Tomorrow is a special day, it is my son's 5th birthday. He hardly knows what this means, but we are grateful that he is alive to see another year. He wants a Nintendo DS, so he can play like his brother and sisters do. He plays with theirs and just pushes the buttons. His favorite toys are the toaster, rice maker, spatula, tongs, etc.
I'll never forget the day he was born. His birth was a little different than my other 3 children. We went to bed on June 14th and Becky woke me up at 2 AM stating she was having a lot of contractions. I checked her and Seth was there. I thought, do we risk the drive or risk having him in our bed. We got into the car and went to the hospital. As soon as she was on the bed, Seth was born. No doctor, just me, Becky, and the nurses. Dr. Conelly came as soon as he could--just in time to deliver the placenta.
As I held my newborn son, I had hopes and dreams for him--just like any father would. I was happy he was finally here and that he and Becky were OK.
Tonight, I get to leave work a little early and watch him open his presents and blow out his birthday candles. I am so grateful for my little boy. He has challenges that most of us will never have to face. I feel blessed to be his dad and be able to help him through these challenges.
He actually seems to be doing a little better lately. He is saying more words and putting 4 words together in a sentence. His dysarthria is also improving. I am always cautious because of the progressive nature of mitochondrial disease. I hope, God willing, we will be able to celebrate his 6th birthday.
