Hip Surgery, Round Two - Week of Apr. 15th

Pre-surgery outfit/styling
in new Phillies shirt from
the Schulze fam

Cam's new hardware after surgery

"Light at the End of the Tunnel: to be near the end of a difficult task."

The origin of this expression is unclear. Some sources say the idiom is first attested in the early 1900s. Others put it in the 1800s. Regardless, the idiom should call to mind a dark and dangerous tunnel. When one can see the light at the end of the tunnel, one knows how to get out, and that the end of the ordeal is almost there. The light symbolizes hope. 
It is possible that the U.S. President John F. Kennedy helped to popularize this expression when he used it in a speech about the Vietnam War.

We certainly felt like we were closer to that light as we began our week knowing surgery was around the corner.  After a very difficult night of sleep on Tuesday, we were hopeful our son would finally feel relief following his recovery.

Ms Patti comforts Cam

Chocolate-covered strawberries
& brownie pops from FTCH

On Wednesday, we arrived at the hospital with a new book from Auntie Leslie and an Amazon gift card from Auntie Karen.
Cam knows the drill of not having anything to eat the morning of a procedure.  His surgery was scheduled for 12:30pm and didn't actually start until after 1pm.  He was in recovery around 4p and then assigned a room on the fifth floor.  Eating was slow, but we were all thankful he didn't experience nausea.
Ms. Patti stopped in first, bringing a sweet frozen Frosty treat from Wendy's.  Cam was still quite sleepy and didn't even remember her being there.


Auntie Jo popped in to treat us to dinner in the hospital and visit with Cam.  Cousin Mike also surprised us with a hello to check in.

Helen DeVos Children's hospital provided the best care.  Aside from the restless sleep for vital checks and meds, it was a fairly good night.  We avoided a second night in the hospital since Cam was doing well.  He was released around 4pm on Thursday.  Cam's next 6 weeks involve recovery with a foam pillow that is velcro'd around each leg to provide stability for healing.  It remains in place 24 hours a day.  He will use an extra power chair that is bigger so healing will not be an issue.
We arrived home to find Oma already waiting.  Oma brought us two delicious baskets of fresh fruit and kept her grandson company.  We were grateful for her loving help.

Dinner was provided compliments of Aunt Betsy and Uncle Jon through a GR friend and we feasted on Cam's favorites- grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and fresh rolls- absolutely delicious and much appreciated.

Molly K and Cam

Saturday brought more visitors and more meals.  Auntie Jo and Will showed up after Will's soccer game (they won!) as well as a feast of a cheesy ranch spaghetti, chicken bacon casserole, deviled eggs, homemade cookies and a delectable fruit tray from Edible Arrangements- wow!

Later that same day, our sweet friend Molly K drove up with a homemade pasta meal, pumpkin blueberry muffins and cadbury eggs.
Easter Sunday, Oma and Opa came in from up north to spend the afternoon and night with us.  Oma and Cam colored eggs and we dined outside on our patio table for the first time this spring!  Steaks for the adults and a hot dog for Cam along with all the fixings made for a delicious Sunday dinner.  Oma made a chocolate mousse pie that tasted heavenly with Culver's frozen custard.
Amidst all of the activity, Cam was pretty worn out by Sunday evening.  The cards and gifts from well-wishers kept pouring in from cousins, friends and family.
Jane told Cam she responded to almost 20 text messages the day of his surgery from folks checking in.  As a family, when we're challenged with an obstacle, we always feel uplifted being surrounded by love and hope.
Important reminders from one of Jane's favorite authors, Kahlil Gibran:
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention."
"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."

Camology Quotes:

Cam has been blessed since preschool with thoughtful teachers, true friends, and committed teams of individuals pushing for kindness and advocacy.  This video was created by Ms. Konkle and sent on Friday. "I cannot believe they did this.  It makes me feel so special!"