And So It Begins
by Slack, on March 16th, 2004
Rhys’ Co-Sleeper
Well, here we are. That picture above is of Rhys’ co-sleeper attached to Heidi’s side of the bed. We’re home! It’s a very strange feeling. Not as scary as I thought it would be. Not has joyous as I’d hoped it would be. I’m happy he’s home, but I miss his sister so very much. There were supposed to be two babies in that co-sleeper… Considering what we’ve been through, however, I thank the fates we made it to as positive an end as we did. Things could be so much worse. But, I just look into his eyes when I feel like this and just melt. :)
Rhys at home
Rhys was so lucky to have such skilled help from the doctors and nurses. I can’t say enough good things about each and every one of them. True heroes. I’ll be indebted to them for the rest of my life. They are indeed considered family to us and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for any of them. Special thanks to Nurses W, M, and S — Rhys’ primaries — for taking our little man under their wing and really being there for him and championing him. We will miss you guys so very much. Nurse N was there to see us off today. It was so very appropriate that she be the one to do it. She was there for us when Leilani passed, and this sort of helped us close that loop. The doctors are so wonderful. I feel I have to give them a respectful bow and thank them for not only saving my son’s life, but for not taking mine from me when I had my bouts of anger. :) I hope I wasn’t too terrible, pushy, scatterbrained, or nauseating… Last but of course not least. Rhys told me not to forget the RTs! He said that you guys were great! Mom and I agree! Thank you for helping my son breathe. You guys did a great job, and we have one very healthy baby boy to show for your great work. :)
So, with that, we say sayonara to the NICU. I hope I never need to go back there. Except to see all of his aunties, of course. ;)
Dear Allen, Heidi, and Rhys,
Welcome Home! What a journey all of you have had over the past 3 months. Your son is finally home with you! What a milestone! I know that you have some mixed emotions and there will always be a place in your hearts that is empty. But Rhys is home with you! How fortunate he is to have parents who wanted him so much that they were willing to go through hell and back for him. How fortunate he is to have so many who love him.
You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kathy
hello rhys. youare home. im so proud of you. i love you and cant wait to meet you. and to heidi and allen im so happy. and congrats. take one day at a time and everything will be ok. love and kisses charity
Thanks. :) We’re very excited about his homecoming. I’m so thankful for all the support from everyone: family, friends, nurses, doctors, RTs… Simply amazing.
Dear Allen & Heidi,
We are so happy that Rhys finally got to come home !! It will be a different life for you guys ,but you will love it.Enjoy every minute with him as they grow up so fast.Can’t believe our youngest grandson will be 23 this year.
We hope to make a trip out to Tucson next year & Rhys will be at a very cute stage.Take care of that precious baby.
Love,
Aunt Dorothy & Uncle Lou
Congratulations!!!
How wonderful it must be to have him home and healthy!! And finally the end of the bumpy NICU road.
I hope to meet Rhys soon! (and Allen too :)
Love,
Shawn
YAY!!
Goodness he’s a cutie!
We are so happy that you guy’s are home together!!! Life is so much better when you are in your own environment! Take care!
Love,
MJ & all
Welcome home Rhys :)
Thanks for all the well wishes folks! It’s so good to finally be living a normal life… Well… A sorta normal life. :)
Shawn, hope we can all get together soon!
Christy, of course he’s cute! He’s from good stock! ;) …..On his mother’s side, of course. :)