A Brief Synopsis of Surgery -- Originally Published December 21, 2007

Hey, everyone. We're home. We were eligible for discharge this morning at 8AM, but due to a bit of a communication snafu did not leave until 1:30 PM when Megan threw a bit of a fit and threatened to just carry Michael out. We're all tired, and we have a lot to share, but in the short term, let us leave you with the following thoughts:

From Megan and Adam: We are so thrilled at the start of Michael's new phase in life. It was fun to see all our old friends in the hospital, but it was scary on so many levels. The ward was full of very sick little boys and girls and we had to wait a long time for a bed after surgery. As happy as we are that surgery went so unexpectedly well, this was one of the most difficult two days of our lives. We experienced things with Michael that he will never remember, and we might forget in about 50 or 60 years if we are lucky. In short, it was wonderful and horrible all rolled together. The surgery was easier than expected, but pain control was somewhat of a sad joke, and it took everything that both of us had to help Michael through the longest night of our lives. Gory details to follow later, as we have been up for most of the past two days.

From Michael: WHAT HAPPENED??? Big Bird, did it happen to you, too? I can't move my arms and I can't twist myself up in my usual sleeping position, and I keep coughing and coughing and coughing, and it HURTS! But, the bunnies of Bunnytown were with me EVERYWHERE! I sat up, and they sang to me, and when I laid down, they appeared above my head. They were on the big TV sometimes, too. Somehow, the bunnies made me feel better.

From Big Bird: Yes, Michael, it all happened to me, too. And we can get these things off our wings as soon as you stop trying to put my foot in your mouth. Also, can you tell mom to turn that little DVD player toward me a bit? You're crowding out the view.

Until tomorrow, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We have had the best Christmas present anyone could ask for, and the very best part of all is what we keep telling Michael: the past two days are two days we never have to live over again, and it will only get better from here.

Love, Adam, Megan, Michael, and Big Bird