Five years ago on April 1, 2014 - Zachary took his first breath of fresh outside Phoenix air, not filtered by the air conditioning units at PCH. After living in the hospital for the first 17 weeks of his life he finally came home.
We did not think that we would see that day. It was about 6 days prior to April 1st that we had a family care conference with Zachary’s medical team. At this meeting, they said the word “home”. I about fell out of my chair!!!
They went on to say that they think Zachary’s discharge date would be April 1st. Ha Ha. That is not a funny joke. And they looked at us with all seriousness. Um............
How am I to care for this child of mine who is SO medically complex? We had taken down Zach’s nursery because we thought he would never come home. I could not bear to see his crib empty every night. Now I’m living in frightful excitment of the idea.
We had six days to get his room together. There were so many amazing things that happened during that time of prepping for him to come home. I can not even begin to go into that now, but WOW God provided and our amazing army that is supporting us carried us through.
Fast forward to April 1, 2019. Is this really a cruel April fools joke and Zach is just at the hospital? No, it is not. Every part of me aches for him to be here so we could celebrate his first day coming home 5 years ago. Zach was able to get his ultimate homecoming this past June and is now in his eternal home, heaven (AND PAIN FREE).
David and I have been planning a very special event with Phoenix Children’s Hospital. We are the chairs for the Heart Family Advisory Counsil at PCH. We had a dream and a vision before Zachary passed to have a reunion with the Cardiac ICU team and kiddos at PCH. We wanted the families to have a safe, fun environment for their heart kiddos and we wanted the staff to be able to see these kiddos running and thriving. We also want to bring hope to the doctors and reconnection for the patients/their family’s with the doctors that cared for their child. The staff sees these kiddos at their worst, day in and day out. For them to see heart kiddos out doing “normal” things, our hope is this event would give the staff a boost of hope and show its worth the fight!!!!!
This dream is coming true this Sunday, April 7, 2019. Yes, this is the 10 month anniversary of Zach’s passing. We did not plan that. What a day it will be celebrating these kiddos who are still fighting.
What a day it is going to be for me not having our Zachary with us. So many emotions. The reunion is going to take place at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. It is going to be a very big event and we are praying it all goes off without a hitch!
Another first is coming our way as well. Facebook is really good about showing you your past memories. I have a love hate relationship with that now. I love seeing our pictures from last year and it also makes me want to go back to last year. Facebook is now sharing Easter pictures. I had not even given it one thought then I saw Zach enjoying Easter so much last year. It will be hard to celebrate without him here.
As always, we are beyond grateful for all the love and support we have had and continue to have. I feel bad I have not written thank you cards
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