Strong Parents

I met Travis and Brandi at the St. Marks Hospital parking lot the day of their first ultrasound so I could take Lexi and Hunter to McDonalds during the appointment. Travis was on his lunch break so he wanted the kids close so he could see them after. The kids played at McDonalds and then Travis and Brandi met us there. I could tell something was wrong the second I saw them. They tried hard to act normal at first but I could tell Brandi was holding back tears. I asked her if she was ok and if everything went ok and they told me they found out their baby was missing?a hand. They also saw white spots on the ultrasound that indicated other issues but there wasn’t anymore information on that at the time. They were amazing with their resiliency. One of the first things Travis said was they’ll definitely be getting into crossbow hunting for this lil guy. They were obviously shaken up about the news and there was some sadness but they were pointing out all of the positive aspects. He could play soccer and?hunt, they knew he would learn how to do everything he could with one hand. Brandi said she could handle this, they would be ok. They were grateful everything else appeared to be fine so far in the ultrasound. I was impressed with their positive attitude even though I knew they were still in shock over the news.

Then there was a lot of uncertainty during the pregnancy. I thought of that often with my last pregnancy and wondered how they got through all of that. There is already so much worry with kids but especially when you can’t do anything and there’s so much unknown. Things were looking better and the worst case scenario was pretty much ruled out but there was so much they didn’t know. Then Tate arrived. We went to visit them in the hospital shortly after he was born. Brandi was overjoyed with relief that he came out screaming and thriving. She could totally handle the missing hand, her baby boy was here! We were alternating visiting with Brandi and peeking in on Tate getting his newborn stuff done. Travis was with him and looking very proud. Then it seemed to take a little too long… We went to see Tate and Travis through the window again, Travis looked very worried and stressed but was trying not to show much. I started worrying, I didn’t like seeing his expression and wondered what could be going on. Shortly after he told us he’s sorry but could we try to visit the next day, he had to talk to Brandi. My heart broke for them. I had no idea what they were finding out but I knew it would cause them pain and hoped and prayed for them to be able to handle whatever it was. I think by the next day they were guessing it was Moebius Syndrome. I googled it to find out information and felt comfort in some of what we researched. Of course Travis and Brandi were focusing on the positive aspects of it. We went to visit them at the hospital again and although they were more worried, they were still proud parents and ready to tackle whatever they needed to.

Tate’s diagnosis brought some difficulties to their family but you would never know it by Travis and Brandi’s outlook. His challenges?changed their way of life but they had so much joy through him, as did everyone around him. They have showed such amazing strength over and over again and they continue to be stronger than they have ever had to be. I love you Travis and Brandi and I know Tate was a blessing in so many lives. He has changed my life for good, I will never forget the influence he has made. You are the exact parents that he needed during his time and couldn’t have given him a better life. Love you guys!