Last Thursday, Aidan had an appointment with his cornea specialist to follow up on some eye swelling. Well, great news! The swelling has gone down and his eye is stable for the time being. My reason for writing this entry is to express how truly proud I am of my boy! I left from that appointment feeling a sense of pride that shines through every part of my being. We waited 30 minutes to even get in a room, playing thumb war and rock, paper scissors to pass the time and help with the boredom. Once in, he had his eyes checked and pressure measured by two nurses before his doctor even came in. Though very tired of the waiting and sick of the pressure checks Aidan never once complained. It was evident through the pressure measurements that he was uncomfortable and wanted it to be done and I didn't blame him. If I could I would switch seats in that exam chair in a heartbeat! I was ansy for him and wanted to just see the doctor so that we could be on our way, stopping at the store so that Aidan could get that pack of Pokemon cards that he had been longing for.
The above mentioned appointment tipped off this blog entry. I was just so amazed at the level of cooperation this child exuded that day, as he does with each and every one of his exams. Yes, he does get ansy and yes, he does get bored but wouldn't you at his age, given the time he has to wait to even see a doctor? I have had this feeling inside of me for quite some time now. A feeling that never seems to lessen. A feeling that can cause my chest to become tight and each breath become a little faster. A feeling that, at times can overwhelm me and rock me to my very core. It is a feeling of anticipation before each and every eye exam and pressure check; before each and every surgery. It is a fear of the unknown, as my mind can easily wander to a very dark place but I have chosen not to. Aidan is my hero; a brave, brave child that has had to deal with so much in such a short time. He has learned at a very young age to tip his head back at the exact angle as we slowly instill eye drops, up to six drops a day now. He has learned to just blot his eyes gently after the drops work their way in, even with the stinging and burning going on. Aidan has learned to sit ever so still in the exam chair as the doctors and nurses poke and prod at his delicate eyes. He keeps right up with his buddies, just ask any of his friends:) Aidan is my inspiration. He perserveres, he has overcome and he just does what needs to be done. Aidan is not defined by Glaucoma. This beast of a disease will not define who he is. Glaucoma will not defeat him. Aidan is a nine year old boy who runs, plays, acts silly; he is an amazing friend, brother and son. Aidan is a good student, a great reader, writer and mathematician. He shows compassion and love for his family and friends. Aidan has adapted to his world so much better than any of us can understand.
The pictures below are from Aidan's Inspiraiton Through Art session. Inspiration Through Art is an amazing organization that provides photo sessions to families of children that have been diagnosed with a life-long illness or disease. Aidan had the wonderful privilegde of participating and he was granted a session all his own. This boy is so beautiful, so full of vim and vigor, full of life, passionate about the world around him and is truly thriving! I love my Aidan!
