3/30/12

Patty Gasparino: That Moment



Sometimes in life we have those moments that stop us in our tracks and bring us to our knees. Without going into too much detail we had a health issue with one of our boys. It had gone on for months. We finally got to the point he was referred to a neurologist – scary for anyone. 

The day after his appointment he was sent for an MRI with and without contrast. It was a complete disaster – him not eating, the machinery, they immobilized his head – he was scared, tired and hungry. Then he had a reaction to the dye and we ended up in the emergency room. Up to this point I had no fears - no gut reaction to what had happened. I had no reason to think he wouldn't get better. 

Until an ER doctor discharged us and leaned over me and said, “You should call your neurologist tomorrow, your son has a 5mm spot in his parietal lobe.” 

I remember asking him what that meant – he said he couldn't tell me. I can tell you the hallway froze around us. The air was drawn from the room. My legs moved in slow motion. I am not sure how I made it to my husband who was waiting for us. 

Nothing in life prepares you for this – nothing. 

I will tell you we spent the worst night of our lives. Thoughts of our children, how our lives would be forever altered, how their lives would be altered, how our hearts would break. 

Neither my husband nor I slept. Our gift came in the morning when we received a call from our pediatrician saying the ER doctor was mistaken our son had a NORMAL anomaly. I practically fainted from happiness! 

I can only tell you to hug your children, tell those you love how much and pick up the phone and call that friend you haven’t spoken to – life changes in a breath. 

Be grateful to feel the sun and rain, laugh and cry, because it is a gift to be alive every day. 

I am grateful to be given the gift of another day and I say a prayer for those who weren't.
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You can learn more about Patty on her blog, My Life Under The Bus

9 comments:

Kathy ~ Artful Accents said...

Thanks for this encouraging story! It is timely, as a family in our community lost their 21 year old son yesterday... and a friend's father just found he has cancer. I will indeed hug my sons extra hard today.

Rejoicing with you that you were given good news!

Alice said...

What a terrifying experience, and one that is out of your control. We have had two similar expereinces, one with my son when he was just two, and another with daughter just three years ago. It certainly makes you appreciate everything around you, and brings you closer to the one that does have control.

I'm so glad things turned out for the better in your case.Hopefully his health issue can be taken care of quickly and easily.

TesoriTrovati said...

What a momentous experience Miss patty! I am gasping for breath over here. I am so happy that there is such a thing as a 'normal anomaly' which sounds like an oxymoron. So glad that things are moving in the right direction. Hugs to you!
Enjoy the day.
Erin

Courtney Breul said...

I am so glad things turned out ok and can't imagine going through that! Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy.

In the Light of the Moon said...

I can understand,one moment changing the course of your life...and the fear it brings into your world.But like you,I am thankful for the fear,it pushes me and keeps me awake and aware and thankful and here,in this moment.

I am so thankful for your news...now its time to breathe..
xoxox Cat

Linda R. said...

Wow! It makes all the small stuff not as important as I thought! Xxoo Linda R.

Rebecca said...

WHat a terrible experience that must have been for you all. ANd what a wonderful outcome. I can only imagine the relief. Moments like that to put things into perspective and bring a clarity to living.....but they are a harrowing way to find those things. I'm so glad your boy is well. I hope this continues for your whole family.

Leslie Todd said...

Oh, Patty, that was so frightening. I'm so glad it turned out to be a false alarm.

My Life Under the Bus said...

Thank You for stopping by Ladies! XOXO