He Takes My Heart With Him

Going Home

Two and a half days after Jack was admitted to the hospital for surgery on his spinal cord, they sent him home. He had a four inch long incision on his tiny baby back and a drain still in. A drain collects the liquid that occurs as the wound heals. A tube was inserted into his back, under his skin, at the incision site, and stitched into place. The tube was connected to a bulb that collected the liquid so the amount of drainage could be measured. It was a little scary to be in charge of changing the dressings on this angry-looking scar and this tube coming directly out of his back. It was a lot scary when the nurses gave us a list of "things to watch for," that could signal an infection of his spinal cord. Jack came home from the hospital with no restrictions on his activity, except to be a little careful. Home to a two year old brother, a four year old sister, and an eight year old sister. Careful? With four young children in the house? That was like asking for a miracle. Then again, we already had one.

We took Jack home and made our family whole.