A Quick Update from Mom and a Guest Post from Dad – Day 6

Hannah does not feel up to posting tonight- so Mom and Dad are filling in:

From Mom- Hannah had a tough tummy day and is starting to feel depressed about the weights, the discomfort and the frustration of the entire situation. She has a lot of discomfort in her neck and back. Her weights are up to 22lbs. Her nurses arranged a visit from a different therapy dog- Dilly. Dilly brought a smile to Hannah’s face and she had a visit with him and just sat petting him with her eyes closed. She also received a gift from our dear friends in the UK which not only made her smile- but caused her to start speaking with a British accent to her nurse- since she is now an “honorary Brit”. We have upped her pain meds and her Valium to help with the discomfort- but we are keeping an eye on her tummy. Thank you all so much for your messages and responses to the blog- I read them all to her and she loves hearing all the positive messages from our friends and family. Thank you so much for your continued love, support and positive messages. – Jenean

From Dad:

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” – Angela Schwindt

That quote was shared with Jenean and I in a picture collage given to us as a gift from Larisa when Hannah and Aidan were not quite two years old. I was reminded of it this week as I’ve watched my baby girl face incredibly difficult obstacles and crushing each of them one by one. 

Since we learned that Hannah needed to have the spinal fusion this past summer, I have tried my best to “get prepared.” I knew that I needed to mentally prepare for myself, but also remain positive and upbeat for Hannah and her brothers and sister. As any parent can imagine, it is not easy watching your child prepare herself for something like this. It is incredibly scary and the list of what-could-go-wrong scenarios plays on repeat in your mind constantly. We spent the summer blocking it out the best we could and we made the best of the situation and enjoyed every minute we had together.

Nonetheless, this Tuesday finally arrived. No turning back. We had talked it all through multiple times as a family but we were now at the point that “the wait” was over. All of us and all of you were scared for her and were scared of what could happen. None of that compared to how scared she was. It was also the moment I saw her find her fierceness. With the help of her mom, she dug deep and got out of the car and walked into the hospital on her own two feet.

She has been nothing less than impressive and resilient every minute since then, and she has continued to embrace her courage in the face of her fears. Has she been sad at times, yes. Has she been emotional, absolutely. We all have. But to see my girl so confidently push through all of the pain, emotions, and physical limitations resulting from her surgery and placement of her halo, has been nothing short of extraordinary to witness. 

I also want to share how incredible Aidan has been also. As “pre-teens” you can imagine that Hannah and Aidan don’t always see eye to eye. They have their fair share of fights and may have picked up some less than desirable traits from their mom and I, including stubbornness. That made me even more impressed with how kind, caring, and concerned Aidan has been for his sister. It has reminded me of their love and devotion to each other. He has not only supported Hannah, but he has also stepped up at home to help Declan and Betty Rose as well. I’m proud of you, A. 

I know we are only five days in, and Hannah has a long way to go and more obstacles to face, but I have a renewed confidence because of my family and especially our kids. They have reminded me to be kind; to be loving; to be courageous when faced with fear and anxiety; and to not fear the hard path – as that path is what leads to life’s greatest rewards. 

Thank you, Hannah. Thank you, Aidan. You have truly taught me what life is all about. I love you.

– Dad