Day 5 and heading home

Today was another great day; Payton was released from the hospital. Payton had a chest x-ray this morning and Dr. Miller said that as long as it came back normal, Payton could go home. Everything looked great and Payton was finally released. He was thrilled to finally be leaving the hospital. Dr. Miller gave instructions for Payton to go back to school on May the 3rd and not to participate in outside recess and any physical activity until May 24th. Payton was so cute, Dr. Miller was telling him that he couldn’t play on the play ground or ride his bike for 5 weeks and Payton said “but can I ride in the wagon and can I do puzzles?” He made me smile. He is slowly turning the corner and every day seems to get just a little better. Payton has taken a few more steps with some help and is sitting up for longer periods of time. He is really nervous to do things in fear that it will hurt. When we got home from the hospital we let his Loratab run about 4 ½ hrs and he started crying that he was in so much pain. This is the first time since his surgery that I have seen tears from him, so I knew he was in pain. Payton really hates the taste of the medicine and is always concerned to when he has to take it next since it tastes so nasty. Up to this point we haven’t really talked to Payton much about his surgery and what happened, but today he had a few comments and questions. He wanted to know who else in our family has had surgery and what medicines that other kids have to take. Payton made the comment that he would like to be a Doctor when he grows up to help little kids.

Payton has been thrilled to be at home even though he has spent his whole day lying down since that is how he is most comfortable. He has enjoyed holding and playing with his toys. Our friend Mrs. Leslie came over and read books to Payton today so I could have a chance to do some laundry and unpack. I felt like I have hit the wall today and started feeling like I was going to pass out. I think that I have been stressed out for so long; not eating well or sleeping well that it is finally catching up with me. Chad and I have gotten very little sleep at the hospital and are really looking forward to a good night sleep in our own bed. We are sad that Grandma is leaving tomorrow and have appreciated so much having her here to help us get through the week. I feel so grateful for such a terrific family, friends and a loving Heavenly Father that have gotten me through the past 5 weeks. There are many times that I had family and friends that would hear me out with all my concerns. I have had great friends that have helped with my kids when I didn’t think that I could face the day. I had Payton’s 5th Birthday to celebrate through this and had great friends that helped plan a party for him since I couldn’t pull myself together to do it. You know that you have true friends when they lift you up when you have fallen and cannot get back up. I have so much to be grateful for and my heart is so full of love for so many people tonight. I know that Heavenly Father will bless these people for getting us through this difficult time. We are so happy to be at home as a family and feel that we can handle anything now. This ordeal has put everything in life into perspective for me.