Every year, I tell myself and my kids this is gonna be our year. However, the last few years, although happy and blessed, have been kinda tough.
This last year, as you know, has been challenging for Walker. Two brain surgeries in one year...well, that's not easy. But he's handled it all with a smile and lots of courage.
Yesterday, Walker had another MRI and a follow-up with his neurosurgeon. I have to admit that, when we walked into the exam room, we both had a moment of fear and doubt. We talk positively and try to be upbeat, but, well, we've gotten a lot of bad news in that room. This time, the news was good: The syrinx in his spine is (finally!) shrinking! It has reduced by about two-thirds. His spine is healing and is filling back in where the syrinx was. Best of all (at least in Walker's eyes), the doctor says he can play lacrosse. No tackle football -- ever -- but yes, lacrosse, Walker's passion.
When we heard the news, the color that had drained from Walker's face came rushing back. He sat there, stunned. Then he smiled a little half-smile and I thought this boy is going to be okay. K rushed in a couple of minutes later (have you ever had a doctor that walked into an appointment two minutes early?!) and, after we quickly told him the news, sank into a chair... relieved. I asked a few questions, stared in disbelief when the doctor said that--unless we have any (unlikely) issues-- he'd see us in a year, then we walked out to a beautiful, sunny day.
Deciding to do a second surgery was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. It was a true test of faith. And now I see that it was the right thing. My dad said something to me back then and I repeated his words in my mind when I got scared. He said I should make the best decision I could, then Heavenly Father would take care of the rest and make sure that things were right for Walker. I think that's exactly what's happening.
This time, I mean it: This is gonna be our year.
It better be your year. You've had enough difficulty. So glad to hear Walker is doing good. I was going through old papers this week and saw a little note card with Huttons cute picture on it. I'm not even sure what it was for, but it got me thinking about him and how much he's been through and how far he's come. I think he deserves a cute little dog. How can you resist Huttons puppy dog eyes from your previous post.
Posted by: Lori | January 08, 2012 at 08:49 PM
Has he played Lax?? I thought of you guys this year as the yr mark is coming up for me. So it must have already pasted for Walker first surgery! He is a very brave boy and gave me the courage to do it too. I hope all is well with your family!
Posted by: Deb Rust | May 07, 2012 at 10:06 PM