially international adoption. The bond and connection I have with so many is amazing.

Tara said...

Love the family of Ds! The most unexpected, yet welcome part of the journey for me.

Your post made me choke up a little, too.

Karen said...

Tara - welcome to our family. :)

Michelle said...

Yay to getting the surgery scheduled. Boo to it taking so much effort -- blood being taken while the tubes go in? :)