Tyler's Surgery July 19,2010

Who would have known that a kid could be this excited about surgery. Thats just how Tyler is. His curiosity always outweighs his fears. I think the morning of the surgery was harder on me then him. He loved all the extra attention and change of scenery.

He felt so safe and secure knowing that froggy was gonna be right by his side. Its amazing the love a young child can have for their stuff animal. Its so sweet.


After the docs came in and spoke to us and he got all dressed in his fancy gown the nurse came in with this super cool wheel chair made just for kids. We all thought that was the coolest thing ever. You can see the thrill in his eye. Its was the best ride ever to the surgery room. He enjoyed twist and turns and even pop wheelies. Its was great. Tyler is just naturally brave and courageous. It takes a lot for him to really cry or get scared. hes more interested in learning and conquering his fears then running away from it. I love that about him. He wasnt to nervous until they started rolling him away, he then turned to me and said" Mom arnt you coming with me till I fall asleep?" I gave him a little kiss and said I had already talked to the nurse a few minutes ago and told her I wasnt gonna leave youre side. I assured him Mommy wasnt going anywhere. We strolled down the cold hallway and his little innocent voice rambled on about all the cool interesting things he was seeing. Where me as his Mother knew in reality what was really around the corner. His innocence protected him from fear. Its was sweet and beautiful to witness his bravery. After his 5 billion question to the surgeon and nurse on the operating table I sat there and watch my son drift of to slumber land. What Mother doesnt fall into tears at that point.I kissed his cold little sleepy head goodbye and sobbed my way out the door. I couldn't help it. I hugged the surgeon as he walked me out and told him that its so hard to watch your baby be put to sleep by something other than snuggles and bedtime stories. Its hard to watch your energetic talkative son doze off and roll his eyes back. Though the surgery was only 1 hour I missed my little baby terrible every minute. And I felt bad for what he was gonna wake up to.

Going back after his surgery to watch him wake up was painful to Perry and I's heart. To see this child who thought everything was gonna be fun and exciting is now shaking and emerged completely in the reality of the situation. It wasnt a laughing matter anymore to him it was real... it was pain... it was fear. He thrashed and fought hard as he woke up and boy did i hold back those tears for him. I wanted him to see me strong and brave just as he was. It was just so hard to see him so drugged and his eyes glazed over looking at you and wondering where he was and how to get out of this prison he was in. I felt helpless and sad for him. But Perry and I layed on his thrashing scared body until he woke up. I then got to hold him and snuggle all those fears away. Like I said Tyler rarely cries out loud. he rarely gives into to fear and pain. But realty got the best of him and this sweet innocent child of mine weeped like I hadnt seen in years. I held him close to my heart and reassured him that his Heavenly Father loves him and that his Mommy and daddy are here to help him through this process and pain. His sore throat was just almost to much to bear. But with lots of snuggles and love I was able to help nurture his little smile and curiosity back. Hes is one tough kid. I kept reminding him how brave and courageous he was and continues to be. That he can get through this and grow form this experience just as I his MaMa has from her past painful surgeries. I told Tlyer to dig deep and hold onto his inner prayers and faith. And he did.

Within minutes on the road he was begging to stop at McDonalds for his first round of ice cream. With his little squeaky voice and baggy eyes he smiled from ear to ear as he held that giant cup of ice cream in his hands the whole way home. Thats my Tyler. Strong, brave and resilient. Man was it good to see that smile back on his face.


The whole way home he kept reminding me to keep his brothers from jumping on him. He knew they probably missed him and wanted to give a big "Brother team" hug but Tyler just wasnt in the mood. The boys were very gentle with him as he arrived hom and just hung out really close to him and kept him company. He felt so good to be home on his nice comfy couch eating ice cream, otter pops and watching his new collection of movies Mommy got him.


I thought it was so sweet that when daddy came home from work Tyler's main request was to snuggle on the floor and rest...rater then bounce on the bed or rouh house. He just wanted some daddy snuggles. We are so grateful for the power of the priesthood that isin our home. And for the wonderful blessing Perry gave Tyler before surgery. it was through that blessing that Tyler was able to dig deep and find that inner strength and faith to get throguh that hard day with a smile on his face in the end. Thats a true answer to our prayers.