It has been a rough few days. Parker has been fighting off a particularly nasty form of the Creeping Crud. It’s been kicking all of our butts.
And we are all feeling a little fuzzy around the edges today.
Parker’s oxygen saturations have been low and his heart rate has been high. Never a good combination. And a classic distress signal alerting us that stressful times are on the horizon.
Yesterday morning the secretions from Parker’s lungs were so thick that they plugged his trach to a point where Parker was unable to get oxygen. I had to frantically try and clean that plug out while listening to his sat monitor scream that his oxygen levels had plummeted into the 60′s.
I thought I was going to have to perform an emergency trach change….something you never want to have to do alone. But luckily I was able to get enough saline down into the canula of Parker’s trach to loosen that mucus plug and suction it out.
It took both Parker and I a good 30 minutes to recover.
You never get used to having your child’s life literally in your hands. There is always a part of you that wants to give into the paralyzing fear while another part of you is telling yourself to get it together…you CAN and WILL do this.
All while your child looks at you with terror in his eyes.
I few years ago I would never have believed that I could do what I need to do on a regular basis now.
It humbles me to think of how much Parker relies on me. How much he trusts me to take care of him. The faith this beautiful little guy has in me to make sure that all in his world is as it should be.
Parkers needs are a labor of love. They are a blessing. An opportunity. A way to show my gratitude for having such a beautiful little soul in my life.
One day our guy will be healthy and no longer need the intricate care that he now relies on. But I know that there will still be a special bond of trust and love between us. I know that he will know beyond a doubt that when he needs me……..I will be there.
Tammy, I love that last picture of Parker… what a perfect little profile! I pray he’s feeling better very soon and kicks the crud and no more suctioning will be required!
I hope you all feel better soon! Those pictures of Parker are just adorable! I will continue to pray for his health!
Kay
That last picture is so sweet! I’m sorry he (and you) are under the weather. I hope he’s feeling better quickly and you avoid a trip to the hospital.
Parker, you get cuter every day!! I want to reach through the screen and give you lots of hugs and kisses! I have missed seeing your face sweetie, you are always sunshine in my day!
Tammy, you are the best mom I have ever met, you teach so much every day with what you do for Parker. You are so lucky to have this precious little guy and he is so lucky to have you! And you both know this. You are so strong and supportive. A breath of fresh air, though I know it takes such a toll on you. I sure hope you both feel better soon! He looks so vibrant in these pictures, you would never know he is sick! What a doll!
Love to all,
Amy
Wow, you are an amazing mom. God certainly knew who to give Parker to. Take care and stay well. Parker needs you. And like the others, I love the last picture of him. What a cutie!
I pray that Parker is feeling better very soon. And I’ll pray for strength for you. (hugs)
He sure is a beautiful soul. Blessed to have you as his mom.
Stay strong!! Know that there are people all over the world praying and pulling for you and Parker. ((Big Hugs!))
Hope you guys all feel better, especially Parker. Wow, that must be scary to have his trach plug up on you! Hope that doesn’t happen again. We’ll be praying for you.
Parker is an awesome kid with awesome parents to care for him. Hoping you are all on the mend very soon. Hugs
You are an awesome mom! Your faith and willingness to work hard are such an inspiration to me! Thank you!
Poor Parker – I’ll pray that there IS no emergency situation around the corner.
oh Tammy how scary that must have been! Praying that he starts feeling better soon!
I saw on the board where Parker weighed in at an all-time high though – what good news on that front!
Tammy – hope Parker is over this crud soon. WE have it at our house too! Sending lots of prayers your way!!!
Congrats on Parker’s weight gain – whoooo hoooooo!!!!
oh momma, hugs to you and Parky!
Continuing prayers for strength and wisdom. I dearly hope that things are going better. Much love and {{{hugs}}}
Oh, Tammy. I’m just in tears after reading that. I know that look of terror… I’ve had to do the emergency trach change. And my heart was just in my throat for you reading that entire post. You are an amazing mom, and your wonderful perspective on life is such an inspiration to everyone who reads your words or sees your life in action. Prayers for you and for Parker!
Those events just take years off your life, don’t they?? I just can’t imagine how it would feel to be there with my own child, though- major hugs to you.
Hope you all feel better ASAP.
Aww, sweet boy looks a bit pale and punky, green around the gills. Praying for Parker and family! Gotcha an award when you get a minute to come around.
What a beautiful post. He is blessed to have you, and I know you feel the same way about him!
I have a friend who’s son went through all the same stuff Mr. Parker is going through. I know that it’s sometimes tough to find parents who know all those feelings. My daughter has problems different from your Parker, so while I can sympathize I can’t really help, can I? Anyway, please contact me privately and I’ll get you her contact information.
I am so glad that God chose you as Parker’s mom. Yep, God knows what He’s doing. And so do you. Parker and you and your family are blessed.
Hugs, kisshies, love and prayers…always. ox