Samuel is sleeping, and I was able to connect so I thought I’d give you all an update. For those of you who follow my facebook page you’ve been updated there. I’ve included some instagram pics that I’ve taken. Thanks for the thoughts. ~Rachel
I am writing this from the sixth floor of the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital. My son, Samuel, was diagnosed with Influenza A on Monday afternoon and then was sent to Children’s Emergency Room due to his extremely high fever and dehydration issues. From there he was admitted and is being taken care of for influenza support. They’re concerned he might have rsv as well, and will be testing him for that later today. Part of the issue is that since Samuel has Celiac Disease, which is an autoimmune disease, his immune system is compromised. It has been very taxing on his body fighting this influenza and has been hard for me to see him so weak. Right now the goal is for us to try to get home on Saturday.
That being said I am so grateful for the care he’s receiving and for proactive doctors and nurses.
Little did I know several weeks ago when I wrote Why Vacuuming Should Always be Beautiful just how personally that would hit home. My normal is all messed up right now – it’s spent in a place I didn’t expect I would be in. But, despite it all, I’m trying to be thankful for good moments in the midst and for the time that I am being blessed to spend with Samuel.
Here’s a list of some good in the midst of the hard.
Samuel wanting me to hold him.
The abundance of stickers that now adorn his room.
The giant John Deere tractor balloon sitting in the corner.
Lab tests that are rapid.
The iv that is providing fluids constantly for Samuel.
Samuel’s spitfire personality.
Samuel’s braveness.
Amazing doctors and nurses.
Coffee made for me in the morning .
The abundance of toys gifted to Samuel (please donate toys – they make a difference)
Monkey Preschool App.
The sunrise on the first morning here.
A great salad bar downstairs.
Monitors to check him out and keep him normal.
Friends that have emailed and called and messaged me.
That I thought to bring my computer, chargers, and stuff with me on Monday.
The sun shining outside today.
Movies on demand. Even if it means watching The Lorax multiple times.
And that is that. It is where we are. I had been planning on starting the New Year with an organized bang – and had this post about my one word and my schedule and some intentionality things. But, then, life happened. And part of life is adapting in the midst and living in the middle of things. So for now, my life is spent on the sixth floor, looking east towards St. Paul, watching over my sweet three year old, and being grateful for all the good in the middle.
Blessings (and health) to each of you.
Rachel
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31 comments
Oh Rachel—
I am so grateful that he is receiving such good care. He is young, strong of mind and character, and resilient. With the army of loving family and caregivers, a platoon (or so) of angels watching, and the tender watchfulness of a Heavenly Father, your little man is in the best hands possible. *hugs*
Praying for you. (And grateful for twitter so I saw the update.)
Rachel, I’m so happy to hear that little man is getting the care that he needs. I’m also happy for you that there is a salad bar – hospital pizza gives the worst heartburn! I’ve thought about you often since I found out he was admitted. And last night when my little was teething and being a terror and needing, needing, needing, I paused, and was thankful that it was just teeth. Thank you for making me take stock of my blessings, such as they are some days. And I hope that Samuel can be home soon. My thoughts and prayers are truly with you and your family. Faith and modern medicine – delivering little miracles daily! – Kate
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Do you know how one would donate toys to a hospital? Can they be gently used or do they have to be new? Praying for Samuel and your family, I’m looking from my desk in St. Paul to the west, and sending hugs, grace, and patience
your way
Thank you Kate and Meredith for your words. I am grateful. I am so grateful for little things – and big things like that iv – oh my goodness, that is what is keeping him hydrated today.
Blessings to you!
Rachel
Hi Nikki – that is really cool how you looked to the west – actually got me a bit teary.
I believe Childrens does toy drives. They have to be new – so that no germs enter the child’s room. Samuel got duplos, cars, a Fisher Price doctor’s kit, and a Memory game. It was so priceless watching his face light up when the Family Life lady brought them in for him.
Blessings.
Rachel
Praying for your dear Samuel and the rest of your family to get well. Lots of love!
So very sorry to hear about sweet Samuel. It’s hard to see them sick especially when they’re that little. I will be praying for him.
Blessings to you and your sweet family. Praying Samuel recovers quickly and you get to go home soon.
Hi Rachel,
I am so sorry to hear Samuel is so sick. 🙁 I am praying for him and praying the doctors and nurses will know how to minister to him in a very effective and efficient way.
Lifting you all up.
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So sorry to hear about sweet Samuel being sick. Your family is in my prayers!
~Madi
Thinking and praying xx
I’ve been following your blog for a few months now and never realized that you were in Minnesota, but it made your situation hit home even more. Seeing our babies so weak in the hospital is exhausting for a parent when you spend your day looking at your little one hoping to see that little extra spark of energy or that smile that’s just a bit bigger than the last one in hopes that it means he’s on the mend. I just went and looked out my window on the 42nd floor of the IDS center. And, like Nikki, I looked out towards Children’s and said a prayer for you and your family. Thank you for your blog. I hope you know how much it means to so many moms out there!
God’s blessings.
Thank you all for your prayers. I am really grateful.
Kelly, reading your words made me cry a bit – it somehow makes this seem a bit less lonely. My husband is home with our other kids – all who have been sick – and they don’t want anyone to switch as they don’t want different germs introduced to Samuel. So it’s quite long and lonely. Thank you for looking south – I am grateful.
Love to you all.
Rachel
Thoughts and prayers to Samuel and your family. He’s a tough little one and I pray for strength and renewal for the new year. I’ll be squeezing my two little blessings a little tighter.
I love your positive outlook ~ finding the beauty and the blessings your day has to offer while in the middle of a trying, scary, difficult time…that’s an attitude that I truly admire. Thank you for sharing, and your sweet boy will be in my prayers.
Oh my heart goes out to you Rachel. I am praying for your sweet Samuel and you.
Sorry to hear of what you and your little guy have been going through but glad to hear of the good things you have chosen to look for in the midst of it all.
I will be praying for him and you and hope to hear good news of him going home from the hospital soon!
You and Samuel have been in my prayers since you all have been sick. I will continue to pray for you and Samuel and until he is home and completely well. Blessings to you!
Prayers coming your way, praying him home!! We were just there a couple weeks ago….
Hi Rachel I have not been following your blog long, I have read a lot of posts I will be praying for you baby boy for speedy recovery!
lots of love.
catherine
Praying for your sweet little Samuel to feel better and for you to stay rested and healthy!
Oh Rachel, I am so sorry you are going through this! The flu alone is horrible for a 3 year old and a compromised immune system… and RSV is just awful too! Are his lungs clear? I’m a bit of an asthma and RSV expert since both my kids had it and both struggle with very bad asthma. I picture you in the hospital room struggling to keep it together at times like any mom would- and then pouring out passionate inspiring words like you do… I’ve been there. We all have been in that place where your fear lives in the chaos of the unpredictable. I will be praying for Samuel and ALL your kiddos back at home who are sick. My son and I both had the flu and his fever reached 105. It was a miserable two weeks for us both. Will pray for your health in this stressful time, and for God to instill strength and protection so you can persevere. Keep us posted…
I’m sorry! Praying the Lord touches his little body and heals him miraculously. You are a strong and brave Momma. Keep it up, you are great!
I love how you always find the silver lining, Rachel! Praying for a speedy recovery, and continued health, as everyone up here seems to be dealing with coughs, fevers, pneumonia, flu, etc. Clinics around here have run out of the flu vaccine and many dads are burning vacation days sick in bed. So grateful Samuel is getting the medical help he needs to get better!
I too have a child with celiac disease who this yr had both influenza type a and RSvirus and bad cases of pneumonia the 2 years prior to that. So get where you’re at. Although I have to say your attitude to it far better than mine lol. Hoping for a speedy recovery for your little man. Hang in there
Once again, you bring perspective. i am so thankful for those little things…that it’s just a dirty diaper to deal with and not a sickness….and your post brought back vivid memories of being in the hospital a couple months ago with my two year old who had pneumonia. God be with little Samuel!
Praying for quick healing, perseverance, and peace. I am blessed by your perspective and finding the good in it, taking nothing for granted. {{Hugs}}
My thoughts go out to your family at this difficult time. But you are a great, strong unit so I’m sure you will all power through just fine
I never read this post. Your little boy is so sweet and I am so glad he is being cared for. It isn’t easy and I pray God grant you the peace and comfort you need during this time. Of course, just seeing that sweet smile is enough to tell you it’s all okay. I look forward to hearing he’s home again and feeling much better.
Just now finding the time to get caught up on your blog, and I started here. Prayers upon prayers. We were all hit by the flu after the holidays, and the whole time I was praying we would not be where you were. May calm come over your home enough for you to truly enjoy your time at BEECH Retreat!