May 24, 2010 - Game On!

We have settled in for night two in the Tactical Operations Center, tour two, midnight shift. Area of operations: Cardiac Unit, The Children’s Hospital.

Our little gladiator had a relatively good day. He was able to eat a little breakfast, more for dinner and several tacos for supper. Everything stayed down, and that was a blessing. A few visits from friends and family today helped keep his mind from too much focus on the situation, and this too was a blessing. We took a little walk outside but he petered out pretty quick. But it was a beautiful day and the sunshine and fresh air was great for the soul.

One of Garrett’s surrogate sets of grandparents showed up this morning with good coffee, bagels and fruit. It was one of the best breakfast’s I’ve ever had. After Kathy graciously took the first watch last night I got some sleep for the first time in a couple of days. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how a few hours of uninterrupted sleep can help recharge the batteries. I’ve got it tonight and she and Jessi are across the hall in a family sleep room.

A very special gift today came in the form of our blessed Greenwood family. They really cheered Garrett up. During the week of the second anniversary of Nicholas going to be with Jesus, they put their own pain aside and reached out to us. We’re more grateful than I can express. I'm quite sure one of the reasons God chose Nick, is because He knows the incredible love this family has for others. They arrived this afternoon bearing a bouquet of flowers with a butterfly. The butterfly has a very significant role in this story and I will explain that sometime down the road, but suffice to say we are surrounded by angels tonight.

We also got a visit from one of Garrett’s very best friends in the world. He brought the tacos, which is Garrett’s favorite food. Best buddies always know that kind of stuff. Just the ability to laugh and joke around with friends probably did more for him in a short time than all of the medicine did all day.

We also learned today of another little 8 year old boy who just got his second heart, almost identically to Garrett’s situation a few years ago. The family is petrified and we have given our blessing for the family to visit with us. We can’t feel their pain, but we can sure come close. If we can do anything to help them understand the road, we will. Please keep them in your prayers.

The transplant team explained a little further today what is most likely happening right now. The rejection he’s fighting is still the same one that brought us here in early April. The first round of infusion definitely knocked it down, but not out. It slowly festered undetected until the biopsy. That procedure was enough stress on Garrett’s body for it to show its ugly face in earnest again. The operational plan is not completely set, but we have a pretty good idea of the mission.

Most likely Garrett will undergo yet another surgical procedure in the morning to put a large straight-line tube in his neck that will facilitate at least two separate chemo-type infusions and possibly actual chemo. It will also be used for the plasmaferesis. They also related that it may even take a third try to make this happen, and he will most likely have to have another biopsy in a couple of months.

Garrett is plenty scared right now and said to me tonight, “I don’t even remember what my home looks like. I just want to go home.” “Daddy, why do I have to get sick in order to get better?” “Do you think Jesus is trying to send a message?” Without a doubt Jesus is sending a message. He knows what is best and is obviously using Garrett for His glory. I assured him that Jesus is not mad at him, and he has done nothing to deserve any of this. He is actually very special because God entrusts him with such a powerful mission.

He’s resting now. He was feeling a little poorly tonight, so I’m glad he seems to be sleeping quietly. As I sit here watching him doze, I thought of Ret. Army Lt.Gen. Hal Moore’s number one leadership principle – “Three strikes and you are not out. There is always one more thing you can do.” That is where we are right now. There will always be one more thing, and after that, one more. We love and ache for him so very much it's as if a sword is being thrust through us as well. Watching your child, day after day hurting and scared tears at the very fibre of your being. The temptation to mope and brood is so strong, but we will not weaken, nor will we display anything but a positive attitude. Anything less is inviting failure and complete victory is not optional. There is no kidding around about this one. We are in a battle and it’s game-on.

Tomorrow is a new day. It will try to have us be full of trepidation, but we will arm ourselves with the power of God and the warrior spirit of one bullhide tough little cowboy. He may have scored 99pts on Bodacious the other day, but now he's pulling his rope on Mossy Oak Mudslinger. We will continue to Cowboy Up. He does.

End your day on your knees, and I promise you’ll land on your feet in the morning.
God bless you.


JD