Back flip at barkers (MAY)
Boondocks fun April
Presidents day
Natural history Musuem

Andrew going to school for the first time. In April.
Physical therapy.
Ice Fishing, February
Antelope Island in march
Owl

Facing the Next Hurdle

Yesterday we had a final pre-surgery appointment at PCMC. The surgeon gave us a good idea of the challenges that may or maynot be present. They will reconnect Andrew's bowel. Due to the distance between the ostomy and the fistula, it will be challenging. Placement is key if it is to work properly. Because his liver placement changed with the accident, they are not sure where the intestines and stuff will be situated. To complicate things more, there could be a lot of scar tissue to work through. They will also close the abdomen in a permanent, sturdy way. The opening is very close to the ostomy. The surgery will take around four hours. Because of his past experiences they will be prepared to give him blood products, if necessary, and will be taking preventive measures against blood embolisms. The hospital staff continues to ooh and ahh over Andrew. He is a rock star at PCMC. The surgeon indicated that the staff is aware that he is coming in and that they are excited to move forward on this part of his recovery. Many of the trauma surgeons worked on Andrew at some point. He said that they will be looking in on this whether they operate or not! Very exciting! After Andrew completed his summer school boot camp, he went to scout camp last week. He had a great time at Camp Browning. He rapelled a 200ft. rock, took the polar bear challenge (icy water), shot a gun, and did an aerial obstacle course. The obstacle course was the hardest for him due to his weakened core. But he did it. Rick McGurk was his awesome, group leader. Although Randall and I knew he'd be fine, we felt sick for a bit as we dropped him off to camp. We are very invested in this kid. Last week he also went four-wheeling with the Barker boys. He didn't really have permission but I guess we will forgive him. Andrew loves to be active!! After our appointment yesterday, we decided to visit our friends at the PICU. They hadn't seen him for quite some time. He has a nice tan and his hair has grown out. He has added a good amount of muscle mass to his body. They took us around for everyone to see him. We ended up outside a patient's room. I don't think that it was a coincidence that we brought Andrew in that day. There was a teen girl on ECMO. I didn't realize it at the time but Andrew noticed immediately. I talked to her mom and gave her a hug and words of encouragement. She was so grateful to see Andrew. It gave her great hope that he looks so good! We were also told that the hospital did a big write-up on Andrew. He is the only patient to ever survive ECMO with an open abdomenal wound. Apparently they didn't expect his body to be able to contain the circulated blood. So he is a ground breaker for this amazing, life-saving option. As we left the PICU, I noticed that my hands were trembling. Even having gone through everything that we have, there is something raw and tender about an ICU. Life hangs in the balance there for the patients and their loved ones. ...but for the grace of God, there go I... . Andrew was asked to speak in church about his experiences. It was difficult for him but he made it through the talk. Andrew had a great number of responses to his talk. His experience continues to open people's hearts to God because Andrew's life is a medical miracle. When you realize what Andrew has gone through, you cannot deny a divine power involved in his recovery. Andrew's surgeon talked to us about needing divine help in our every day lives. I have prayed unceasingly for Andrew and his surgeon. As this next hurdle comes before us on friday, I had a moment the other day of feeling weak and unprepared. I had a restless night. When I woke up, I had the distinct thought that Andrew is the most courageous person that I know. I realized that he has been tested and proven. Andrew meets life head-on with faith. He doesn't whine and feel sorry for himself. It occured to me, that I could give no less back in what I do. We are now prepared for this challenge. We approach it with optimism and faith.