I've got friends...

Friday Mar 14, 2008

I've got friends...

...In low places.

Okay, so the "low places" I'm referring to are probably a little different than the low places that Garth had in mind. But while this entire experience could be considered a very low point in our lives, there have been so many wonderful friends that have helped get us through this ordeal. I can't even begin to tell you how many people have prayed for us, called/emailed us to be sure we're not losing our sanity, brought us lunch, etc. Y'all have been amazing, and I simply can't thank you enough.

But I guess the surprising thing is the friends we have found here at Duke. We've gotten to know the parents of Jay's first roommate (a cute girl - woohoo, Go Jay!) just by the amount of time we all spent in the waiting room. Without sharing details of her medical issues, I can only ask that you keep her in your thoughts & prayers as they have done for us.

On Tuesday night after surgery, there was a patient advocate who hosted a scrapbooking event in the conference room. As a scrapbooker, it was just what the doctor ordered ? for me! We moms sat around sharing pictures and stories of our babies, talking about our frustrations, our successes. We understand how significant it is to say ?My baby got off his oxygen today? while other parents we know might not realize what an accomplishment that is. (Note to my scrappin? girls ? y?all are not being replaced anytime soon!)

A friend from Colorado went through a similar experience with her newborn son, and we have emailed after not having chatted in quite some time. Her advice was so reassuring as someone who has been in this rough place and come through stronger for it.

Jay has certainly made friends with the many nurses & doctors that he's had here as well. His favorite nurse, Bill, took care of him every night that he was in the PICU. Bill is one of those laid-back people who never lets the chaos of an intensive care environment rattle him - a VERY good quality to have when you're working with the sickest babies. But there have been many other nurses and doctors who have helped us through those rough patches and meltdown moments we?ve faced as parents of a sick kid.

A brilliant friend from high school and college, Kyle, turned out to be Jay?s doctor in the PICU when he arrived on Saturday and he was on duty again the day of surgery. It was so comforting to see a familiar face and to know without a doubt that Jay was in the best hands possible.

So, to all friends old and new who have helped us during these challenging days ? Thank you.

Posted at 12:16PM Mar 14, 2008 by Jen Foster in General | Comments[2]