The Verdict

So, a while ago, I wrote about my oldest, Garrett, and his new glasses. Well, we went back to the eye doctor last week. And? They're not working. At least not as well as they should be. So he has to have surgery. On his eyes. Yes, that's plural, both eyes. It doesn't sound all that complex or high risk. But, it's his eyes, people.

I'm doing my best to be positive. Because that's my job - to keep him from worrying. He's a kid. He doesn't need to worry (I'm doing enough of that for all of us). But I am very close to freaked out. I hate anethesia, and it's his eyes. This is not like having a scar on his belly (which I do) or on his shoulder or knee (like his dad). This. is. his. EYES!

Now, his doctor has been doing this at this particular hospital for more than 15 years. He's confident, and I'm trying to be. The surgery is scheduled to take 60 minutes. Not long, considering.

I really am doing okay - in public and in front of Garrett. He's had surgery before (tubes) and I've reminded him of that. And though he doesn't remember his, he does remember when his brother had the same surgery. And he remembers one of my surgeries (when his brother was born) and one of his dad's. I've talked to him about all the people in his life that have had surgery and how it's better for them after.

I've told him that's just how he was born. I've talked to him about people born without being able to see or hear. We even have a cousin who was born without an arm. I use all of that to show him he was born with very strong outer eye muscles and they have to correct that so he'll be able to see better.

He's a curious child (just like his mom was) and he just wants to know. We've told him what they're going to do, how long it will take and what will happen after. And he's calming down. Knowledge is power with this child. And it's working - for him. But I'm still trying to let it go. Trying really hard for all our sakes.

The kicker in all of this is that he'll still have to have the glasses. But they'll just be for vision correction and not muscular control.

Please pray for Garrett, his doctor, his worry-wart mom, all of us.