We had just come back from vacation. While we weren't dreading returning to Lansing or returning to work, we were dreading the impending surgery on our "little man," Erik, who is 18 months. He needed to have a procedure on a hernia and possibly two the day after we returned from vacation. So Thursday we took him into Sparrow Hospital for his surgery at 12:30 pm, only after he couldn't eat since the night before. Ever try to keep an 18 month old from eating or drinking anything after he wakes up? (He did pretty well though.)
The worst for us was yet to come. They got him his little gown, quite cute honestly with little spaceships on it. Mom already needed a few tissues, so daddy went in to change into the scrubs because one parent had to go into the operating room with the child to help him go under the anesthetic. The doctor came and talked to us about the procedure and was wonderful with us explaining everything including the way Erik was going to be after he was put under. "It is not like he is sleeping. It is quite different, so don't be alarmed." I appreciated greatly the "heads up," but I have to be honest, it was still frightening to see him look so lifeless.
After a time waiting, around 12:30 pm I carried him into a very brightly lit room with 6 other people in scrubs waiting to attend my son. Then another two came in. It They had me sit with him in a chair and hold him while they prepared the anesthetic. The doctors, nurses, and addendants were wonderful. One kept him distracted while they began. The doctor drew a dog on a bag attached to the machine. When it was blow up with air, Erik would be out.
Well, as you can guess, he did not like the mask being placed over his face. He had been great up until this point. I recall the doctor saying, "Man this kid is strong." After about four breaths or so, he was out. He was limp in my arms. The doctor told me to place him on the surgical bed. And when I did he just laid there, not like a sleep, but different. The only thing I ever saw like it was when I sat next to a small child lying dead in the middle of a highway, but that is a story for another time.
The doctor took off the mask and there he lay. He told me I could give him a kiss before I left. As I leaned over I kissed his little forehead and whispered in his ear, "The Lord bless you and keep you." I wanted my little man to know that Jesus was watching over him. Then my head pulled away and small tear dropped to his little forehead. As I walked away it occurred to me that I l was leaving my little boy to a bunch of strangers.
For those who do not believe in God, or that Jesus holds the little ones close to him, I feel very sorry for you, for that waiting room would seem awfully lonely.
Now, I know there are many parents there who have had there children undergo more series surgeries and procedures. But it is still difficult. We had been at the hospital before with Erik for heart issues and even life threatening RSV at 7 weeks old. This was different.
I recall the doctor telling us that he will not remember this experience in the hospital. I wish he would have told me that I would forget the experience.
About an hour or so later, the doctor came out and said that everything went fine. Erik did not wake up very happy though, but by the next morning he was his normal, run around, get into things he is not suposed to, self.
I found that I needed to write this, not only to share an experience with you, but to help me express the emotions of going through this. I thank the Lord for a wonderful wife, a bright daughter, a strong little boy, and a faith in Christ that holds us all together.
The worst for us was yet to come. They got him his little gown, quite cute honestly with little spaceships on it. Mom already needed a few tissues, so daddy went in to change into the scrubs because one parent had to go into the operating room with the child to help him go under the anesthetic. The doctor came and talked to us about the procedure and was wonderful with us explaining everything including the way Erik was going to be after he was put under. "It is not like he is sleeping. It is quite different, so don't be alarmed." I appreciated greatly the "heads up," but I have to be honest, it was still frightening to see him look so lifeless.
After a time waiting, around 12:30 pm I carried him into a very brightly lit room with 6 other people in scrubs waiting to attend my son. Then another two came in. It They had me sit with him in a chair and hold him while they prepared the anesthetic. The doctors, nurses, and addendants were wonderful. One kept him distracted while they began. The doctor drew a dog on a bag attached to the machine. When it was blow up with air, Erik would be out.
Well, as you can guess, he did not like the mask being placed over his face. He had been great up until this point. I recall the doctor saying, "Man this kid is strong." After about four breaths or so, he was out. He was limp in my arms. The doctor told me to place him on the surgical bed. And when I did he just laid there, not like a sleep, but different. The only thing I ever saw like it was when I sat next to a small child lying dead in the middle of a highway, but that is a story for another time.
The doctor took off the mask and there he lay. He told me I could give him a kiss before I left. As I leaned over I kissed his little forehead and whispered in his ear, "The Lord bless you and keep you." I wanted my little man to know that Jesus was watching over him. Then my head pulled away and small tear dropped to his little forehead. As I walked away it occurred to me that I l was leaving my little boy to a bunch of strangers.
For those who do not believe in God, or that Jesus holds the little ones close to him, I feel very sorry for you, for that waiting room would seem awfully lonely.
Now, I know there are many parents there who have had there children undergo more series surgeries and procedures. But it is still difficult. We had been at the hospital before with Erik for heart issues and even life threatening RSV at 7 weeks old. This was different.
I recall the doctor telling us that he will not remember this experience in the hospital. I wish he would have told me that I would forget the experience.
About an hour or so later, the doctor came out and said that everything went fine. Erik did not wake up very happy though, but by the next morning he was his normal, run around, get into things he is not suposed to, self.
I found that I needed to write this, not only to share an experience with you, but to help me express the emotions of going through this. I thank the Lord for a wonderful wife, a bright daughter, a strong little boy, and a faith in Christ that holds us all together.
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; (Psa 55:22 NIV)
Thanks for sharing. I was praying for him and you and Joann. Glad it went well, God be praised! Now enjoy every second that he gets into something that he should not because that means he is curious, healthy and a normal little boy.
Posted by: Gladys Thorp | August 08, 2009 at 01:29 PM
There's nothing worse for a parent than going through something like that. You know our story all too well, and I'm thankful that you prayed me through it. Know you guys were all in our prayers that day. We held a special prayer time in our office for Erik - so glad all went well, and Daddy made it through a very difficult day!
Posted by: Rance Settle | August 08, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Thanks for sharing this story. Erik and Kirsten are awesome kids you are so lucky. My little brother had the exact same surgery at the same age. My mom was nuts about it when he "went to sleep" lucky they told you before it happened. take care and talk to you soon. say hello to everyone.
Posted by: Teresa | August 10, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Praise the Lord the surgery went well. What an insightful post. I always wonder how people make it through difficult circumstances when they don't raise their eyes to the heavens in prayer.
I'm a Lutheran from Cheboygan. My brother used to be head baker at Sparrow Hospital years ago.
Blessings to you and Eric and your wife.
Nancy J Locke
Posted by: Nancy J Locke | September 15, 2009 at 04:21 PM