Without a Word_ How a Boy's Unspoken Love Changed Everything - Jill Kelly [38]
Hunter was also up in his stander today playing the piano. When he gets his arms moving you can tell he’s really trying to play the keys. Believe it or not, the music he makes actually sounds good—really good. I’m so proud of him. He tries so hard all the time and knows exactly what he’s doing; he’s a very smart kid.
He’s still into Stuart Little, Little Bear, Davey and Goliath, and Franklin the Turtle. I love when all three of the kids fall asleep next to each other while watching a movie together. They’re beautiful. Erin and Camryn love their brother and always see past his disease. I’m so blessed.
August 1, 2000—Crazy day; so much going on. Hunter had to get a CAT scan (computerized axial tomography) and an EEG (electroencephalogram) at Children’s Hospital. Hunter’s temperature has been all over the place lately—anywhere from 104.4 to 99.4—and he’s been having more apnea and seizures. Please help him to breathe, Lord.
It’s been so beautiful outside lately that we’ve tried to take Hunter out for a stroll as much as possible. When we’re walking through the neighborhood, I find myself talking to him about the color of the sky, the grass, birds, and squirrels—things I never really paid much attention to in the past. He makes me so much more aware of everything. Lord, thank You for opening up my eyes through Hunter’s. God, please heal my boy.
November 12, 2000—Dear Hunter… It’s amazing how fast time goes by. We have been so busy that I haven’t even had a chance until now to reflect on all the fun and exciting things you’ve been up to lately. Being a three-year-old boy is pretty cool, especially when you’re a preschooler. Along with your awesome physical and occupational therapies, you are now a schoolboy.
Ms. Marion and Ms. Kristin have joined our team and they are so much fun. They have introduced you to a lot of neat things to help you learn more about yourself and the world around you. You’ve been experimenting a lot lately with different smells and surface textures. One of your favorite sessions was playing in the banana shaving foam. I had fun, too, especially watching you. You’ve been able to experience a lot of new and different things like pumpkin carving, leaf collecting, and horseback riding on Bambi.
You are getting so tall, Hunter. I’m amazed at how much you’ve grown. That little baby with the chunky-cheek face has grown into such a handsome boy. Erin and Camryn have so much fun with you. Camryn just wants to kiss and hug you all the time. We think she’s going to be your next nurse because she’s always trying to suction you and give you chest therapy. Erin loves to read to you and play Noah’s ark. You are always so happy and excited whenever your two sisters are around. I also love watching my two favorite boys hang out together. To see your face whenever Daddy holds you is so special. He loves you so much.
Some days, Hunter, you are on the go so much that I just can’t wait for bedtime. Although I love our Jacuzzi and playtime, I look forward to bedtime. There is nothing sweeter than getting all snuggly with you and holding your hand as we both drift off to sleep.
I love you so much, Hunter. What an immeasurable treasure from God you are. Each and every day that goes by with you by my side is a shower of blessings sent from heaven. Thank you for bringing so much love and joy into my life. I’m so proud to be your mom. Through all your suffering and struggles you continue to show such strength and courage. I will continue to pray that someday we will be holding hands and giggling while we run through a beautiful meadow chasing butterflies. If not here, then for eternity. I can’t wait. I love you, little buddy.
Despite the birth of our daughter Camryn, and our joy at having another child, our marriage was fading into nothingness behind the scenes. Hunter, however, continued to grow and fearlessly fight the war being waged against him. Though outwardly it appeared that Hunter was wasting away, his inward spirit