Open Your Eyes

Gabe,

I just laid you down for bed.  Your Daddy read you a story and we hugged you, kissed you, prayed for you.  Tonight you went to bed with little to no idea what tomorrow holds.

It's a big day for you sweet boy.  Your special heart that is working so hard is needing some repairs and, while we've known this was coming since the day you came home to us, it doesn't make it any easier.  We don't like the idea of handing you over to the doctor's, of trusting our boy to strangers.

The next few days won't be fun Gabriel.

It's going to hurt and you might get scared, but know this baby, I'll be there.  The whole time.  I will do my best to keep you comfortable and make this as easy for you as I can.

There are a lot of people praying for you buddy.  Loving you, carrying you on their well wishes and love.

I'll be there when you close your eyes Gabe.

I want to be the last thing you see.  And if I'm crying, it's only because I am so very proud to be your Mom.  You have gone through a lot in your short 4 years and through it all you have kept that gorgeous smile, a belly full of giggles.  You will close your eyes, but I'll still be there.  Waiting for you.

There's going to be a lot going on around you these next few day's Gabe.  Lots of people doing lots of different jobs.  But you my boy have only one job.

You need to open your eyes.

Please, just open your eyes.

Because as scared as we all are, I know that the moment we see those deep brown eyes look up at us, you'll have made it.  Your big surgery will be behind you and we can start recovering.

You are brave and strong and we are so happy that you are ours.  We love you and very soon, this will be a distant memory.

But first, you'll need to open your eyes.

And when you do, I'll be there.  Because that is my job.