What a year it has been and it all came to a peaceful birthday celebration today!! Brycen celebrated his 1st birthday today and after all the parties he's already had, we decided just to spend it as a family at the park. He loved it and so did we. What an awesome day to celebrate and reflect on such a difficult year. In addition to his golf clubs, Mickey Mouse, and helicopter from us, I also wrote Brycen a letter so that one day he can reflect on what he went through.
May 29, 2009
Brycen,
Happy Birthday buddy! You’re not old enough to understand this right now, much less read it, but one day you’ll be able to. I hope you can look back on it and understand just how much you mean to your mom and I.
One year ago today, you came into this world at 6:14am. The feeling of knowing that you were truly here and that you were my son can’t be put into words. I had always heard it from my parents growing up, but it truly is a special feeling that only a parent can understand. I’ll never forget my first impression of you and it was, “Wow! Look at that hair!” When I cut the cord and the nurse took you to clean you up, I rushed over to watch them wash you off and weigh you. I was so proud! I couldn’t take enough pictures. Your entire first day here was filled with excitement from one visitor to the next.
The next day though was one our family will never forget. We were so excited to take you home, but then Dr. Wagle told us of the news. You had a heart murmur that led to the detection of more heart troubles. You had coarctation of the aorta and we’re getting enough blood to your legs. All of the excitement your mom and I felt was wiped away and fear and anxiety took over. You would be flown on Angel One to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for further treatment. Yep, you got to go on a helicopter and even through all of the fear and emotion, I was jealous that you were getting to fly.
We made it to Little Rock about an hour after you did and we found you in the NICU with your favorite nurse Ms. Cydne. You were in your crib just sound asleep and as peaceful as you could be. I knew right then that you were a fighter and a winner. You made it through the weekend and then had open heart surgery that Monday, June 2. What was supposed to be 7 or 8 hours took only 3 and you were in recovery. After a long and scary battle that Monday afternoon and night you again defied the odds and continued your road to recovery. From Tuesday morning on, with each passing hour you made stride after stride and overcame the battle. At the young age of 1 week old, you had been through more obstacles than most people go through in their entire life. In 1 week you proved yourself to be a champion.
But, Brycen, what you proved most of all is that you are a child of Jesus Christ. Without Him in our lives, you wouldn’t be here today to push your fire truck, ride in the wagon, or call the Hogs with Daddy. But Jesus has a Mighty plan for you and your future. Your story is so incredible that God will use you in everything you do. And guess what? You’ve got the scars to prove it.
Every year on this day we will celebrate your birthday and all the joys that you have brought to us. And every year on this day we will always remember the battle you fought. But, every day we wake up on this Earth we will remember that Brycen David is a gift from God.
I love you!
Dad
May 29, 2009
Brycen,
Happy Birthday buddy! You’re not old enough to understand this right now, much less read it, but one day you’ll be able to. I hope you can look back on it and understand just how much you mean to your mom and I.
One year ago today, you came into this world at 6:14am. The feeling of knowing that you were truly here and that you were my son can’t be put into words. I had always heard it from my parents growing up, but it truly is a special feeling that only a parent can understand. I’ll never forget my first impression of you and it was, “Wow! Look at that hair!” When I cut the cord and the nurse took you to clean you up, I rushed over to watch them wash you off and weigh you. I was so proud! I couldn’t take enough pictures. Your entire first day here was filled with excitement from one visitor to the next.
The next day though was one our family will never forget. We were so excited to take you home, but then Dr. Wagle told us of the news. You had a heart murmur that led to the detection of more heart troubles. You had coarctation of the aorta and we’re getting enough blood to your legs. All of the excitement your mom and I felt was wiped away and fear and anxiety took over. You would be flown on Angel One to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for further treatment. Yep, you got to go on a helicopter and even through all of the fear and emotion, I was jealous that you were getting to fly.
We made it to Little Rock about an hour after you did and we found you in the NICU with your favorite nurse Ms. Cydne. You were in your crib just sound asleep and as peaceful as you could be. I knew right then that you were a fighter and a winner. You made it through the weekend and then had open heart surgery that Monday, June 2. What was supposed to be 7 or 8 hours took only 3 and you were in recovery. After a long and scary battle that Monday afternoon and night you again defied the odds and continued your road to recovery. From Tuesday morning on, with each passing hour you made stride after stride and overcame the battle. At the young age of 1 week old, you had been through more obstacles than most people go through in their entire life. In 1 week you proved yourself to be a champion.
But, Brycen, what you proved most of all is that you are a child of Jesus Christ. Without Him in our lives, you wouldn’t be here today to push your fire truck, ride in the wagon, or call the Hogs with Daddy. But Jesus has a Mighty plan for you and your future. Your story is so incredible that God will use you in everything you do. And guess what? You’ve got the scars to prove it.
Every year on this day we will celebrate your birthday and all the joys that you have brought to us. And every year on this day we will always remember the battle you fought. But, every day we wake up on this Earth we will remember that Brycen David is a gift from God.
I love you!
Dad
May 29, 2009
