Reunion with Old Tube-Weaning Friends

Happiness is a big ole hug from two, old friends who came to visit us this past week.  There's nothing like them!  Markus and Jeni of Spectrum Pediatrics (see this post), our wise feeding specialists, came over for dinner this past week...one night after they worked all day with another brave, tubie kid (little W) who is on the same intensive-tube-wean journey we were on this very same time last year.  I look back now and think about how difficult and challenging a time that was for us.  How much fear we had. LJ cultivated such a special relationship with Markus and Jeni; it is really so wonderful to observe.

Here is a photo capturing the first reunion.  LJ was giddy with excitement for them to arrive.  As soon as they were through the front door he practically leaped out of my arms into his old, friends' arms.  It was thrilling to witness! The total recognition of Markus and Jeni combined with the complete recall of the events surrounding his tube wean gave me utter conviction that we didn't harm him or his relationship with food one iota.  In fact, we did a 180 degree opposite.  LJ loves these two magic-makers and LJ as you may well know, has a love-affair with food.  Hard work pays off.

That night, we told stories, we listened to stories but mostly we just marveled at the road we've been on.  Its hard to see when the reality is what we wake up to each and every day.  But when your dear friends haven't seen LJ for a year, it somehow has more merit when they tell you what amazing progress they see.  I don't know why our individual points of view are so widely different from moment to moment; we are witnessing the same human being.  I suppose us parents need to take the time to see how the day unfolded and see what worked and didn't work.  I suppose its because as parents, we watch differently. Morning. Noon. Night. Feelings and thoughts arise and subside and there's always worry.  I suppose as parents we need to be quicker at seeing where we've been and putting forth our efforts on that next path without so many questions and doubt.

As Markus and Jeni continue their work, I pray for little W that he maintains his endurance and focus to stay on this road to becoming an eager eater.  Sending W's family the patience, strength and discovery of hope. With gratitude and awe for two old friends who took such beautiful care of our boy. With admiration toward little W's family.  There's something special about our old friends.

And with that, we raise a toast to LJ's tube removal in two weeks.  We have cause for celebration!