This entire experience couldn't be more surreal. Another chapter of Charlie's journey, of him leaving the hospital today after only having surgery 70 hrs. ago just blows us away. Some earlier testing and his Dr. confirmed that he was "good to go". Charlie was very happy. He is doing really well, in fact he is doing super awesome. I have to trust that this is the right decision after a very short stay and such a major surgery. We have all been praying for a speedy recovery and he is well on his way. God is answering our prayers. As a mother, I can't help but feel apprehensive that it is too soon. I have no reason to support this other than it is just so soon. I guess if we were going home maybe it would be different? In some way I feel like I am bringing an infant home and there isn't a manual to follow!!! Anyway, we are close to headquarters, so that is reassuring.
Charlie's surgeon, very willingly, let me take a couple of photos with he and Charlie. This man has truly made a difference in the years to come for Charlie. We are so grateful that God chose him. When Corwyn went with Charlie for his echo, Corwyn was probing the technician as to what he was looking at and he said without hesitation, "he is the best surgeon in the world". No explanation was needed after that. I just had to have a picture of these perfect hands and I placed them in the shape of a heart! I know I'm neurotic!
Lifting the lid on the breakfast tray, only to find this was another reason Charlie was ready to hit the road! He thought I should mention this in the blog…lol.
Charlie spent the remainder of the day resting and just watching movies. There was no argument from him. Tomorrow we will be moving to a different hotel so that we have more room and it will be a suite with a separate room for Charlie to rest.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, as cheezy as it may seem. : )
Great news! And your blog is far from cheesy Launa....it's a wonderful success story!! It's the first thing I go to in the morning...the kids asked me yesterday morning "mom have you checked in on Charlie?" Can't wait to tell them today's report!!! Take care:)
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Dave, Kristina, Landon, Evan, & Delaney
6/29/2014 12:24:50 am
Such great news!! The kids love seeing the pics of Charlie everyday!! Delaney has been the most worried about her cousin ;) Glad you are moving to somewhere spacious that Charlie can rest. Looking forward to hearing you are coming home :) Mom said that if you need anything or maybe if you need to get away for a bit she can come pick you up and go for lunch/ coffee . Whatever you need. I will text you her phone number. Don't feel obligated but you are welcome to call :) Love you all. Xoxoxoxoxox
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Jen
6/29/2014 01:05:51 am
Thanks so much for sharing the blog Launa. It is such a great way for all of us who live Charlie and are concerned about his recovery to stay in touch. I can only imagine how scary it was to leave the hospital with him - maybe even more scary than going to he hospital in the first place!! He looks like he is doing great and it's good you will be close to the hospital for the next while. Hang in there Charlie - you are a real little trooper!!
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The Illingworth's
6/29/2014 01:06:44 am
Charlie,
You continue to inspire me my friend. It is so encouraging to see the faith of your entire family in God. You are a wonderful example to me, my family and your entire church. Peace, prayer and blessings on you and your family Charile.
Papa C
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Fred
6/29/2014 01:42:51 am
That is so awesome guys I am so happy for you all. especially Charlie. Have another great day.
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Suzanne, Steve, Nathan and Breanne
6/29/2014 03:24:33 am
We praise God for this amazing news. I can see how you would be apprehensive about leaving the hospital however I know in my heart that Charlie could not be in better hands now. Launa (and Corwyn!), we look forward to reading this blog every day. It really helps all of us feel connected to what you have been living each day. Continued prayers for a speedy and uneventful recovery.
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Ms. Dureault
6/29/2014 03:56:34 am
Hey Charlie,
I have been keeping up with the blog everyday. I am so grateful it was started as I would be going crazy not knowing what is going on. I am so happy everything is going well. You are such a trooper!!
I am sure it will be nice to get out of the hospital!! EVen though the care is top notch, I know those hospital beds and food isn't the best. Before you know it, you will back home and feeling better than ever!! Take care and hope to see you soon!
Ms. Dureault
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McPhersons
6/29/2014 05:56:02 am
That is amazing that after such a major surgery he is getting discharged,... What a leap forward in medical technology, understandable apprehension but he is probably getting a higher level of care from Dr Mom,Dad, and Georgia. So happy to hear that things are going well
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Isaac
6/29/2014 07:26:11 am
Hi Charlie how are you. Hope you are doing fine! When you get back I will show you the TNT cannon I made in minecraft.
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Florence and Bill
6/29/2014 09:31:49 am
Glad Charlie's recovery is going well! He is a healthy guy. Hope Georgia is enjoying her holiday in Vancouver. It is a beautiful place.
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Michelle Pho
6/29/2014 10:56:28 am
This is unbelievable! How could the child in these pictures have had open heart surgery a few days ago?!? God's hand in this couldn't be more obvious. We are so, so happy to hear of his excellent progress!