Today has been one of those days where the burden of concern weighs heavily on the heart. As a mother, there is no feeling more helpless than knowing your children are facing challenges, and you can’t be there to support them. The emotional journey began with Creed’s surgery scheduled for the morning and continued with Vannah’s struggle against a severe and persistent illness. Both of my children are confronting difficulties that no parent should have to witness, yet the love and resilience of a mother never wavers, no matter how tough the path becomes.
Creed’s Surgery: A Step Toward Recovery
Creed’s health journey has never been straightforward, and tomorrow morning, the stakes will be even higher. At 7:30 AM, Creed will have surgery to remove his shunt and allow the infection to heal before it is replaced. This isn’t the ideal situation, but it’s the safest way to prevent something far more serious—meningitis. The thought of him undergoing this procedure breaks my heart, but it’s the best choice for his long-term health.
Although this isn’t what we wished for, we cling to the belief that it is the right decision. It’s a tough reality for a parent to accept, knowing their child is about to face an unexpected procedure, but we find comfort in the progress he has made over the last few days. Creed has been his usual cheerful, chatty self, thanks to the antibiotics that are gradually working. Still, it’s not enough to fully eliminate the infection, which is why the surgery is essential.
As I get ready for the day ahead, I try to stay grounded in the understanding that this is the right step. It’s hard not to worry, but I draw strength from knowing that the doctors are making every decision with his best interests at heart. I will be there when he wakes up, holding his hand through it all—just as I always do.
Vannah’s Battle: A Parent’s Worst Fear
In addition to Creed’s health issues, my dear Vannah has been unwell for the past two weeks. She has a history of gastrointestinal problems, and initially, I tried to adhere to our usual protocol. However, her condition quickly worsened. Vannah, who is typically so vibrant and joyful, began vomiting everything she consumed. At first, I thought it was just a bad episode, but it soon became clear that this was not going to resolve on its own.
She had already been on acid reflux medications and followed a BRAT diet, but nothing seemed effective. My mom and I tried everything—Zofran, a bowel clean-out, and even just keeping her hydrated—but nothing stayed down. After 72 hours of continuous vomiting, my mom took her to the ER, desperate for answers. A CT scan and an X-ray showed no blockage or anything unusual. Despite the tests, we were still left without a clear understanding of what was causing this.
The situation escalated, and my mom called me repeatedly, worried about Vannah’s health. As a parent, there’s a primal instinct that kicks in when things go awry, and my mind raced through every possible worst-case scenario. The fight-or-flight response is overwhelming when you feel utterly helpless, and all I wanted was to be there with my mom and my little girl.
A Breakthrough: Diagnosis and Hope
Just when I was starting to fear the worst, a breakthrough occurred. After another round of tests, the doctor found that Vannah had a urinary tract infection (UTI) and tested positive for strep. The relief was almost tangible. The ER staff administered an antibiotic shot to initiate treatment and sent a prescription to the pharmacy. Finally, after days of suffering, we had answers.
While it wasn’t a major issue, the thought of Vannah being so ill for so long without knowing why was heartbreaking. She had been so brave throughout it all, but hearing her say, “I’m so hungry. I just want to eat,” truly broke my heart. There’s nothing more painful than watching your child struggle, especially when you can’t be there to comfort them. But at least now, there’s hope for a swift recovery.
My mom, who has been an unwavering support for both my children, will be caring for her during the recovery process. Vannah will soon be on the mend, thanks to the antibiotics. The burden of worry that has loomed over our family is beginning to lift, and I’m finally able to breathe a little easier.
Through It All: Love, Strength, and Hope
Today has been one of the hardest days, filled with uncertainty and fear, but it has also served as a reminder of the strength we possess as a family. Creed is bravely fighting his own battle, and Vannah has shown remarkable resilience. They are both true warriors in their own right.
As I prepare for Creed’s surgery tomorrow, I remind myself that love and strength will guide us through. The challenges we face may be daunting, but they are never insurmountable when we support one another. The journey isn’t over for either of them, but with each step, we are getting closer to healing. And that, in itself, is enough to keep us moving forward.
Please continue to keep my sweet children in your thoughts and prayers. Every bit of love and support means the world. They are both strong, brave, and filled with hope, and I believe they will emerge from this stronger than ever. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
