Now I don't know about you, but if my dad walked into my pre-op staging room dressed like this, I would be scared. Thankfully, Elliott was not. In fact, Elliott's pre-op stay was good particularly given that we were scheduled for a 6am start and the surgery ended being bumped to 2pm. Through all of this delay, with no food or drink in his belly since 9pm the night before, Elliott was a real trooper. All he asked for was that there would be 'no pokes', 'no mask' and 'no cuts', and he got his way on all three counts until he was too fast asleep to know the difference. I have to admit, that as I carried him into the OR and lay him on the operating table (hence my gown, mask, and tasteful hair net) and, when invited, kissed him on the cheek, it was hard to hold back the tears. So much of all that Monica and I (and Euan and Annie for that matter) value in the world, lay there helpless but for a surgeon's skill and God's grace.
And that is what we are so thankful for, in abundance: skill and grace. The surgery went as well as we could have expected and took much less time than it could have, mostly due to the position of the aneurysm, which was mostly anterior and so easier to get to. Monica and I waited quite a while outside the Pediatric ICU where Elliott now sleeps, much like in the picture above.
As you can see, Elliott's best friend in the wide world, Noe the elephant, is keeping him company and he is mostly very peaceful. These next 72 hours are pretty crucial for his full recovery, so please keep the little guy in your hearts and prayers as we make it through the weekend. Your comments on this blog are such a source of comfort for Monica and I. There are many times that we have welled up reading what you have written. You touch that place that we attend to gently, doing all we can to stay positive and brave for Elliott.
All in all, on night one in the ICU, it is abundantly clear that God is good.
Tears well up in our eyes too as we each have children who could have been laying where Elliott now lays. While my personal problems may have been different, the love we have for our children is the same and if are open to the answers to prayers, we know that we are loved in the same way by the Lord, even though physically we don't see or touch him in the same way. With love from Dawn & Paul
ReplyDeleteBeen praying for Elliott, and all of you all day. Glad things went well with the surgery. Will keep the prayers coming...
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Whitney
P.S. I finally figured out how to post a comment!
ReplyDeleteMonica & Simon,
ReplyDeleteForgive my silence these many weeks leading up to your journey and Elliot's surgery. I have been praying for all of you daily, and especially for the health and recovery of Elliott. May God aid in Elliott's healing and recovery that is needed in the next three days. May God give your family strength and comfort during this challenging time. May God grant Monica the physical endurance to mother a recovering child, a busy toddler and a nursing newborn.
We will continue to pray for Elliott.
Wendy & family
Thank you so much for this update. We will continue to pray for Elliott and the family. We are so thankful that it went well. Grace and skill indeed -- from both the hospital staff and Elliott's family. Blessings to all of you. May you receive the gift of rest. May God continue to carry all of you and protect you.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Tyler and Carey
We are so happy to hear that things are going well for you guys. Just remember that although this is a tough journey, there is a lesson to be learned. Also, there is a shining light at the end of all this and let that light guide you.
ReplyDeleteAnthony and I (Katie) cannot wait to see Elliott's contagious smile once you guys are back, and enjoy a cup of tea with the strong little boy of yours!
Just remember that smiles are the best medicine. Here's a generous dose from all of us here in San Diego.
May the healing process be quick and easy. Sending endless thoughts and good vibes your way!
From: Katie, Anthony, Naomi, Joe
It's so good to hear that things are going so well. We're all thinking of you over here, so grateful for the updates, so glad to see the big man taking in his journey so well. I know Mum and Aunt Mary are both more than keen to add their messages to you too, but are unsure how to do so. I'll see if I can help, but in the meantime, please consider their love and best wishes sent along with all of ours.
ReplyDeleteJon, Riffat, Remi & Sabeena
xxx
It is so good to get your updates and such a relief that things are going well. I am so proud of Elliott and it's such a comfort that he has his beloved Noee with him. You are all in my thoughts as you make your journey together.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
All my love, Mum xx
So pleased that the surgery went well. We were thinking of all of you all day yesterday. That 8 hour delay can't have been easy. Thinking of you even more as the post-op recovery runs its course. Elliott is clearly a very brave boy (with or without Noe's help). He's lucky you're all so strong. This is when love stands up to be counted.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
Richard and Alison xx
Have been praying for Elliot and you all. Very happy to hear the surgery went well. Will continue to pray for his recovery. Much Love Becky and Mike
ReplyDeleteYou are all in our prayers for continued strength. We will be cheering on the sidelines for Elliott much like he did often for the basketball team with gusto for quick healing and an ultimate win.
ReplyDeleteTake Care
Amy and Coach Taylor
Elliott looks so comfortable. I am thrilled to see no breathing tube. And there's the Elephant! What would we do without "lovies"-13 years later, Collin still has his.
ReplyDeletePrayers for an uneventful recovery. And prayers for lots of patience when staying still and quiet ceases to be fun.
Love from Texas!
Such wonderful and encouraging news. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. We will all continue praying. Indeed God is good all the time and grace abides. Simon, Monica, please take care of yourselves as well - eat, sleep when you can. Did I say to be sure to eat? Blessings always, David+
ReplyDeleteMonica and Simon, you are such incredible people and it is obvious that Elliott shares that same trait. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us the news about your fantastic little boy (our fantastic little Nephew). Thinking of you through the days ahead, Love, The Burns-Newcomb Family
ReplyDeleteMonica and Simon: I am glad to know that things are going well. Please know that your Grace Church family is praying for Elliot and your entire family...for Elliott's complete healing and God's peace and strength in the days ahead. Nancy O'Shaughnessy
ReplyDeleteGod is good. And you are you! You are an amazing family. Elliott is so fortunate to have you for parents. We check the blog continually for updates, so thank you for keeping us posted! We will continue to pray for all of you.
ReplyDeleteLove from Chico,
Angie
**Say "hello" to Carmel for us!
We are so delighted that the surgery has gone so well. You are all very much in our thoughts. We hope that Elliott's healing is quick and that you are all able to rest and recover form this ordeal. Big hugs and kisses to your beautiful brave boy- and to you all.
ReplyDeleteSara, Mick, Jacob and Molly
Simon - remember when we saw Desmond Tutu speak at the Sheldonian Theatre? He said that when he looked upon the face of a child he saw the face of God.
ReplyDeleteI can say Amen to that.
(Tomomi says it's the face of Buddha, but you get the drift).
Wishing Elliott the strongest recovery.
Ian, Tomomi and Joe
Simon - I actually like the pre-op look! Maybe you should try that out on a Sunday at st A's? Elliott & the rest of you have been constantly in our prayers this week. So glad to hear that you made it to first base. Anxiously awaiting news of you all rounding the rest of the bases.
ReplyDeletePrayers will continue.
Love, anne & fam
It is so wonderful to hear that surgery went well... We wish Elliott a speedy recovery. You all are in our hearts and prayers. I wish we were close to give you a hug... Lots of love from Cigil, Mark-Aaron, and Winston-James.
ReplyDeleteSimon and Monica
ReplyDeleteWhen I awoke on 2/13 my thoughts went directly to Elliot and your whole family. You were in my morning prayers and will remain there till your return. I knew good things would come on that day as 13 is my lucky number. January 13 my mothers B-Day and February 13 being mine. We look forward to your return and seeing Elliot running up and down the aisle at church.
All our good wishes and prayers are with you,
Scott and Greg
All the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in Elliott's journey to wellness.
ReplyDeletewith love from Auntie Mary and all my friends in Broadstairs and at church.
A big hello from over the pond in Broadstairs, UK. We're praying that Jesus will restore Elliott to wholeness & that you all know His presence & His peace in your hearts & minds. Elliott's great aunty Mary is keeping us all up to date & I'm so glad she's directed us to this blog.
ReplyDeleteGrace & Peace to you all,
Rhodri Walters
We have been thinking of you guys every day this week and continue to lift you each up. Monica and Simon your strength right now is so inspiring and exactly what Elliott and your other two bundles of joy need! Praying for peace and rest for both of you as well throughout this very tiring process. Thank you for the blog updates!
ReplyDeleteJen, Noah, & Gavin
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu
ReplyDeleteEnough said. May God bless you and protect you always. You are a good man (father and husband) your comments prove that. Love to you all. Your blog moments bring back so many memories; thank you for helping me to once again stop and smell the roses…life is so precious and short. Paul
You have all been in my prayers each day this week. I am so glad to hear that the surgery was so successful and that Elliott's recovery is going well. Thank you for the daily updates and for allowing us the privilege to pray for you. We have such an amazing God who promises to walk along side us through all the valleys and peaks. My best to all of you.
ReplyDeleteYou both are amazing parents and you are doing everything in your power to make Elliott better. Stay strong and keep the faith. :)
ReplyDelete"Our God is so big there is nothing our God can not do!" ;)
ReplyDelete