Settling in…+ special thanks to everyone for love and support! (August 25)
Lucas is settling in at his new home away from home. He’s got a pretty sweet pad and continues to get lots of visits from his parents and grandparents. Now that the doctors at Children’s have gotten to know Lucas they’re ordering more tests, including another EEG test (which measures brain activity) and an MRI (which shows the brain structure in more detail than the ultrasound and CTScan that he’s already had.) In the meantime, we’re seeing a little more activity today, and all of his vital signs and respiratory functions remain stable. It’s clear from what the doctors here have said that Children’s hospi
tal has more resources to assess the issues with his brain, but it still looks like a full diagnosis isn’t coming nearly as soon as we’d like. So we’re settling in for the long haul alongside Lucas, charting out the bus route to Children’s and getting ready to spend some significant time here.
As we look forward, we’re so thankful for all the incredible love and support that’s been channeled to us and to Lucas in the last week… not to mention the 3 weeks before that when early labor had Krista in and out of the hospital in Seattle. The support has come in the form of visits, phone calls and emails, comments to this blog, not to mention good vibes and prayers (even from a few atheists!)
It’s during these moments in life – when we’re struggling to keep it together – that love from friends and family matters so much. Your support is what is making it possible for us to stay strong, keep up hope, and believe that Lucas will be ok despite all that he’s up against. As many people have said, he is indeed a fighter, and its that fight, along with the love he’s getting from all of you, that may just be the combination that helps overcome the odds.
And finally, a special thanks to his grandparents and Tia Ashley for being here with him so much over the last 5 days. Burke’s parents head home to the northwest today, and Krista’s mom tomorrow morning, but we’re sure they’ll be back soon enough…
Comments (11)
Laura J
August 26th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Hi Lucas, Krista, and Burke,
Wanted to let you know how much love and good vibes are coming up at you from El Salvador. I’ve been sharing updates with your friends here and everyone is so excited that Lucas Camilo has entered the world (and want to know where the name Lucas comes from…everyone assumes Camilo is from Camilo Torres). They also know he is sure to be a fighter considering the strong spirits his mom and dad both have. The photo of Krista holding him brought tears of happiness to many eyes. People also are joking about how just like his dad he started the pattern of showing up for important events with a shiner. Everyone’s ready to meet him just as soon as he’s old enough to come on his first delegation!
much love!
Laura
Tia Ashley
August 26th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hi Little Lucas-
You and your parents have been the topic of conversation at our house since I returned form my visit with you. Madden has been asking me to tell her stories about your daddy and all the wonderful things that he has done in the world. I find that we end up talking about what a kind, loyal and dedicated brother, friend and community member he is. You are so LUCKY to have him as a father. He has given so much to me and to so many others. Not to mention that your cousins (especially Madden) think he is the coolest person in the world (ask her about ear blueberries).
I think about you all the time and am sending SO much love and energy your way.
Besos,
Tia Ash
Jocelyn Viterna
August 26th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Krista and Burke- You’re doing everything exactly right. Just take it one day at a time, and have faith in yourselves and in Lucas. You are one helluva strong family, and you’ll get through this. There’s a river of positive energy flowing your way. Abrazos y besos.
Scarlet
August 26th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Lucas, Krista, and Burke,
Glad the move went smoothly and that you are settling in well sending you all lots of loving vibes :)
-ScarJ
linda mcnamara
August 26th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Each day is a gift! And I am so happy to hear that you and Lucas could celebrate a “week.” You are two brave and kind parents. How marvelous that this wonderful children’s hospital facility is available for the little guy. Thinking of you every single day and wishing you some many good moments.
hugs linda
Tio Sha
August 26th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Lucasito! It was so good to meet you yesterday, after hearing so many things about you and watching you push Krista’s belly out bigger and bigger over the past months. Now, I know you probably heard a lot of us say that la lucha sigue adelante siempre, pero la verdad es que no hay que empezar la lucha asi TAN TEMPRANO! Guardate las fuerzas por mas adelante tambien, ok? You really are a strong little fighter, hasta tus deditos de pie. We’ll be by your side for as long as it takes to get you through this first fight you’re waging, doing everything we can and loving you with all the revolutionary fervor in our hearts.
Muchos abrazos and footsie power ~ Tio Sha
PS: Way to go getting your new crib pimped out with the neon under-lighting… I thought that only came on cars. It’ll be a while till you can hook that up on a car of your own, but I wonder if this do-it-yourself guide will work to apply neon under lights to your first Big Wheel? http://www.all-neon-car-lights.com/how-to-install-neon-under-car-lights.html
Natalie DeLong
August 26th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Krista and family,
Lucas is beautiful and is lucky to have all of the love that is coming to him. I will be sending my thoughts from Oregon.
Congratulations on such a wonderful miracle. I believe that everything happens for a reason and sometimes it takes some time to figure out why. I pray for strength and Lucas’ health.
Much love,
Natalie
… these pictures are precious! Please keep them coming!
ST
August 26th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Dear Lucas,
One day you will find it hard to believe that your mom used to be 19 and in college – but she was and that is when I first met her. I was just now reading letters she sent me when we both studied abroad and they confirmed that she is a pretty great lady – thoughtful about the world, making friends wherever she went and really good at sending me long letters when I was lonely. This is how I know you have a great mom – she is going to make sure you get the best out of this world, she will sorround you with good people and she is will be there when you are lonely. Stay strong, Lucas because you have a fantastic family and lost of friends waiting to get to know you. Hugs from your friends ST and Tammy in San Francisco
Margo
August 25th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
That is a big trip for a little man – glad it went well and you’re in the best place for Lucas.
Sammie and Dan
August 25th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Burke, Krista, Lucas: We have had lots of experience with Children’s and the staff there is extraordinary! It’s a remarkable place so it’s a good place to settle in — but not for too long! We are hopefully he will be back home soon enough. If there is any way we can be of help — let us know! Sammie and Dan
tom
August 25th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Hey Lucas…I’m glad you’re settling in to your new digs. You are in our thoughts here in Houston. Indeed, you’re an inspiration to us as you fight the good fight. Your parents, as you know, are amazing people who have touched many, many other lives in their work and friendships. I can’t think of better people to have at one’s side. I’m looking forward to meeting you, and Benny has some new dance moves he’d like to share. Lots of love, tom, kim and benny
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