I promised you some photos of the snow globe that Don gave me:
Isn’t it beautiful?
One more present to share with you – my dear friend Linda sent a package, which happened to arrive on my birthday.
Two beautiful pieces of mini pottery for my collection! I’ve dubbed her the Mini Pottery Whisperer. She has an amazing track record in terms of finding these treasures. I almost never find one around here, but Linda? That’s another story! Thank you so much, Linda! I love them.
And a surprise – I suppose you could call it a present – in the middle of the over-40-year-old plant I brought home from my parents’ home in Florida. You remember the Mother-in-law’s tongue? This is what I discovered yesterday:
Do these plants flower? It sure looks like it. Hey, Mom and Dad, your plant seems to like it here!
__________________________
And now for something quite serious. I would like to ask your prayers for my nephew, Little Z.
Yesterday morning, while Mere was at work, my brother-in-law went in Z’s bedroom to get him up and found him in the middle of a massive seizure. J (my BIL) did everything right, clearing his passageway, pounding him on the back to make sure he wasn’t choking, giving him CPR. He called 911 and ran outside with Z to meet the ambulance.
They were transported to the local hospital. Meredith met them there. Z was still having seizures. They did an MRI, a cat scan, took x-rays and then contacted the neurosurgery department at All Children’s Hospital. When transport became available they transferred him there. (This is the hospital he went to last year when I was down there visiting, if you remember.)
He was on oxygen for a while, but that has been removed. He was given meds, which left him out of it for much of the day, and was admitted to the hospital. Meredith spent the night with him and neither of them got much sleep. The doctors want to keep an eye on him, see how he adjusts to the seizure meds, and at the moment, he’s hooked up to an EEG. He hasn’t had another seizure since he was transferred to the second hospital.
Little Z has cerebral palsy. He had a seizure when he was born, so there has always been the possibility that he could have another, but, as far as we know, this is the first one he’s had. And it was massive.
My brother-in-law was a hero yesterday. Thank God he was there.
We stayed by the phone all day, waiting for details, praying for our beloved Little Z. He’s been through so much, this little one who almost didn’t make it into this life.
Meredith’s middle son arrived home from college yesterday evening – he went right to the hospital. Her oldest will arrive home today. The whole family will be there with Z. And my BIL’s sisters are there, as well.
I asked Mere if I should write about this and her response was: “We need all the prayers we can get.”
So, I’m asking you to please pray for Meredith’s son and hold him in your hearts. I’ll update you tomorrow.
Happy Wednesday.
Flooding heaven with prayers for Z and Meredith and the family. That precious little boy has a piece of my heart. Thank you for telling us, Claudia.
Thank you, Karen. I think he has touched everyone’s heart. He is loved by so many!
Healing thoughts headed their way. Little Z has lots of love and strength surrounding him.
Love the snow globe!
Thank you, Sylvia.
For Little Z, his Mom,Dad, brothers and extended family – may they feel the love, care and concern of so many who are lifting them up in prayer. Guide his medical team as they work together to help this little warrior fight this battle and return home. Amen
Thank you, Regina.
Claudia, please let Meredith and family know I am praying for Little Z. He’s a fighter, that one. He’ll get through this. Please let us know how things progress. Hugs to all.
Thank you, Debbie.
Good morning, Claudia ~ I just read this post and the previous one. I will start out by saying that I’m so sorry to hear about Little Z. I’m glad Meredith gave you permission to share with us though, because she’s right, we can all pray for this precious boy – and, of course, his parents and brothers, too. Which I will certainly be doing.
Your birthday post made me smile the entire way through. I love all the wonderful ways that Don made your birthday so special. There was just one thing missing: The food! ;-) What did you guys have to eat? I’m such a foodie!
We had a vegan meal – risotto with roasted kale and brussels sprouts and chestnuts. It was delicious. Also incredibly tasty lentil soup with curry.
Those both sound amazingly delicious – right up my alley! Please keep us posted on how Little Z is doing.
The food was delicious, Melanie!
Claudia, please know I will keep little Z in my prayers……Hugs to all of you…….
Thank you, Francine.
I’ve been praying since yesterday when I heard about Little Z. I know how hard this is and so keeping all the family in my prayers also. He is the sweetest little guy and so loved by us all. Hugs to you too Claudia, it’s hard being so far away and feeling helpless.
I do love the snow globe that Don gave you and I’m glad the mini’s brought you some happiness, I am the mini pottery whisperer I think!! LOL.
Big Hugs, Lots of Love!
Thank you, Linda!
Claudia, I will keep Little Z in my thoughts and prayers. What a little trooper. God love your sister and brother-in-law. What an amazing life Little Z has because of them!
Your cardinal snow globe is just gorgeous. Cardinals were my mom’s favorite bird. Don did an amazing job with your birthday plans and gifts. The restaurant looked awesome and the Wallace Nutting was just gorgeous!
Thank you for the kind words about Amanda, and for having hosted a giveaway on her coloring book! Yes, Trident Booksellers & Cafe is such a great place.
I have three snake plants (I believe they’re the same as mother-in-law’s tongue?). Mine have never sprouted any kind of flower, so I’d say you’ve got a very special one. Perhaps a little gift from your mom & dad to let you know they’re close by!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Don, Claudia.
Big hugs, Donna
Thank you, Donna.
Yes, snake plants/sansivieria/mother-in-law’s tongue are the same.
I will say prayers for Little Z.
Thank you, Doris.
More prayers for sweet Little Z from here to the powers that be. One feels so helpless in these situations. Hope they get it all sorted very soon.
The snow globe is beautiful! And so is the tiny pottery! You are well loved, Claudia. I have seen very few cardinals in real life, but the ones I saw in NY were in the snow…such a pretty contrast to a chilly landscape. I have my Grandma’s old snow globe—a sailing ship. I feel very lucky to have it, with so many other grandchildren wanting remembrances of her. I think I played with it every time I visited her and I treasure it now.
Thank you, Shanna.
Z and his entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. My son had several seizures as a young adolescent. Apparently they were puberty related and thankfully as he got older they went away. I know the absolute fear your brother in law must have felt. Thank goodness he knew what to do and that little Z received prompt medical attention. I know how hard it must be for you and Don to be so far away right now.
It is very hard, especially because we had originally planned to try to get down there this week.
Thank you, Laura.
Praying for little Z and all your family, Claudia. ❤️ Your snow globe is beautiful! Can’t go wrong with a cardinal. They are one of my favorites.
Thank you, Susan.
The snow globe is beautiful. It takes you outside. It’s a very realistic scene with
the cardinal in the snow, especially this time of the year. Love it.
Of course Little Z and his Mom and Dad will be added to my prayer list. Z is such
a special little boy.
Have a nice day and take care,
Monica
Thank you, Monica.
Sending our love and prayers to Little Z, Meredith and family – that little fellow has a piece of our hearts.
Thank you, Barbara.
Oh my! Poor Little Z. I will definitely pray for healing. And praying for strength for Meredith and family. My grandson Logan who is six years old, loves seeing pictures of Buddy and I try to explain to him why he needs the walker. He loves Paw Patrol too, so he’s sending his love.
Thank you, Carol.
The snow globe and tiny pottery are lovely – how nice to be able to see them.
I will definitely pray that Z recovers and can be his happy, funny, self again sooner rather than later. Please keep us posted.
Thank you, Bridget.
Sending positive thoughts to Little Z and the family, you and Don included.
Thank you, Wendy.
Of course you have my prayers for this very special little boy.
Thank you, Melina.
Little Z will be added to my prayer list. I always pray for friends and family that are dealing with health problems. I am so grateful that he was able to get to the hospitals so quickly.
I love your red cardinal. They are my favorite at Christmas. I just bought a box of Christmas cards with a red cardinal.
Meredith and her family, you and Don are also in my prayers.
Thank you, Tana.
Such a terrifying thing to happen! Sending all good thoughts and positive vibes to Little Z and your family. He’s an amazing, brave little boy and has captured my heart. xx
Thank you, Kate.
I will indeed pray for sweet little Z and your entire family.
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
Lifting up Little Z, his parents, family and his medical team in prayers. May God reach down and wrap his arms around this precious little boy and heal his body so that he may have many, many more days and years to come with the people who love him so very much.
I know how difficult it can be to be experiencing a health crisis with a beloved and cherished family member and to have so many miles between you. I’m sending all the prayers and good thoughts that I have to all of you Claudia. May you all find the strength that is needed to walk through this time.
Positive thoughts always. Much hugs to you and yours.
Thank you, Belinda.
Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you Claudia. We were traveling yesterday and I didn’t get a chance to send along a note to you. The snow globe is amazing. Great job, Don!
I’m so sorry to learn that Little Z has had a seizure and is spending time in the hospital. Our family sends blessings and prayers for Z, and his amazing loving family, and for all the caregivers as they work to help him recover.
Hugs from Canada! X Chy
Thank you, Chy.
Praying for your entire family, especially Little Z and the medical team who is caring for him.
Thank you, Jay.
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Your brother-in-law is definitely amazing. I am glad that your sister’s older children could be at home while Little Z gets better.
Thank you, Beverly.
Holding little Z and all his family in my heart and thoughts.
Thank you, Carolyn Marie.
Little Z will be in my thoughts, as well as his whole wonderful family too. My MIL tongue has flowered twice in 20 years, I must admit once was when it was outside on porch, the other inside Well let’s say the smell is too sickly sweet for me. Even so I think it is wonderful to claim you have gotten a MIL tongue to flower. All the best to you and family .
I’ve heard that about the smell.
Thanks, Mary.
Praying for Little Z, your family and his healthcare providers.♥
Thank you, Beverly.
May the Force be with little Z, his family and the medical team looking after for him. May he be on his way home, and back to his adorable self, as soon as possible. 💛
[#ThisIsNotNormal]
Thank you, Janet.
Sitting here with tears rolling down my face. It is so particularly heart-wrenching to witness the suffering of a child. And he is such a bright light for all of you with his winning personality and courage.
Nine years ago today, my dad was on a ventilator (life support) in the ICU of the hospital and the unit’s head told me he didn’t think my dad was going to make it. Actually, he DID eventually make it, off the vent and we were blessed with having him for another couple of months. But I know what it is to be driving back and forth to a hospital, seeing families gathering, reuniting for the holiday in their front yards and front porches, laughing and talking and happy as it should be on Thanksgiving week, wanting to scream that my loved one was in jeopardy. Difference is, my dad was in his 80s and had enjoyed a good, long life…he got to live out his life span…whereas your nephew still has his whole life in front of him. So many important things, though, Claudia…as you said…that your brother-in-law was there with him and knew immediately what to do, and now your sweet little guy is in the best possible care. Modern medicine is a wonder. Prayers and doctors can work miracles. You definitely have my biggest prayers this morning.
Your BD gifts, including the new ‘bloom’, are so nice.
It’s going to be hard for you to concentrate on anything else today. Try to eat something comforting. Do some little task to distract. You are all in my thoughts.
Wonderful birthday gifts and especially your blooming plant. I prayed for little Z when I first learned of his seizure and I will continue to pray. I want to tell you about someone I knew with this affliction to give you hope. I once worked at a library in the children’s room. One of the staff members had cerebral palsy. Despite her affliction, she was very bright and witty and one of the truest, gentlest souls I have ever known. She would have seizures, but we knew what signs to look for and to help ease her discomfort. She was beloved by the staff, parents and of course the children who were always her highest priority. She was a spokesperson for Special Olympics and met with Maria Shriver. She has many friends and is beloved by all she meets. She is retired now and is living in a retirement community and is very happy. Cerebral Palsy is difficult, but it can be helped and those with this affliction can and do go on to lead happy and fulfilled lives. I have faith that this will be true for little Z too. God bless him and your family.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Thank you so much, Susan. He’s a magical boy.
Thank you, Vicki.
Praying with all my heart. Much love and many positive thoughts.
Thank you, Melissa.
Claudia, I’m so sorry to hear about Little Z. Between the blogs of you and your sister I know how much sunshine he brings into the lives of all your family. It certainly puts everything else into perspective doesn’t it? I’m sending deeply felt healing thoughts to you all. Blessings
Thank you, Lesley.
Sending prayers and positive healing thoughts to sweet Little Z. He is such a dear little guy.
Thank you, Kathy.
My heart and thoughts go out to Little Z and the family. Only positive thoughts here!
Love the snow globe…stunning! And that flower on your snake plant? A sure sign from your parents that they are close by. (I didn’t know that even could flower!)
Keep praying, and keep us informed about Little Z….he is a bright spot in our world today! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae.
I’m sending up prayers for Little Z and his family. I know how much this little boy means to you all. I love your snow globe. I read the other day that when you see a cardinal that means an angel is nearby. I like to think this is true.
Thank you, Charlene.
Little Z is such a sweet little guy. I just said a prayer for him and your family.
Thank you, Debbie.
prayers sent <3
Thank you, Suzan.
Claudia, sending healing thoughts to Meredith and Little B. I follow her blog too, but don’t comment. I feel like I know them both.
Thank you, Kaye!
Hi there, sending all my love and best wishes to Little Z and his family. xoxo
Thank you, Ann Marie.
Offering up prayers for Little Z and for Mere and her husband and their families and of course you and Don too for strength and faith as Little Z recovers from this.
He is a beautiful little soul.
You all take care and let us know how he is. I think we feel like we know Z and Mere from your stories and pictures
hugs to you all
Sue
Thank you, Sue. Mere just texted me that he is being released today – they should be on their way home soon.
that is indeed good news !! prayers continue for a quick recovery for Z and for strength for his lovely family
Oh, so sorry to hear about Little Z. He is such a cutie; I follow Meredith’s blog, too so I feel like I know them. I will pray for all of you. Please keep us informed. The cardinal snow globe is so beautiful! I just love “red birds”!
He is just about to be released, Dottie. He’s weak and exhausted but he’s on his way home.
Oh, so glad he is getting to go home. I’ll pray for the whole family to get some much needed rest.
I’m relieved. I checked back later today hoping for better news. And wasn’t Susan’s reply above so hopeful and life-affirming, of the woman living with CP who is now retired, having had years of gratifying work and contribution.
Yes, it was. We know he will have an extraordinary life, because he is extraordinary.
Praying for little Z! That is heartbreaking he and his/your family is going through so much!
Beautiful snow globe! I love cardinals. And a happy belated birthday! Your husband is a wonderful guy and might I add very cute too. And you looked so pretty as always, Claudia, in yesterday’s photos. My husband thinks you and I look so much alike. Our face shape is the same and your hair looks identical to mine. Same texture, same color, same style and length. However, I am quite short, 5’2 . Lucky you to be so tall. So anyway, you have a short twin according to my husband! I take that as a huge compliment. :-)
So do I! Thank you, Lily!
I will be praying for little Z and his family. I’m so glad your BIL knew exactly what to do. Seizures are so scary. My neighbor had scads of my mother in laws tongue for years. I don’t recall ever seeing a bloom on even one of them so your bloom may very well be a gift meant just for you.
Thank you, Janie.
So sorry to hear about LB’s seizure but am SO glad to hear he’s enough better to be released today. Our second daughter has had seizures, too, and they are very scary even in an adult. know that LB and his whole family and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. That LB is recovering will make this Thanksgiving extra special. Big hugs!
They are very scary, Judy. We are so grateful he is home.
My prayers have been sent for Little Z , Meredith, and family. It must be very hard for you and Don to be so far away. I will continue to keep that little guy in my prayers.
Your snow globe is just beautiful! That cardinal looks like he could fly right out of it. Your husband sure knows how to pick them~
Thank you, Susan.
Praying for little Z and family.
Thank you, Rose.
prayers already said for healing, comfort, strength, answers, no more troubles …. more prayers will follow.
i am sorry you all had to go through so much already. may you all have peace – and hopefully hear great news soon.
happy thanksgiving, everyone.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy.
Totally keeping him covered in prayer:) he is just so amazing, I always love your posts about him. He is a superstar!
Thank you, Terri.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Little Z and all the family. I am so sorry he is going through this. I will keep good thoughts for his recovery.
Many ((hugs)) to all
Thank you, Nancy.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers this evening.
Thank you, Karen.
Keeping you all in my prayers, I hope Little Z has a speedy recovery. Your snow globe is gorgeous as is the mini pottery, I’m glad you had a lovely birthday.
Thank you, Jan.
Claudia,
I will praying for healing, comfort and peace for little Z and your whole family,…. and a Happy Belated Birthday Wish for health and happiness!
Debbi
Thank you, Debbi!
I teach in a private school, and this morning my class prayed for Little Z. Praying for comfort and peace for all of you.
Oh, thank you, Lorrie!
Meredith and you are like my far away sisters.
Been reading both your blogs for quite a long time.
Family sticks to family, no matter what type of family you are……
little Z will be better, I know.
Lots and lots of prayers are being said today for him and never forget all
those angels watching over him, too!
That is such a nice thing to say about Meredith and me. Thank you, Nancy!
Praying💜
Thank you, Donna!
Prayers from Wisconsin winging their way to Florida and sweet little Z…. and to your family and the medical professionals treating him. Please keep us posted.
Thank you, Chris.
Oh Claudia…I was in tears when I read above about Little Z’s seizure…Thank goodness I read down through the comments and found out that he went home today…Every time I see that little guy I get a big smile on my face…He is the hope in this world…he is the happiness in this world….he is the peace and the love in this world…bless his beautiful soul…XO
Thank you, Nancy. He is a beautiful boy and we are so glad he is home.
I am praying for you little nephew. I also will be praying for all the medical professionals, and all of Z’s family. It is so hard when a loved one is so very sick, especially the little ones. Thinking of you all and covering you all in prayer!
Thank you, Laura.
Sending prayers for your family tonight.
Thank you, Nancy!
I’m glad to hear that Little Z is better.
Thank you, Regula!
Bless his dear soul……….so sorry to hear he had to experience this seizure, but comfort knowing he is in the hands of his loving family who will do everything to keep him safe. Thank God he is slowly on his way to recovery……….Dianne
He’s doing better – he had a few days of very little energy, poor thing. But slowly but surely, he’s perking up. Thanks, Dianne.