Oasis

How do I begin? This has been one of the very best, most settling days of my life. We have literally brought closure to a very intense 44 months...today Harrison's trach was removed! We are still processing it. I am still in disbelief...but there it is, that little dressing over the hole, which will hopefully close on its own within days. And Harrison is happy, and relaxed, and relieved, as are we. We scheduled this day about a month ago, and we did not tell anyone...too much disappointment last Fall, I couldn't jinx it (my Jewish superstitions take over again). We arrived at the hospital at 6am this morning. He was in the OR by 7:30 for a bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy (in other words, a little looksy into his airways) while under anesthesia, and by the time I went to the ladies room and John and I played a few rounds of Words, the doc was finished and filling us in. Everything looked great, everyone's happy, let's get to the ICU and when he wakes up we'll take out the trach. And that's what happened. Simple as that. Uneventful, just like we like it. He has been smiling, cheerful, happy all day. I keep staring at his throat, it's so surreal. I can't stop running my fingers across the back of his neck. He knew it was a big day. He woke up at 4:30 singing and laughing, wide awake and ready to get going! He is amazing! And everyone's excitement and enthusiasm and support has been incredible! He is getting bigger, stronger, healthier, making huge developmental progress...it's all good!