Ty Campbell, Rockstar Astronaut
I saw this posted to another cancer mom's Facebook today and I watched the video. I didn't expect for it to hit home so much. This couldn't be a more perfect depiction of what life has been like for me, Lou and Ty on this most painful journey. It's 100% true and I can relate to every word written.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
My days of watching childhood cancer youtube videos had to be stopped (for my own health), but I'm glad I came across this one because it just goes to show you how many people are watching their children fight for their lives like this.
"I wanna walk!"
I spent a lot of time stretching Ty's legs yesterday. At one point I had him wiggling his toes and trying to push on my hands. Despite his severe weakness, there is some very slight movement and that keeps me hopeful for improvement. I was cheering him on and at one point I said something about walking again someday to encourage him to keep trying. I immediately wanted to take it back because it's just not the right time to get him excited for something that's so far out of reach, but Ty heard it and latched onto what I said.
"Yeah, I wanna walk!" he said.
"Oh good, baby. With that attitude, some day you surely will" Big smile.
"No, I wanna walk now"
"Oh, I think it's too soon. When I said you'll walk again, I meant maybe in a few months or so," trying to be vague.
"No, I wanna walk now. Mama, let me walk. Take me off bed."
"But, you are still so weak baby. I don't want you to get hurt."
"That's okay, Mommy. You can just hold my hand."
Ugh! Heart... spoon... you know what those words felt like. But at the same time I was so proud of his can-do attitude and couldn't stop smiling and staring into his eyes while I struggled for an answer. I decided to take him out of the bed and sat him on my lap. We brought his feet to the floor, it was not easy for me to do this because his entire body is so wobbly, but we managed and he seemed satisfied with that. My big boy. Such a trooper. Lou had walked in while we were in the middle of trying to "walk" and he helped me hold him steady. As always, we were both so happy to see him striving to get better.
The photo I shared of the oxygen chamber the other day was just something I pulled off of a website as an example. Here is the real deal. Ty in his "space suit" as we call it. Tonight I suggested that if anyone asks him what he's gonna be when he grows up, that he should answer "ROCK STAR ASTRONAUT." If anyone can pull that off, Ty can :) I love that. My little rockstar astronaut jamming on the moon and taking the galaxy by storm.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
My days of watching childhood cancer youtube videos had to be stopped (for my own health), but I'm glad I came across this one because it just goes to show you how many people are watching their children fight for their lives like this.
"I wanna walk!"
I spent a lot of time stretching Ty's legs yesterday. At one point I had him wiggling his toes and trying to push on my hands. Despite his severe weakness, there is some very slight movement and that keeps me hopeful for improvement. I was cheering him on and at one point I said something about walking again someday to encourage him to keep trying. I immediately wanted to take it back because it's just not the right time to get him excited for something that's so far out of reach, but Ty heard it and latched onto what I said.
"Yeah, I wanna walk!" he said.
"Oh good, baby. With that attitude, some day you surely will" Big smile.
"No, I wanna walk now"
"Oh, I think it's too soon. When I said you'll walk again, I meant maybe in a few months or so," trying to be vague.
"No, I wanna walk now. Mama, let me walk. Take me off bed."
"But, you are still so weak baby. I don't want you to get hurt."
"That's okay, Mommy. You can just hold my hand."
Ugh! Heart... spoon... you know what those words felt like. But at the same time I was so proud of his can-do attitude and couldn't stop smiling and staring into his eyes while I struggled for an answer. I decided to take him out of the bed and sat him on my lap. We brought his feet to the floor, it was not easy for me to do this because his entire body is so wobbly, but we managed and he seemed satisfied with that. My big boy. Such a trooper. Lou had walked in while we were in the middle of trying to "walk" and he helped me hold him steady. As always, we were both so happy to see him striving to get better.
The photo I shared of the oxygen chamber the other day was just something I pulled off of a website as an example. Here is the real deal. Ty in his "space suit" as we call it. Tonight I suggested that if anyone asks him what he's gonna be when he grows up, that he should answer "ROCK STAR ASTRONAUT." If anyone can pull that off, Ty can :) I love that. My little rockstar astronaut jamming on the moon and taking the galaxy by storm.
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| The Chamber |
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| Ty getting ready to go in |
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| Mission Control |
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| Ty inside - Lou took this from the outside looking in |
Cindy & Lou,
ReplyDeleteTy is simply amazing, a quality I see that he gets from his parents! When I read that Ty received his tubes without anestesia? What kid does that? He is such a brave little angel, I swear. I can't even get blood taken without crying and freaking out for at least an hour beforehand and I am 34 years old!
I do not know ho you guys continue to do all that you are doing. I am exhausted just by reading about it. You two are incredible!
I really think that Ty is going to thrive, regardless if you stick with th inpatient or out patient. He has such drive! He wants to walk and having that positive spirit is very important! He continues to amaze me!
And happy birthday to Gavin! That cake looked yummy and his party looked super fun! Did he see a picture of Ty in his space suit? I know he adores Buzz Lightyear!
Praying Always. . .
Joy Marielle
Baltimore, MD
Cindy & Lou,
ReplyDeleteTy is simply amazing, a quality I see that he gets from his parents! When I read that Ty received his tubes without anestesia? What kid does that? He is such a brave little angel, I swear. I can't even get blood taken without crying and freaking out for at least an hour beforehand and I am 34 years old!
I do not know ho you guys continue to do all that you are doing. I am exhausted just by reading about it. You two are incredible!
I really think that Ty is going to thrive, regardless if you stick with th inpatient or out patient. He has such drive! He wants to walk and having that positive spirit is very important! He continues to amaze me!
And happy birthday to Gavin! That cake looked yummy and his party looked super fun! Did he see a picture of Ty in his space suit? I know he adores Buzz Lightyear!
Praying Always. . .
Joy Marielle
Baltimore, MD
LOVE, FAITH, BELIEF and HOPE- beautiful , soft words that represent strength- your strength.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Gavin! You are a big boy today and a stylish one ( just love those cut offs).
Lou & Cindy,
ReplyDeleteWell it took me all day to be brave enough to watch the video. You know when Ty first got diagnosed it physically brought me to my knees, I had know idea how any of us would ever survive. As time went on we did what we do and accepted what life has dealt us and moved forward always toward a cure, that's healthy right? As a family we stand strong and forever will be strong, ecspecialy Ty.
I'm not sure what I'm trying to say. I guess what I want to say is I don't accept this, nobody should ever have to watch there baby suffer as you have!! It's NOT ok! It just sucks and I wish so bad I can make Ty better! I wish I could make them all better!
I can never post here...but am going to try again! Watching that video was emotional torture. I truly don't understand how you guys do this on a daily basis. Your videos & pictures are always accompanied with such positive words & encouragement. This video shows the stark reality of what you, Ty, Lou & other cancer families go through everyday..and it is just not right. It sucks & something must be done to help these kids & families.
ReplyDeleteCan you please send the address of where I send donation to Ty's nurse? It's the least I can do. I could not find on link.
Thinking and praying for you guys everyday!