This past weekend, a moment of pure happiness broke through the haze of fatigue and uncertainty that has enveloped our lives for months. Our dear Bubs finally reunited with his siblings, Maddy and Creed, and the connection they share was incredibly evident. It had been far too long, and their reunion was truly magical. The instant their eyes met, the joy was tangible. It served as a reminder of the love that continues to flourish between them, despite the distance that has kept them apart.
Observing Maddy and Creed reconnect filled my heart with both joy and sadness. Joy, because I could see the sheer relief on their faces as they embraced, but sadness, because it highlighted what we have all been missing — the warmth and laughter of all our children together, under one roof. As parents, we deeply miss our little ones. Three of our hearts are not here with us, and it feels like a persistent ache. We cherish every small moment we can share with them, but the void of being apart is hard to overlook.
The journey we’ve been on with Bubs has been filled with moments of fear, hope, and profound gratitude. His medical journey is far from complete. Currently, the plan is to administer antibiotics until November 4th, after which we hope to replace the shunt that has been a vital part of his treatment. We are optimistic that this next step will bring him closer to a full recovery, but the uncertainty weighs heavily on our hearts. Each day presents its own challenges, yet also moments of strength, as Bubs smiles through the toughest times. He’s back to his usual, cheerful self, and witnessing his joy illuminate the room fills us with relief and warmth.
However, despite his progress, there’s a bittersweet reality we’re confronting: we long to be home with all of our children. Living out of suitcases, moving from place to place, and being separated from three-quarters of our hearts is incredibly challenging. We yearn for the comfort of being under one roof again, where our family can heal together. The absence of Maddy, Creed, and our other two little ones creates a void in our hearts that nothing can fill. Our babies miss each other, and we miss them so deeply. The pain of not having our full family together is almost unbearable.
Yet, through it all, Bubs remains a beacon of light. His resilience and unwavering happiness have guided us through the darkest times. His smile is a reminder of the hope that still exists, regardless of the challenges we face. Each day, as we watch him grow stronger, we are reminded of the power of love and the strength of family. Despite all the obstacles in our path, we continue to move forward — for him, for all our children, and for the dream of being whole again.
The emotional and physical exhaustion that accompanies this journey is overwhelming. I apologize for the irregular updates, but my heart has been heavy. We are trying to juggle so many responsibilities — managing Bubs’ treatment, attending to the needs of our other children, and holding on to the hope that one day soon, we will all be reunited. It’s a challenge that feels endless at times, but with the support of friends, family, and the love of those who care about us, we find the strength to get through each day.
As we continue to navigate this difficult time, we are also incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from so many of you. The prayers, kind words, and offers of help mean more than we could ever express. For those who have inquired about how they can assist, we are deeply touched. If you feel moved to help with food, gas, coffee, or other necessities during this time, we have set up ways to receive support. My PayPal is @MelanieOellig15, my Venmo is @MDOellig, and my CashApp is $tdoellig. Every little bit helps, and we are so thankful for your generosity.
The road ahead remains uncertain, but we are determined to keep pushing forward. The love and support we’ve received from so many of you have helped us carry this weight and reminded us that we are not alone. Each day brings us one step closer to being back home with all of our children, and that hope is what drives us to keep going.
Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We are profoundly grateful for each and every one of you who has reached out, offered support, or simply sent love our way. It means more than you know. As we navigate this journey, we hold on to the belief that one day soon, we will be whole again — reunited as a family under one roof, with all our hearts together, and surrounded by the love that has carried us this far.
