I had replied to Sean's topic, "If you ever think life has handed you a bad deal..." and got a very kind note from Mark (hope you don't get embarassed or offended Mark). It made me think - well - I wanted to just say that I'm continuously impressed by the support and warmth shown by people here - some of whom I've never actually met, or maybe even only once or twice. I haven't been contributing or reading much lately since I really just haven't had the time, what with working at a startup company and preparing for my son's surgery, but it isn't for lack of interest that's for sure. I really want to fish and so does my son, so we're going this weekend.
Mark's note also reminded me that I think you tend to imagine that "everyone knows" - but that's not true. Basically, my son (just turned 4) fell and pushed his front teeth in back in March. It was pretty bad, ER, etc. We heard this and that about root canal being needed, etc. Then a consult with an oral surgeon revealed that they are less concerned about his teeth and more about something that they thought should come out, unrelated to the fal,l and they recommended a biopsy.
We took him to Children's in Boston for a 2nd opinion and it was confirmed that it should be removed. The surgery was Friday and as I mentioned in Sean's topic, it went well and he's doing very well (better than his parents that's for sure).
Tomorrow we go back to Children's to find out the results of the biopsy. It's been the longest week of my life and I'm so very proud of my son, who has redefined courage and tolerance, at least for me - even at age 4. He IS Buzz Lightyear!
I had actually come to the site last night to take a break from thinking about it all - and, ironically, there was Sean's note about Children's (what an Xray!). I nervously chuckled about the coincidence and then quickly felt for him and his son, at the same time realizing that I'd be back very soon to "his hospital" (as he called it once, which hit me like a ton of bricks). You can never really stop thinking about it. No surprise.
It's not a totally 'bad' place to visit - but it can surely be a sad place to visit. But I also see all the courage, high hopes and also all the incredibly gifted people who work there and I sometimes feel encouraged when I leave. Sometimes not. Sometimes Sam just wants to see the pretty fish and get a giant muffin and throw coins into the fountain.
I know I won't sleep much tonite and I just wanted to say - thanks - to everyone who thinks of us and also of all those people who work so hard there to help so many and of the many children I see there every time for whom Children's is a life saver.
Best wishes and thanks from all of us!
"IronMike"
Mark's note also reminded me that I think you tend to imagine that "everyone knows" - but that's not true. Basically, my son (just turned 4) fell and pushed his front teeth in back in March. It was pretty bad, ER, etc. We heard this and that about root canal being needed, etc. Then a consult with an oral surgeon revealed that they are less concerned about his teeth and more about something that they thought should come out, unrelated to the fal,l and they recommended a biopsy.
We took him to Children's in Boston for a 2nd opinion and it was confirmed that it should be removed. The surgery was Friday and as I mentioned in Sean's topic, it went well and he's doing very well (better than his parents that's for sure).
Tomorrow we go back to Children's to find out the results of the biopsy. It's been the longest week of my life and I'm so very proud of my son, who has redefined courage and tolerance, at least for me - even at age 4. He IS Buzz Lightyear!
I had actually come to the site last night to take a break from thinking about it all - and, ironically, there was Sean's note about Children's (what an Xray!). I nervously chuckled about the coincidence and then quickly felt for him and his son, at the same time realizing that I'd be back very soon to "his hospital" (as he called it once, which hit me like a ton of bricks). You can never really stop thinking about it. No surprise.
It's not a totally 'bad' place to visit - but it can surely be a sad place to visit. But I also see all the courage, high hopes and also all the incredibly gifted people who work there and I sometimes feel encouraged when I leave. Sometimes not. Sometimes Sam just wants to see the pretty fish and get a giant muffin and throw coins into the fountain.
I know I won't sleep much tonite and I just wanted to say - thanks - to everyone who thinks of us and also of all those people who work so hard there to help so many and of the many children I see there every time for whom Children's is a life saver.
Best wishes and thanks from all of us!
"IronMike"