Eve of the Worst and Best Day of My Life

October 11th marks the one year anniversary of Evening's open heart surgery.

It's a day that will never blur. The images of that dark autumn morning with Ruthie and our sweet, five week old little girl will never escape me. Taking her to the hospital that morning, handing her over to the anesthesiology team for surgery (despite the fact that she outwardly appeared perfectly healthy) was the single most difficult action of my life. We knew we had to do it for her long term health, but that didn't make the testing, preparing and waiting any easier.

The day dragged on - and after an incredibly long wait - positive news from the surgical team jumpstarted my soul and allowed me to embrace her intense post-surgery recovery. It was also at this time when the great time, words, pictures and symbols of support poured in from friends and family around the world - even from folks we hadn't met. Because of these kind efforts and the noble work of the health care staff and countless others - the day developed to be a tremendous one - the best in my estimation. I will never forget those efforts.

I carry the vividness of that day with me always. It seems to help sharpen my vision of the present. I obsess much less on the future - and rather focus on the beauty of the day. Little Miss Evening Rian is an incredible reminder of that. She's everything I hoped for from a 13th month old, and so much more.

She is a little wild woman now - a little Walker Texas Ranger. She went from taking a few steps between us to galloping up and down the street, across the yard, up the rocker, down the stairs and leaping into our arms. She seems to know no fear and is such a great character. She certainly is a prankster and daredevil. My mother and mother-in-law have to keep reminding me that during her recovery I said (and the blog will confirm) that anything she want's she gets after having gone through that. Some days she seems to already be testing that.

Most days her hair is red and she smiles to show off her teeth. She is a student of the tamobourine, enjoys petting trees and eating cherry tomatoes off the vine, and asking her folks "What's this?" regarding most everything.

I'm so very thankful to our friends and family, the Golisano Children's hospital and especially Ruthie for that day and what that's meant to the great our little tomato Evening has become.

Thank you for that day, today and always.