36 Things

A year ago at this time, Hayden was in the hospital for 36 days ( feel read to read the older posts from that time period). So, here are 36 things we are thankful for.
1. Dr. Duke Cameron. While Rob admires your hands, literally ( he claims they are incedibly soft, but we can discuss Rob's issues later),I admire the work you do with those hands. As a pediatric cardiac surgeon you are simply amazing.Saving lives, working gracefully under pressure and always offering calm sand reassurig words.
2. Dr. Luca Vricella. Simply awesome. Thank you for placing your black voodoo box on Hayden's bed. You believed in Hayden and you valued and respected our opinion, even on the hard decisions.Always took the time to let me look at a film or results and throw out my take on things.
3. Dr. Joel Brenner. Our sounding board, guide, advisor and dear friend. You have been through it all with us and always stand by us. You are willing to have the tough conversations and truly hear our side. Our opionion is always part of your equation. Hayden adores you. Plus, you get my sarcasm and never judge me for it... I think. You may never, ever retire ;-)
4.PICU Nurses. OK, you are the most amazing people, EVER. The things you see, do,deal with each day...unthinkable. You guys not only took care of Hayden but Rob and I as well. Some of you even came out of it as our friends:-) So, I am gonna be specific here. Thanks to the following nurses who took care of Hayden ( yes, I kept track in my little notebook): Keri, Adrienne, DVP, Vanessa, Serenity, Jacqui, Candace, Katie, Chris, Maureen, Erin, Mary, Melisa, Consuela, Julie, Michael, Dana, Cynthia, Laceter, Jenn, Megan Sha., Christina, Nikki, Amy, Dawn, the other Megan, Michelle,Missy, Pam.
5.PICU Attendings and Fellows. You guys were with us round the clock dealing with every little hiccup. You work tirelessly.
6. PICU RT Team. Thank you. Intubated vs. extubated is the least fun game to play. Throw in BiPap and respiratory distress and it becomes and even less fun game. You worked with us and to keep Hayden safe, but also to get him breathing on his own.
7.Pediatrc Cardiology Team. There are so many of you who are so important to us. We trust you, your intuition and knowledge. You guided us and shared with us. We would recommend you to anyone.
8. Dr. Holmes. Yep, a shout out just for you. For me,ersonally, you were an amazing sounding board. You listened to me and my instincts, spent time explaining specific medical issues and shared a very human side of yourself. You shared tears with me and a good deal of laughter. You fought for my kid ( and rammed the bed of a girk who has just returned from a SPINAL FUSION!!!!) and I am forever grateful.
9.Child Life. Making the hospital normal. What an oxymoron! But, you guys do it. Child Life Liz, you are amazing. You job is incredibke hard. The PICU is not normal...at all. You work tirelessly to make the kids content, even happy. You have compassion for famiies and their adverse situations.
10. Grammy and Pop, aka.Mom and Dad. You took us in, fed us, did laundry, cared for our fish and pretty much did anything we needed. You made an Easter basket for Rob so that he would have an Easter. You drove to our house to pick up my checkbook. You sat with us, everyday, at Hayden's bedside. You made Hayden laugh. You fielded phone calls, supported us, listen to us. You are simply amazing .We love you.
11. Betsy. Words cannot express how much your friendship means to me. You listened and shared in our chalenges and successes. You knew everything and I know that was a burden, but you kept it together when you talked to me and reminded me that we were making good decisions for the right reasons.You are a constant reminder that family has nothing to do with blood. ( I guess that is why Hayden says you are like his Aunt and John is like his Uncle...but Maggie is his sister? Hmmm)Big, wet kisses.
12.Amazing Friends who visited us,cared for us, loved us. Robyn, Kelly, Bush's, Jon. It is not easy to visit a child in the PICU but you have no idea how much your visits meant to us. Having someone to sit and eat lunch with or chat in a waitingroom with was so important.
13.Kevin and Jenn. You guys rock. You visted, fed and spent time with us. You brought Rob Easter Dinner. You checked in on Hayden constantly. He is so fortunate to have such an amazing Aunt and Uncle.WE love you guys!
14.Grandma and Pop-Pop. That drive isn't a short one, is it? Thank you for coming down to see us and for supporting us.
15. Grammie and Papou. You are amazing. Talking to you is always grounding. Your visits were a respite for both Hayden and I. You were among the few that he would stay with. He LOVED listening to Papou read to him. He loved spending time with both of you. How lucky are we to have you as grandparent set #3!
16. Canal Run Bunco/Drunko. The best friends and neighbors we coukd ever ask for. Mowing, moving our furniture ( in and out) and giving us wine juice boxes...awesome. Thank you for always checking on us and sharing our story with so many others. A BIG thanks for the welcome home girl's night. It was much needed and so fun. I love a boa:-)
17. All of you who checked in via e-mail/phone on a regular basis. Teresa, Jamie, Cathy, Karen, Mel,Debbie, Lynn,Kim, Chrisse, Cass,Dayna,The Durkins, Leener. It is so hard to be away from the real world for so long. It is nice to know that the outside worlds still exists. It is awkward to reach out to those in an adverse situation and you did just that. Hugs!
18. Rob's support system. Ken, Chris Ma, Chris Mu,Dave, Bush. You guys have no idea what your phone calls and conversations meant to Rob. You gave him someone to talk to ( besides me!) and provided great distraction.
19. FHS friends. You are always so loving and supportive. I work with some amazing people. I cannot name all of you, but your generosity, prayers and love have meant so much to us.
20. Cathy and Kelly. Who else would grade essays for me? Love you both.
21.Beth Sholom. Teachers, friends, families. Hayden receiveed so much love, prayers, support from so many of you. Great video clips sent to cheer him up. A Miss Beth visit once we came home. Check in e-mails from Margie. You are all wonderful.
22. Timber Grove Elem. You guys have always done so much for us. Thank you for feeding us. Thank you for thinking of us. Thank you for taking care of my mom.
23. Isabella. For being Hayden's " girlfriend", sending him art work ( that he had us hang up)and being the first person he wanted to call once he got to a room.
24.Debbie. That you for always checkiing in and sending prayers,. Your goodie bags are always appreciated. You have been there and you get it.
25. Aunt Iris and Uncle Leon. Thank you for providing us with so much support and giving my parents support as well.
26.Aunt Mrya and Uncle Harv. You are always there to chat and to feed us. Just what we needed.
27. Doovie. Thank you for always thinking of us and calling. Thank you for the AMAZING support for the tournament and our fundraising efforts.
28.Rob. I am thankful for you, everyday. You are an amazing man. As a husband, you support me, love me and put up with my " quirks". We have been through so much more than we wanted to go through, but have always come out stronger. Your devotion to me and our family of three is evident in all of your actions. As a father, you are the best. You are incredible with Hayden. You took the night shift; that says it all. He adores you and every minute that you spend together. I love you more than my fingers can type.
30. Hayden. Hayd, Dad and I love you more than anything. More than the moon, the stars and the light? You are the toughest, bravest, strongest, most resilient boy I know. Your laugh makes me smile. Your smile makes me smile. Your silly, ridiculous personality, makes me smile. I never imagined that I;d fall in love this way. Everyday with you is a gift that we cherish.
31.Laughter. It cures what ails you. If it weren't for laughing, I'd have to cry and that is way less fun.
32. A deeper appreciation for life and what is important. Most importantly,time spent together. Playing Candyland. Watching a movie. Dancing. Gardening. Cooking.Snuggling.Vacationing. Arguing. Reading. Vacuming. Thankful for all of it. Each moment is more precious than the next .I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to appreciate people, moments and time.
33.Wine, Vodka, Beer, Moonshine, etc. I know, it doesn't seem appropriate, but, well, it sure helps:-)
34.The kindness of strangers. Thank you. So many people reached out to us and many of them were complete strangers. It reminded me that the world is not a bad plavce and that people are good. I challenge you do to something kind for someone you do not know, they will appreciate it.
35.Thoughts and prayers. They are might powerful.
36. All of you. If you are reading this, you are important to us, You have shared in our story, shared our story with other and become an important part of our lives.
And one for good luck... Research, funding and medical advancements .