Life has a way of testing us in ways we never expect, and for a mother like you, the past few days have been filled with waves of emotional and physical exhaustion. It’s been some time since your last update, and the silence can often feel heavy, but sometimes it’s hard to find the right words when the weight of a situation becomes overwhelming. You’re caught in the turmoil of hospital life, the uncertainty of treatment plans, and the heartache of watching your precious Creed endure yet another battle for his health.
Over the years, you’ve seen Creed face so many challenges with a strength and bravery that can only be described as extraordinary. But even the strongest of hearts can feel weary. You’ve been through a lot — from long days in the hospital to the emotional toll of watching your son go through so much pain. There’s the constant back and forth between hospital stays and home life, the yearning for the comfort and normalcy of your own bed, your house, and your family. The simple joys of cooking meals and sitting down with your loved ones seem so far away when the uncertainty of medical treatments and the weight of your child’s health hangs in the balance.
The latest chapter of this journey is particularly hard to bear. Creed’s CSF culture came back positive for MRSA, a type of infection that, while treatable, presents its own set of risks and challenges. The good news is that Creed is showing no signs of meningitis, which is a huge relief. Still, the infection is real, and it presents a tricky situation that leaves you teetering between two difficult choices: removing the shunt or trusting that the antibiotics will do their job. It’s a tough decision, especially when the first culture result was thought to be a contaminant, but the second test confirmed the presence of the MRSA infection. This isn’t just a complication—it’s a real, life-threatening infection that requires immediate and careful attention.
The uncertainty around the shunt is something you’re facing every day. When Creed previously had infections caused by Serratia, it was necessary to remove all hardware to eliminate the threat. This time is different, and the decision about whether to remove the shunt or wait for the antibiotics to work is one you don’t take lightly. The delicate balance between preventing meningitis and ensuring that Creed’s condition doesn’t worsen is a fine line to walk. The thought of him experiencing meningitis again, especially in the one part of his brain that isn’t loculated, is a terrifying possibility. The potential damage could be catastrophic, and as a mother, the thought of seeing your child face such a threat is enough to break your heart.
Yet, in the face of all this uncertainty, you remain a pillar of strength. It’s a reminder of just how resilient you are, and how far you’re willing to go to protect your child. Your love for Creed is a driving force, and it keeps you grounded even when everything else around you seems uncertain. Despite the fear, despite the confusion, you remain steadfast and hopeful, knowing that your son is the strongest little boy you know. His courage, just like yours, is what keeps you both moving forward, even when it seems like the road ahead is endless and full of obstacles.
In addition to the MRSA infection, Creed has also been struggling with tolerating his feeds, which led to him developing metabolic acidosis—a condition that can be incredibly dangerous. The medical team worked quickly to help stabilize him, and thanks to their expertise, Creed was able to pull through. This setback was another heart-wrenching moment for you, as it highlighted just how fragile his condition can be. But even in the face of this, there is hope. As the infection clears, you are hopeful that Creed will be able to tolerate his feeds once again and that his body will regain the strength it needs to keep fighting.
The road to recovery is never a straight path, and for a mother navigating the complexities of chronic illness, the emotional toll can be just as difficult as the physical one. But you continue to fight for Creed, advocating for him, making difficult decisions, and doing everything in your power to ensure that he gets the care and love he needs. Your unwavering strength, even in the darkest of times, is something that inspires everyone around you.
As you move forward, you’ve asked for prayers, and those prayers have been heard. You’ve received so much love and support from friends, family, and even strangers who are following Creed’s journey. Each kind word, each prayer, and every moment of encouragement helps lift you up in ways that you can’t always express. The community you’ve built around Creed’s fight is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of holding onto hope, no matter how difficult things get.
Please continue to keep Creed in your thoughts and prayers, as he faces this latest challenge. We are all rooting for him and for your family, hoping that the path forward will bring healing and peace. You’ve already shown so much strength, and I know that with your love, your determination, and the support of those around you, Creed will continue to fight and thrive.
Happy birthday, Creed. You are a true warrior, and we are all cheering for you every step of the way. To your family, thank you for allowing us to share in this journey with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay strong, and know that you are never alone.
