We landed and I followed the tactical team and nurses from the air pad into the hospital, while texting Chad we made it safely! Nurses and doctors rushed and flooded the room to where Easton’s body laid on a gurney. I waited just outside the room as the tactical team, doctors and nurses all shared details about Easton and his accident. I was called in and asked even more questions regarding his medical history and accident. Easton was having a very hard time staying awake and for hours I repeated his name every couple minutes. Easton had a couple very scary episodes of vomiting large amounts of blood, that had me running out of the room yelling for nurses. Fast forward through all tests, images and talking to doctors & nurses, we were transferred to an admitting room and later learned that Easton had suffered a double mandibular fracture- his jaw was completely broken in two places, which meant his jaw was just floating. He had 3 fractured ribs, a bruised lung and pain in his neck-which meant he had a C-collar on until doctors could confirm there was no serious damage to his neck.
That following Tuesday, four days after his accident, E went into surgery to add hardware- plates, screws and wires to his jaw. Eight weeks later we would have another surgery to remove all of the hardware, so that his young bones could expand and grow with him. Those five days in the hospital where some of the hardest as we grieved the sense of control we had previously enjoyed, thinking we could protect our child from any kind of accident, especially one that could’ve taken his life. The overwhelming grief and fear as we came so close to loosing little Easton, but also the overwhelming gratitude/thankfulness for still having our son with us. Between the overwhelming emotions, tests, and conversations with doctors, those 5 days where some of the longest days of my life.
The last eight weeks also had its own set of good and bad days. Learning to find foods that E would eat on his soft food diet. Protecting his face, although that wasn’t easy- goofing off, siblings, and playing with friends, resulted in lots of tears after his face was touched or hit. It was especially hard not being able to see him enjoy all the sports and activities he did before. There was no bike riding or scootering, because wearing a helmet was painful and we also didn’t want him failing or damaging his jaw, while it was in the healing process. Even playing basket ball ended in tears when the ball would hit him in the face. There were also days that we just grieved as a family. Days that were slow and unlike what we were use to. Saturday’s where especially hard for me, as I checked out our local tracks on Instagram. E loves to ride and watching him walk into the garage, just to spend a few minutes with his bike before coming in and plopping down on the couch in disappointment, because he couldn’t ride, hurt my mama heart.
This season has taught us a lot! We’ve become so much closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as we leaned on Him and completely surrendered our will to His, in a whole new way. We have watched Him not only answer our prayers with the most wonderful miracle, but we discovered the power of community in a way we never had before. I’ve always enjoyed serving others, but hadn’t learned how to lean on others & let them serve me. Chad and I found ourselves in a place where had no choice but to lean on others. Family and friends took care of Laila & Aspen, while we stayed by Easton’s side. My Simple Living Community took care of our animals and garden. Complete strangers/Brothers and sisters in Christ donated to our GoFund me and helped Chad take time off of work to be with us.
Words will never be able to fully express the overwhelming thankfulness our family feels for each of you, who have helped us walk through this difficult season! Thank you so much for your prayers and continued support! We love you dearly! xo
