by C Wells

Created on: September 04, 2010

My best moment will never be forgotten.   In 2008 one of my sons was diagnosed with cancer and admitted for treatment.  While there, the cancer issue became secondary when his lung collapsed and he was placed on life support for 2 1/2 weeks.  During this time I saw ups and downs with his health.  I saw a once very healthy looking young man go from a fit 150 pound to less than 100 pounds.  I still recall seeing him on the breathing machine  - each breath a labor - the stats and the beeps of all the monitors ring in my mind still.   I am reminded however that even though his condition went up and down, after a 2 1/2 month stay he was finally ready to go home.  He was still very frail weighing in at 98 pounds when the doctor said "you can go home but be very careful" ..he is a very independent person - during the time he was on life support, he had to learn how to eat again, write again, and walk again.  He was very chipper the day he was to be leaving - the doctor ordered a wheelchair for him to use ...he looked up at the doctor and defiance and determination in the blue eyes he said "doctor, I may have come in on a stretcher, but with God's help I am walking out of here".   He was wheeled up to the door to exit when he turned to the nurse and said "stop, this is where I walk over the threshold" and his steps - the first in over 2 1/2 months - were a bit unsteady - but he made it over and into the waiting car - not more than 15 steps but still doing what he could do.  It was so good to see after the death watch we had just come through.  Some never make it - thank God he did.  All of the others in the critical care unit he was in passed away - thank God - he made it.  Who knows - but all I know, that was the happiest moment of my life.  It taught me more than one lesson and that is to be thankful for each and every day we have because we never know when that day could be our last.

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