Since this is our life journal, I need to include all of our moments I guess, not just the pretty ones. Stephen has had Crohn's for about six years and in the last six months had progressively worsening symptoms. Lots of specialists and tests all ended up pointing to the need for surgery. So on May 20th, Stephen had bowel resection surgery in which they removed about 50 cm of bowel that was extremely damaged. He had five strictures, which are closures in his intestine (think like stepping on a hose). This even surprised his surgeon! All of his doctors said he must be the most stoic man alive to have been working and trying to suffer through what he was living with.
He had some kidney complications after the initial surgery and had a couple more procedures to deal with those issues. It was a blur of stress and worry for me and a blur of narcotics and beeping machines for Stephen but we are so thankful it is behind us.
The kids came for some very short visits in the hospital but daddy was pretty wiped out throughout his days in the hospital.
Amelia was confirmed on the Sunday after Daddy's surgery so she came to the hospital so he could hug and congratulate her and give her the cross ring we got her for Confirmation.
The giant card the kids made Stephen while he was in the hospital.
Thankfully we had lots of help from family and friends. My parents came to stay for about 5 days to help keep the kids busy and love on them while Stephen and I were in the hospital. Grandpa Steve helped with driving and meals and we had lots of friends taking the kids for outings and bringing us meals. We could not have done it without all of our family and friends. And most importantly we had so many people praying for Stephen and his doctors and our family, we felt very loved and comforted by that. Thank you all so much!
