"Once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12



“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.”- William Butler Yeats





Sunday, March 15, 2009

Almost There

IMG_70771

Kai misses his family so much! This morning he drew this picture for me. It's Mama, Daddy and all his siblings.


We're still here. I'm going cover Kai's update but there's no way I could do so without first (again) saying a huge thank you to so many of you. You truly have no idea what it means to me when I open your emails and read that your churches and families are lifting up Kai in prayer. Yesterday I received a phone call from a reader that a mass asking for prayers for Kai had been given at a convent in Santiago, Cuba. Families are praying in Norway, Mexico, Canada, across the U.S., the U.K. and I'm sure there are other places that my feeble mind cannot think of at this moment as I wipe tears away. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! (If I have not responded yet to your emails, I definitely will. The internet connection in ICU is comparable to China's. I guess that says it all.)

In the midst of all of this, there have been so many times this week that I have thought about his birthmom. I would love for her to someday know what an amazing little boy she blessed us with. I know that her heart would fill with joy if she knew how happy he makes everyone he meets, but more importantly how happy he is. That's why watching his struggle makes it all the more difficult.

Kai had a great day yesterday, except when he slept. He's tired. Physically. Emotionally. He's scared and truly doesn't see himself as "sick", making it so hard for him to understand why it is he's here. There's no way you can explain surgery to a 4 year old, especially one who's been through it already 5 times since he's been home. But, man oh, man! This boy is a trooper. He's got a hot, little temper and by no means does he willfully agree to be poked and prodded. Yet, after the moment ceases, he's immediately back to his playful, joyful, loving self.

Last night he had a Sleep Study or Polysomnogram done. The "man in the white coat" came in and Kai immediately became leary and rigid. As the man rolled his equipment-filled-cart into the double doors of the ICU, Kai instinctively knew it was for him. We quickly tried telling him that there would be no ouchies and that they were only putting little stickers on him, like the many that he already has on. No dice. The fear in his eyes set in as he s-c-r-e-a-m-e-d bloody murder, heard throughout the halls of the ICU. I handed him his little pillow, one that he never parts with, and he threw it across the room. I tried getting close to him, he pushed me away. Scott received the same reception to his approach. So, we did what had to be done and held him down for approximately 45 minutes until he was completely covered with gold plated surface electrodes that were glued to his skin and scalp. Then two sensor belts that recorded his breathing were tightly strapped around his abdomen and chest. Finally, the killer was the Nasal Airflow Sensor. This is a long strip that gets taped down to his face, above his upper lip, from cheek to cheek. This sensor records breath temperature, airflow, apnea and hypopnea events.

IMG_70692



By tomorrow we should know everything about his sleeping patterns, including how many times he stops breathing, for how long and how often. I know that we watched him and the monitor most of the night and I had to hold my own breath as I was watching his breathing cease for up to 40 seconds at some points. Very scary! He was not allowed to be on HeliOx (oxygen/helium mix that he has been on) nor of course, was any sedation permitted. When his oxygen level went down to dangerous levels and remained like that for more than 10 seconds, a quick "blow-by" of pure oxygen was given to him. These episodes continued the entire night. He didn't sleep well at all, and obviously neither did Mama.

This morning, Scott arrived at the hospital bright an early with breakfast. Kai got his first shower (after much begging the doctors) in almost a week and he looked and felt great. At about noon, I sleepily stumbled my way out the door of the ICU and to the apartment, where I took a quick shower and fell into bed. I awoke 2 hours later feeling so much better!!!!

Since the surgery is tomorrow and Scott has to head back to Fort Myers, it means that I will be manning the fort alone as of tomorrow night. We unanimously decided that I will go get a full night's sleep tonight while Scott stays bedside. That way, I will have the energy to keep going for at least another 3 days. We're reaching the end of this journey, God willing, and I can't wait to get there!

Tomorrow morning, Kai will be taken for an audiology test and then will have his adenoidectomy. We still don't know the time. Most children go home the next day or some even the same day after this surgery, but due to Kai's severe sleep apnea, he needs to remain in observation with monitors in ICU for at least 2 nights. My goal to getting home is Wednesday. If this happens, we just have to figure out how I'll get back since Scott is taking the car back home tomorrow night. But in the scheme of things....that is SO small.

Much love and many thank you's for your prayers.....

Ohilda, Scott, Kai and the entire Bombardier clan!

PS. Some of you have written asking about Scott's version of the helicopter. He did post it. I'm not sure why some of you haven't seen it. You can find it by clicking HERE.

9 comments :

Aus said...

Blessing guys - Kai - you keep being tough and hold onto that temper - it will serve you well! Rest well Ohilda - Scott - no movies tonight for you (How was BoB? - Great I bet!) Hugs to you and the folks waiting at home!

aus and co.

The Ferrill's said...

Ohilda I will so be lifting up little man to our BIG GOD...HE IS ABLE!!!!!!!!!
Isaiah 43:1-4
"But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. for I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you..."

Amy said...

Dear O' and Scott,

That sickness has now spread through the family (NOTHING in the scheme of things, but I've not been able to get onto the computer today). Just want you to know that our entire family has Kai (and Mommy and Daddy!) in our prayers, and we are anxiously awaiting the words that he is out of surgery and doing WELL!

Try to sleep tonight, sweet friend.

Much Love and Big Hugs,
A.

Jewels of My Heart said...

I love the picture Kai drew of his family.... everyone is smiling!
I am so sorry that you are all having to go through this. I honestly cannot imagine how hard, heartbreaking and scary it must be for you and for him.
I thank God that so many around the world are standing before the Father's throne in the Name of Jesus for your little guy. Yes, Kai God has a special plan for Kai... He has already used him to bring people together all across the globe.
God's healing and to God be the glory.
Thank You Jesus!
Will be praying.

glo said...

hey, i can't read ur blog from work, or get on facebook, so give me a call when you hear something or tell scott to text me (u REALLY need to learn how to do that). keep my little ring boy safe, and don't worry about a ride home will figure something out. maybe we can drive you half way and adam pick u up half way like literally we can drop you off in the middle of aligator ally or somehting lmao. j/k xoxo

day by day said...

Hey Ohilda! Thanks for the update! Poor Kai! And you must be so exhausted. I am sure that all of you are sooo ready to be back home. What a sweet picture that Kia drew!

I just read the previous post and saw all of the pics. My friend, you look beautiful in that picture of you and Kia together! Not run down and tired...at all! That is a great picture!!

Love you!

Jill W said...

Your little guy has been added to our prayer intention book at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish in West Bend, WI. We are praying for healing for your little man.

Cyndi said...

Ohilda, I don't really see the need to even think about needing a ride back in a few days...first off, I think you'll probably skip there the whole way with Kai in your arms! And more importantly, I simply think that God will provide. A way will present itself.
You wondering about Kai's birthmom struck a chord with me...as I often think of Lily's birthmom.....wondering if she realizes what a huge treasure Lily is and how humbled I am to be raising her as her momma. :o)
I know that it's morning time now in Florida, so I'll cut this short to lift another prayer. I know God's angels are surrounding the surgeons and Kai every step of the way...close your eyes and concentrate...they are by your side as well!

RamblingMother said...

I am reading back so I am praying for all of you!

Blog Widget by LinkWithin