Thank you

     The last few days have had Ashlie and I pulling out hair, maybe more so me. My biggest struggle is  having no control, and thinking about every possible outcome. Based on how low the lesion is on Ruger's spine, Our situation is better than many spina bifida cases.  However we are not guaranteed he will walk, we are not guaranteed that the surgery will go with out complications, we are not guaranteed anything. That feeling of helplessness gets down in your stomach and distracts being able to handle normal day to day things.

    We shared the news with on friends and family on Saturday, and then spread the news to everyone on Tuesday night. We have been put into tears on many occasions with that amount of love, support, and even kind words from complete strangers. We have instantly been befriended by other parents that have children with Spina Bifida. Their stories and pictures have given us strength, faith, and hope that we will get through this. My beautiful little sisters know that I am stubborn and full of pride. I  will take on any project or challenge alone and refuse a helping hand, it is a trait that I have had since I was a child. I was once again balling when they started a fundraiser to help with medical and travel costs yesterday. I am now getting choked up typing this, thinking of the people that donated without hesitation. While we have a very blessed life, the material items people have, do not always tell whole story. What I am trying to say, is that so much stress and anxiety was taken off my shoulders with what was given. It means more than I could ever put into words.  More important than money we have had so many prayers for us, to make it through this. They have been felt and grown our faith, there is not a price that can be put on that feeling.

    Finally! Today we got a call from UCSF and have been officially scheduled for our consultations. Ashlie will begin Tuesday at 7:30 am,  with an MRI followed up with many meetings and tests.  Assuming all goes as well as it has with the specialist here in Utah, she will be admitted into the hospital the evening of April 20th, the operation will take place first thing the following morning.

We love you all so much. We are so blessed to have our son Ruger, and daughter Charlie. I have had many friends that have struggled to have their own children, or faced greater challenges. Our son will be one of the greatest gifts we will ever receive.