Benjamin was born on November 26th , 2023.

Here is his birth story:

https://abandonedocala.com/2023/11/30/6-4-2-brand-new/

Perfect in every way.

However Ben couldn’t eat.

He screamed with every suck from either his Momma or a man made formula.

He did not gain weight.

They labeled him Failure to Thrive.

Bens parents diligently went from Dr to Specialist to Therapist, trying to help their youngest baby.

It took Doctors 5 months to figure out what was wrong with Ben

Finally he was given an ultrasound and was immediately requested to go to Shands Pediatric Hospital. Ben has a moderate to large inter muscular hole in his heart (VSD) with a narrowing of his aortic arch. I would have never known this terminology without living through it.

Courtney and Ben were admitted and the tests began. Surgery was scheduled and Courtney and Ben spent a week in the hospital. The surgery was scheduled for May 28th and Ben seemed to be doing okay on some new medications and they released him home until the surgery date.

Courtney and Ben were able to be at home for a week before Ben got a bad cough. While he has 3 older brothers and a large family that he lives with, germs are in abundance. Upon taking him back to Shands for a check, it was determined it would be safer for Benny and Courtney to remain in the hospital until his surgery date. They were also put in isolation so that Ben has a better chance not to contract any other sicknesses.

What do people do that have no support?

Since we live in a multi generational home there is never a need for babysitters. When we received the news of Bens illness, there was never a question that Steve, myself and Nana Bea would step up and become temporary parents to three little men.

Jack -7 years old

Luke- 4 years old and

Patrick – 3 years old

Since we are in the same household with them on a full time basis, we already know their wants and needs, their personality and their quirks. We discipline next to the their parents so we know the limits they are allowed and those they are not. We know the food they like and of course those they don’t. It’s NOT easy stepping into the role of substitute parent, but we can do it.

But what do people do that don’t have a support system? What does a single Momma or Daddy do when she/he has a sick baby or child and needs to work to provide food, shelter and health insurance for their family?

Is it still hard?

You bet it is.

Little boys need and want their parents, who are living in the hospital or working and traveling every day to and from the hospital every evening after working a full day.

We have had so much support during this time.

Dinners prepared.

Play dates, even video game playing with Uncle Kyle in Massachusetts. The joy this activity brings, is unprecedented.

So many prayers and words of encouragement.

Community has shown up big for us and we could not be more grateful.

I am so glad to not have to punch a time clock and that Steve has freedom to not be in the office.

There has been lots of swimming (thank goodness for summer weather), lots of golf cart rides and playing at the park. Lots of reading, puzzles and movies.

Little boys are full of energy.

SO

MUCH

ENERGY

As of today, we are 4 days away from surgery day.

Yesterday we found out that Bens surgery date would be postponed one day. Not because of Ben; but because of the abundance of transplants that have been scheduled at the hospital.

It has made me think.

As we processed the disappointment of the surgery being pushed back a day. 5 children were receiving a new organ, while 5 other families processed losing a loved one and decided to donate organs. Some of the children, have lived in the hospital for TWO YEARS waiting for their transplant. That’s 10 children. 10 children’s families and loved ones. I can’t be disappointed about one day. We will pray for those families.

As we approach surgery day, we haven’t shared with many people our current situation. Some work colleagues, my porch ladies, prayer warriors but not the masses.

Today, I ask you to add us to your prayers, share with your friends and allow others to speak to Jesus on our behalf. Many will enter their houses of worship tomorrow and I hope that you will share our prayer request.

Wednesday morning, May 29th, our little Ben will be in surgery for 6 hours. He will be having his sweet little heart fixed and while we are so grateful for the surgeon and the teams serving Ben. It’s impossible not to be nervous.

Will you pray for Bens family too. His Mommy who has been in isolation with him for over a week and looks after his every need, his Daddy who has continued to work and has driven back and forth to the hospital almost every night while still making his other kids feel seen and loved, Bens Papa (Steve) and BB (Charma) and Nana (Bea) who have stood in the gap to care for these sweet young boys, our family and friends who have supported us like no other.

While this has been a difficult season of our lives, our God is good. He is faithful and true. He loves us like no other and soon, Ben will be running with his brothers being all fat and happy as a baby should.

Thank you in advance from our family to yours