Monday, August 13, 2012

Birthday





These were taken on my way home from a funeral in Shackelfords on Friday.  










The sky was ominous--dark and foreboding-- but everything else was filled with life.






Today is my son's 17th birthday.  Due to a condition known as pectus excavatum, a birth defect that causes the chest cavity to grow inward, we are spending today and most of this week dealing with tests which are the precursors to surgery to correct the situation.

Today we'll be in Norfolk, at Children's Hospital of King's Daughters, for the first of the tests.  Wednesday we go to Chesapeake for Part 2.  Thursday we return to Norfolk.  This week's tests are to ensure he is not allergic to the metals in the rod which will be placed in his chest to correct the condition. Then we schedule surgery for what is called the Nuss procedure.

None of this is life threatening and everything will be fine, but I'm sure he could think of a better way to spend his 17th birthday.

Anyway, the sporadic postings here will continue for the foreseeable future. At some point things will return to normal, whatever that is.

In the interim, a very happy birthday to my favorite son, who is the very best a mother (or grandmother) could ask for.

13 comments:

deborah said...

Happy Birthday CBSon!
I do hope the tests will have good results so that your son can have the surgery. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers...

Waterman JP said...

Happy Birthday to CBSon!
I hope things go well with the test this week and your son can have the surgery.

And things will return to normal soon,trust me.

Country Girl said...

Oh my gosh - had no idea this was going on. You and he are in my prayers, my friend. And birthday wishes to your young man!

Jamie said...

Happy Birthday to CBSon! Good luck with all the tests and traveling around for tests.

Mental P Mama said...

He's the best! Good luck with everything...no fun for any of you.

bighairenvy said...

Happy Birthday to a sweet young man! Hope all goes well this week. Let me know if you need anything. P.S. Thanks for being there for me last week. Love you!

Daryl said...

Happy Birthday to Sam... I read/tried to leave a comment at your mother's blog but Blogger has decided I cant .. dont know why but I get some weird message after entering the insane spam protection code to post .. keeping good thoughts for his upcoming procedure and sending you hugs to hold on to while he is undergoing this .. xoxo

Kay L. Davies said...

Wow, CBSon, congratulations on your birthday, and all the best for a good recovery from the surgery when it happens. Meanwhile, here's hoping you're not allergic to the metal.
Thinking of you, CBW, knowing this can be so hard for a patient's mother, watching her child endure pain.
K

Dghawk said...

A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to CBson! So sorry to hear about the tests and surgery, though. Bummer! Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and all will be well. Try not to stress yourself out too bad.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday and best of luck with the tests. --Betsy

Anonymous said...

The challenges and bumps in the road can be tough...the bright spot is that it can be wonderful to be 17. Even if these present days are not fun for celebration, once the surgery and healing are behind all of you, I hope you can celebrate in style!
X O XO to CB son and to CBW, who is jumping different hurdles nowadays.
LLC

Maria_NJ said...

hApPy BIrtHdAY!! CBW son...

Everything will be fine, I just sent up a couple of prayers for ya...

you will be setting off the bells and whistles at the airport though...

good luck with your procedures...and Mom try not to worry too much (yea right, like that is a possibility) I know how we love our babies...m

Meg McCormick said...

Send you happy birthday (belated) wishes, CB Son, and also good wishes for a successful surgery and fast recovery. Hang in there mama, it isn't the easiest thing to go through something like this with your kiddo, but I'm living proof that you'll both come out the other side all the stronger for having been through it. In the meantime, there is wine...