Ok everyone, just got paged. Waiting to talk to surgeon. They are working to get him transferred to the ICU. Praise Jesus. I will update as soon as I get more information.

Just tried to get an update and they told me they can't update me. She said the charge nurse told her they're still operating. She said no news is good news. I'll update when he's done, hopefully in 3 hours. Keep those prayers coming.

Just got the 1st page about 20 minutes ago. Colter's surgery has begun.

They took Colter back about 40 minutes ago. He was so brave. It crushed me to see him leave arms. I'll post again when I get the 1st page. Love you all. Keep praying.

Hey all, well we just got home and can finally try to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Today was well a little rough. I think mostly because we see Colter so "healthy" that this surgery has reminded us that Colter has significant heart issues.

I think I'll just start with the not so great news. During his last surgery Colter contracted that infection in his chest. The end result of the infection and surgery in general is lots and lots of scar tissue. Not only does the scar tissue pose a problem, his conduit has become attached to his sternum. This is a problem because the scar tissue is highly vascular and his conduit is right under where they need to make the incision. I'm not going into great detail here, but the complications he could sustain are BIG. His surgeon is expecting this to be a very substantial challenge. The good news is, if ALL goes well, we could potentially be out of Seattle in 7 days.

I was pretty upset after that appointment and have since calmed down a bit. Colter is a fighter, the kid has never had the easy road. He will persevere, I have faith that God is around him. Tonight we have family dinner planned at the house we've rented. Please please please pray for Colter, he has a huge feat to conquer tomorrow. Please pray for strength, as it's so hard to keep it together. Love you guys.

Bobbie

Well figured I’d update the blog because as it turns out it’s a therapeutic process for me. The weekend is now wrapping up and we're forced to face the coming week. I’ve so desperately tried to shove this week aside, but the closer Monday comes the more breakdowns I’m having. Of course I keep these to myself, I don’t want Colter to have any reason get worried for Thursday. I thought going into this I’d feel more prepared cause we’ve been through this before. Nope, I feel just as, if not more scared then the first time. This is torture for a parent. It’s our job to protect our children. When I gave birth to him God gave me that job. I can’t protect him, I can’t do anything. I feel helpless, this shatters my insides. I would give him my heart if it meant he could have a normal life. I know Ty would do the same.  As we set out to kick this week’s butt, please keep praying for our family. We all need strength. If there’s one thing Ty and I can do it’s to be Colter’s solid foundation. We will stand firm for you son, we love you more than all the stars in the sky.  

Less than one week....Colter you can do this bud

 

Most of you are aware that Colter has his next open heart surgery in six days. Colter is as aware as he can be of his surgery. We started talking to him about it three or so months ago. I asked him today how he was feeling about his surgery and he just shrugged his shoulders and said "I'm fine, I mean I'm a little nervous but not very much". Then he had some questions like who's going to be there, where will Ty and I be, when can he see us and so on. Up until today I've been doing pretty good, I've felt pretty postive. But today for some reason just hurt. I'm trying to just live in the moment and really enjoy each day that I have with him. Maybe that's why it hurts so much, I get to see what an amazing spirit he has. His personality is so vibrant and so large it consumes everyone around him. Bottom line.... This just isn't fair... I've been praying a lot, mostly for Colter but also that somewhere I can just trust this process. That is the hardest part for me. It's hard not give into the negative thoughts that creep in and then all of the "what if's" that follow. The more I think about it and pray about it I feel like so many kids have open heart surgery. So many children go in and get to recover smoothly, so why can't Colter? I think he's just as capable as any other child! I mean the Colter hasn't been chronically ill. For about the last three years he's been a normal boy, only he has abnormal heart anatomy. It's hard not to compare this surgery with his last, which didn't go as expected. The best part of last surgery was the end result was MORE than we expected. I guess what I'm trying to say here is, I just want Colter. No matter what the story is in between, I just want my boy to be healthy.

 

We spent last weekend with Ty. Madison Meadows in Ennis hosted a golf benefit for Colter.  Our family was so overwhelmed with the amount of generosity and kindness this community showed our family. To all of you who came, played and donated. Words can't express our heartfelt gratitude. We can now focus on Colter. The tournament was such a success, Pat thank you again for offering the tournament to our family, the board for supporting the idea, Bill and Syliva for all the print work and advertising. I know I'm missing people who helped make this benefit happen so please forgive me. Just know we appreciate you and we're so thankful. Aunt Joyce and Uncle Jerry, thank you thank you thank you. My Mom, Jamie, Cristi and Boo, I love the necklace, thank you so much, that was so thoughtful of you guys.

We leave for Seattle on Tuesday. I will be sure to update this blog frequently, so be sure to check it often. Please pray for our family, and specifically Colter. As a friend of mine texted me the other night "God answers prayers when many ask for the same thing--he is so faithful." This is true, thank you Tanisha.    

 

I made these hospital gowns so Colter could have the "force". Which is what he told me he needed :P