Happy Turkey-Day

It is not possible to survive a year like we have had without help, and lots of it. Last year at this time my list of things to be thankful for was short and sweet. A good job and a great family (nuclear and extended) were all that I needed. This year the list is much longer, and includes folks I didn't know existed this time last year.

One programming note before I dive into the list: When we were in the ICN I did promise some folks in there that they won't see their names or faces posted here without their permission. The last thing we needed was a doctor or nurse second guessing what they said to us for fear that it would be taken out of context and posted on the Internet. So please forgive me for not naming names.

So without further ado: (In approximate order of appearance)

Family and Friends We wouldn't be in the wonderful place we are today without the help and support of our whole family. Rachel spent a lot of time with her grandparents this year. It was hard for us to be away from her for so long. It was made easier knowing that she was having the time of her life safe and sound with people who love her as much as we do. There were plenty of times where the only thing we could do for Tyler was to be there for him. Thanks to the support of our friends and family we were able to do just that, together.

SNHMC Birthplace Staff Kept me calm during the very stressful start of this adventure and keeping their cool on delivery day.

DHMC Birthing Pavilion Staff To make me feel as comfortable as I could being so far way from my family stuck in a bed. And to a roommate who was a comfort and company in a stressful time.

Blog-therapy This blog has been a great way to cope through this entire ordeal. It enabled us to share updates and information in near real time without making 20+ phone calls per day, and reach more people. I think I would have put my head through a wall if I had keep track of who has been told what. We have also found it to be a good reality check, we can go back and look at earlier posts and remember what it was like. Special Thanks to Gib,Abby,Ellie and Gus for sharing their adventure and showing us that it is possible to make it out of an experience like this with your sanity (ok, sanity was debatable to begin with).

Wonder-nurse The moment Tyler was born the population of the room jumped to 4 (Mom,Dad,Tyler, Wonder-nurse). Wonder-nurse saved Tyler from literally being born into a bed-pan and convinced the front desk that we really did have a baby in hand and could use some assistance. (I believe the phrase she used was "STAT!").

SNHMC NICU Staff It is rare that we want a doctor to say "You need more help than I can provide". The attending Dr. and his NICU team did a great job getting Tyler stable and shipped off to the Dartmouth in a few hours.

DHART Flight Crew I can imagine that landing a $5 Million aircraft on a parking garage is not without stress. Based on the 48 hours after Tyler's transport to DHMC I think it is safe to say we would be looking at a totally different ball-game without that prompt helicopter ride.

DHMC ICN Transport Team It takes a special breed to hop into a helicopter on a moment's notice and go pick up a really sick kid for transport. Especially when they are scared to death of flying in the helicopter. It takes really special people to be able to walk into a hospital room and put two rather freaked out parent's at ease that these are the best possible people to take your child on this ride.

DHMC ICN Staff We could easily write a book for this section alone. A ward full of people who save babies for a living, what more could you ask for? I can't think of a way that we could have been more involved in Tyler's care from day one. We we not only allowed to hang around for rounds but were active participants. Our feelings, questions and input directed the course of his care. In all the time we were there I never felt un-welcome or in the way. Everyone there contributed to Tyler's success. Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Doctors, Respiratory Care, Front-desk/support staff.

The Staff and Volunteer's at David's House You can't sleep in an ICN or NICU, It's just not possible. David's House gave us a room whenever we needed it within walking distance of the hospital. A bedroom to call our own, A huge well stocked kitchen, living rooms and a wonderful staff. Anything you could ask for in a home away from home.

Pediatric Neurosurgeons We have had the privilege of working with a top-flight Pediatric Neurosurgery team. I can't imagine going through something like this without such a skilled team!

BlueCross Last count we are up over $600K worth of medical bills. It's a scary thing to get a letter from BlueCross saying that they didn't get enough information so they are denying the claim and you will be in the hook for $300K, but it's all better when you call your dedicated rep and find out it's a standard paper-chase and in everything is fine.

Ben's Job and Co-Workers For all their support and understanding. Giving Ben the flexibility to work when he could and be with his family when we needed him and he needed us. I'm also thankful for to my employer who has been understanding and graciously saved my job until I was able to go back to work.

Rachel one of the strongest two year old I know. She barely skipped a beat with all the shuffling around and not seeing her parents for long periods of time. And then to accept Tyler as beautifully as she has with little resentment towards him. Look out world, she is one confident girl.

And
Tyler for without his strong desire to overcome all his obstacles, we wouldn't have the most sweet smiley handsome baby boy ever! He is so special and as close to a miracle we've ever seen.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!