For the last eight years, there haven't been too many days that I haven't thought about hockey.During the season, it's easy. During the playoffs, it's automatic. During the off-season, I am always looking for news that affects the team(s) that I follow as a fan and cover as a writer.
But today, my 7-month old Ellie Marie is having open heart surgery. She has Tetralogy of Fallot (with pulmonary atresia) and is getting that fixed by one of the best heart surgeons on this planet.
Today, I don't care which Minnesota goalie has the flu.And I don't care how average the Aeros are at home.And I don't care how the Red Wings have lost one player, after another, after another, after another.
Saying good-bye in the holding area was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Not because I won't see her again, but because, when you are a father, you don't care about anything more than the safety and well-being of your children.
Today I don't really have a whole lot of control over that. All I can do is pray and lean on the unbelievable amount of support that I have gotten from my wife, my family, my friends and many co-workers that I love and cherish.
Tonight, the Aeros will take the ice in Cedar Park. But before they do, before you start thinking about hockey today ... think about Ellie. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers and the doctors that are, at the very moment, doing something that, to me, was unthinkable last Thanksgiving.
I can't wait to bring Ellie Marie to her first hockey game. When I brought Caden (my five-year old son) to his first game, that was one of the happiest days of my life. I absolutely cannot wait to do that with my baby girl.
Posts
11 comments:
You, Ellie, Dana and the rest of the family, as well as the doctors and nurses are in our prayers today Andrew.
*sob* Andrew, you're such a good papa. Much love to you and Dana and that tough little girl of yours. You're very much in my thoughts. *hugs*
Whoa, it was tough to read that. I empathize with you as a father. My oldest son was born clef and had to have several surgeries, BUT nothing compared to what is transpiring for you today. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our warmest wishes for a very successful surgery.
May Ellie be home soon for you all to hold close to your hearts. Many hugs, prayers and love to you and yours. Alles Beste! ...
C and A
More prayers on the way for Ellie, you, your family, and the healing hands of the physicians!
Andrew, you and your family, especially Ellie, will be in my thoughts and prayers. Glad to know she will be in the hands of a great surgeon and hope that before you know it, she'll be back in the arms of you and your wife. Please keep us posted on her progress ... you have many friends and fans here on T3I who love you and wish you only the very best possible outcome.
I am happy to report that Ellie Marie is out of surgery and is recovering (well) in ICU. She will spend a few days there before getting her own room at Texas Children's later this week ...
Thanks everyone for your kind words and your thoughts and prayers.
Andrew
Glad to hear this, Andrew.
Hopefully she will be home for Christmas, but if not I hope she is home as soon as can be.
Hang in there, friend.
Andrew, I am a day late, but was sooo happy to see your latest post that your dear Ellie came through the surgery well and is recovering in ICU. Bless her little heart! Prayers will continue for her and for your family. I always look forward to your reports on the Aeros; now I'll look forward to your updates on Ellie!
Great news that Ellie came through it just fine. Thanks for the update and keep us informed.
Keep thinking about that first hockey date with Ellie. My father has long passed on but I will always remember and treasure our first hockey date. Ah yes...the Minnesota North Stars...
Post a Comment