2020

 

                 What can we say about 2020?  It just keeps giving.  I know so many people affected by challenging events, coupled with COVID, that I just have to keep counting my blessings...

                 This last month has been the most trying, testing faith and I leave it to Meek Mill who tells me to remember, that even on my worst day, I live like somebody on their greatest.  And so do you.

                Let's start by catching up with Cody.  He and Jessica have grown such a beautiful little family.  Little Vincenzo is a year and a half and is such a joy.  He has a fantastic character, fun loving, adventurous and great energy.  Love him so much. And Angelo is now 5 months old and has been through so much.  Yet, he smiles all the time and has a special light in his eyes.  This boy, at a week old, needed to have three stents placed in his heart to correct a defect that was not allowing him to get enough oxygen.  God bless that surgeon, I cannot imagine operating on a baby, so small.  He bounced back nicely, but Jess and Cody were advised that he would need open heart surgery around three months.

                               

                                     Marveling over the turtles at Agua Caliente Park

                                       Aut and Tonio spend some time with Cody and Enzo

Angelo, post open heart surgery

              I have been so blessed with three healthy children, who never had surgery or any serious illness.  Cody broke a collar bone playing football in 8th grade, which was traumatic, but it barely slowed him down.  I cannot imagine getting the news that at a week old, one of my babies needed open heart surgery...I would be out of my mind.  The grace with which Jess and Cody handled this situation was amazing.  The surgeon had the hands of God.  Our family made more treks out to San Xavier on candle lighting missions and prayed the rosary more than any time since Kim fell ill.  Once again, I know she had Cody and his family wrapped in her arms...

            The surgeon made a 3-D sculpture of Angelo's heart and showed Jess and Cody exactly what his plan was and how it would work.  But before the intended date of the surgery could arise, Angelo began to struggle for air and for his life.  These guys ended up back and forth between the hospital and then stayed 2 and a half weeks by their baby boy's side.  Angelo had outgrown one of the stents and could not get the oxygen he needed.  Again, the horror Jess, Cody and Vincenzo faced - I cannot imagine.  I felt helpless, as with COVID, we were unable to visit the hospital.  They rotate shifts and little 'Enzo was left to wonder what had become of his baby brother and missed his mom when she was with Angelo, and then his dad when he took a turn.  He was so happy when Angelo successfully had surgery and was allowed to go home - he smiled and laughed the whole ride home.

Angelo's recovery has been miraculous.  He has improved each week.  His parents are nothing less than amazing, taking turns nursing this little guy back to health, so loving, so caring.  And Enzo provides love and support as well, sharing his toys and making his little brother smile...

So proud of this family!  They are strong and close - two hard working parents and two sweet kids.  

The doctors have told them, that Angelo will need another surgery between 5 and 10 years old.  They have already faced so much, but, like with everything, they approach it with a great attitude.  Instead of being down and depressed, they embrace and enjoy every moment with their family.

Blessed.