Day 2

Harrison had a great first night post-op, aka post-trach! He has been so happy all day, and I have taken lots of pictures, including one of the back of his neck, which will always be my favorite spot, I just keep staring at it and running my finger across it...it's so beautiful! We left the ICU and moved to a regular floor today. He got another visit from his babysitter Maddy, who came by yesterday too, and he loved that. He also got a visit from one of his old ICP buddies Ethan, who is now a surgical nurse and engaged to his other favorite ICP nurse Sarah...guess he has some competition! We love them both and are so excited for them! And another visitor, my friend Beth who is one of his pseudo-aunties. He is so loved and quite popular. We have gotten the most amazing support from our friends and family...his entire community of people in his life are all celebrating with us, and it feels incredible. We are blessed. 

I felt a little guilty today, this morning, being on the ICU and feeling so happy, when the other kids there are so sick. One of Harrison's friends from his play group program at Perkins School is also here, on the ICU. He's pretty sick. I talked with his mom for a few minutes, and, bless her, she is so genuinely excited for us, despite the very difficult time they are in right now. We wish that boy a very speedy recovery and lots of good progress. 

Every time I look at Harrison I still can't believe it...I feel like we are finally like everyone else. Now I just have a regular kid with delays (and a gtube!). That trach being gone makes such a difference, even though it was fairly inconspicuous and he barely used it. Yesterday morning as we drove into Boston through the pouring rain John pointed out that rain is the sign of a new beginning. He's right. I feel like the next chapter of our lives has begun, and I feel so much more hopeful for Harrison and all of us. His progress is going to soar, I can feel it. I realized something today. I am so ecstatic, and our friends and family are all so full of joy and pride and love for us, and I realized, I feel like I gave birth yesterday! That's what it feels like. Four years later...ahhh, so this is how it is. Pretty cool. Let's look forward to many good and wonderful things.