Today is the date of birth of my youngest son Austin. He is now 4 years old!!!! Before last week I would have said “these four years have seemed to fly by”. Now after the week we’ve had I would say that it was as if I saw 1,460 days slowly pass before my eyes. On Wednesday July 17, 2018 at approximately 2:30 a.m. Austin was admitted to Children’s Hospital. He had been battling fever at this point for 4 days and was throwing up, not eating, drinking or really sleeping. He was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. A rare disease that affects children under 5 years of age. It causes inflammation in the walls of blood vessels and effects the lymph nodes, skin and mucous membranes. It’s a really scary disease as it is very rare, some doctors are unable to diagnose it early enough because they are unaware, and will often times reach out to the infectious disease department to get the prognosis of this disease. Before this moment I previously had never heard of Kawasaki disease. We were so blessed that the doctors at Children’s Hospital not only knew about this disease, but diligently pushed to start treatment early for my son. The staff was phenomenal, Dr Bouquet who originally diagnosed Austin, Dr. Hixon who would become Austin’s Cardiologist, the nurses Fallon, and Nikki and so many others that assisted us during our 4 day course in the hospital, Amy the child life specialist who so kindly brought in toys and treats for Austin every day, the health and sanitation staff, the food and nutrition staff, everyone made this experience all the more do-able for me.
Still watching my Austin so sick and so helpless was the worst feeling in the world. No moment can prepare a parent to see their child sick. I felt so useless, and inadequate, to not fully help in some way was disheartening. He received treatment on Wednesday, it was difficult, and we did have a few bumps in the road along the way. By Friday Austin was turning around and beginning to feel better. This experience really pushed me to really cherish every moment. We never really know when our last day will be. The days we get to spend with our love one’s are often so limited, and we will never get them back.
Austin mommy loves you so much. This four years having you as my son has been remarkable. Watching you grow, seeing more and more of your feisty and high- spirited personality every day is well worth every tear, every heartbreak, and every moment you’ve graced my presence. You are so smart, so loving, so caring and oh so bossy. I couldn’t imagine a day without you here. I love you more than I can tell you.
As you grow up, may the abundance of the Lord flow your way every day of your life and may you never lack anything called good. May God protect you always and keep you strong.
Just yesterday you were one years old. This must be some kind of magic!
Help me wish my Austin Ryan A Happy 4thBirthday!!!!!!!
-Latoya