Collin

Yes I know, it has been awhile.  I find myself uncomfortable writing about my life at times, everyone has that crazy relative, that interesting friend or neighbor.  Their kids are filled with stories, so why bother folks with mine.  Today is special :-)


You were unexpected.  Mommy and I were moving on with our lives with three girls.  I was fine with that but always in the back of my mind had a thought of what would it be like to have a son.  Would you like cars, baseball, Final Fantasy, chicken.  Would you and I sit in the floor playing transformers, would you hold my hand?  Would we spend time in the emergency room?  Well no sense in thinking about it now I thought, I got girls to raise.

Then as usual for the last 7 years or so, the phone rang....

This is Kevin how can...

Heeeeeeeeees in care

Who is....

Collin!

Huh

BJRGRRRACT (Mommy talk....so happy words become sounds)

In my job, I attempt to have what I call a "clarifying" moment, where I try to summarize what they are saying, in hopes I can get us both on the same page early on.  Shockingly enough, this does not work with your mommy.

I had to put her on hold, collect my thoughts and dive back in.  You were in a home of a friend of ours and you were sick.  You were orange, and if you did not get help soon you would have died.  Forget all the daydreams, I just want you to live.

Biliary Atresia, Kasai Procedure, Liver Biopsy, Gall bladder removal, liver transplant down the road, all of these things were either discussed or done within a 72 hour period.  As we had already began adoption of your two birth sisters we began to talk to your birth mom and dad again.  Always try to find answers, don't begin with anger look for the common ground my son.  All of us agreed we would stay with you as much as we could, for now thinking this would be temporary.


People are funny son, you can know them for all your life and still be surprised at them in the blink of an eye.  Your birth mom and Dad, decided your health issues were too much to bear, and signed over their rights to raise you.  They gave you a gift of amazing love.  We are thankful for and love them.

So from hospital bed to pre-school bus on the way to the zoo.  You have grown so much, you love to show me your super speed, and you are my best buddy.  Life is greater with you in it :-)  I still have much to learn, I will fail, I will fall.  You will make amazing friends that stand with you, you will lose friends that will cause your heart to ache.  You will meet that girl, have that kiss and have your heart broke.  Be kind son, love others son, protect your sissys, be honorable and compassionate.  Have fun being 5 years old.  Mom and I will be beside you, aiding, loving, helping. We will meet the later challenges together as a family.  I love you son