The Draz Fam

Yesterday Drew was doing well enough that we were moved from PICU to a regular room. In fact, we were given the “luxury” room on the floor. The room is very large for a hospital room and, best of all, has a private bathroom. It’s a good thing that we have plenty of room as Drew has plenty of visitors.

Today the first to arrive was Uncle Mark. He came laden with packages, toys and movies to help Drew pass the time.

Next came Karli, Ry and Nikki. Each morning at home Karli enjoys her early morning bottle snuggled with Drew in his bed. Today the tradition continued in Drew’s hospital bed as Karli drank her after-nap bottle.

Soon Drew’s good friend, Anna, and her mom arrived, followed by Auntie Kirstin and Cousin Tommy. Tommy presented Drew with a bear that had been autographed by all the children in his kindergarten class.

Daddy came after work, and Papa arrived just in time for the dog show. Yes, there was a live dog show presented right in the clinic lobby. Eight kind and caring people arrived with their dogs promptly at 6:30 to entertain the children and their guests. I wish that these thoughtful souls could know what a difference this distraction made for one little boy. You see, Drew had been having a difficult day. He was quiet, occasionally shed tears and spoke of being homesick. However, once the dog show started he talked almost nonstop with the animation that is typical of the Drew we all know and love.

A big thank-you to everyone who took time out of their day and evening for Drew today. Our hospital stay is only about half over and the distraction you provided made a huge difference for this little boy.

I can’t end this entry without telling about an incident that occurred moments ago. Drew was sleeping peacefully as I was working on this post. I saw his nurse leave the room and return with the head nurse. Together they studied some red fluid that had been retrieved from Drew’s stomach. A bit concerned, they were considering contacting the on-call doc when I remembered that about an hour earlier Tommy and Drew had enjoyed a favorite hospital treat: bright red cherry popsicles. Whew!

May God continue to heal and to bless this very special little boy!
Nana Barb