I started this blog a few months ago, then decided I wasn't ready to share what happened. It was a horrible, scary, almost out-of-body experience for all of us. Thankfully, I still have my Charleston.
There was a virus going around the Goeppert house, and even though they did absolutely everything they could to make sure Charleston didn't get it, he did. We thought he was getting over it when he decided to sleep all day. But, in reality, he was so sick that he became unresponsive.
On their way to the hospital, I got a call to get to Modesto, and I headed out.When I got there, he was somewhat stabilized, but not doing well --- at all. Totally unresponsive. I saw him briefly, then went out to the parking lot and got Cole, so Cameron could go be with Ashley & Charleston in the ER. Cole & I hung out in the hospital parking lot for several hours, having races, seeing who could jump the highest, and anything else I could think of to do with a 2-year-old boy and no toys!!!! He was a real trooper.
Then, I got a text from Ashley, saying that Charleston had to be airlifted to UC Davis Children's Hospital. We were all terrified. My mama heart kicked in and I started praying that God would protect my daughter & grandson, who would be flying in a helicopter - in the dark - with Charleston unresponsive.
Within a few minutes, I saw the helicopter arriving, and let Ashley know. Within a few minutes, another text - "Mom, you're not going to believe this. The paramedic on the helicopter is Josh." Josh is Cole's godfather. He works in Reno - in a different state from where we were!!!! He loves my Charleston. Somehow, Josh had been dispatched to exactly where we needed him that night. I immediately knew that God had His hand on my Charleston, as He always does.
Cameron and I watched the helicopter take off with its precious cargo. Cam took Cole home so they could get some sleep, and I headed for UC Davis. I arrived around 1:30am, and they already had my Charleston set up under quarantine. Still unresponsive. There is no word that can describe what we were feeling. Maybe terror???? That even seems too soft of a description.
After almost a week in the PICU (under quarantine the entire time), we knew he was going to be okay. There were several days that we honestly didn't know. We just put one foot in front of the other and took life minute by minute. As he opened his eyes the first time, it was AMAZING!!!!!
I saw such strength that week - in all of us. I'm so proud of the family that I have. It's overwhelming sometimes. WE DID IT.
My Charleston got to go home after that experience. But not all SMA kids get to do that, as we've lost a lot of them again this year.
I love you, my Charleston.
