DANCE A LITTLE JIG!

Travis is A-OK

While Travis may not do that (dance a little jig), his Grandmommy is happy to do it for him. After 12 days in the hospital and the ruptured appendix surgery, he came home last Monday. What a happy little boy.. and what a happy family to have him home at last. He still has a couple of weeks' recovery time, and heavy duty antibiotics to fight all the pockets of infection in his frail little body, but with the spirit of a giant warrior, and the loving help of his mommy and daddy, and of course, with all the prayer support he had and continues to have, this kid will persevere.

Travis in CT Tunnel

After enduring more severe pain after removal of the ruptured appendix, he was enthralled by his "trip" through the tunnel of a CT scan. He said he felt like an astronaut going into a space shuttle. The scan, which was also reviewed by his Uncle Branch in Amarillo, revealed an abscess that turned out to be two connected abscesses that required another surgery to implant a drain. The abscesses also put pressure on his lungs, making it difficult to breathe without oxygen. More painful procedures. The drain had to be flushed every 8 hours. The nurses let Travis be in charge of the plunger that created the flush. I know that aided in preventing him from feeling totally helpless.

Doctor Travis

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Day 11

Day 12:  The PICC and drain lines came out, and Travis was given his freedom!  Grandmommy was at his home in Austin when he arrived home along with scores of cards, balloons, and gifts from all the people who know and love this little guy so much.  He has been home almost a week, and taking it easy until he gets all his energy back.  And a few pounds put back on that frail little body.  Friends of his mom and dad, his neighbors, and even mothers of his baseball team members have been bringing dinner to the family every night for nearly two weeks now, so Travis's mom can devote most of her time to taking care of him and playing games with him and little sister Kelly. Grandmommy taught him how to play 5-card draw poker, and he now beats his mom at that!

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Kelly

Like most of this part of the country, Austin had some frigid weather this past week... even a snowfall that delighted the children in Travis and Kelly's neighborhood. Not quite enough snow for snow people, but the steep hill in front of their home was great for sledding. As most folks in this part of Texas never own a real sled, Daddy came up with a makeshift sled for our Miss Kelly. She was such a precious snow bunny, and even made a snow angel for all to see.

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As Travis's grandmother, I would like to give a most heartfelt and special "thank you" to all of you who have so kindly sent your thoughts and prayers for his recovery.  It meant so much to me, and of course, to his mom and dad.  But, most of all, I know it contributed to his being able to withstand so much pain with courage and stamina beyond his years.  God was definitely with him.  And so were more than a few guardian angels.

Much love and peace,

Marilyn