Brain surgery on a seven-year-old. First hill is to remove the large tumor.
As William has strengthened and inspired me more in the last week than I’ve ever been in my life, I thought I would share some encouragement from Iron Heart’s pre-surgical protocol:
- Build full Lego Police Station with non-dominant hand (Lego building sucks with an IV on the right, so he just switched sides)
- Watch hockey highlights with Dad from last night’s games
- Drawing and reading with Mom, planning his celebration activities after he recovers (NY Rangers game at top of his list)
- Sings “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars unapologetically with a bunch of people around him
- Says “Are you impressed I can snap my fingers (left hand)?”
- Avocado toast and an açaí bowl for lunch
- Watch Minions movie
- Built his “battle mask” customized with Minions for his surgery
- FaceTime with family
- Pray with Mom and Dad
- Build more Lego with Mom and close family friend (who gave William his new Lego set)
Not an exhaustive list, but it paints the picture. As I try to give him a sip of his apple juice, he insists, “I got it, … I’ll do the whole thing; you’ll make it spill” as he politely takes it from me.
Throughout the day, he grabs the Iron Heart, fist bumps, and gives a thumbs up – all with a smile. His composure, bravery, and perspective has changed me.
William. My son. My hero. My Iron Heart