In many ways, Errol’s first birthday was a compact version of his first year. His Mama, Daddy, big brother, all four grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a passel of cousins gathered around Errol to wish him a happy birthday. The whole family tree, sheltering dear little Errol. Cary had baked Errol a beautiful chocolate cake. (Despite all appearances, first birthdays are not actually for the birthday child, but, in fact, for the parents and older siblings.) We lit the candles and sang a rousing round of Happy Birthday, but as soon as the birthday boy (Owen) had blown out the candles, we looked at Errol, felt his cheek, and realized that something was wrong. We measured his temperature at 102.6 (happy birthday), and twenty minutes later were in the doctor’s office. (We should get frequent flyer miles; we visited his pediatrician seven times in February, alone.) The nurses, who know and love Errol, sang Happy Birthday as we rushed into the exam room (45 minutes after Dr. Hunsinger’s office had “closed” – she is amazing). After a thorough examination, pneumonia was diagnosed (the second time in as many weeks), and before we knew it we were on our way to Walgreen’s. (They know me by name - a dubious honor.) All in all, it was not the birthday we expected, which is what we’ve come to expect.
On this not so happy birthday, and throughout this first tumultuous year, Errol has suffered, been nurtured by dedicated and heroic doctors, nurses, and teachers, embraced by friends and family, and, throughout it all, smiled his way over bigger hurdles than most people ever face. From March 8th, looking forward, we hope that next year is better than the last. (The odds are good.) Life has been really tough for little Errol, but it sure beats the alternative.
1 comment:
Happy Birthday to Errol from the Banks Haas's in Athens. I am sorry he was sick on his birthday, but how incredible his doctor sounds!!
On Natalya's first birthday, she did not eat her cake, as she had boycotted eating by that time. She was just out of the hospital and because we were tube-feeding her, figured what the heck it's not worth eating so she pretty much quit for some years.
But she outgrew that. Thankfully. She is 15 now, doing trapeze, and learning to drive. Hope she does better than her mother who knocked a mailbox off first try.
Love, Marigene
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