What Can We Do? + A Mini Linus Update

We have had an overwhelming number of people ask us what they can do for us. Up until now we've mostly answered "We're doing ok, but thank you so much." This answer is no longer working as it's obvious that we're struggling. Not only that, but people genuinely want to help, to feel needed, to be a part of WeeMan's fight. I completely understand that. I've always been in the "it's better to give than to receive" category. Unfortunately that means I have a hard time asking for or accepting help. Giving is so cathartic, so energizing, so uplifting. Being in need is none of those things. These feeling are something I have to work on. To kick off my journey to acceptance, I present you with this list of things you can do if the mood strikes you.

1) Keep us in your thoughts. Say a prayer. Light a candle. Wish us well. Send warm fuzzy feelings. However you express your love and support, we feel it.

2) Give blood. Linus is up to 18 blood transfusions now. He's also used other blood products such as albumin and packed cells. It'll take me forever to replenish what he's already used, let alone what he will continue to need.

3) Visit Hope's page and grab a Linus button to display on your own blog.

4) Help Linus and other congenital heart defect survivors by sending donations in honor of Linus to any of these non-profit organizations:

Erika Kate Foundation

The Ronald McDonald House

The Children's Heart Foundation

It's My Heart

5) If you'd like to help specifically with Linus's growing medical costs, I've installed a PayPal Donation button to the right.

I promise to write a detailed update about Linus very soon. Maybe even tomorrow. I keep trying to, but I can't seem to find the strength to type it all out. I will tell you this, he is not doing very well, but continues to fight. At this point there is a very good possibility he will be back in surgery next week. The procedure they're proposing is very dangerous and our surgeon is trying to avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately we're running out of options.

So swollen. He looks like a miniature sumo wrestler.

No matter how sedated my boy is, he always wants to hold your hand. Sometimes all he can manage is a little finger twitch when your hand touches his. I assume this is because he hasn't been held in weeks so this is the closest thing he gets to a snuggle. Whatever the reason, it warms my heart.

I was so relieved when the swelling went down & he was finally able to open his eyes. If only it wasn't such a sad expression. I miss his sweet smile SO much. I ache to see it again.

Linus's chest xray. The lungs should be a clear dark black instead of that hazy grey and neither his heart nor liver should be anywhere near that big. The 6 twisty tie looking things are sternal wires. They're keeping the 2 halves of his breastbone together so they can heal. the bright circles and wires are his EKG leads.

This cute little guy showed up in Linus's bed the other day. it's not uncommon for a new blanket or toy to be dropped of by volunteers. They are so sweet.