Do you remember the song and music video for "Freedom '90" by George Michael back in the day? I was 16 when it came out and it rocked my world. It was THE supermodel video. It was the first time those beautiful people came to life in my world in a context other than a still image. I think it allowed me to dream about being that beautiful, and since beauty is everything to most 16-year-old girls, it left a mark. Somewhere between the music, the images and the lyrics, that song came to symbolize my run toward freedom and the ability to stand strong in a very big, open, scary world.
Well, today, Ari began his run toward freedom.
Ari was taken off supplemental oxygen last night. Today, his feeds were changed from continuous to bolus feeds every few hours. His IV got a saline lock. All of this meant that today, for the first time since being sick, my boy was untethered! He got a bath - a real one in a bathtub! It took two of us because he can't really sit up on his own yet, but he reached and played with toys and got real soap and rinse water all over him. The speech therapist started him on some milk and applesauce. He did great! And tonight, he's getting to skip his middle of the night respiratory treatment.
These are big steps folks. Feeding is going well. His lungs are getting remarkably better. His voice and interactivity is improving daily. Meanwhile, he's slowly getting off the methadone and ativan. The nurses are getting to know the Ari we know and love, and he's working his charms all around.
Mimi took a pic for me while he was sleeping since I forgot to snap a photo earlier today. My favorite part about this picture is that I know now that when he wakes up, he will be happy and singing those sweet da-da-da's. I didn't know if I would see this day again.
Love to all,
Dorothy
P.S. If you feel the need to go watch the Freedom '90 video now, just remember this is video appreciation by a 16-year-old girl, so cringe appropriately.
Well, today, Ari began his run toward freedom.
Ari was taken off supplemental oxygen last night. Today, his feeds were changed from continuous to bolus feeds every few hours. His IV got a saline lock. All of this meant that today, for the first time since being sick, my boy was untethered! He got a bath - a real one in a bathtub! It took two of us because he can't really sit up on his own yet, but he reached and played with toys and got real soap and rinse water all over him. The speech therapist started him on some milk and applesauce. He did great! And tonight, he's getting to skip his middle of the night respiratory treatment.
These are big steps folks. Feeding is going well. His lungs are getting remarkably better. His voice and interactivity is improving daily. Meanwhile, he's slowly getting off the methadone and ativan. The nurses are getting to know the Ari we know and love, and he's working his charms all around.
Mimi took a pic for me while he was sleeping since I forgot to snap a photo earlier today. My favorite part about this picture is that I know now that when he wakes up, he will be happy and singing those sweet da-da-da's. I didn't know if I would see this day again.
Dorothy
P.S. If you feel the need to go watch the Freedom '90 video now, just remember this is video appreciation by a 16-year-old girl, so cringe appropriately.
Yay..so glad to hear and see Ari doing better. Those little steps equal big leaps. Still keeping you all lifted up in prayer. LaSondra
ReplyDeleteFabulous news. Warms my heart!
ReplyDelete