Our Outlook

When we received the news that Benjamin had suffered a brain injury and that his mobility, communication and vision could potentially be affected it shook us to the core.

When Tim and I were sat down by the team of doctors we were just so concerned about whether or not our baby was going to live, the brain damage was the very least of our worries.

When I think back to that day when the doctor told us of the damage I remember my amazing husband.  Tim had tears in his eyes and his voice was trembling when he asked the doctor, "So I understand what you're saying, he may have some sort of brain damage.  We don't care what he will and wont be able to do, we just want to know if we'll be able to take our baby home with us."  Sometimes I think doctors are so concerned about what is "wrong" that they forget to share the positive news: you will be able to take your baby home, he will LIVE.  <-- That is what we really cared about.

And that has always been our priority: getting our baby home.  It's amazing how quickly your perspective changes about certain things.  For example, whenever I encountered someone with a disability my mind automatically associated that with hardship and something that you have to 'deal' with.  After spending seven weeks in the hospital and watching so many people come and go, sick and well, I've realized that it truly is all about your perspective.  We all have different battles that we may fight each day, some deal with depression, addiction, physical pain, mental pain, etc.  Having a disability is not an inconvenience... we never EVER want Benjamin to feel that he is an inconvenience to us, or that a condition that he may end up having makes our life harder.

Of course, we do think about the fact that our son may not grow up able to play sports or participate in other activities that both Tim and I were raised doing.  It makes us sad to think that he may 'miss out' on some of those things, but we truly want to try and give Benjamin the best quality of life possible.  We never want him to feel like he can't do something or that he is anything less than amazing.  If he can't run the race, we'll carry him.

And just as a side note, boy, were those neurologists wrong.  Benjamin continues to amaze doctors and his physical therapists every time he sees them.  He is acting just as any other 7 month old baby would.  He is one of the most social babies I have ever seen - anyone that gives him attention and a smile will be sure to get one right back from Ben.  He also loves to blabber, blow bubbles, claw at faces, and tries to eat my nose.  He also sits up on his own and knows how to pivot on his tummy.  Being that he didn't really start any tummy time until after his G-tube was removed (May), we think this is a pretty good accomplishment.  He continues to get physical and occupational therapy and shows progress every week.  We thank God every day for our happy boy.