November 2012

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I feel like we've come a little full circle this month. Henry has made so much progress in his recovery, it is amazing. Physically he is still regaining strength, but his motivation to play is definitely speeding up this process! With the help of the wonderful school district's therapists coupled with the PT at Children's Mercy, we are confident he will be back to baseline soon. Since Henry had to "re-learn" his usual routine we are back to using incentives for tasks like being successful with the potty. He has regained his negotiating power during this process, which makes us know he's getting back to normal:).

Henry has returned to school this week and it seems to be going well so far. Julie said as she dropped him off that he was literally welcomed back by a classroom of open arms, which makes your heart melt as a parent. He will go half days for a while and we'll increase time as he is ready. We know this is a big transition and we are grateful he is in good hands with his wonderful teachers there. He is anxiously awaiting seeing his therapists with the school district this Friday. They eased him back into work with them shortly after he was discharged from the hospital and were gentle and cautious with him during this transition. It has been such a comfort to have all of these people in Henry's life helping him in different ways.

Last month, shortly after Henry was discharged from the hospital, my grandfather passed away. The loss was not expected, but grandpa was 91 and led an extremely full life. He passed with his wife, my grandmother who he was married to for 67 years, and children, my Dad and my aunt, holding his hands. When we were told that Henry had no pulmonary arteries (shortly after he was born) and there was no surgical interventions to help him, my grandpa told us he wished he could give Henry his pulmonary arteries. He would have if he could have. He was that kind of guy:). Donations left to grandpa were directed to CHD research, and we couldn't have been more honored. I'm grateful that our boys have such amazing examples of love and devotion. He was a gift to our family that we will always keep close to our hearts.

http://www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com/services/services_detail.aspx?rid=12925

Needless to say we have more than enough to be thankful for in our little world. We hope Thanksgiving was a time of peace and togetherness for you and your families. Thanks for checking in with our guy!

Much love,

Kate, Julie, Henry and Gus