Calm Before the Storm - The upcoming surgery plan

I answered the phone this morning, and a student promptly asked, "How is Madeline? We have been praying for her." This is a standing call with the student. The call is to support the student, but today the student was supporting me. This is what I love about education; we have an academic goal but we encounter our humanity along the way. 

I could feel the weight of the week come over my shoulders and trickle through my arms with her question. I had side-stepped thinking about Madeline's surgery for the first hours of the day, but my student helpfully reminded me of what is ahead. She was curious and concerned. I was grateful and a touch afraid.

We leave this Friday (January 10). My dad (Jim) will travel from Omaha to Greenville to be with Micah and Maggie. He is a renaissance man - able to cook, clean, and drive. I told him that parenting teenagers is largely reduced to those skills. I did mention, however, that just about the point he might feel like a laborer or Uber-driver, Micah or Maggie will decide to share some intimate and important story from school. Then the ante goes up, and listening becomes the key skill. My mom, who recently had knee surgery, will join him after the weekend. Halfway through the trip, Lindsay's parents will come to Greenville and swap roles. They should still be at our home when we return.

Madeline will meet with the physician on Friday morning (2/10) upon our arrival to Salt Lake City. She will see the hospital and meet her medical team. She has plans to visit Dutch Bros. and a few other Salt Lake City attractions before heading to a friends' home in Park City. We will stay with our friends on the mountainside for two nights before heading back to Salt Lake City for the week. This is a wonderful gift, and we are hopeful to play and rest before surgery.

Madeline will enter surgery on Monday morning (2/13) for a 5-6 hour procedure. The time feels like eternity, and Lindsay asked the other day, "What will we do while waiting?" I don't know, but guessing on our past experiences, we will stew, fret, feel sick, and tire ourselves out with our anxiety. That's the honest reality. We will try to distract ourselves with email, texting, Netflix, and books. I am prayerful that the strength of our marriage will keep us well connected throughout the day until we can see Madeline that afternoon. 

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are recovery days. Lindsay and I will take turns staying overnight and sitting with Madeline during the day. I am hopeful we can take wheelchair rides around the hospital. I am hopeful we will say silly things, and I will share dad jokes. But ultimately, I am hopeful Madeline can rest comfortably, recover well, and go home after the first surgery. This may or may not come to fruition, but nonetheless, we will hope.

If Madeline does not need a second surgery, we might be able to travel home as early as Saturday (2/18). If she needs the second surgery, which is quite likely, she will have surgery on Friday, February 17. This is done by the same doctor plus an ENT. She will recover throughout the weekend. If recovery goes well, we will fly home on February 21 (Tuesday). If we need a few extra days, one parent will stay behind, and the other will return home. 

Madeline will wear a neck brace/collar for several months. This is important for the fusion to hold and for her long term healing. We have decided that love in these next months is commitment to her wearing the collar. If she does this well, the doctor announced the possibility of a free and full summer, including boating in Michigan. We are committed to her long-term freedom and healing, so parenting might be more cumbersome than our current practice.

Lindsay asked for confirmation that a bright spot will come and that all will be well. That's the prayer we ask from all of you. Your love, encouragement, and generosity have been amazing. Thank you. Thank you. 

May our collective prayers continue to send God's healing energy into the hospital; into the doctors and nurses' hands; and into Madeline's body. May the prayers of Madeline's friends not simply fuel her for healing, but may it do so for each and every kid entering the University of Utah Children's hospital this week and next. 

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.