July 7, 2010

It's going to be a good day


It's here. The day that we have been anticipating for the past 2 years is finally here. We are so excited to have this day behind us and for Max to get to experience what it's like to be a "normal" kid.

Through this journey we have gotten to know a lot of people. People that have changed our lives forever. We have learned lessons that will have an impact on us for the rest of our lives. We are not regretful that we were chosen to parent a child with ESRD. We are blessed. Max is who he is because of the hand that was dealt to him. Max is a beautiful little boy on the inside and outside. He puts a smile on everyone's face that comes in contact with him. He is an extraordinary little boy that has the potential of doing great things when he grows up.

I have had the honor of meeting a few other kidney baby mamas in the past few weeks. They are all from Tennessee and two of them have chosen to come to Cincinnati for their little ones transplants. Laura's little girl, Summer, has been put into our old slot of July 27th. Everything happens for a reason and I feel that Max's transplant was moved up so that Summer could get her daddy's kidney without having to wait too much longer. Yvette gave her little boy, Brandon, her kidney about 8 weeks ago and both are doing beautifully. Yvette has come to the hospital to see both Laura and I just to make sure that we are hanging in there and doing well. She has been a blessing for me because she has already been through the transplant. She is answering all of my questions. She cries and laughs with me and tells me how awesome it is to see your child blossom with their "new" kidney. Yvette- thank you. Thank you for all that you have done for me in the past few weeks. I just met you but I feel like I have known you my whole life. You truly are a blessing to us and we are honored to have gotten to know you in real life rather than just over the internet. Thank you.

We also need to thank all of you who are praying for us. The prayer vigil such a huge hit that it got extended to 48 hours rather than just 24. You all are amazing for doing this. It means so much that so many of you are out there praying for us. Whoever prayed for Tim and I to find peace tonight, thank you. The prayer was answered. My brother and sister-in-law came over with dinner, Max was cracking us all up and Yvette came to see us. It was such an enjoyable evening and we are at peace with what tomorrow will bring. We feel that this surgery is going to go well. We know that there will be complications, but they won't be anything that we can't handle. Max is a tough little guy and will pull through this. We have gotten this far. There is no way that God would end our journey now. Not after all that we have been through.

In 9 hours I will head down to the same day surgery area, get signed in, have an IV placed, get into my gown and wait for the life changing moment that we have been waiting so long for. At 7:45 tomorrow morning I will be wheeled into the OR for the third time in my life. The first time was the open fetal surgery that saved Max's life. The second time was on May 12, 2008- the day that Max was born. The third will be the second time that I have gotten the honor of saving my son's life.

Tomorrow is a new day. July 8, 2010 is the day that Max gets a chance at a new life. Tomorrow is going to be beautiful.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beth - you are an awesome momma! Go Team Max! May God bless all three of you tomorrow as well as the teams of surgeons that will be with you. I look forward to reading the updates tomorrow. Again, God bless and God speed!
Kristen Hildebrand

Anonymous said...

You are such an amazing woman Beth! You three will continue to be in our prayers.

We Love You! T. J., Shannon and Kids

Blogger said...

I am so excited for your family!! And the fact that Max will have a new life tomorrow!! God is Awesome!! I am praying for you all!!

Love, Marty

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you guys! Will be thinking of you guys all day tomorrow.
Denise aka Denise2005

Anonymous said...

God bless your family with strength, courage, peace and good health. I'll be praying for you guys!
Shelley Rodriguez

Anonymous said...

Total stranger who happened upon your blog in a fit of insomnia. I am sure God poked me out of bed to read this story. I have already been on my knees and will pass it on....

Let the sweet, sweet love of God bath you in courage for these up coming weeks.

Bridget (Ruschman) Go said...

Go Team Max! I will be praying for your family all day (especially right now as everything begins). You are such an amazing woman and mother - I feel proud just to know you :-)

Anonymous said...

Beth,
My prayers are with you and Max. It is exciting that this day has finally arrived.
Love Melanie and Matt

Anonymous said...

As I leave this note, you will be going to the OR soon. As a dad, I pray for Tim and ask God to hold him closely as he patiently waits for the results of the surgery.

I pray for Beth and her courageous journey. May your recovery be short and may your life be blessed.

I pray for Max. One of God's little blessings. May he grow up to be an inspiration to us all.

God bless you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Beth, Tim and Max-We are so happy for you guys that this day has arrived-the beginning to the new chapter in your life. We have been praying for you guys and we are all inspired by your strength, courage, and your determination. Please know that if you need anything, please don't hesitate in giving us a call. Good luck today!
Brett, Monica, Ethan, Leah and Jillian Ruschman

Mandy Ford Art & Illustration said...

My friend Jenna sent me over to your blog and I'm so touched by your story. Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way from one momma to another. :)

Life With Carter said...

Many, many thoughts and prayers for your family today as you and Max go through surgery! Today is going to be a great day. :) We'll be praying hard all day for you guys and in the weeks to come as you both recover.

Ryan, Miranda, and Ethan said...

Thinking of you, Max, and your family this morning Beth. I can't wait to hear all about how awesome the team at CCHMC did and how amazing God is moving in your lives!! Love and prayers to you all.

Miranda Gabbard

Sarah, Addison and Lillian said...

Beth...you are one awesome momma! You have such an amazing outlook and continue to inspire and touch so many people's lives!!

Praying for the entire Team Livingston! Oh happy day!!

Brian R. said...

Praying for you all today! Work can wait!

Anonymous said...

We lost my mother almost a year ago today to ESRD. I have a feeling you all have a very special angel in Heaven watching over you today. "Betty" would never want a sweet child such as Max to suffer through the agony of ESRD. She is leading your fight! May you be blessed today and always!

Kelly Kuntz said...

I have chills, tears, and smiles all at once after reading this post. I have never met Max, but I've met Tim a few times and Beth maybe once. I am in awe at your devotion, love, and strength to Mighty Max! And Max you by far exceed the definition of "mighty" - you are a role model and you don't even know it!

"At 7:45 tomorrow morning I will be wheeled into the OR for the third time in my life. The first time was the open fetal surgery that saved Max's life. The second time was on May 12, 2008- the day that Max was born. The third will be the second time that I have gotten the honor of saving my son's life." - This paragraph is beautiful! A true testament to a mother's love to her child!

God bless you all! You are ALWAYS in my thoughts and prayers...since the first surgery....

~Kelly Kuntz