TJ made a full recovery regarding his heart surgery and is due to deploy to Iraq this fall. He still has chest pain but according to the doctor, it is due to his heart being NORMAL. His blood flow was abnormal from birth and now that it flows correctly, his body is not use to it so he feels pain. Hopefully, in time, this will resolve.
He is currently stationed in Germany and is expecting a third child (see previous post).
TJ had surgery last week. The hole was smaller than expected but the amount of blood that was NOT circulating to the rest of his body was more than expected. The hole was coiled (plugged) and he was released from the hospital the next morning.
He has had a few problems and visited the emergency room a couple of nights ago. He has a large hematoma in his abdomen that is pressing on his internal organs, causing pain and nausea. This should resolve on it's own but has slowed his recovery time.
♦ For more information about PDA, click here. This article is about infants with PDA. TJ is an adult but there is very little information on the internet regarding adults.
I mentioned TJ's heart problems when I blogged in June.. well, he is still waiting but the wait is almost over.
He has seen multiple cardiologists in the past couple of months and all of them agree that he needs open heart surgery. At one point, he was scheduled for surgery but the cardiologist canceled it. All the tests indicate that the hole in his heart is too large to be coiled (patched), however this cardiologist consulted another cardiologist who says that he thinks the measurements are wrong. Surgery was canceled because if there's a less invasive way to repair the defect, then that way needs to be investigated.
TJ was referred to the consulting cardiologist and will enter the hospital tomorrow for additional tests and surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning. At this moment we arent sure what surgery is being done and we wont know until after the tests are done but we do know that the wait is almost over.
Yesterday, we learned that TJ (son in law) has heart problems and the cardiologist is recommending that he have open heart surgery. Today, he returned to his regular PCP and he is requesting a second opinion. I am very relieved that he is not taking this lightly and pushing for an immediate surgery. The situation is serious, as is implied with open heart surgery, but if there is another route to be taken, it needs to be investigated.
To add another complication to the situation, he is due to board a plane in less than 3 weeks to move to Germany. All their belongings have been packed and placed in storage, awaiting shipping. As of today, they are out of housing and staying with a neighbor as they await their departure. Their move is dependent upon when he is able to get an appointment with the new cardiologist.
My son in law re-enlisted in the army. His parents were not pleased with his decision but he LOVES his job, he has a roof over his head (well, most of the time), he earns a decent income, his wife emotionally supports him 100%, and this is the lifestyle he chose.
My son in law's time is almost up. He will be returning from Afghanistan later this month. (Yes, he was involved in combat... and not everyone from his unit will be returning home).
They are planning to visit Alabama next month. This is so they can say good-bye before moving to Germany for a 3 year stay. At this time, they do not know where in Germany they are going, only that they are to be there in June.
A lot of people have asked me how I feel about the move. How am I supposed to feel? It's true that I wont be able to see them as often as I do now but we have webcams, telephones, cell phones, email, snail mail, etc.. so the lines of communication is still open. There are planes that fly to Germany and some airlines have specials from time to time. They already live more than 1900 miles from "home". I cant just drop by their house. Our visits require planning. The way I see it, not much will change except for the fact that they will live in another country. There will be a time of learning and a time of adjustment but I'm excited about the possibilities.
For Christmas, I bought my grandsons the book "We Going on a Bear Hunt" and it quickly became their favorite book.
Their dad will deploy next week and the question came up, how do you tell two toddler boys that you are going to war??
Since they enjoy the book so much, their dad decided to tell them that he's "going on a bear hunt". He assured them that he is "going to catch a big one" and that he's "not afraid".
It gives a whole new meaning to the story.
(My grandsons)
I urge you to read this story to your little ones and to remember the soldiers who are defending our freedoms and the woman and children who are alone because daddy is on a "Bear Hunt".
Several years ago, I met a young man named TJ. He was a well mannered teen who enjoyed a variety of interests.. one of his interests was my daughter. I will not bore you with details but I made it perfectly clear that he should stay away. Again, it is important to note that there was NOTHING wrong with this young man, but that Ibelieved that he was not the one for her. Little did I know that in a few short years, he would become my son in law and would provide me with two precious grandsons.
I have many reasons to retract my previous opinion of TJ.. he was indeed the right man for my daughter. I do not believe that my daughter chose TJ, I believe that God chose him for her.
As a boy, TJ was interested in many things, as a man he is interested in being the best he can be. That decision led him to join the army and later this month he will be deployed.
This post is for TJ.
Men and women fight, So that we can be free. To strive for victory, To be all they can be. But to be honest, they fight not for us, not for our flag, not for medals, not to brag. They fight for their brother, Their sister in arms, Fighting so valiantly, To ensure them no harm. This is the oath, To gladly surge forth, Not for glory, not for boast. Soldiers stick together, A soldier stays true, A soldier stays loyal, Giving it all for men and women they never knew.
Like so many others, TJ is not remorseful of his decisionto join the army even thoughit means leaving the comfort of his homeland. He views this as his job, his right, his duty to protect our country and to restore peace.
Where ever you may find yourself, you will never be alone.
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decision Dennison deciding devising Dickson Edit... Revert to "decison"
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I am a mother to three grown daughters who all graduated from homeschool. I baby-sit my two granddaughters and use "Before Five in a Row" with them. My grandsons are also staying here while their dad is deployed. My mother thinks I should get a "job" but watching the grandchildren grow is the most rewarding job in the world. Come along as we explore God's world together.
Grand-Kids
Ryan is the oldest of my grandchildren. He is 4 years old and is my Tom Sawyer. He's the quietest one of the bunch but if he's not careful, he can be swayed by Huckelberry Finn. He enjoys being outside and getting dirty.
Kaylee is 4 years old. She is a cross between Ellie Mae Clampett and a Disney Princess. She loves animals and all that is involved with their care but she also likes girly activities. She enjoys learning new things and is always eager for "school".
Rowley is a typical little boy. He is 3 years old and is my little Huckleberry Finn. He's the adventurous one and has to be watched every minute of the day because you never know what he might be up to.
Karsyn turned 2 year old on September 16. She is also an adventurous child. She enjoys cuddling as long as it doesnt take up too much time because she has a want/need to be on the move.
