His voice returns (Nov. 18)
Lucas remains groggy and continues to mostly sleep but this afternoon he finally opened his eyes a couple of times. He also started sucking his thumb (after turning it down last night and earlier today) and massaging his familiar wash rag. These are all good signs, but the best happened an hour ago when he was moved down to to “the floor” because he was stable enough to leave the ICU. His eyes opened wide with the bright light of his new room and he said “Mommy!” and “Daddy!” and then “What’s that?” pointing at the hospital chair across from his bed. Everyone in the room cheered. Ten minutes later he was asleep again but we felt assured that our Lucas was coming back.
Right now we’re relieved, tired, and grateful for the support of all our family and friends. We’ve had lots of people stopping by and bringing food and provisions all day, calling and texting support, and offering to do whatever they can to help.
Meanwhile, we’re trying not to re-play the events of yesterday too many times in our minds. We know what happened is not our fault but we’re devastated by the idea that had either of us been there this would not have happened. The truth is we don’t know exactly what went down and probably never will, and it’s not worth it to try to assign blame. The amount of time he was without oxygen appears to have been shorter than we originally thought. And we learned that his heart never actually arrested, though it did slow down significantly on multiple occasions. In the end no kid should have to go through what Lucas has been through over the past 24 hours. But he’s a trooper.
Comments (27)
cora
November 20th, 2012 at 4:03 am
I am screaming in primal rage at kidney stones having the chutzpah to occupy such an angel. And I am screaming in primal rage in solidarity with you (and crying), knowing the agony of helplessly watching your baby in pain and the agony of trying to achieve equanimity, gratitude, and balance with the medical professionals bumbling their way to some kind of quasi-solution.
I am screaming in rage at return, traumatic hospital trips.
And yet, I know, that the three of you will stay strong, emerge from the pain and be even stronger than you ever imagined was possible.
And once i dispel the immediate rage, I can access the love to send you some positivity and hope.
Love,
Cora, Leo Phoebe and Jim.
Jocelyn Viterna
November 19th, 2012 at 11:30 am
Holding you all close to my heart.
Madeline
November 19th, 2012 at 10:39 am
I’m thinking about the three of you and feeling lots of love for Lucasito (even though we’ve never met in person!). I hope Lucas can go home soon and get back to his books and animals!
Cora
November 19th, 2012 at 10:16 am
Todo mi amor va para ustedes y yo se que en unos dias va a estar de nuevo preguntando por sus animalitos favoritos( Todavia son los pinguinos??) Un gran beso y abrazo para los tres. Los quiero muucho!!!
Alexis
November 19th, 2012 at 10:07 am
Sooooooo nice to see (a picture of) you, kiddo! Sending lots of love and peaceful thoughts your way. We are all holding you close, burke, krista and lucas.
goyo myers
November 19th, 2012 at 9:45 am
thinking of y’all.
be well!
Eli Hastings
November 19th, 2012 at 9:15 am
Lucas has been very much on my mind since Saturday afternoon and I start my week thinking of his resilience and giving thanks for his recovery. And aware more than ever of my own fortune. Thank you for writing in these tough moments, K and B.
Donna
November 19th, 2012 at 8:13 am
I cannot imagine how frightening this was. What a relief that the episode was not as severe as you originally thought. Wishing Lucas a speedy recovery – and that you all have a calm and happy Thanksgiving.
Jessie P.
November 19th, 2012 at 7:29 am
Sending you all hugs and good wishes.
Melinda
November 19th, 2012 at 7:20 am
Sending much love to your family. No kidding – you are all amazing troopers!!
tom
November 19th, 2012 at 7:11 am
Yeah Lucas!!! Good news to wake up to. Hope you’re feeling even better :) love, tom
alessandra
November 19th, 2012 at 6:53 am
Lucas you truly are a trooper and so are your parents! All of you have incredible strength and love and we are all glowing with hearing about the improvements. Thank you for keeping the updates going. We continue to hold you all in the light. Much much love.
jess c
November 19th, 2012 at 6:26 am
oh man! i am so sorry to hear that all three of you are going through this. i wish we could give you food and hugs in person, but know that we are sending you so many good wishes. i know you’ll take good care of each other.
Judy Feldman
November 19th, 2012 at 5:29 am
Yeah! Here’s to that beautiful voice! And to looking forward, not back. I see a most heartfelt Thanksgiving Day in your future :)
Laura J
November 19th, 2012 at 4:36 am
very happy to hear Lucas is doing better. all three of you are in my thoughts, sending you strength and light.
Marsha
November 19th, 2012 at 4:12 am
Happy!
Laura M
November 19th, 2012 at 12:14 am
Sending you guys lots of love!
Emi
November 18th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
This is good news. I’m happy to know his voice and his words are back! Be gentle with yourselves, ok? Let some of Lucas’s gentleness, and the gentle way you care for him, extend to yourselves. Even with the guilt and what-ifs as troublesome companions. Sending so much love and strength to you three!
The Gabarras (Jean, Mark and Julie Grace)
November 18th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Thinking of you all and sweet Lucas. We’re so glad he is recovering and showing his personality. Take care
Auntie Ash
November 18th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
Yay Lucas! I am so happy to hear you are becoming more alert and recognizing those awesome parents of yours:) I hope you enjoyed the artwork from your cousins. The girls haven’t stopped talking about you all afternoon and really want to know when you will be well enough to do the wheelchair races w/them again. We love you so much! You are such a fighter!
Xo The girls, Ashley and Brandon
liz
November 18th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Kevin and I missed that this frightening thing happened. So sorry that you had to go through this and SO glad to hear that Lucas is recovering. All of our love to you three.
Tio Sha
November 18th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
Hooraaaay!! I am so glad to hear the news, I’ve been worried all day and sending love and strength. Lucas your life is so precious life and teaches me about staying grounded and focused in the present moment, about sturdy determination and silly jokes. Burke & Krista you continue to be amazing examples of dedicated attentive loving parents, and I’m glad you’re going easier on yourselves. I love you three tons!
Stef
November 18th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Thanks for the updating, and yay for Lucas!
Mary G
November 18th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Hooray hooray! Thanks so much for taking the time to post an update. Hugs hugs hugs!
Ben
November 18th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
It’s not fair to anyone, especially yourselves, to harbor any guilt over this. What you have done for Lucas is nothing short of amazing. Focus on how far you’ve gotten him rather than feeling guilty for something you cannot control. Hang in there, my prayers are with you.
Ben
Sammie
November 18th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Thank God!
Aaron, Evan, Earl and Winslow
November 18th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
That’s so terrific to hear. Thanks for posting. We are so so glad lucas is talking and waking up some. Lots and lots of love to to you three. You are all incredible troopers.
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