Mad Props

So I realize that up to this point I have been mostly regurgitating my story for all to read. We have now reached the point in the story called, waiting to for the next appointment. I have an appointment with the neurosurgeon and the neurologist today. Hopefully, by this afternoon I will have the date for my biopsy set and I can start making some plans. Normally, life runs pretty smoothly. I go to work every day, I have meetings scheduled for certain days and times, I deal with things as they come up. The kids have their activities that they participate in and Keith has his work schedule. Well, that's all out the window. Right now I am at the mercy of the neurosurgeon, an OR schedule and bed availablility in the ICU. Fortunately, work is not a concern right now and the kids summer activities are done, but there are some things coming up. The kids start school next Monday. For those of you who didn't realize how grown up my kids are, Allison starts 1st grade and Colin starts Kindergarten (ACK!!!). I really want to be there for his first day of school. I have become pretty involved with our PTA. We have a BBQ planned for Friday and a Kindergarten breakfast planned for the first day of school. I hate having to say, I'm not sure if I can make it, I might be in the hospital getting a slice of my brain taken out. A pretty lame excuse, I know!!! Anyway, I am very fortunate that Mel,my good friend and our PTA president is very understanding. Probably because I volunteered to bake the cookies for the BBQ, so she doesn't have to worry about it!!! Also, my poor mom has been on pins and needles trying to plan her trip out here to coincide with my hospitalization.

I digress from the reason for this post! Without certain people, I think I would have been be curled up on the couch in the fetal position for the last 3 weeks. So here are some mad props to the people that have helped me out:

Keith: He has been my rock since this whole thing started! I don't know what I would have done without him over the last few weeks. He has been at every appointment and test, he's held my hand, he's listen to me sob about cancelled doctor's appointments and bad news and more tests and not sleeping and not being able to do what I normally do. Always with the appropriate amount of sympathy and humor. I could go on and on, but i don't want to bore you with my gushing!

Allison & Colin: They are young and don't know exactly what is going on, but they know that there is something. We have told that that mommy has something going on in her brain that is making her leg hurt and that the doctor is trying to fix it. They know that I am on some medicine that makes me sad and grouchy (Steroids) and they accept it. Allison will randomly ask "Is your leg better today mommy?" Mostly, they are just happy that I am home. We read stories, watch movies, go swimming and go to the library. It's been fun getting to spend time with them and not have to think about rushing off to do something else. They are sweet and beautiful and I am so blessed to have them in my life!
Mom & Dad: Unfortunately, they have had to hear about all of this over the phone. Not the ideal situation. I know that my mom's first instinct was to jump on a plane and come out here when all of this started. However, she smartly realizes that I will need her more in the coming weeks, with school starting and being hospitalized and whatever else that is going to transpire. I can hear the worry in their voices, but they have done a good job of hiding the fear I know that they are feeling. I am grateful that my mom is willing to put her life on hold and fly out here, so that I know that the kids can have some semblance of a normal life. She will get to re-live the elementary school years on the fly. Take heart mom, my friends all know that you are coming and are willing to pitch in and provide any advice needed!
Kathleen: My boss, my friend!!!! She has been extremely supportive during this time. We have been working on the big hospital move for basically since I started this job and I have this happen 3 weeks before the move!!!! She has been there to support me through this roller coaster, listening and laughing/crying with me, even though I know that she has so much other stuff going on. It is so nice to have a boss that cares about my emotional well being as well as my professional well being.
Mel, Craig, Katie, Aidan, Elyssa: Melissa, et al. have hosted my kids on several occasions over the past few weeks, sometimes on short notice. I am so grateful to have a friend like her who takes such great care of my kids. Plus, our kids have a great time playing together! Melissa has also helped me tremendously by just being able to talk about kids, back to school, work or watch a movie. My saving grace has been organizing and planning and thinking about other things, so I have ben doing some PTA projects that help fill my time. Also, a shout out to Rick, the nanny for taking on extra charges! I feel so lucky to count you all in my circle of friends!!!!
My Co-workers: You guys have been great listeners and supporters and prayer sayers!!! I will never forget on Mock Patient Day that I was having such a hard time. You all surrounded me with your presence and helped me get through that day! You are all a part of my family. Even though I am not with you physically helping with the move, I am thinking about you. I know you are going to continue to make the NICU a very special place.
Ami, Amanda & Kaitlyn: Thanks for pitching in and watching the bambinos! Also, thanks for the yummy dinner!! It was so nice to not have to think about what we were going to make for dinner and that was the best rice and beans I ever had!!!!
Rhonda, Cade, Colton, Kaleb & Kevin: For offering support and encouragement and watching the kids on short notice, too!!!!

So, obviously, I could go on and on!!! Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging. I guess you don't realize what a strong support system you have, until something like this happens. I better go!!! I have an appointment today and will hopefully have some more answers.