I remember walking on the main floor at Phoenix Children's Hospital Friday. It usually has crowds of people bustling to and from the cafeteria. But in the stillness of 3:30 pm, I was suddenly very aware of God's love for me. That He knew where I'd been and stayed by my side through our days spent here. I am a mother. He is my Heavenly Father. When I work with Him, miracles happen.

Namely, we were discharged Friday!!

Bennett's Journey:

Saying goodbye. These were taken in pre-op, right before a nurse carried him to the OR.

I know I had help in this room. I was very aware of there being power beyond my own for brave smiles. It was a gift for my son. Looking at these pictures, I can still sense light and love in that room, but I still don't like remembering this part.

By Shannon Marquis

Darcy: "I don't think Bennett likes it here."

 

Day 2 in recovery! Happy Bennett flirting with lady nurses, hollering at male nurses, and making his monitors complain! Go Bennett, go Bennett!!

Darcy loved the wagon rides. Bennett's surgeon passed us in the hall right after this picture was taken and asked if Darcy could scoot over so he could ride too.

Mom and Darcy set out searching for the cookie cart guy.

Helping his echo tech. The day of discharge! Home again, home again, jiggity jig.

Things not captured on camera include the little cold Bennett caught the third day in the hospital, and every sneeze was followed by pained hollers :(
Lady nurses couldn't believe how sweet and "chill" Bennett was. Male nurses couldn't believe how much Bennett yelled at them :)
Steve's family visiting with dinners
Darcy getting wonderful playdates every day we were in the hospital
Dinners brought to our home every night from home teachers
A Harry and David fruit basket, juicy pears, popcorn, nuts, cheese and crackers from my brother's family
Steve had strep throat the entire week leading up to surgery. His doctor said it was the worst she'd ever seen. I didn't catch it!
Steve's sister flying to Arizona from California. She woke up at 4am to get to our house and be with Darcy. She did Darcy's hair in a Minnie Mouse bow. She said Darcy was an angel the whole day!!
Steve and I got to go on a date Monday before to see Lego Movie. I laughed the whole time.

And last but not least, Bennett has an aortic valve that pumps a healthy, steady flow of oxygen rich blood to his lower organs! Bennett knows warm toes! The kid's got heart.