surgery prep

Tomorrow is Simon's surgery to remove his birthmark. Coming to the decision to have it removed has not been an easy one and I still have some jitters at the thought. We've had a few vague conversations with him to see how he feels about it and also to prepare him for what will occur when we go to Children's Hospital. I savored my moments with him at bedtime tonight and had to record the conversation. Wish I had his sweet voice on tape, but blogging will have to do:

I began by explaining what would happen leading up to the surgery...how he would go with a nice nurse and doctor to get his "flavored air" which he can choose cherry, bubble gum, grape, etc. Then I told him he would get sleepy.

Simon: If the nurse touches my foe-head, it will herrrt.
Me: No, you will be sleepy, and it won't hurt.

Simon gets distracted and starts to move onto something else. I bring him back to point.

Simon: So, we'll doe to the dotter (doctor) and dit stitters.
Me: Stitches?
Simon: NO! STITTers.
Me: OHhhh! STICKERS!
Simon: Yeah.
Me: After you get your birthmark removed, you'll have a special bandage you will wear to take care of it.
Simon: We don't need to wear CABBAGE!

I begin to laugh rather uproariously and he acted embarrassed.

Simon: (shyly) We don't wear cabbage. We eat cabbage at our house...

I continued to giggle, enjoying his conversation. Then he scolded me.

Simon: Stop laughing.
Me: Oh sorry buddy. Did my laughing make you feel bad?
Simon: You dunna make me frown.

All that enjoyment aside, I feel reluctantly peaceful about this procedure. I know this hospital is very highly regarded and the doctors are amazing. I know the people there genuinely care for and specialize in treating children. I know God will be with Simon and look over him from beginning to end. But I'm still nervous about letting go of his hand while he is wheeled away. I'm slightly frightened about anesthesia. Pray for me if you think of it. But pray for him and his safety and recovery more importantly.

How I love my little dude.