We have new worries.

But we have a plan.

And since we all love this little boy sleeping peacefully as I unwind my worry into this poor laptop, it’s long overdue that I let you in on both.

Please forgive me. This is soooooooo much.

Since I have yet to discuss the details with Marshall’s brothers and a few family members, I can’t share them now.
I will, however, express how surreal the past seven weeks have been.

There are not words enough in the English language to describe the feelings involved when one learns their son is in severe heart failure, is dependent on i.v. meds to perhaps get better, has suffered a stroke, and qualifies for a heart transplant.

There are also not words enough to express how absolutely heartbreaking the entire experience of watching all of this happening while 308 miles removed from my big wild boys, home, and all forms of life as I knew it is.

What makes this experience better is the people we encounter along the way and all of the prayers, good thoughts, and well wishes people sent. When I needed to smile again, my mom showed up with three big wild boys ready for long overdue hugs. When I needed reassurance, I chatted with another mama in the play room whose beautiful teenage daughter was three years post transplant. When I needed a brief break, Michael or the staff kindly took over (well tried to…Marshall doesn’t much like when I step away).

When we needed support, we found in in others’ generosity, kindness, and wisdom.

I can not offer enough thanks to the people who helped make this process better for all of us – especially Marshall. One thing is certain: Marshall is one HELL of a kid. He is the strongest, most resilient human being I have ever met.

So please lets hope that works to his advantage as he approaches this next round of very imminent challenges.

And while we’re hoping, please lets hope really, really hard.

With everything we’ve got.

(Sadly there were some people who made it worse. Yes even they deserve mention. They proved a nice strength test. Plus I trust that the universe will correct that at some point or another as it does all things.)

The moral of the past seven weeks of roller coaster-like experiences is this: Marshall has one HELL of a team (please pardon my language.) I watched them turn his heart issues one hundred and eighty degrees in a direction none of truly expected (though I truly hoped for.)

There were a bunch of very scary, very trying, and very difficult moments for all of us.

Thank goodness for the people who helped us through that.

And thank goodness Marshall is none the worse for wear.

This experience made me appreciate the best life offers more than I could ever say.

Nothing is more powerful than family, friendship, kindness, and most importantly – love – in times like these.

So as we go forward I have to ask for two things on behalf of this sleeping little boy next to me:
1) Please send more good thoughts, prayers, big hopes, and any kind of positive energy you can offer our little miracle (I’ve been here and watched those thoughts, prayers, and big hopes work better than anything else)
2) Please accept my gratitude and thanks for doing the above…I will pay you back one dozen times over (not that I could ever repay you for this but I’ll try my hardest)