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Holding a newborn after so many years was such tingling
experience. Such a precious little man, Sean…so precious. Family gathered around him, loving him.
Grandchildren had gone from baby to teens and these grandparents hadn't held a new grandson for years. Sean was the beginning of another
set of babies. Sweet boy...such a precious sweet boy.
Sean could hit the baseball hard, could stretch out his glove, and
catch anything hit his way. Then his
parents noticed that he wasn’t using his left hand.
Doctor visit, then Pediatric Neurologist, then an MRI, and
then on the fourth day Sean’s parents heard the news of a brain tumor. Surgery
would happen in seven days.
The first surgery was done by one of only two Pediatric Neurosurgeons in the entire country. The tumor was wrapping around the brain stem; if the surgery had not been done, he would have died in two months. Sean was nine then.
A new MRI, and then a second surgery. The first surgery had been brutal, but the second was indescribable. So much trauma, so much of who he was, taken away. Sean was ten.
Then radiation. Then this…that…this…
Then radiation. Then this…that…this…
Now…Sean is 22 years old.
Now, even after such horrible surgeries which left severe disabilities,
Sean is graduating from University.
There will be rejoicing and tears for this young man, this
precious man, this precious young man.
Of all the A to Z posts written this year, this one was the hardest. No words seemed to fit or relay this. My nephew is amazing.
Of all the A to Z posts written this year, this one was the hardest. No words seemed to fit or relay this. My nephew is amazing.
So sad. I hear of so many disabilities that befall young people now, especially in autism. Fine, strong, happy children one day and the next day, no smiles and are silent.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing that this young man was able to graduate.
There will be great rejoicing, lots of tears and smiles.
DeleteAs you said, "No words seemed to fit or relay this." Your nephew is truly amazing!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, there are no words to describe his life and accomplishments.
DeleteGod Bless him....what an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteGod blesses him daily. Keep him in your prayers.
DeleteThat cliche, children are resilient. They get on through with grace that eludes us.
ReplyDeleteHe shows such strength each day. I asked him once if he ever gets angry about all this. He nodded and said, "Sometimes..."
DeleteCongratulations to your nephew! It's not easy, even without all the challenges he's faced. I came to your blog right after reading a post by a mother whose infant son had died a year earlier, and I held my breath here till I read the final outcome with such relief. I'm sure there's a part of you that will always be holding your breath a little. What's his major?
ReplyDeleteComputer science with a minor in business. Smart young man.
DeleteHow very wonderful! I expected a terrible outcome.
ReplyDeleteTruthfully, his life could have gone either direction. God's intervention was all along the way.
DeleteCongratulations to your nephew. His is an outstanding achievement.
ReplyDeleteAnabel's Travel Blog
His achievement is something no one was sure could happen.
DeleteAwful to have somethings in life stripped away, but resilience can take us far. Amazing indeed
ReplyDeleteHis parents are amazing people. They have been at his side every step.
DeleteA parent's nightmare, and a reader's too. Pulled my heartstrings for him, and for his family. Happy to hear the ending was a good one. Or is it the beginning? :)
ReplyDeleteEach day is part of the journey for him.
DeleteYour nephew is amazing! Congratulations to him. And prayers for a bright future.
ReplyDelete:prayers will always needed, thanks.
Deletewow - that is excellent. Good for him and the whole family. I wish him all the best for the future.
ReplyDelete...his family is so proud of him.
DeleteI'm sorry for the losses caused by his brain tumor, but rejoice that it was caught in time, that there are capable doctors who deal with such trauma, that your grandson's folks had you on their support team, and that Sean has made such remarkable strides to prove what God can do through prayer. Give him my kudoes and to his parents for being right there the whole way to encourage, support, and guide him.
ReplyDeleteBeing his aunt and on a prayer group, we see God's hand in every piece of his life.
DeleteHeart-rending and heart-warming. In very delicate balance.
ReplyDelete"very delicate balance". As a writer that is the best compliment.
DeleteWhat an amazing story - sorta puts things into perspective. Perhaps I shall stop whining about the bug bites I got yesterday...
ReplyDeleteMosquitoes and fleas love me. But, as you said, Sean's life puts everything else in perspective.
DeleteWhat really bad luck for this young man and I am so glad he is doing well just the same. I have a friend who's son is going through all kinds of hell. He has survived to his early 30s but......
ReplyDeleteGod bless your friend and her son, with so many struggles. Being a friend to them, praying with them, and giving them help--that is the best one can do. She is lucky to have you as a friend.
DeleteCongrats to your nephew.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, indeed!
DeleteWhooo-hoooo, Sean! You go, young man!!
ReplyDeleteThe View from the Top of the Ladder
And he will, as health allows!
DeleteTalk about gumption! he has amazing strength (and so do you) and support that is so needed when one is going through something so devastating. Kudos to all of you
ReplyDeleteI am the cheerleader group, while he and his parents kept going.
DeleteWow. Tough road. Amazing that he's made it this far.
ReplyDeleteThrough love and stubborness, Sean has been so successful in his education.
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS to him!! AND to you!!! Lots of love and strength :)
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
It has been a privilege to help even a little bit as Sean progressed through this. As his aunt, I have loved him forever.
DeleteCongrats to Sean on his graduation!! So glad he got to this point in his life!
ReplyDeletebetty
A precious young nephew indeed.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that someone noticed he wasn't using his left hand.
Without that, Sean would not be here today, to bring such pleasure to your lives.