A picture worth a thousand words ~ thanks Dr. Tweddell!
Nurse Suzi
Nurse SuziToday is November 22, 2009 In the advent of Thanksgiving the Smith family has been reflecting on this past year. Over the past 8+ months we have been thankful every day for the small and big things as they relate to Caden Marshall, Melissa, and myself. Traditionally Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival. It is a time to give thanks to God for the harvest and express gratitude in general. For the non-farming part of the Smith family (us), we are thanking God for Caden Marshall and the special people that brought us all through this past year. Here are some of the things we will reflect on and be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day.
First and foremost we are thankful to God.. For the strength to carry on though the toughest of times and the mercy He has shown our son. Melissa and I had been strong in our faith before Caden and I know for myself, my connection with God has improved substantially. I am more open to putting things in His hands and am grateful that He has brought Melissa to me and trusts us to care for the life he has chosen for our son.
We are thankful for Caden Marshall. He has taught us so much about ourselves and continues to impress us. He is an absolutely wonderful baby and one tough kid. He has been through so much and yet he fights everyday to get stronger and smarter. I could honestly go on all day……
We are thankful for our families and their continued support. We know that they feel most of what we feel and that what affects us affects them without question. Yet without the love and support of our parents and siblings I don’t know how well we would have gotten through this past year. The nice thing about family is that they are there for you, whatever you need, or want, they are there. Having our families love has carried us through many times. For me, having my parents, sisters and brother in laws by my side while Caden was undergoing surgeries meant the world to me. We did not have to say much to each other because we all know each other well enough to understand what the other was thinking. A passing touch or glance was exactly what I needed at times because on the inside I was messed up. I am thankful that they understand and love me. I am thankful that our families get to share in our joy as well. They have been by our side from the start and they all love Caden so much. It brings us great joy when our family comes together. It is like a celebration of life every time we are together. I have often equated what Melissa and I have been going through as a very scary roller coaster ride. When that roller coaster pulled in, our families climbed in with us from the start. No one knew where the coaster was going. We did know that it would be a scary ride with risks involved. We were all cognizant that the ride could tragically come to an abrupt end. Yet Melissa and I were in, so without question, our families climbed into the roller coaster with us. They put their own lives and feelings aside committing to wherever the ride would take us all, as a family. We have had our ups, our downs and even been thrown for a loop a couple of times on the coaster. Yet here they are continuing to ride the ride with us no matter where it leads us.. We are so blessed and thankful to have you. We love you.
The world's a roller coaster
First and foremost we are thankful to God.. For the strength to carry on though the toughest of times and the mercy He has shown our son. Melissa and I had been strong in our faith before Caden and I know for myself, my connection with God has improved substantially. I am more open to putting things in His hands and am grateful that He has brought Melissa to me and trusts us to care for the life he has chosen for our son.
We are thankful for Caden Marshall. He has taught us so much about ourselves and continues to impress us. He is an absolutely wonderful baby and one tough kid. He has been through so much and yet he fights everyday to get stronger and smarter. I could honestly go on all day……
We are thankful for our families and their continued support. We know that they feel most of what we feel and that what affects us affects them without question. Yet without the love and support of our parents and siblings I don’t know how well we would have gotten through this past year. The nice thing about family is that they are there for you, whatever you need, or want, they are there. Having our families love has carried us through many times. For me, having my parents, sisters and brother in laws by my side while Caden was undergoing surgeries meant the world to me. We did not have to say much to each other because we all know each other well enough to understand what the other was thinking. A passing touch or glance was exactly what I needed at times because on the inside I was messed up. I am thankful that they understand and love me. I am thankful that our families get to share in our joy as well. They have been by our side from the start and they all love Caden so much. It brings us great joy when our family comes together. It is like a celebration of life every time we are together. I have often equated what Melissa and I have been going through as a very scary roller coaster ride. When that roller coaster pulled in, our families climbed in with us from the start. No one knew where the coaster was going. We did know that it would be a scary ride with risks involved. We were all cognizant that the ride could tragically come to an abrupt end. Yet Melissa and I were in, so without question, our families climbed into the roller coaster with us. They put their own lives and feelings aside committing to wherever the ride would take us all, as a family. We have had our ups, our downs and even been thrown for a loop a couple of times on the coaster. Yet here they are continuing to ride the ride with us no matter where it leads us.. We are so blessed and thankful to have you. We love you.
The world's a roller coaster
And I am not strapped in
Maybe I should hold with care
But my hands are busy in the air….. –Incubus-
Melissa and I are thankful for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the wonderful surgeons, nurse practitioners, PA’s, nurses, and admin staff that not only took care of Caden Marshall but of Melissa and I as well. We had a cardiology appointment yesterday, that went fantastically (more on that later), where we got so see the wonderful people that took care of us. We were very happy to run into Dr. James Tweddell coming out of surgery. Now I don’t think he reads this blog but I would be remiss if I did not say how thankful we are for him.
Dr. Tweddell has sustained our son’s life though his surgical skills and deep devotion to CHD kids. Here is a man that works countless hours and is constantly looking to advance his surgical skills to help children and their families. He is the reason that CHW has some of the best success rates for HLHS in the country. I sit here and reflect on March 16th, the day Caden went into his first surgery. Melissa and I were sitting in the waiting room, surrounded by family, while the CHW staff prepped Caden for surgery. Melissa and I were lost in out thoughts, crying, praying, hoping, wishing, begging, and feeling helpless. Dr. Tweddell came out to let us know that they would be taking him in shortly. At that point I asked Dr. Tweddell if he would place a verse from the Bible (Philippians 4:13), that I printed out, in his pocket while he performed the surgery. He said he would and he did. I can remember; he looked at Melissa and I and very calmly told us that Caden is a perfect candidate for the Norwood procedure. There was a confidence about him that soothed us and at that moment our fear was beginning to be overtaken by hope. Through Dr. Tweddell’s 3 minute interaction, Melissa and I were able to calm down a bit. It was at that moment we knew, for certain, that we chose the best surgeon and facility for our son. Thank you Dr. Tweddell! We are thankful for your skills and commitment to the CHD kids and specifically what you have done for Caden Marshall.
We are also thankful for Dr. Nancy Ghanayem who was our constant point of contact while we were at CHW. She was responsible for Caden Marshall and his post operative care. Nancy, thank you for: taking care of us, giving info to us straight with the perfect amount of compassion. Also, thank you for your friendship. Most of all, thank you for the never ending commitment to Caden. Ensuring the best shot he will have at life as well as the quality of his life. We love you and thank you.
Melissa and I are thankful for the nursing staff, therapists (speech, PT, OT) PA’s and administrative staff. I hate to bundle them all up into one but if I broke each of them out separately you would be reading until Christmas! In our 3+ months at CHW, these wonderful people are who we interacted with the most. We are thankful for their approach with us and for translating a lot of medical terms into language that Melissa and I could understand. I am thankful that they looked out for Melissa when I could not be there I am thankful that they really love what they do and that it showed through in their care for our son.
We are thankful for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. For making a very difficult time for Melissa and I a bit easier because we never had to think about where we were going to stay, how we were going to pay for it, or the time lost from our son due to driving back and forth. We are also thankful to the volunteers that keep the house clean or the ones that come in and cook a fresh meal daily. For all of this we are very thankful.
We are thankful for the great support base of friends we have. We are thankful for the new friends we have met along the way. We are thankful for those that we have never met but whom seem like very close friends through their wonderful letters and never ending encouragement. From the friends, and teachers and students at Melissa’s school who held fundraisers, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support. The list is a mile long yet everyone has really made a wonderful impact on us. We are so blessed and thankful.
Individually I am additionally thankful for my wife. I was truly blessed by God when he brought her to me. She is a wonderful person, friend, and partner. She is smart, beautiful and does not take any crap from me (which surprisingly I like). This past year has been very difficult for us. Quite honestly I don’t know how she did it at times yet I know that I could not do this without her. She makes a wonderful mother and wife. I love listening to her read to Caden. I love the way she organizes his medications so I can’t mess anything up. I am thankful she loves unconditionally and makes me a better person. I love you LB.
Most recently we are very thankful for another good cardiology check up for Caden. We had a scheduled appointment on the Nov. 20 where we got some really great news. Caden Marshall is doing so well we will not have to return for another appointment until he is one year old. That is almost 4 months away! His heart function sounds good and the tricuspid valve insufficiency is holding where it has always been. His O2 sats are hovering around 84% which is fantastic for these post operative Glenn kids. All in all he is doing great. We are so blessed and thankful! We had a great little visit while we were there seeing all our friends that used to take care of us. People hear we are there and come up to see us. How awesome is that? Those that can’t leave their posts, we go see them. Melissa and I were a bit conflicted knowing what a great sign it is to not have to come back for 4 months yet we always look forward to seeing our friends at CHW. I suppose we can wait…. We hope they know how thankful we are that they are part of our lives.
Yesterday Melissa and I brought Caden to church with us for the first time. He enjoyed it (I think). I know his mom and I enjoyed having him there. It was quite emotional for us at one point as the message was about being thankful for everything that God has provided. We are so very thankful.
Melissa, Caden, and I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. Once again, thank you for all the support you have shown us. We are very lucky to have you.
Love,
David & Melissa
Melissa and I are thankful for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the wonderful surgeons, nurse practitioners, PA’s, nurses, and admin staff that not only took care of Caden Marshall but of Melissa and I as well. We had a cardiology appointment yesterday, that went fantastically (more on that later), where we got so see the wonderful people that took care of us. We were very happy to run into Dr. James Tweddell coming out of surgery. Now I don’t think he reads this blog but I would be remiss if I did not say how thankful we are for him.
Dr. Tweddell has sustained our son’s life though his surgical skills and deep devotion to CHD kids. Here is a man that works countless hours and is constantly looking to advance his surgical skills to help children and their families. He is the reason that CHW has some of the best success rates for HLHS in the country. I sit here and reflect on March 16th, the day Caden went into his first surgery. Melissa and I were sitting in the waiting room, surrounded by family, while the CHW staff prepped Caden for surgery. Melissa and I were lost in out thoughts, crying, praying, hoping, wishing, begging, and feeling helpless. Dr. Tweddell came out to let us know that they would be taking him in shortly. At that point I asked Dr. Tweddell if he would place a verse from the Bible (Philippians 4:13), that I printed out, in his pocket while he performed the surgery. He said he would and he did. I can remember; he looked at Melissa and I and very calmly told us that Caden is a perfect candidate for the Norwood procedure. There was a confidence about him that soothed us and at that moment our fear was beginning to be overtaken by hope. Through Dr. Tweddell’s 3 minute interaction, Melissa and I were able to calm down a bit. It was at that moment we knew, for certain, that we chose the best surgeon and facility for our son. Thank you Dr. Tweddell! We are thankful for your skills and commitment to the CHD kids and specifically what you have done for Caden Marshall.
We are also thankful for Dr. Nancy Ghanayem who was our constant point of contact while we were at CHW. She was responsible for Caden Marshall and his post operative care. Nancy, thank you for: taking care of us, giving info to us straight with the perfect amount of compassion. Also, thank you for your friendship. Most of all, thank you for the never ending commitment to Caden. Ensuring the best shot he will have at life as well as the quality of his life. We love you and thank you.
Melissa and I are thankful for the nursing staff, therapists (speech, PT, OT) PA’s and administrative staff. I hate to bundle them all up into one but if I broke each of them out separately you would be reading until Christmas! In our 3+ months at CHW, these wonderful people are who we interacted with the most. We are thankful for their approach with us and for translating a lot of medical terms into language that Melissa and I could understand. I am thankful that they looked out for Melissa when I could not be there I am thankful that they really love what they do and that it showed through in their care for our son.
We are thankful for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. For making a very difficult time for Melissa and I a bit easier because we never had to think about where we were going to stay, how we were going to pay for it, or the time lost from our son due to driving back and forth. We are also thankful to the volunteers that keep the house clean or the ones that come in and cook a fresh meal daily. For all of this we are very thankful.
We are thankful for the great support base of friends we have. We are thankful for the new friends we have met along the way. We are thankful for those that we have never met but whom seem like very close friends through their wonderful letters and never ending encouragement. From the friends, and teachers and students at Melissa’s school who held fundraisers, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support. The list is a mile long yet everyone has really made a wonderful impact on us. We are so blessed and thankful.
Individually I am additionally thankful for my wife. I was truly blessed by God when he brought her to me. She is a wonderful person, friend, and partner. She is smart, beautiful and does not take any crap from me (which surprisingly I like). This past year has been very difficult for us. Quite honestly I don’t know how she did it at times yet I know that I could not do this without her. She makes a wonderful mother and wife. I love listening to her read to Caden. I love the way she organizes his medications so I can’t mess anything up. I am thankful she loves unconditionally and makes me a better person. I love you LB.
Most recently we are very thankful for another good cardiology check up for Caden. We had a scheduled appointment on the Nov. 20 where we got some really great news. Caden Marshall is doing so well we will not have to return for another appointment until he is one year old. That is almost 4 months away! His heart function sounds good and the tricuspid valve insufficiency is holding where it has always been. His O2 sats are hovering around 84% which is fantastic for these post operative Glenn kids. All in all he is doing great. We are so blessed and thankful! We had a great little visit while we were there seeing all our friends that used to take care of us. People hear we are there and come up to see us. How awesome is that? Those that can’t leave their posts, we go see them. Melissa and I were a bit conflicted knowing what a great sign it is to not have to come back for 4 months yet we always look forward to seeing our friends at CHW. I suppose we can wait…. We hope they know how thankful we are that they are part of our lives.
Yesterday Melissa and I brought Caden to church with us for the first time. He enjoyed it (I think). I know his mom and I enjoyed having him there. It was quite emotional for us at one point as the message was about being thankful for everything that God has provided. We are so very thankful.
Melissa, Caden, and I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. Once again, thank you for all the support you have shown us. We are very lucky to have you.
Love,
David & Melissa
God is good! You said it all! How lucky we are to have Caden!
ReplyDeleteAs I think back to the day you told us of Caden's health issues, we were all so scared. But you and Melissa said it all by saying that God will take care of him. Your words gave us such peace!
The Monroes and the Smiths are so blessed!
This post makes me cry, but my heart is so full of joy for you all. First, David, have you ever thought of being an author? You put together the most amazing pieces! Then, God has given Caden two awesome parents! You DO have thankful hearts & are such an inspiration to me! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Lori
I couldn't agree more with what Lori said about the way you write David. Thanks for the tears this evening. But, I must say, they are certainly tears of joy! Aside for being thankful for my own family, I am thankful that Caden was chosen for you and Melissa! May you all have a wonderful Thanksgivng holiday!
ReplyDeleteLove and friendship always,
Christine
xoxo
I am SO Happy for Caden! You are so rightin everything that you said about being thankful...it could have xame out of my mouth, just as it did yours.
ReplyDeleteCaden~ you continue to suprise every time I see a new post. You have come so far and you have so much more to accomplish... which you will do with flying colors (just as you have done)! Please never loose your wonderful personality nor your love of life. I love you very much little man and I hope to see you again sometimes!
Mom and Dad~ I admire you both! Your dedication, suppost for one another and your wonderful personaliy, just as your son has! Yo give your hearts and open up to connect in times of need. Please note that as I give my thanks, The Smith Family will be one of the top on my list....without you both I don't know how I could have handled it.
All my love from up north
Naomi Gesler
David,
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't have put it any better. I can relate all too well. It takes situations like these to test your faith, test your marriage and find out what kind of support group you have. I look back and think of how many times that roller coaster made me feel physically and emotionally drained. I pray we never have to be tested like this again.
I am thankful our paths crossed and our families will always share a common bond.
God Bless and Happy Holidays,
Duane, Lori, Gavin and Logan
What a wonderful post to read this day before Thanksgiving. We are blessed to have followed you through this journey. How thankful we are that God brought Caden into this world to help remind all of us how thankful we are for the many blessings of life.
ReplyDeleteKristi
The tears are flowing in WI tonight. You have done a beautiful job expressing the gratefuliness in your heart. Your words are a gift.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you and Melissa for allowing each of us, in some way, to ride the roller coaster with you. We love you and are also very grateful to all those who have helped Caden thrive. He is a handsome little man.
Love, Michelle, Jim, Austin, Bradley & Connor