An Awesome Family!!!!!!!!

I would like to take this chance to let everyone know just what an incredible family Dana, Dave and Henry have become. They are loving, caring and happy.

I come once a month for about two weeks to help Dana & Dave out. I am not sure how much help I am, but they humor me and let me think I am helping them out tremendously! Dave is such a wonderful son-in-law. He never complains that I am asleep on his couch every morning when he heads down the stairs to work or when I want see an episode of Grey's Anatomy on the TV on Thursday nights. He is such a patient and kind person and I could not have asked for a better son-in-law or husband for my daughter and especially dad for my grandson.

Dana is a natural mother. She takes such good care of Henry and they already have a "special bond". Not unlike the one she shares with her dad. I know it is hard for her to not to see her dad and talk to him as much as she would like. I try to be here for her when she needs to talk and I appreciate the closeness that we have shared since Henry's birth. After all she may have a baby of her own, but she will always be mine and I love her more today than ever. I am so proud of how she has handled this onset of adversity in their lives. I hope I am always able to be there for her and I hope that she knows I will always be there in a second no matter what, even if I fly out just to give her a hug and let her talk.

So again, thank you for letting me be an extra in your home and thank you for letting me feel like you appreciate and need me. I can't imagine not seeing the three of you for more than two weeks at a time.

Love,
Grandma Darcy

And the winner is...

...Heather Rutler!  Congratulations, Heather.  And thank you so much to everyone who made a donation for a ticket for the quilt raffle.  And also a huge thank you to Glenda Johnston for all your hard work to make it happen.  I believe the raffle was a great success in helping towards Henry's expenses. 

I apologize for the lack of updates recently!  The only justification that I can give for this is that it's a good thing when there is a week that there isn't a ton to report medically for Henry. 

A reminder: the quilt raffle is quick approaching.  If you are wanting a ticket, get it soon!  If you are needing info on how to get a ticket, look to the right side of the blog under "How you can help"

Also, a bit of good news: Henry is continuing to gain weight without his feeding tube!  Gaining weight hopefully means getting stronger and ready to fight through the next surgery when the time comes.  He has continued to stay healthy & thrive at home.  Once again, we are so proud of David & Dana for making that commitment (as tough as it has been) to keeping him protected & healthy & out of the hospital (except for his doctor's appointments). 

I want to thank everyone for their continued support and prayers for Henry, David and Dana. Dealing with everything they are going through has shown how strong they are as a couple and a family. Because I am Dana's mother, I have been blessed to help out with Henry. He is such a joy! Being this close to Henry allows me to see just how fragile his condition is. Although he looks amazing in the pictures he is still extremely susceptible to anything that may be contagious. Both the cardiologist and the specialist seen last week complimented Dana and Dave on their diligence to keep Henry healthy. Please remember how hard it is for Dana and Dave not to show off their precious Henry to all of their family and friends. You cannot believe the anguish this is causing them. Please remember the doctors have said NO VISITORS for a reason. Henry's next surgery will be at the beginning of the summer and he has to be as healthy as possible. Dana and Dave are not trying to single anyone out from visiting Henry. No family member or friend is more important, they are just trying to do what is best for their child. Please, please remember this when you think it might be all right to stop in and say hi just for a few minutes or that you are a closer family member and have not been able to hold Henry. Saying no only adds to the agony Dana and Dave are going through. Remember you may be a carrier for a cold or the flu and not exhibit any symptoms yet. Either of those ailments would put Henry in the hospital and push his surgery back even further. Again, thank you all so much for everything you all of done for this special family, I know that God is holding them tight in his arms.