Happy 20th Anniversary from Wolfson's Children Hospital

 

Scott keeps reminding me just how big God is!  Let me explain....meet Ryan Silverman, the leading-man theatre voice at the moment!  He sang a the Holiday Pops at the Jacksonville Symphony.  

With a background performing all over the world and even in movies and tv shows, Ryan was the show-stopper at the Jacksonville Symphony.  And how cool that Scott and Eli got to go?!?!?

Scott and Eli were invited to go with Nonna to the symphony this past Friday after Nonna found out a friend wasn't going and was offering her tickets up to anyone else who might want to go. 

It was my turn to stay behind with Enzo at the hospital.  It was time for Scott to enjoy some holiday fun!

Nonna blessed Scott and Eli with the tickets and it was a day the two will never forget.  The two sat in the sea of symphony admirers enjoying the Christmas Spirit in the air.  Just like in a Hallmark movie, hot chocolate was served and smiles were shared.

Scott said once he heard Ryan began to sing he knew inside his heart that he should ask this guy, this famous person, to swing by on our anniversary and sing for me and Enzo.  Scott filled out the paperwork required to contact Ryan, but then he went a step further...he searched Ryan's contact number via the internet!  Yes - Scott did that!

This is a big Godwink!  Scott left a message on Ryan's personal phone and the rest is history. Ryan and Scott talked over the phone and made plans to see me and Enzo!  This was going to happen!

Forgive my crazy look, I slept in Enzo's hospital bed but I woke up fast once Ryan came into the room and began to sing!  Ryan's voice is smooth as silk and it was such a treat to have our own private concert in Enzo's room.  Ryan beamed as he sang, I cried happy tears and Enzo even had so much fun.

The first song Ryan sang was my favorite Christmas song of all time, The Christmas Song.  Nat King Cole sings it the best and Ryan is right up there with him.  It was so smooth, so beautiful.  Scott told him that was my favorite - man I just love how Scott knows me.  BEST SURPRISE EVER!

After The Christmas Song, Ryan sang Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.  Search him on YouTube.  This guy is amazing. 

Third song was Jingle Bells, but it was a version that was unique and Eli loved it.  I remember Eli telling me how much he liked how Ryan sang it.  

Finally, Ryan sang I'll Be Seeing You by Tony Bennett.  It was beautiful.  The door was open and all the nurses, techs and doctors were able to hear it - they loved it.

Ryan didn't rush himself out of the room but rather stayed for about an hour and a half as we talked.  He is such an old soul with wonderful stories about his life, his family and his career.  I couldn't believe how time flew. It was so easy to talk to him.  What a pleasure to sit down with this beautiful singer and really get to know him. 

It really was the best way to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary.  How did I get so lucky to have a man like Scott?  You can't make this stuff up.  I felt like I was going to wake up any minute but it all really happened.  God is so good and I am so blessed.

Let me get you updated on Enzo:

Enzo is getting used to all the alarms and can sleep soundly.  Right now he isn't progressing as everyone hoped.  Right now we are waiting on stomach fluid output to be reduced (which would indicate opening of passageway) in order for another contrast study and gastroenterology to be able to scope at some point.  

As we wait for Enzo's body to catch up with medical technology, Enzo has to deal with bowel rest.  This means he has to have everything given to him via IV (a PICC line).  Enzo also has to deal with a tube going down from his nose to his stomach.  It's called an NG tube, but instead of feeding him, the NG tube is used to suction out liquids that naturally build up in his stomach.

It's a lot to handle but Enzo is taking it like a true champion.  When Enzo isn't connected to the suction machine, he asks to go for a walk.  Sometimes he likes to just sit on the floor and look out the window.

He looks happy and I am happy because it makes me feel like he is not in pain.

While Enzo remains in the hospital we are staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.  It's an amazing place with some of the kindest people ever! Eli loves the free food at dinner time.  First night was pizza!  We've had Jimmy John's, homemade jambalaya and tonight was a yummy pasta meal.

The Ronald McDonald House has Christmas trees and decorations everywhere.  They have thought of everything.  There is a massive community kitchen, a huge playroom and even a fitness room.  We aren't there that much since we are either with Enzo or with Nonna.  Still, it's a great place to rest our head and we appreciate how well we are treated.

Nonna has been such a blessing and we love seeing her.  We even take walks with her and her friends. 

Eli loves the heated pool at her place.  It's so clean and clear.  Nonna and I get to chat and Eli does his crazy boy stuff in the pool.  Yes, he sleeps great at night. 

While I was with Enzo, Scott got to take Eli to meet our dear friend, Bob Becker!  He is a legend in the ultramathon world.  Although he lives in Ft. Lauderdale, he is the race director of the Daytona 100 Ultra which was this past weekend!  The race started in JAX Beach!  How exciting for Scott to be able to catch up with Bob!  

When Scott and I can't be with Eli, Nonna takes over and showers him with lots of love and fun.  Oh man, he got to watch ELF at the IMAX!  How cool is that!  SANTAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

Naturally, the fire department is still a big hit with Eli and Scott always finds time to indulge Eli.

Our life has hit an unexpected medical hiccup but we are making the most of it.  I'll do my best to keep everyone updated.  We alternate our stays with Enzo which means only one of us gets a good night's rest at the Ronald McDonald House.  Boy, their beds are so comfortable!  Forgive us if we are loopy or have a fuzzy memory....or forget what day it is.  ha ha ha

We are forever grateful for all the prayers and love everyone is sending out.  We are blessed and really feel like we stepped right back into our amazing community of friends here in the states.