Tuesday, August 13th
The day started out mostly normal. Shon was out of town, so our neighbor came over early to watch the girls while I got my run in. It was quote possibly the hottest week of the year so far, so mid-day and after work runs were out of the question. I stopped by on the way home to grab Avery a Sprite. Since she is so young, they planned to sedate her for the MRI which meant no eating after 6am, clear liquids from 6-10am, and nothing at all after that. The rest of the morning was busy with work meetings and getting things ready for that night. We had a full day planned with piano and art lessons that evening. With the next day being the 1st day of school for the big girls, I had a long list of things to accomplish with limited time to do it. I had no idea that I would not make it back home that day.
Avery and I arrived at Children's South on time. We quickly filled out all the necessary paperwork and waited to be called back. She complained about being hungry, so I promised we'd eat anywhere she chose on the way home. She chose Taco Mama and Steele City Pops(a girl after my own heart)!
They quickly called us back and began prepping her. She was so brave as we changed her into a hospital gown, applied the "magic lotion" for her IVs and answered a series of questions. When it was time to go, she didn't even say goodbye or look back. She walked right out of the door holding the nurses hand without a fear in the world. This gave me a sense of peace knowing that she was unafraid...so I sat and waited.
No sooner than she left, she was back in the room sleeping soundly. I was talking to the nurses waiting for her to wake when Dr. Rochelle(our pediatrician) appeared at the door. I was extremely confused to see her, but as she asked me to come outside to talk, my heart completely sank. She took me into the other room and calmly explained that they had found a mass on the back of Avery's brain. We would need to leave South and head straight to the ER downtown as the neurosurgery team was waiting to review our case. She said a quick prayer and gave me a hug as I walked back to grab my phone to call Shon. There were a lot of people around, so I went into the bathroom to make the most difficult call I've ever had to make. I pulled it together and went back to Avery as Shon started the long drive back from Mobile.
We arrived at Children's downtown and were quickly whisked through the ER procedures and put into an ER room. There were people in and out, checking vitals, asking questions, but still no one could share anything. Shon made the tough calls to family and to ensure the big girls were taken care of. I managed to send out a few texts, but I could not talk to anyone on the phone. If I had to say the words out loud a second time, I would surely break down completely. This was not an option as I had to be brave for my daughter. I could not let her see my tears or sense my fear. I needed her to remain strong and brave... I needed her ready to fight.
We were admitted and moved to the Special Care Unit that night. We were scheduled for a spinal MRI the next day. After that, they would devise a plan. Shon made it to us after what seemed like an eternity(for all of us). After he headed home to be with the big girls, Avery and I settled in for the night. Finally, I allowed the tears to come, and they came so freely... unfortunately, the sleep did not.
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