My Toddler Survived a Traumatic Brain Injury

Summary

Podcast Title: We're All Insane
Host: Devorah Roloff
Episode: My Toddler Survived a Traumatic Brain Injury
Release Date: February 24, 2025

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Introduction

In this deeply personal and heart-wrenching episode of We're All Insane, host Devorah Roloff welcomes a guest who bravely shares her journey of navigating a traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffered by her two-year-old son. Through raw and unfiltered storytelling, listeners gain insight into the challenges, fears, and resilience involved in overcoming such a life-altering event.

Background: An Unexpected Pregnancy

The guest begins by recounting her unexpected pregnancy during the early stages of her relationship with her now-husband. Unaware of being pregnant due to the absence of typical symptoms like morning sickness or weight gain, she discovered the pregnancy by feeling an unusual hard spot in her abdomen.

• [01:00] "I didn’t have one, so it’s not like I could tell her or anything." — Guest

Relying on home pregnancy tests confirmed her pregnancy despite being on birth control. This revelation came at a time when she was completing her last year of college and felt unprepared for motherhood. With the support of her family, she navigated the initial months of pregnancy, eventually welcoming her first son in May.

The Accident: A Fall That Changed Everything

Approximately 21 months after her first son's birth, the family settled into a relatively stable routine. However, during a vacation to Texas amidst the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, tragedy struck. While visiting her husband's family, their two-year-old son fell down a single step of a staircase, landing on his left side, which resulted in a fractured skull and a brain bleed.

• [05:55] "Kids fall all the time. They are crazy." — Guest

Initially dismissed as a minor accident, the fall quickly escalated into a medical emergency as the son's condition deteriorated. Despite continuous assurances from pediatricians that he was developing normally, subtle anomalies in his motor skills prompted the mother to seek further medical evaluation.

Medical Journey: From Misunderstanding to Diagnosis

Upon noticing unusual behaviors such as his left hand remaining in a fist-like position and difficulty extending his arm, the guest persisted in seeking answers despite initial medical reassurances.

• [14:35] "Let me look stuff up and really just try to push for what's going on." — Guest

Her research led her to suspect cerebral palsy (CP) caused by a prenatal stroke. When the initial hospital visit coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family's opportunity to obtain a definitive diagnosis was delayed. During their stay in Texas, interactions with hospital staff were fraught with misunderstanding, leading to accusations of child abuse based on the visible injury and lack of prior documentation of CP.

• [74:16] "We found out that this is what happened to him." — Guest

The family's ordeal culminated in a frantic rush to a nearby children's hospital, where an emergency surgery successfully repaired the fractured skull using titanium mesh. Miraculously, within hours, the son began showing signs of recovery, contradicting the grim prognosis initially given.

Diagnosis and Aftermath: Embracing a New Reality

Post-surgery, the son exhibited rapid improvement, including walking and holding objects more effectively. However, the diagnosis of CP necessitated ongoing therapies to address fine motor skills and speech impediments.

• [96:12] "He does occupational therapy once a week... He gets better every week." — Guest

Despite seizures occurring sporadically, adjustments in medication have helped manage his condition effectively. The family's persistent advocacy and willingness to seek second opinions were pivotal in ensuring the son received appropriate care and support.

Reflections and Insights: The Power of Parental Instinct

Throughout the episode, the guest emphasizes the critical importance of parents trusting their instincts and advocating for their children's health, even when medical professionals initially dismiss concerns.

• [102:23] "The safety of myself and my kids is what's important." — Guest

She underscores the necessity of persistence in medical settings and the value of seeking multiple opinions to obtain accurate diagnoses. Additionally, the guest highlights the therapeutic benefits of sharing her story, both for personal healing and to raise awareness among other parents facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

"My Toddler Survived a Traumatic Brain Injury" serves as a powerful testament to the strength of a mother's love and determination. By sharing her son's journey through injury, misdiagnosis, and recovery, the guest offers hope and guidance to listeners navigating their own familial adversities. This episode reinforces the message that while life can change in an instant, resilience and advocacy can lead to miraculous recoveries and deeper familial bonds.

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Notable Quotes:

• [14:35] "Let me look stuff up and really just try to push for what's going on." — Guest
• [74:16] "We found out that this is what happened to him." — Guest
• [102:23] "The safety of myself and my kids is what's important." — Guest

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Resources Mentioned:

• Support Groups: The guest recommends joining support groups, particularly those where parents of children with CP share their experiences and strategies for living fulfilling lives despite challenges.

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Final Thoughts:

This episode of We're All Insane not only recounts a harrowing experience but also serves as an inspirational narrative about overcoming medical crises through unwavering love, determination, and the courage to speak up. It underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact of parental advocacy in ensuring the well-being of their children.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Totally.

[A]

You Having helped plan 25 million weddings, we've got your back when it comes to every little detail like RSVPs, budgets, and more. Because your wedding comes to life with the connections that matter the most. Get [e-mail] audio than not. Let's plan your wedding together. Obviously, I'm here to talk about my son's traumatic brain injury, but I'm going to just back up and kind of talk about, like, his pregnancy and my older son's pregnancy just to kind of. It flows into, like, what happened to him. And it gives a good background. Yeah. And it. It affects kind of like later on in the story. Okay. So me and my husband were together. We got together, and then early on in our relationship, I got pregnant with my first son. And it was kind of weird because I didn't know until about, like, halfway through the pregnancy because I had no symptoms leading up to it. No morning sickness, no weight gain, like, nothing. So it was like one day I was, like, laying in bed and I, like, had my hand, like, resting on my stomach and it felt kind of hard. And I was like, that's not normal. So I was, like, looking it up and, like, asked. He was my boyfriend at the time, but he's now my husband. And I was like, this is, like, this feels weird. Like, what could this be? And he's like, I don't know. So I was, like, looking it up.

[B]

But your stomach didn't, like, look any bigger.

[A]

No, it didn't. Literally, I didn't look bloated, Nothing. Like, no weight gain that I could, like, notice.

[B]

Right.

[A]

It just felt like a hard lump.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So I was, like, looking it up, and it was like, could be pregnancy. And I'm like, there's no way. I was on birth control, too.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And like I said, no symptoms at all. And I was like, okay. I'm like, well, for shits and giggles, let's just go to Walmart, grab some tests, and we'll see if we're pregnant. And so we did. It was like the middle of the night, and in my mind I'm like, there's no way I'm pregnant. Like, I'm on birth control. No symptoms. Like, I can't be pregnant. So we get home and I take the first test, and it, like, lit up like a Christmas tree, like, immediately. And I'm like, no, it's it's wrong. It's a. It's a false positive. Like, there's no way.

[B]

And in your mind, you probably thought, okay, I can't be that far along.

[A]

No, they're not at all. So I'm like. And I'm like, what the hell? Because, like, with the birth control, like, I lost my period, so.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I, like, didn't have one, so it's not like I could tell her or anything. So. So I take a second one because I think we bought three. So I take a second one, and. Same thing. It's positive. And this is, like, late at night. So I'm like. You know, I'm like, everything online says that you get a more accurate reading in the morning because of all, like, the pregnancy hormones. Like, they build up over the night, and then you can test. So I'm like, let me just do it in the morning. But still, I'm like, I. I can't be pregnant. So I wake up in the morning, I take the test, and same thing. It comes back positive. And I was like, okay, okay. Like, now I need to go to the doctor and figure this out. Because when did this happen? Like, how. Like, I'm on birth control. This is supposed to be, like, a preventative thing. So I ended up. I was, like, really nervous, so. And I didn't want to tell anyone right away because I. I was just, like, so much like, I don't know what's going on. So I went to Planned Parenthood just because, like, they were right there and they were free and I could just go in real quick. So I did, and I let them know what happened. I'm like, look, they're like, okay, well, when's the day of, like, your last period? And I was like, I don't know. I'm on birth control. It went away. So, like, okay, let's do an ultrasound. Or they. They actually. They confirmed my pregnancy with a test. They're like, okay, you are pregnant now. Let's figure out how far along you are. So they did an ultrasound, and I think it was, like, one or two texts did it. And they. One of them said I was, like, eight weeks along, which that's pretty early. So I'm like, okay. And then the other one's like, wait, let me go check again. She's like, you're looking like you're a little bit further along, maybe around 12 weeks. So I'm like, okay. And they're like, yeah, like, what? Like, what's your next step? Because, like, obviously they're not an obgyn. So I'm like, okay, like, let me go. Let me go tell my family, because I had no idea. I was 21 years old in a pretty new relationship. Like, I was in my last year of college, so, like, I wasn't prepared to, like, be pregnant and have a baby. So I was like, okay, now I have to tell my family, and we got to figure this out. So I told my mom first, and she's like. She's like, okay, well, have you seen a doctor? And I'm like, no. So she's like, okay, let me go bring you to, like, where I go for my obgyn. And so. Or like, yeah. So that's where she did. So we got an appointment because she asked all the questions they asked there. She's like, well, how far along are you? When did this happen? I'm like, I have no idea. So we get in there, like, right away, and I don't know if they have, like, more like, advanced technology there or whatnot, but the doctor's there, the ultrasound tech there. She's like, you're measuring around 23 weeks. So she's like, you're more than halfway through the pregnancy. And I'm like, excuse me. I'm like. She's like, yeah. She's like, this is. And she showed me everything. She's like, yeah. So, yeah, like, let's. Let's start taking care of you, making appointments. Like, you're gonna have to come, like, every two weeks and all that. And I was like, okay. Like, this is what we're gonna do. So instead of having, like, the whole nine months to prepare, I found out. Let's see. I found it in late December, and he was born the beginning of May, so I had, like, about four months to prepare.

[B]

So in that four months, did your belly start to grow?

[A]

I didn't start showing till I was about, like, 30 weeks.

[B]

Because I was gonna say, like, if you didn't.

[A]

And when I stepped on the scale at the doctor, I had only gained it was, like, five pounds. But it wasn't something where I'm like, okay. Like, that's. That's a crazy amount of weight. Like, oh, my God. And I didn't have any weight. Like, it wasn't showing anywhere. Like, it wasn't showing. My stomach. My stomach felt fine except for, like, that. That little, like, bump. Not even a bump. It was just, like, a hard spot. Almost like. Just like, when you're bloated or something.

[B]

Right? That reminds me of the show. I didn't know I was Pregnant. Have you seen that?

[A]

That's exactly what it. I was like, oh, my God. It could have been on this damn show. Like, right? It was. I'm like, this is not. Like, I've never heard of this happening. Especially like, I was like, you never expect it to be you.

[B]

That's true.

[A]

And I was like, not at a point in my life where I thought I could take care of a baby. Like, you know, I was with my boyfriend for years. Yeah, I was in my last year of college. I had plans to go. I was going to be a teacher. I was like, doing student teaching. I'm like, oh, my God. Like, I was like, so scared and nervous. And I just took those four months to just kind of prepare myself and do everything that I should be doing. And I had a lot of help from, like, my friends and family. Like, they're all supportive and they all helped, like, really well. So that made it a lot easier for me. So, yeah, the rest of the pregnancy and even so, like, my second appointment there. So the first appointment, they confirmed, yes, you're pregnant and you're more than halfway through. Second appointment, they're like, okay, we can tell you the gender. So it wasn't even like a week after I found out I was pregnant. They're like, oh, yeah, you're having a boy. And I was like, oh, crap. Okay. Like, now I can just, you know, I don't have to guess or sit there and wonder what I'm gonna have. So that was kind of cool. So, yeah, the next four months, like, flew by. Towards the end, I had to do the. It's like a non stress test. So they put like a monitor on your belly for like a half an hour. Like, you come in like once a week and they'll put a monitor on you and just check the movement. Because they said something about like, his growth. They're like his chest is growing slower than his head or something. Like that's what the measurements were telling them. So we're just gonna monitor you for a little bit, but nothing serious. It's just protocol. So they did that. Nothing came about. He moved fine. Everything was good. But they're like, just because of that, we're gonna induce you towards the end of your pregnancy. Just because we don't really know where it started. Like, like the beginning of your pregnancy. We. It's kind of like a gray area. We don't know when it really happened. We think it's like in this time frame. So we know you're gonna. You're gonna be Full term at this point. So we're gonna induce you. So that's what they did. And the labor and delivery was super normal. It was quick, like, I don't know, like it was. I didn't know what to expect because I couldn't compare it to anything, but it was very normal. He came out normal, no complications. And yeah, so that was my first pregnancy. So super just like non conventional, like, like, here's a baby. Like, right, that's what. How it felt. So that was. Yeah, that was my older son and now my second son. The one who had the accident was his pregnancy was. Although it was like completely normal the whole way through, it was very different how I found out. So when it happened, like, it was almost like I knew immediately. I don't know what it was, but I'm like, I was like sitting there, I'm like, I think I'm pregnant. And it was even before my missed period because at that point I was off birth control just because I'm like, it's not working clearly. I got pregnant off of it. Like, I don't trust it. So I went off of it.

[B]

And how far apart were the pregnancies?

[A]

So they're 21 months apart. So it was right after my oldest son's first birthday.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

So, yeah, it was like right after his birth. First birthday, I found out I was pregnant. So, yeah, I found out even before my missed period, which was nuts. And it came back positive, which usually it doesn't. It's usually like after the fact.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I was actually like, like, what's the word? I was like, surprised it came back like, positive. So I'm like, oh, my God. So it was kind of like a different feeling because it's like I had all this time to prepare for him to come and it wasn't just like sprung upon me. And, you know, I had already had a child, so I was like, okay, like, this is the second time around. It'll be easier.

[B]

I got this.

[A]

So, yeah. So the whole pregnancy went by, like, fast. There was no complications. We went to the 20 week anatomy scan. Everything was normal. They told us we were having a boy then, so I was gonna have two boys and just be outnumbered. So. So, yeah, so that whole pregnancy was normal. And labor and delivery, same thing. I was induced then too, because I made it to the 41 week mark. And at that OB GYN that I went to, they're like, if you make it to 41 weeks, it's not really safe for you or baby to go past that. So we'll induce you in case you get that far. So I made it to 41 weeks and labor and delivery again super normal, no complications, like everything was good. So then fast forward to around when he was like four months old is like when they start like holding their bottles on their own. And I noticed that when he was holding it with his right hand, he'd cup the bottle like you normally would, but his left hand, he'd hold it in a fist and that's how he would always hold it. So I'd look at it and be like, okay, like that's kind of weird. So I'd like go over and like, like undo his fingers. And it was almost like there was like tension there. And like it doesn't feel like natural that he's opening his fingers right now, but I'd open them and they stay like that. So I'm like, okay, like I'll keep an eye on it. But you know, that's kind of weird. So I remember at his next doctor's appointment, I let the doctor know and I was like, hey, like I've noticed him doing this when he's holding his bottle, like, is that normal? And he just kind of was like, no, like he's, he's fine, he's still young, you know, just keep an eye on it. If it worsens or you've noticed more like just let us know and we'll figure it out. But that's all I got from that appointment. I think that was like his six month appointment. So with that, that was like the only concern I had seen then. But he was hitting all of his other milestones. So like he sat up when he was supposed to, he crawled when he was supposed to. He walked at 1 years old, like when they're supposed to. So it's like he was hitting all these milestones and everything was going great. Like nothing was concerning besides that left hand. And it was just like constant things. So like when you would start crawling, it was like his right hand was like flat on the ground and then his left. Not like all of the time, but I would say majority of the time was like in a fist. And he'd like, you know, crawl like, like that. And then once, once he was like one, I did start to notice, like he'd hold his arm like close to his chest and, and like it's almost like he had a hard time extending his arm fully. Like, like I said, with the tension with his fingers, it was like there was tension like in his elbow and shoulder area. And he just like, wouldn't use it. Like, he'd use his right hand for literally everything. And I know, like, babies, they're not supposed to have like a dominant hand until they become like a toddler. And that's where you distinguish, like, if you're a lefty or righty. So I'm like, it's just like, it's not normal. So I remember bringing it up, like at his one year appointment, and still the doctor's like, he's like, oh, I don't know. Like it, you know, he seems fine, like he's hitting all his milestones. Like you're saying, and you don't see any other concerns, maybe it'll correct itself. He's still young. And in my head, like, I'm like, okay, because, like, I haven't had, like, nothing like my first son. Like, I've had no, like, medical problems, like, no health issues. And up until this point, like, nothing Like, I hadn't had to really deal with anything like, abnormal like that. And like, I was young, like, at this time I was 24. 23 or 24. And I just kind of put like all my trust in the doctors. I'm like, they're the professionals. They know what's best. I'm gonna listen to what they say and I guess we'll just go with it. So then a few months go by and I'm still just noticing, like, he's not moving his left hand like he should be. So I'm like, you know what? Screw it. I'm gonna do my own research and try to figure this out and really just try to like, push for like, what's going on. Because as a mom, I'm like, this is not.

[B]

You have the instinct, you know.

[A]

Yeah. So I'm like, let me, you know, let me look stuff up. And the doctors tell you all the time, they're like, don't Google anything. They're like, if you have a concern, call us. But I'm like, I've been telling you this at every single appointment and you're dismissing it like it's nothing. So I'm like, you know what? I'm, I'm just going to do it. Like, you know what's going to happen. So I, I'm like one of those people, like, on Google, I type in like, very specific, like, everything verbatim what I see. So hopefully I can get like a very accurate, like, answer. So that's exactly what I wrote. I typed in something like, left hand in a bald fist and tight against body Something like that. And a bunch of stuff popped up. And like, one of the first articles I. I saw was this mom. And it was a blog about her daughter. And she had pictures of her daughter, and I believe it was her right side, but she had pictures of her daughter with her arm the same exact way and everything. And so I kept reading and she's like, yeah, when she was this old, I noticed her hand was in a fist. It's like I was reading, like, what was going on in my life. So she's like, her hand was in a fist. She wouldn't open it up. It was tight to her body. And then she's like, our doctor referred us to. I don't know if it was like, right away, but, like, they referred her to a neurologist and the neurologist was like, yeah, she had a prenatal stroke and it caused her to have cerebral palsy. And that's what's happening. And we just like, for whatever reason, they like, don't catch it before they're. You give birth. I think it happens like, either right before birth. It can happen either right before or during birth. So it's not like they can catch it like weeks before unless it happened weeks before.

[B]

So it still is surprising, though, because even though he was hitting his marks, technically, you. You would think that if something was abnormal, you know what I mean? Like, if. If you don't typically see something and then you see it, that you would at least look further into it. That's, I think.

[A]

And that's a parents mindset. Yeah. And I. I, like, beat myself up all the time because I'm like, I should have just, you know, said something sooner. I should have pushed for, like, a second opinion. I shouldn't have put, like, all my trust into this one doctor and be.

[B]

Like most people do.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because that's what we're, like, taught to do.

[A]

Exactly. Like with the Google thing, like, don't Google anything. Just. Just call us and we'll figure it out. But it's like, what happens if it's an emergency? You know what I mean?

[B]

I also think if something's rare, you know what I mean? Or if it's not something that's like the norm, where it's happening all the time, or it's common. I think that doctors and. I mean, it's. We. I've had people on the show before that have, you know, testified for that as well. Like, you know, it. I feel like they don't push for it or they don't really want to Investigate it because. Because they don't have enough paperwork more. And they might just not have enough knowledge around. Might not seem serious to them because everything else looks fine.

[A]

But yeah, so. Yeah, so I just, I just kept reading her blog and it was like I was literally like reading what was happening in my life. So I'm like, holy crap. I'm like, could this have had happened to him? And I'm like, it couldn't be. I'm like, there would be more signs. There would be. You know, and like when I hear. When I first heard the word cerebral palsy, like before I knew more about it all I pictured. And I don't know if this is like naive of me, but like all I pictured was like people in wheelchairs, people who can't speak, people who need like 24 hour care and support. Like, I didn't realize that it's a whole like, like spectrum of things. Like there can be severe and mild. Like, had no idea.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I didn't know either.

[A]

So. Yeah. So I just, I kept reading her thing and I'm like, could this be what my son has? So I remember my husband came home from work that day and I told him, I was like, hey, I looked this up and this is like, exactly what's going on. Like, do you think this is possible? And he's like, it's like, I don't think so. But he's like, doesn't hurt to ask. So I remember at my son's one, like his 18 month appointment, so one and a half. I finally, I told the doctor, I was like, look, I did my own research. This is what I found. I saw like a case very similar to his. And they were explaining that their daughter had a prenatal stroke and she has cerebral palsy and this and this and this. And he immediately like threw his hands up. He's like, nope. He's like, your son does not have that. You're fine. Like, he's, he does not have that. We would have known way before this point. So I'm like, okay. I'm like, well, I want a referral to someone because I need to figure this out. Like, it's gonna drive me nuts. I'm like, please send me somewhere. Like, I need to figure this out. So we're up in New Hampshire and we're not even hour from Boston Children's Hospital, which is one of like the best children's hospitals in the country. So he, he was like, okay, well, he's like, do you want to drive to Boston or Do you want someone local? And so since Boston Children's has such a really good. Like. What's the word? Like, a good reputation, I was like, just send me there. I know that the best of the best doctors are there. I'll get the care that we need, because clearly, I'm not getting it here. I didn't say that to him, but that's how I felt. So he's like, okay, okay. So he's like, I'm going to refer you to this orthopedic doctor at Boston. In my mind, I'm like, there's nothing wrong with his bones. I'm like, I've. I've felt around, like everything feels fine. Like, nothing. Like, you look at his hand and, like, it's just like he holds it differently, but, like, his bone, like, if you feel around, nothing feels abnormal. But I. I didn't say anything. I was like, as long as I have a referral to somewhere, like, I. I can, you know, get my foot in the door, and we can, you know, get this started. So he's like, okay, yeah, that's fine. So this is. So I said, that was like a year and a half. I don't know. Was it a year and a half? It might. Yeah, it was a year and a half. So between, like, year and a half and two years old is when we started going to children's and we saw the orthopedic doctor. Very nice. He. I explained to him what was going on, and I was like, this is what his pediatrician referred us to. He's like, okay, let's take a look. So he did some X rays, and then he came back. He's like, x rays look really good. It's like, I don't see anything wrong with his bones. He said there was, like, a mild curvature, like, right here. But he's like, it doesn't look like it's, like, crazy abnormal or it will affect him in any way, but he's like, his bones are healthy. They're normal. He's like, I'm wondering if it's something more neurological or muscular, and that's in my mind, that's what I was thinking. So he's like, I'm gonna refer you to this other doctor. She's a neuromuscular doctor. I think that's what she was. He's like, I. I really think it's something to do with, like, his nerves or his muscle or something.

[B]

Did you tell anyone at this hospital about the blog that you saw or not yet?

[A]

No, I didn't Nope. Because I just, I wanted their honest opinion. I didn't want to, obviously you're, I wouldn't be putting like things into a doctor's head like, well, this is what I researched. And they'd be like, oh yeah, maybe you're right. Like they have their own knowledge to base it off of. So I just didn't. I just wanted to go in there with a blank slate and see what they say. So a few weeks later go by and this is probably very beginning of 2020. So this is like January, February, because it was around where he turned 2, because he turned 2 in February. So it was like right before that weird time or that time. So we meet with the, the neuromuscular doctor and I explained everything that was going on with him, you know, holding his hand in a fist tight to his body. So she's like, okay, let's, you know, let's have him run around, run down the hallway, give high fives, have him do some two handed activities. That's like really big. And we were there for probably a half an hour. And after that half hour she like, we were getting ready to like kind of wrap things up. And she's like, I can't say 100 or like with a hundred percent guarantee, but she's like, I am like 99 sure. He's showing signs of having cerebral palsy. And I just sat there and like, it felt like this giant weight like lifted off my shoulders. Because she was like the first person to like acknowledge it and tell me like face to face, like, hey, this is something serious. And I think this is what he has. And I'm like, I like, like the emotions I felt, I was just like, oh my God. Like, you know, it sucks hearing that something could potentially be wrong with your child. But I'm like, I'm getting answers. So now we can go forward and we can figure out what the next step is. So she's like, I can't guarantee it. She's like, what would guarantee it is getting an mri. So let's schedule an MRI and that will tell us all the things we need to know. So I was like, okay, cool. So like, yeah, like I said, this was like February 2020. And we scheduled it for, it was like late March 2020. And that's like a huge, huge part in the story. So, yeah, so yeah, so we schedule the mri. And then she's like, yeah, she's like, it's not like a life or death thing or, you know, just keep an eye on what he's Doing just live your life. And then we'll do the mri, and then we'll go from there. So we schedule that, and then fast forward to the middle of March, 2020. Covet happens. They shut the world down, like, right in the middle of March, like, a week before his mri. So they call me. Like, the. The hospital calls me, and like, hey, we don't know what's going on, like, in the world right now with COVID Because at that point, nobody knew what was going on. They were like, you know, there's an outbreak of something. So we're shutting the world down, and we're gonna shut it down for like, a week or two, and then we'll go about our business. So they're like, we're only taking in, like, serious cases right now. Like, we have to reschedule your MRI just because you're not. It's not like, an emergency case. Excuse me. It's not an emergency case. We're only taking in, like, really sick patients right now. And we. We don't want to risk a healthy person coming to the hospital and getting sick. So I was like, oh, okay. They're like, we don't know when that's going to be, so let's hold off on rescheduling and picking a date, but when everything settles down, we'll figure it out. So I was like, okay. Like, you know, I can. I can deal with that. Because in my mind, I had already accepted. I'm like, I. There's in my mind 100. He. This is what happened, or this is what he has. Now we just need to figure out what happened to cause it and how we're gonna go about.

[B]

So did they say anything about that they were worried about it progressing or anything like that, or.

[A]

So that. Okay, so with. And I wrote it down.

[B]

Sorry if I'm jumping ahead.

[A]

No, not at all.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I wrote down the. The definition of cerebral palsy.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's a cognizant disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture. And what that means is it happens right before birth or during birth. So, like, in that time frame, that's when it's caused. So it's like a lack of oxygen to the brain, and it causes part of the brain to under. Like, not develop fully.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So that's what causes the cerebral palsy, or cp. I'll probably just call it CP from now on just because it's. It's easier. And so when I did meet with the woman, when I met with the muscular or the neuromuscular doctor, she had told me. She's like. Cuz. Like, Obviously she couldn't 100% be like, this is what he has. But she's like, just in case he has this. CP is not a progressive disorder, so whatever symptoms he has right now, they will not get worse as he gets older. It doesn't go downhill from here. It can only go up with therapies and, wow, all these resources. So she's like, you know, this. This is our starting point, and we can just go up from here.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So that was, like, really good to hear, because, like, when I heard that too, I was like, oh, my God. Like, it. Is it gonna get worse? Is he gonna be in the wheelchair? Like, what I'm thinking, is he gonna not speak? Like, he was two years old? So, like, he wasn't really speaking at that point. Just kind of like words here and there. So I'm like, oh, my God. Is it gonna. Are we just gonna go right?

[B]

Like, you didn't have, like, enough knowledge?

[A]

No, not at all. Like, like I said, like, all I thought was, like, there's. He's just gonna. Or people with CP are in wheelchairs. And that's just what I thought. So, yeah, it's not a progressive disorder, however you're born. Like I said, I. Like, when I tell people about it and talk about it, I compare it to autism. It's like a very wide spectrum. It can be. So like, my son, for instance, he has a very mild case of cp, and then there's also people who have very severe cases, and those are the people who need care and support from other people, like, all the time. So, yeah, it's almost like autism. So it's very. Like, it's either you're on one side or the other or somewhere in between. Like, that's. That's how I explain it. Yeah. So that's. Yeah, that's what. That's what she told us about that.

[B]

And then I think you were at the world shutting down.

[A]

Yes. So Covid. Covid happened. It's the end of March. They call me, and they're like, we're only taking in sick patients right now. We don't want to risk healthy people getting sick. So we're going to hold off on rescheduling this because we don't know what's going on. Because I remember that time, and they're like, we're going to shut the world down for two weeks, and then that will fix the problem and we'll go back to our normal lives. That's what they basically that's what it seemed like at the time. Imagine what's possible when learning doesn't get in the way of life. At Capella University, our game changing flexpath learning format lets you set your own deadline so you can learn at a time and pace that works for you. It's an education you can tailor to your schedule. That means you don't have to put your life on hold to pursue your professional goals. Instead, enjoy learning your way and earn your degree without missing a beat. A different future is closer than you think with Capella University. Learn more at Capella Edu. So I'm like, okay, like it won't be that long and like it's not.

[B]

A week or two.

[A]

Yeah. And like I said, it's not a progressive thing, so it's not like things are getting worse. Yeah, I would, you know, like, if, if anything, just, you know, help him use his left hand more in the meantime, you know, so that's what we did. And then it was the very end of March and my husband, he, he works in the union. He, his company had said, hey, what's going on in the world right now is pretty serious. We're going to give all you guys a two week layoff, mandatory layoff. So don't come in here for two weeks. We'll call you and then we'll be back to work probably. So, like, take the two weeks, be with your family, do what you got to do. But this is like getting more serious, so this is what we're gonna do. So we're. So we're up in New Hampshire and my husband is from the south and his family is all over the south, so at the time his parents were in Texas. And so he's like, hey, we never get to see my parents very much. Why don't we take a trip to Texas for like a week and like, visit them and then we'll come back, I'll go back to work and you know, you know, let's make a trip out of this, you know. What's the word? Not unemployment. What did I say? Layoff.

[B]

Layoff.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. He's like, let's, let's take advantage of this layoff and go visit my family. And like, I love his parents to death. Like, just very, very like Southern hospitality. So. So I'm like, yeah, sure. Like, why not? Like, I'm very, I don't know, like, I'm a Sagittarius, so I'm very spontaneous and I like to travel. So like, I was like, sure, why not? Like, let. I Just go with the flow. Yeah, let's just go. So we, yeah, we. We got tickets of plane tickets. And that was the last day of March, on March 31. And it was actually pretty cool because on the plane ride there, since like Covid was like a thing, there was no one at the airport. So as me, my husband and our two boys, and I think there's like one guy on like a business trip. We're the only ones on the plane. It's wild. And the flight attendants were like, yeah, like, the kids can obviously not run around, but they're like, they can sit anywhere they want. You can pick any seat. Like, nobody else is coming here. Like, might as well, you know. So that was pretty cool. So, yeah, we get to Texas, we just. Their parents, his parents are very chill. So like, let's, you know, let's go get some food. We'll go back to the house. They have a pool. They're like, let's chill in the pool. You know, let's just relax. They're like, all the stuff that's happening in the world right now is craziness. So let's just kind of, you know, chill out, enjoy your time here, you know, like, let's just make. Make a time out of it. So, yeah, so we get to March 31st and everything's fine. So then the next day is when the accident happened, but we didn't know it happened that day. So that's April 1st. I was out grocery shopping with my mother in law and my husband was at home with the kids and my father in law. And so it's. My father in law's grandmother was living with them. So it's my husband's great grandma and then my kid's great great grandma. So she's like a little old lady. And they're like, oh, yeah, this is granny. She's living with us because I had never met her before. So she's living there. So she's there with them and they're just like playing with her and all that. So I got back from grocery shopping with my mother in law and we walk in and my husband was on the couch and he had our son just like resting on him. Like it was. That's normal. He was just napping. He's like, hey. He's like, while you were gone, he had fallen. There was like their staircase. And right next to like the staircase is the living room. So my husband was like, right there. And he's like, yeah, I heard him fall. And it was like right on the bottom Step. And he's like, I thought he may have like broken his arm because he was holding his arm or something and it sounded like he like hit like a, a bone or something. He's like. But I checked him, you know, like he cried for like a minute, like his normal cry. And then he was like, then he was fine. Like he, he cried for a minute, he got up and was fine. And now he's, you know, just laying on me and he's like, yeah, I checked everything, everything was fine. And he snapped back like he normally does. So I'm like, okay. Like, didn't think anything of it. Like, kids fall all the time. It, from what he had said, it wasn't like dramatic. Like, oh my God, he tumbled down the stairs, right? He's like, he was just at the bottom step and it looked like or sounded like he had just like maybe taken a step or tried to take a step and he had fallen. But he's like, I was right there and he's like, I, you know, he cried for a minute and then was good. So like I said, they, especially boys, they will get hurt all the time. They are crazy. So that was just normal. So we're like, okay, like he's fine. And I just shoved it to the back of my mind like I said, it happened. They fall all the time, they cry and they get back up and you're good. So we go about our day. We eat lunch, we have dinner, go to bed. Well, the boys went to bed. And then I remember my husband and I were like, oh, we're gonna go sit out in the hot tub for a minute. So I let my mother in law know. I'm like, if either of them get up, like, because some it was normal for them to like, like get up and be like, oh, I want to go lay with mom and dad. I'm like, if any of them get up, I was like, just. I'm like, I have my phone. Just like shoot me a text and we'll come right back in. I even think we had like a baby monitor outside with us because they were just right upstairs. And she's like, yeah. And she. And her room was right next to theirs too. So it's not like we were just leaving them there. So we were out there for probably like five minutes. And he started crying. My youngest son who fell, he started crying. My mother in law like texted me and she's like, hey, he's not calming down. Can like, could you please come in? So I was like, okay, sure. Sometimes he just you know, he just wants his mom or his dad. And. Yeah. And so she hands him over to me. We get inside, she hands him over to me, and he's crying. And then, you know, I just, like I said, it's kind of normal. I just calm him down. And after he calms down and we're like, laying in bed, I, like, turned to my husband and I was like, this doesn't sound like his normal cry. I'm like, it does. It sounds like he's in pain. And so my husband and I don't fault him for this at all, but he was like, you know, we traveled yesterday. We're in a new place. We did a lot today. We went swimming. A lot of new things. Maybe it's just like being in a new environment. You know, he could be just like really tired or stressed out. Like, maybe that's it. And I was like, okay, you know what? Like, maybe. Maybe that is it, you know? You know, we're just. I felt the same way. I'm like, okay, like, I'm exhausted, so I'm sure he is too. But I was just like this. Just the sound, it just doesn't sound right to me because, like, you know, as a mom, like, you know, their cries, you know, when they're hungry, you know, when they're upset, you know, when they need to be changed. Like you. It just. It comes natural to you. And so I was just. That was just like another time where I was like, I just should have listened to myself. But I'm like, you know what? Maybe he's right. Like, you know, it's just. It's been a long day, so. So, yeah, so he went to bed that night. He slept in the bed with us, perfectly fine. Slept the whole night, woke up fine because he'd always wake up before us. So then he woke up fine. And I remember we went about our day. We had breakfast. And I remember after breakfast the kids wanted to go play in the pool. And like I said, we had nothing to do. So we're like, sure, why not? It was like 9:30 in the morning. So we're like, okay, why not? So we go in the pool. And I remember our youngest son, he found out, like, he couldn't swim on his own. Obviously, he had like the little floaties. But we showed him how he could run and jump into the pool into our arms. And like, he loved it. And like, he's like my active one. Like, he is just go, go, go all the time. So it was like the funniest thing he Just kept running and, like, jumping into our arms. Like, he did that for, like, 20 minutes and just, like, laughing and having a good time. Like, everything. We were just, you know, being our normal selves, like, having fun. So later in the day. It was, like, later in the morning. Early afternoon, maybe? No, it wasn't early afternoon. Excuse me. It was late morning, and he still took naps. My son. So he fell asleep on the couch upstairs because it was, like, a loft area, and then it was the downstairs. So he fell asleep up there on the couch. And my husband was like, hey, me and my dad are gonna go grab some lunch. I'm gonna go with him, and then we'll be right back. So I was like, okay. So I don't know what I did, but, like, he fell asleep on the couch. I'm like, I'm gonna go. I don't even know what I was doing. I was just like, I'm just gonna go get some chores done or do something. Like, I'm. He'll let him take his nap. I'm not gonna move him. He looks comfortable. And so. And like, the coach. It's just like a normal couch. It was carpet like this, and I put, like, an autumn in there. So, like, in case he did roll, like, nothing would happen. Like, it wasn't like, a. He'd be falling to, like, hardwood floor and, like. Yeah, hurt himself. Like, he was. Like he was safe. Like, I felt comfortable just leaving him there. So I might have just been, like, going downstairs. My other son was down there, and I was just, like, hanging out with him. And then I remember going to do the dishes, and I heard my son crying upstairs. And so I was like, okay, let me go grab him. So I stop what I'm doing, and I go up there and, like, it looked like he had rolled off of the couch, but, like, only, like, his lower half of his body. His body was, like, on the ground. Like, he was on his knees, and his upper body was, like, resting on the couch, and he was, like, crying. So I went over to him, and I pick him up, and I'm like, okay. Like, he's. He still seems tired. Let me go try to put him back to sleep, maybe in our bed. I go into our room, and I go to lay down with him, and I'm So. He's two at the time, so he's still little. So I'm holding him on my chest, and I'm just, like, rubbing his back, and he quiets down, and I'm, like, rubbing his back, and I'm like his skin feels really cold and clammy. And I'm like, what the hell? So I like, look down and like, his skin is like discolored. Like he almost looks like he's like gray. I'm like, oh my God. So I'm like, is he breathing? So I had my rest in my hand on his back and it was like so slow. And his heartbeat was slow too, like really slow. And I'm like, oh my God, he's not breathing. So I try like, waking him up and like, he'd raise his head, not even opening his eyes. He'd cry for a minute and then his head would go down. So I'm like, holy shit. Like, I need. We need to get help. So I'm panicking. So I immediately, I jump up, I grab my phone and I call my husband. I'm like, I don't even say hi, hello? Nothing. I'm like, you need to get back here now. We need to bring him to the hospital. Something is wrong. And I hang up. I'm like, and that's it. I just left it at that. I'm like, maybe he'll take that as like, this is an emergency. Like, get the back here. So I screamed down the stairs for my mother in law. I was like, something is wrong. He's not breathing. Like, what do I do? And so obviously, like, she's coming from, like, doing whatever. And so she's like, oh, like, what's wrong? And I'm like, he's not breathing. Like, I need, we need help. We need to go to the hospital. So she's like, okay, okay, like, let's calm down. Let me see him. So she, she takes him and she's like, oh, okay. And I don't even know if, like, she saw like, what I saw, but I think she was just trying to like, be the calm person in the situation because I was like, we need to go. Like, there's an emergency. And she's like, okay, like, let's, let's figure this out. Like, let's take a step back and like, look. So she takes him from me. She's like, let's go next door. Because the next door neighbor, she's a retired pediatrician. She's like, let's see if she has like any advice. Like, because at this point I have 911, like ready to call. Or I'm like, we didn't need to do that or go to the hospital ourselves because the hospital from their house was like a five minute drive, like, not far at all. So I knew we could get there really fast and I figured we could get there faster than calling an ambulance and waiting for them. So she still has him. She's like, let's go next door and ask her, the pediatrician what she thinks. So we walk outside and just as we're walking outside, the neighbor's husband was like on a bike ride and he walks up and he like takes one look at us and he's like, hey, like, like, what's up? She's like, hey, like, do you mind just grabbing your wife? Like, we just want to ask her a question about her son. He's like, yeah, sure. So he like runs in and she comes out, she's like eating her lunch. She's like, hey, what's up? And my mother in law's like, hey, like, what's your opinion? Like, does he look okay? Like, do we need to bring him to the hospital? And she took one look at him and she's like, I don't like the way he looks. You need to get him to an hos a hospital immediately. Like, I. She's like, yeah. She's like, nope, I do not like the way he looks. Like, you need to go right now. And as she's saying that, I see the truck my father in law is driving and they're coming down the street. So I'm like telling them, I'm like signaling them to like, come on, like, hurry up. So I have my son now. They pull in, I like hand him over immediately to my husband. I like whip the door open, I hand him. I said, I need a graph. I don't know what I was thinking. I was like, I need to grab my shoes and his diaper bag because his diaper bag had my wallet in it and like all our medical information and all that stuff. So I'm like, I don't know what was happening, like in my head, but I'm like, and I didn't have shoes. I'm like, I'm not walking in a hospital without shoes. Like. And also, we didn't know how serious this was. I just knew that, like he wasn't breathing. Obviously that's very serious. But I'm like, I let me just grab my stuff. Yeah, and it was right there. So I grabbed my stuff and I come back out and I hop in the back seat and all. My husband, he has no idea what the hell's going on. All I said was, there's an emergency, you need to come now. So he's like holding him up in the front seat. And just like, hey, like, wake up. Come on. Like, stay with us. Wake up. And he's freaking out. Now we're on the way to the hospital and we. There's like, it's only like one turn. It's only like one set of traffic lights that you have to hit before you get to this hospital. And you have to turn, turn left. And I remember we got to the left turn and it was a red light and I screamed at my father in law, I'm like, run through the red light right now. We need to get there, like, cut everyone off. And like, he's the type of person, he's very like laid back and just like calm and quiet. So he's just like, I. I don't know what to do. And as soon as I'm like in the middle of like screaming at him, it turns green and he just like goes, but like, I felt so like, I think about that all the time. And I'm like, I go up to him, like anytime I see him. I'm like, I'm so sorry for yelling at you. He's like, I really don't care. He's like, I understand. Yeah. So we get through the light and we get to the hospital. Like I said, it's like a five minute drive. And meanwhile, like, I'm like, you need to keep him awake like our son. I was telling my husband you about our son. I'm like, you need to keep him away, keep shaking him. I'm like, I don't care what you need to do. Keep him like somewhat like awake. Because like I said, he like lift his head with his eyes closed and cry and then it would just slump down and be. He'd be like limp. So I'm like, I don't even care. Just keep doing that. I don't care that he's crying. Crying is good because he's making noise. It means he's still breathing. Like, just keep doing that. So we did that the whole way to the hospital. And then my, my father in law pulled up to the emergency room. We hop out and like I said, Covid is a thing. So like they're, they're very strict about who's there and masks and all of that. We just bolt through all of the doors we go through. We don't even go to the front desk. We just start screaming. My husband starts screaming. He's like, he's not breathing. We need help. So they might. And like, they must have seen us and been like, who the are these crazy people? Because we just like, bolted in. Like, we were breaking into the place. So they're like. A nurse was, like, right there, and she's like, oh, okay. And she, like, scans her little badge and, like, lets us back into, like, where the rooms are. And she, like, had us lay him down on the hospital bed. And at that point, like, I don't even remember, like, what was going on. I just remember, like, a million people rushed in. I don't even know who they were, what their job titles were. Like, nothing. And, like, they hooked. They did a little finger thing and hooked him up, and it had, like, his vitals and stuff. Thank God. I don't know what any of that meant at the time, because I'm sure the numbers were really low and really bad. And if I had known what they were saying, I probably. It probably would have, like, made me spiral just because of the state that he was in. But, yeah, I, like. I guarantee, like, every hospital staff was that was working in that emergency room then had been in that room. Like, that's what it felt like. And I had backed up and was letting them do their thing and, like, sat down. And then there was, like, one staff member being like, okay, like, what happened? And I'm like, I don't know. He woke up from a nap. He wasn't breathing very well, and now we're here. Like, I don't know what happened. And then he's like. It's like, okay, well, he's like, did he fall or, like, get hurt or anything? I was like, no. Like, nothing. Like, nothing happened. We had a normal day. Like, he's good. But they just kept asking, like, okay, like, are you sure he didn't fall? I'm like, no. Like. Like I said, like, the fall before the. The day before, it just, like, didn't come to mind. No, because it was such a normal thing. Like, kids fall. They get up. Like I said, they get up in their fall. Fine. But then I'm like, oh. I was like, well, when I found him up, like, when I found him, when he first woke up from his nap, he had. Was, like, half rolled off of the couch. I'm like. But it didn't look like he had fallen far. Like, it was. It was literally just, like, kneeling on the carpet. I'm like, and it's carpet. It's not hardwood. Like, he didn't hit anything. Like, I'm like, he might have rolled off the couch during his nap, but, like, it's not. Like, the couch is very close to the ground. Like, it. It wouldn't Cause anything. So in my mind, that's what I was thinking. I was like, okay. So I'm like, yeah, that he had that fall, maybe that's it. And they were like, oh, okay. And I just like, at that point, like, we didn't know the severity of it. So I just remember sitting in the chair and I'm like thinking, I'm like, okay, well, like we're in a hospital. They know what they're doing, they're going to make him better. And then we're going to go about our day. Like, I don't know what's causing this, but they're going to figure it out and they're going to help us and everything's going to be fine. So after like a few minutes of asking us just like basic questions about everything that had happened, they're like, okay, we're going to send him up to get a CT scan. It'll be like a couple minutes, but we're going to go do that. You can't come with us because like, you only, like certain people can go, like in those rooms. So like, you just got. You guys just wait here. We'll be back in a minute. So they go and do that and then like, I don't even remember who it was, but someone had come in and they're like, okay, let's go wait in the waiting room. Because like, for whatever reason, they're like, let's just go wait out there instead of in here. So we go to the waiting room and like in the waiting room, it's like the area where like it's. There's like the barrier. It's like a see through barrier and there's a door and you need a badge to get into like the patient rooms. So we were like, just in the regular waiting room area. There's people there. It's just a typical like emergency room waiting room. And so we were sitting, I was sitting in the chair and my husband, I don't even know like what was going through his head, but he was just kind of like pacing. And all of a sudden we see them roll our son. Because we can see that room that we were adjusting because it's right across from us. And we see them roll him in and they shut the curtains and my husband like loses his mind and he's like, what are they doing with our son? Why can't we see him? Why won't they let us in there? Like, we need to go in there and see what's wrong, like, what's going on. Screaming in this waiting room, and I don't know what to think. And I'm like, holy. Like, I'm literally like. I just remember sitting there, like, staring at the ground, like, oh, my God. Like, I. I don't know what to do. So he's losing his mind. And one of the front desk ladies comes and she's like, sir, you need to calm down. If you don't call calm down, I'm going to call security on you. He's like, call security. I don't care. That, like, let us see our son. Something's wrong and they're not telling us what's wrong. Like, we're his parents. We need to figure out what's wrong. So obviously she calls security. And the security dude comes and it's just like this wicked show. He's like, hey, like, what's going on? And my husband, like, loses it. He's like, they won't let us see our child. Like, what is going on? And he's like, hey. He's like, I'm sure there's a reason why they're doing their thing. They're getting him help there. He's like, you gotta calm down, though. There's people in here who are. Because there was like a full emergency, like, a full waiting room. And so. So my husband's like, okay, fine. Like, I'll calm down. Like, whatever. So he's like, okay, like, cool. So he said the security guard just kind of hung out there. So that happened. So he calms down. And then they're like, we need to admit him to the hospital since he's being taken care of here. And he had the scan. So he's like. So somebody's like, you need to come fill out all these forms. And I'm just like, my head is in the clouds. I'm like, okay. Like, I have is. I have all of, like, all our medical information and everything in, like, my little wallet. So I'm like, right down the hall and I can, like, look to. It was like, to my left and I could see the, like, where his room was. It wasn't very far. So she's asking me a million questions. And I'm like, there. I'm just, like, spitting out whatever I'm thinking. I'm like, when's his date of birth? What? Like, like all this medical information and all this, like, insurance information. I'm like, I just threw the cards at her. I threw my wallet. I'm like, take whatever you need. I'm like, I. I don't know. Okay, well, I need you to sign all these forms. And I'm literally signing and looking. Signing and looking to make sure, like, nothing's going on, because they're still in there with the curtain closed. So I'm just, like, signing whatever. And then one of the doctors, I guess, went up to my husband, was like, hey, we need to talk to you guys. And I'm, like, still signing stuff. And I didn't hear this, but my husband is like, hey, come over here. Like, they need to talk to us. And I told the lady that. I'm like, I need to go right now. She's like, no, no, take your time. Whatever. So I, like, threw the thing down, and I, like, go over, and it's like this little, like, not like a. It's like they have like, the little. The dividers. Like a seat like this and the dividers and the person across from you. And it was some lady in, like, us, like, a doctor's outfit. She's like. She's like, I need you guys to sit down. And I know from, like, movies and TV shows, like, when they tell you to sit down, like, something's wrong. Like. Like, it's like, it's serious. It's bad. So I sit down, and my husband's like, no. Like, I'm not sitting down. He's like, just. He's like, just tell me, like, give us the news. Like, what's wrong? So I remember just sitting across from her, and she was, like, looking dead at me, and she's like, so we did a CT scan of your son. He has a fractured skull, and it's causing a brain bleed, and his brain is swelling up, and that's what's causing him to, like, go in and out of consciousness right now. She's like, we're not a children's hospital, so we're gonna. We're gonna call a med flight to get him over there. Cause that's the fastest way. But she's like, we put him in a medically induced coma for right now because it's gonna slow down the swelling, and it's not gonna, like, hopefully slow it down, not make it worse. So, like, she's like, that's what we're doing right now. We called the med flight. They're on their way. They're like. But for right now, they're like, you need to. You're gonna talk to the police officer. That's like, you need to go talk to him. And so I turn around, and there was a police officer right behind us. And so I was like. And, like, so if. If I can, like, backtrack. Yeah. So, like, while she's telling me this, like, I. Like, my face was, like, literally just blank. I, like, had no emotion. I wasn't crying. I wasn't literally just nothing. I. I just remember I was, like, leaning forward and just, like, staring at her like this while she's telling me, like, it didn't feel real, like, at all. I'm like, this didn't happen. Like, this. This wouldn't. Like, this couldn't happen to me. This couldn't happen to our son. Like, he was fine. He. Like, he went to. He went and took his nap, and before that, he was fine. We were in the pool. We were. Had breakfast. Like, everything was good. And now you're telling me, like, he. This is what's wrong? And I think the only thing I asked her, I'm like, is he gonna be okay? And she was just like, I don't know. She's like, the brain is such an unknown thing. She's like, I. I can't tell you if he's gonna be okay or not. It's like, I just. I can't. She's like, I'd be lying to you. So I'm like, okay. So then she was like, yeah, you need to speak. You guys need to speak to the police officer or whatever. So I turn around, and there's a police officer just standing, like, right behind us. And he's like, okay, who. Which statement am I getting first? And I'm like, what's going on? I'm like. I was like, me. I guess, like, he's like, okay, let's step over here. Because I'm. Because at first I was like, oh, can we. Can we go with you together? Like, me and my husband? He's like, no, I need to talk to you guys separately. So in my head, I'm thinking, oh, my God. Like, he's here because my husband was freaking out in the. The waiting room, and now we caused the scene, and people are probably complaining. And I'm like, they called the police on us. Because he, like, didn't stop. And that's what I was thinking. Something. Okay, great. So I go, and. And he's like, okay, so, like, tell me everything that happened. So I start saying, like, oh, like, you know, they took him away, and he started freaking out, and he's like, no, no. He's like, what. What happened with your son? How did this happen? So I was like, oh. So I gave him the whole rundown, everything that happened. He woke up from his nap Wasn't really breathing. We came straight here. And he's like, okay, well, what caused him to be like this? And I'm like, I have no idea. We don't know. He was like, okay. He's like. And that's it. So he's like, you can. I'll talk to your husband now. And I'm like, oh. I'm like, is. I'm like, is that it? Like, what's going on? Like, why. Why do you need this statement? And he kind of just sat there and sighed. He's like, okay, well, he's like, the doctor who did your. Did your son's CT scan had seen that there was past trauma on his right side of his brain. So we believe that this is a case of child abuse. And I'm like, what the. Like, like, never in my life did I think that I would ever be, like, accused of, like, child abuse, because that's, like, not who I am. Like, that's not how I was raised. That's not how I'm, like, raising my kids.

[B]

It's also just surprising to me. I mean, I guess that's their job, but at the same time, it's surprising to me that that's where it would go so fast, I guess.

[A]

So that was like, besides finding out about my son and, like, yeah, like, we don't know if he's gonna be okay. Like, now we think it's because of you. So the police officer tells me that, and he's like, yeah, they found past trauma on his right side because the fracture and the bleed were on his left side. So, like, we found past trauma on his right side. Not as severe, but, like, we see.

[B]

So the. The past trauma, they're saying they saw, like, it was different than it was causing the bleed.

[A]

I know. No, they. They just said it looks like he had had past head trauma before this incident.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

Like, something had happened and it's healed now, but it left a mark, is what they were essentially saying. Like, okay, so. And I guess that's how they determine if people are abusing their kids. Like, it's a. I guess it's like a typical sign. Like, okay, like, this has happened before, so obviously we're gonna investigate now. And I'm like, oh, my God. Like, I'm like, no. I'm like, that's. We don't do that at all. Like, I love my kids to death. I would never lay a hand on them like that. No. And I'm like, look, I'm like, we believe he has. And I had Actually been mentioning this to all the people beforehand. I actually forgot to mention, we had mentioned that we were currently in the process of getting a diagnosis for cp. And I'm like, we've been seeing people because we're not from here, obviously. We're in Texas, we're from New Hampshire, so completely new area. Like, we don't know anything, anyone, Nothing. So we're like, no, we're. We're from New Hampshire. We're seeing people at Boston Children's. And we're like in the process of getting like a diagnosis of cp. And they're like, okay, well, we don't have a documentation for that right now. So yeah, we, we can't take your word for it basically. And you don't have a diagnosis right now, so you're kind of shit out of luck. But we, we just kept like going over and over, like, no, like, listen, this is. They believe this is what happened to him. Like, we're trying to get it figured out. We never got the MRI because it was pushed back. And they just like, we're not having it. He's like, okay, well that's not what the doctor knows or sees. So we're just going based off of what he said. So I finished that up and I'm just like in complete shock because I'm like, first they tell me like, yeah, we don't know if your son's gonna be okay. And he has all of this trauma and still I have no idea why. I'm like, what? What the fuck happened? And now they're thinking that like we did this. Like, it was just like. I think I was just in so much shock.

[B]

Yeah. And it was. It happened so fast.

[A]

So yeah, I actually. So I brought him. So we got to the hospital around like 1:30. And then this had all unfolded within like an hour. I think this was like 2:30, almost 3:00. Maybe like probably less than that. So this was all happened within like an hour of like stepping in there with him and them taking over. So he does the thing, he does the interview with my husband. And at that point we had had. My father in law was actually in the parking lot in his truck just like waiting to like see what happens. So at that point he had come in and sat in the waiting room and then he was in contact with my mother in law, so she had come to the hospital as well. And also our other son was at their house. My husband's uncle was there like doing construction and stuff, like on their house. So he was with our Older son. So like, he, he was good there. Like, I. I can't even imagine bringing him to that situation. Like, that would have been nuts. So, yeah, he was there. He was good. So we were all there. All four of us were there. And then we. They're like, okay, the med flight is on its way. They're like gonna land. There's nowhere for them to land, like on the roof. Which I thought like, every hospital had like a helicopter pad or like the bigger ones at least. And it was a pretty, like, decent sized hospital, but I guess they like, didn't. So they're like, they're trying to find a place to like, set the hospital or Jesus Christ, set the helicopter down. And they. And it just so happened to be like, right outside in front. Like, I could see it out of the window. So they landed there, they come in and I guess they're like exchanging information with the staff there. So they come out to the waiting room and they're like, okay. They're like, they're gonna prepare him to be med flighted. You can come in and kind of talk with the people who are going to be on the med flight if you want, just meet them and just kind of. I think that's what it was. So we're in the room with my son and I'm just kind of sitting next to his bed and they have him in a. In a medically induced coma at this point. So, like, he's all hooked up, he has a tube down his throat. And like, I don't even think I could even look at him. I know that sounds horrible, but, like, I just, like, I just couldn't. Like, I was holding his hand, but, like, I just couldn't look at him. And I just remember talking to the. The guy who was going to be in the helicopter. I don't know what their title was, like, the Med flip. The Med flight crew. And they were like, some of like, the nicest people ever. They're like, hey, we're so and so we're gonna take really good care of him. It's gonna be a safe flight. Like, you know, we'll keep him safe on the flight and we'll deliver him to the other hospital and he'll. He'll be fine. Not like, fine in a sense that like, you know, he's gonna.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Make it. But like, he's like, we're gonna do everything in our power to get him from this point to the other hospital. And it will be a safe trip. And I'm terrified of flying. So I was just like, oh, my God. Like, I'm like, you're taking my son and going like in a helicopter? Like, that's nuts. But we then we found out that we couldn't go because I thought that, like, one of us could go. So that's why I had said, I'm like, oh, can one of us go? And they're like, oh. Like, they're like. They said that nobody can go. And like, it's just going to be us. There's not enough room. Like, with all of us and the equipment and him, there's just. There won't be enough room. So I was like, okay, that's fine. We'll just follow them there or whatever. So he's like, it's like a 10 minute med flight and then we'll be there. He's like, let's exchange numbers. I'll call you when we get there. And when he's safe, I'll let you know that we got there safe. So I was like, okay. The med flight crew, they were so nice and so comforting. They're like, we're going to take great care of them. We'll get him there in no time. Like, you're good. So we exchanged numbers and then I go back out to like, where we were and the police officer, he was still there the whole time. He's like, yeah, you guys can't go to the other hospital with him. And we're like, why not? He's like, well, we're taking this as an investigation right now because CPS is now involved, so you're technically being detained right now. And I was like, are you kidding me? Like, I'm like, you can't. I'm like, I'll sit in the back of your car. You can drive us there.

[B]

Yeah, you can watch us.

[A]

I'm like, we'll fall. You can follow it behind. Like, we're not gonna go anywhere else. Like, what the hell? And that cop, like, I just, I still think back to it. He was such an. Not all cops are. I'm not saying all cops were, but he was.

[B]

Well, especially in that kind of situation.

[A]

Because it's like there was just no, like, no remorse for us at all. Like, I understand you're doing a job. Like you're a police officer. Like, you can't really have that much.

[B]

They could have let you guys in and then had you guys being watched or something like that.

[A]

Yeah. And I was just like, beside myself. I'm like, oh, my God. So I was. So I said that I'm like, you can follow us. I'm like, I'll even sit in the back of your car if you want me to. Like, just get us there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And he was like, well, he'll be in surgery, so it's not like you'll be able to see him anyways. And I'm like, but that's not the point. Yeah, I'm like, God forbid something does happen, I'm gonna be all the way across town, like. And this was in Houston, Texas. And Houston's a huge. It was like the biggest city in Texas. And it's like a 30 minute drive. And that's like, with or without traffic, like you don't know. So I'm like, well, if something happens, then what, are you not gonna let us go there? So he's like, no. He's like, you guys have to stay here until my or his boss comes. And he was like an investigator. Investigator. He's like, you guys need to wait until he gets here and he's going to ask you questions and then you'll be free to go. So I'm thinking, okay, he's on his way. I think he might have said that, like, oh, yeah, he's on his way. He'll be here shortly. So I'm thinking, okay, like, they'll get him on the med flight, they'll get him into surgery and then we'll. We'll be here for a little bit and then we can just go. So we're like waiting. And as we're waiting, I forgot to say, like, the doctors came out and they're like, okay, like, they're ready. The med flight crew is ready to take him. They're like, we'd like you to say goodbye right now because we don't know if this is the last time that you're gonna see him alive. So they're like, why don't you say bye now? Just in case you. Like, this is like the last time. So I remember it was. I went first and.

[B]

Take your time.

[A]

So I remember going first and they warned me. They're like, he's not gonna look like himself because he's like, attached to all these machines and he has a tube down his throat. But they're like, he's not feeling any pain right now, but just say bye just in case. I remember going up to him and it looked like he was just like sleeping. Like, he looks so comfortable, like, considering everything. And I just remember like. Like I just, you know, was talking to him and I'm like, you're gonna be okay. Like, everything's gonna be fine. And I remember purposely, like, I'm like, I'm not gonna say goodbye. So I just remember, like, saying what I said and. And after, I was just like, I'll see you later. Like, I didn't want to say bye because I'm like, then, you know, I feel like, mentally that would just, you know, I just. I can't do that. Like, it's not goodbye. Like, you're gonna be fine. They're gonna take care of you, and you're gonna be fine. And so then my husband went. And then, like I said, my in laws were there, so they went, said their thing, and then they rolled him out, and we could see them rolling him out to the helicopter because it was right there. So at this point. So after the. I know I'm kind of going all over the place.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But the police officer is like, hey, we're gonna put you. There's like, a separate room from the waiting room. It's like, probably like half the size of this room, and it has, like, like, chairs and like a bench or something. And it was like a privacy door. So he's like, you guys can stay in here while we wait. So you're not just waiting out here. So I remember going back into that room after they took him out. We saw them roll him out. And I just remember, like, standing at the window with my husband and we were just, like, hugging each other, and we saw them, like, lift off and just go. And like, that was it. And I just remember, like, hugging. Sorry.

[B]

No, you're okay.

[A]

I just remember hugging my husband and just turning to him and I said, no matter what happens, like, I want you to know that I love you. Because I didn't know, like, I didn't know if we were gonna, like, lose our son that day, you know? So I'm like, I just wanted him to know, like, no matter what, whatever the outcome is, like, we need to be there for each other. Because, like, I can't do this alone. Not that I felt like I was going to, but, like, he never made me feel like that, but, like, I just had to say it out loud and just make it like. Like, this is real. This. We could potentially not, like, have. We could potentially, like, have one kid after, like, the end of the day. So. So, yeah, so that. I remember saying that to him. And, you know, he agreed. He's like, yeah. He's like, no. So we just need to be there for each other no matter, like, what. Whatever happens will. Will be okay. So I Remember just sitting there and waiting and waiting and waiting. I remember, like, I had to, like, get up and, like, use the bathroom. And, like, the police officer who was there was just, like, standing outside the door. Like, he was, like, guarding the door. Like we were gonna break out of it. Like, it just felt so. Just like. Like, he made us feel like we were, like, criminals.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I remember. I was like, hey, I'm just gonna, like, go use the bathroom. He's like, yeah, sure. Like, you can go. And then I just. Like. I don't know if it's just, like, my personality or what, but, like, I just, like, I need other people's opinions. And so I just. I, like, asked him on my way back. I'm like, what do you think? I'm like, do you think he'll be okay considering everything, like, that's happened? And he was just like, I don't know. I'm like. But this stuff, like, happens, right? Like, I don't even. Like, I brought up, like, athletes. I'm like, athletes get head injuries, and then they, like, come back from it, and they can still play, like, sports and stuff. And he's like, yeah, but that's, like, months of recovery and, you know, all this money to, like, get resources. And, like, it's. It's not just like, an overnight thing. Like, they're like, he's like, you'll be reteaching him how to do everything, to walk, to eat. Like, it's not going to be easy if he does make it. And I was just, like, thinking, like, what the. I'm like, I don't care. I'm like, I'd rather him make it and have to re. Teach him everything than to lose him, you know? So I was just. I was, like, done talking to him. But, like, I don't know what. I think I was just grasping for something.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, I just wanted someone to be like, he's gonna be okay, but I just wasn't getting that. Like, everybody I talked to, they're like, we. We don't know. Like, we can't tell you. So I think it was, like, a few hours we were there. And meanwhile, we got the phone call, the med flight crew. He called me, and he's like, okay, we're. He's like, we. We're here. He's good. He's going into surgery now, but I just want to let you know, like, everything. He was fine during the flight, so I was like, okay, that's good. So he was in surgery, and I didn't know how Long surgery it was going to be. But like right after that time, the police officer was like, okay, my boss is here, he can interview you guys one at a time. And this was probably like two or three hours after. So we've just been sitting in this room at this first hospital for hours waiting on this guy. Like, I don't know, I don't know what they were thinking. So I go first and it's just like some like old dude, you know? And he's like, okay, like tell me your name, where you're from or like where you live and everyone that lives in the house where this happened. So I like, okay. I was like, well, we're just visiting. We're from New Hampshire, but we're visiting my in laws. We don't live here. We're just visiting. He's like, okay, but he's like, tell me everyone that lives in the house. He's like, just include you guys. So I start listing off everyone, like me, my husband, the kids. And I was like, oh yeah. And my husband's or my father in law's grandma. He's like, okay, what's her name? And I like paused and I'm like, oh my God. I'm like, I don't even know her name. I'm like, this is the first time I ever met her. And like I was introduced to her as Granny. Like, hey, this is Granny. And so I just start like laughing and he's like, he just like looks at me. I'm like, I'm so sorry. I'm like, I don't know her name. And he, he's like, excuse me. I'm like, I. I'm like, I just met her like two days ago. I'm like, I just know her as Granny. I'm so sorry. He's like, last name or anything? I'm like, I don't know, right? And he's like, okay, we're just going to leave it at Granny. And I just remember thinking like, oh my God, this guy thinks I'm an idiot because I don't know this lady's name. But anyways, so it was just the same thing. Like do you remember him falling? What happened? How did you find him? And just everything from start to finish and it was like being recorded. So we just go one by one. And I remember getting back to the room and my husband had gone in and I told my in laws, I'm like, they asked me what granny's name was and I had no idea. And she's like, oh my God, she's like, don't worry about it. I'm like. And she told me her name. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, I'm an idiot. So we finally do that and they interview my in laws too. Because at that point, since they. Which we found out later on, since they thought that it was child abuse, they thought that his parents, my in. My in laws were like, condoning the abuse and, like, weren't reporting it or for whatever reason. So that's why they interviewed them too. So after that, they're like, okay. They're like, you guys are good to go. They're like, there's CPS people that are going to be on their way to the house. They want to take pictures. They want to interview your. Your other son, get all of the information they can from you guys. Like, they need to go and do that. So it was like, like a crime scene, basically. Like, taking pictures of everything and. Because at some point in the mix, like when everything was going on. And I also forgot to say this, but when they kept asking us if he had fallen and we were like, no, like, no, you didn't fall. Like, maybe he rolled off the couch during his nap. Like, all of a sudden my husband's like, oh, my God. Yesterday when he fell and I thought he hurt his arm, maybe he actually, like, hit his head. But he's like, he didn't grab his head. He didn't cry and complain about his head hurting. Like, showed no signs of, like, anything.

[B]

Right.

[A]

He's like, if anything, I thought he, like, hurt his arm, but he's like, maybe that was it. And they're like, okay, where did that happen? And so we told them it was like on the first step of their stairs going upstairs. And where he had fallen, it was on the left side of the staircase or. Yeah. So if you're looking up the stairs, it was the left side of the staircase. And we believe, because my husband was like, right there. Like, he wasn't. I don't think he was, like, watching him, like, directly, but like, he. It was like in his, like, vision, like, right there. But he, my son had like, taken the first step and went to go grab the railing or the banister with his left hand, which is his hand that he has trouble with. So we think that when he took that step and went to grab his hand doesn't have the, the strength or the muscle to hold his weight up. And it slipped and he fell backwards.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And where he fell, it's all tile. It's like the really hard, like, Real like tile material. Like not like hardwood, not carpet or anything. So like I don't know if that. And that's like hard material. So like. Yeah. So like that was like one of the worst things you could fall on. So that's what, that's what had. We had found that that's what had initially caused the, the fracture. Which is nuts because like when you think about it like he's a little two year old, he fell probably not even a foot, like backwards. But it was just like the way he hit his head.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Like you would think like something that crazy like you'd fall like down the stairs or something like that. Like that's like an insane injury to have from just like falling down one step. So that was just like to figure out that that's the reason that caused it. Like that was just like crazy like thinking back about it because we were like we said like when he fell it wasn't a big deal. Like he cried like it was like any other fault. He cried, he got up and everything was good. And then we went about the whole like rest of the day. Like the day, the night, everything. So it was like we wouldn't we have known like immediately. And they're like, oh well, sometimes, you know, it can take a while but, but that. So that's what caused it. But at the time like our heads were just spinning and we're just like we didn't even think about it because it was like any other fall.

[B]

So we just especially too because after he was like playing in the pool and like.

[A]

Yeah. Everything else and being so active and reading and doing every like everything that we would normally do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So that's kind of what we determined would. Is what caused it or we think what caused it. Finally we're done with the investigator there and they're like, okay, you're good to go. Told us that CPS was going to be by to take pictures and talk to our other son and ask him questions and kind of, you know, I guess get a feel of him.

[B]

How old was your other son at this time? Like four.

[A]

He was three.

[B]

Okay. And talk to him and like.

[A]

Yeah. What is he going to say? You know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I don't know. And we weren't there when that happened. So what happened, what had happened was we. So we were getting ready to leave and I remember the, the cop that was like an. He was like, he's like, okay, but like make sure you don't speed on the way there. You know, we don't want to Get a ticket. And I'm like, you, buddy. I'm like, screw you. Like, we're gonna go however fast we want. Like, I don't even care.

[B]

So at that point, you're headed to the hospital, the other hospital.

[A]

So for whatever reason, so we had the two cars there. I don't know why. I think I like need like, I don't even know if I needed like water or something. Like, I just needed like a snack. Like I hadn't eaten anything the whole day. I'm like, let me just go. Because the house was five minutes. So I'm like, let me go grab a snack and a water and then we'll be on our way. So we do that and we take my mother in law's car and I remember plugging it into the GPS in my phone and it was like, you'll be in there in like 30 minutes. And my husband, like, he's. He's a car guy, so like, he'll do whatever he. And I don't know, this is like super legal. But he drove like 120the whole way there and we were there in like 10 minutes.

[B]

There you go.

[A]

So I. But I remember being. And so like we don't know where anything is. Like, if this were would have been Boston. We know our way around, right? Just because we're in and out of the city all the time. Just because like with appointments and that's where we work. So like we know the city, but this is a completely new place. So we have no idea where we're going. So we're coming up to the exit and I get a phone or I'm getting a phone call and it's from a Houston number. I'm like, oh my God, that might be the hospital. Like, holy. This is a call we've been waiting for. What's gonna happen? So I answer it and I'm trying to like, look at the gps. And my husband's like, where's the exit? And we're like going back and forth with, trying to figure it out. And I have the, the phone on speaker. I'm like, hello. And they're like, oh, is this so and so's mother? I'm like, yeah. He's like, hi, I'm surgeon so and so. He's like, so he's out of surgery. And I'm like, okay. And he's like, yeah, surgery went great. He's recovering in the picu, which is the pediatric icu. But yeah, everything went great. We fixed the fracture. And he's trying to Explain to me everything that like he did in surgery. And I'm just like, that is when all of the emotions just came out of nowhere.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And like I like I burst into tears and I was like, so he's okay? He's like, yep, surgery went great. I'm like, no. I'm like, excuse me. I'm like, in your own words, say he is okay. And he just kind of chuckled and he's like, yes, he is okay. And that's when I was like, oh my God. Like you could breathe. Yeah. Like how long was surgery?

[B]

Do you know?

[A]

A few hours.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Cuz they had probably taken him at the med flight probably around 2:30. So he probably got into surgery around 2:30, 3:00 is. And by the time we got to the second hospital it was like between like six and seven. So a few hours. So there was that whole few hours where we didn't know what was going on. Like they said that they made us say goodbye at the other hospital. So. So yeah, so when he said those words like, he is okay. I just, I like broke down. I'm like, oh my God. Like, like this is. I knew like, I just like, I had a feeling. I'm like, he's going to be okay. He's going to make it. So I'm like, okay, now that we know he's okay, let's take the steps to like make sure he stays okay. And like, you know, because we didn't know how like what recovery was going to be. And that's with every patient who has a brain injury. Like you don't know what recovery is going to be. Like it could take a week, it could take months, it could take years. They could just never be the same. Like you don't know. So finally we get to the hospital because we were like two minutes away and we ran up there and I remember like, like I said, this is still coveted. So like put your masks on. And I'm like, you like right? Going up. So we get up there and I remember there's this guy like just chilling like in the, the waiting room of the picu. And he like looked like really out of place. And I'm like, what the hell is this guy doing? But they're like, so we gave the, the people our son's name and they're like, okay, yeah, he's in room, he's in this room. So I remember they opened the doors because like again, it's like you need a key to get into the patient rooms. And they opened the Door. And we're walking down the hallway, and we're, like, halfway down, and I heard him cry. And, like, in my mind, I was just, like, so happy because I'm like, that means he's okay. And, like, I was so happy to hear him cry. So I just started crying again. And I ran into that room, and there was, like, a nurse next to him, and she's like, oh, like, you're okay. Like, trying to calm him down. Meanwhile, like, this is the first time I'm seeing him after surgery, so his head is all wrapped up in a bandage, and, like, I can't see, like, really his eye, like. Or it didn't cover his eyes, but, like, it was all over his head, and it just, like, didn't look like him. But I just remember hearing. I heard him cry, and I went over to the other side of the bed and just held his hands. I'm like, mom is here. Like, you're okay. And I think he, like, heard my voice, and he had calmed down and was just, like, resting. And I was just, like, hysterical. And I remember the nurse was like. Like, she obviously didn't know what we had gone through earlier. So she was like. She's like, oh, no, this is completely normal. He's waking up from anesthesia. Like, it can be, like, a really, like. What's the word? It's like. Like, to transition to being, like, awake. Like, it's kind of. It can be rough. So she's like, you know, he might be a little upset because of that. And I'm like, no. Like, it's okay. Like, I'm so glad he's crying. And she's like. And she go, okay. Like, I'm like, I don't even care. Like, I'm just. I'm just glad that I can hear his voice again, even if it is him crying. But it was really nice to, like, talk to him. And, like, I just, like, saw him calm down, so I was like, okay. Like, this is okay. And the staff there. Not that the staff at the other hospital was, like, rude or anything. They. They were just like, we don't know what's gonna happen. They were just kind of up in the air. Like, we. We. We're kind of walking on eggshells right now because we don't know. And meanwhile, they thought that it was, like, child abuse, too. So they're like, we don't know really how to respond to you guys. But at the children's hospital, it was like. Like a night and day difference. Like, they were so warm and welcome to us. They're like, he's doing great. His recovery has been great. Like, you know, the surgery went amazing. Like, you guys have, like, one of the best surgeons in the country. Like, you're really lucky that this had happened when it did. So that was nice. And then it's like some doctor came to talk to us, and we were explaining to her. We're like, look, we believe he has cerebral palsy. They're thinking. They called CPS on us because they think this is, like, the. The stuff from the CP is what.

[B]

So that. That's what I was gonna ask you. That first fracture that they were seeing.

[A]

So it wasn't even a fracture. It was coming up as Plot twist. He had a prenatal stroke and does have several palsy. Okay. What had happened was, when he did have the stroke, part of his brain on his right side is. It didn't develop fully.

[B]

So that's what they were seeing.

[A]

There's extra fluid there.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So all they were seeing was fluid. They didn't know if it was blood. They. They assumed it was blood.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So they were like, okay, if there's blood in the brain on that side, then there was some sort of injury. Injury.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

So that's what they had seen. So they just saw the extra fluid. They.

[B]

That was from the cp.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yep. So we were explaining to that doctor there, and she's like, okay, like, you know, I understand, but, you know, we're just trying to. They're just trying to do their job and just kind of do what they say. But she was very, like, much more comforting, like, yeah. So the guy who was in the waiting room before, who I was like, he looks really out of place. They're like, oh, someone from CPS is here to talk to you guys. Because at up until this point, we hadn't talked to anyone from cps. We had just talked to the police.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So they're like, he just wants to talk to you one on one, like, one at a time. So I go first, and wicked nice guy. We sit down in a room. He has a recorder, and just the same thing. Tell him everything that happened and all that. And he shuts the recorder off. And I'm just like, look, I'm like, I know there's people out there who do this to their children, but I'm like, I can 100 tell you, like, I am not that person. We are not those people. Like, this is just, like, a huge misunderstanding, like, where he has, like, a diagnosis that we're trying to Confirm like, this. It's completely not right. Like. Like, I understand you're doing a job, your job, but, like, that we aren't those people. Like, yeah. And I remember him just sitting there, and he was just, like, shaking his head. He's like. He's like, I can tell you from doing this job, like, through and through, like, all the time. He's like, I interview hundreds of people a day. Like, just talk, like. Or whatever. I interview a bunch of people. He's like, I can't say for certain, but he's like, I don't think you have anything to worry about, like, from hearing your story. And I was just like, holy crap. I'm like. Like, just hearing that. Not that I had anything to hide, obviously, but, like, when they tell you, like, yeah, you're under. Under investigation for child abuse. Like, it's just like, when you. Like, you know that you don't do that. Like, it was just insane to me. Like, I couldn't wrap my head around it. Like, so for someone from that side of it being like, I kind of know what. What to look for, and I can tell when people are lying and all this. He's like, I really. He's like, let. Let them just do their investigation. But he's like, I really don't think you have anything to worry about. So I was like, okay. Like, a breath of fresh air. I'm like, okay. Like, that's good. Which we were. We were very, like, cooperative. We gave them everything. All their. Our information, answered all their questions. So, like, we. We did all we could.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And at the end of the day, if they could, they could believe whatever they wanted. So. But, like, in my mind, I'm like, I know I'm not that person. So. But anyway, so that happened. So I go back to the room, and they interviews my husband. He comes back, and since it was still Covid, they're like, yeah, we're only allowing one visitor at a time, so one of you is gonna have to leave. And I'm like, great. So my husband decided he'd be the one to leave. And I stayed there the whole night. I don't think I slept. I just sat there, and I watched my son, and I held his hand the whole time, and I just, like, went over everything in my head, like, of the day. I'm like, that was, like, the craziest day I've ever had in my entire life. I'm just glad it ended with, like, this. And so that morning, I remember they came in, they did his vitals and they're like, okay, we're going to take his wrap off. And they took it off. And I, like, saw his head for the first time, and it was just, like, a shock because it happened on his left side. So he has a. A giant scar that goes from, like, the top of his head to, like, right in the middle of his ear. And obviously they had used stitches, so, like, when they took it off, all I saw was, like, a bald head and a scar. And I just, like, remember crying, and I'm like, oh, my God. Like, I can't believe. I can't believe this is what my son looks like. And I let this happen, you know? So that was really upsetting to see. And I'm like, I cannot believe that he's gonna have the scar for the rest of his life over something so small, you know, so. But I. I was just like, you know, the alternative would have been worse. So I'm like. I'm just like, I'm just glad and all that. And it was. He looks so funny because, like, he had all that. And they only shaved, like, part of his head, so it looked like he was, like, balding on this side because they did, like, the whole, like, only shaved, like, a little bit. So he had, like, a little patch of hair right here for a while. So that was just funny. But, yeah, so he had that. And then they let me hold him for the first time, and he was still connected to everything, but it was just really nice to be able to hold him. And then earlier that morning, my husband came, and we switched roles. I went to go. I went home, and I took, like, a nap, and he was there. And while he was there, you know, our son, he woke up, he was alert, he was starting to eat, he was drinking. They didn't want him to, like, walk yet, because, like I said, with that type of injury, like, you don't know how they're gonna react, but they're like, no, it's. He's showing signs that he wants to do things. Like, that's really good.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And this is only, like, not even a day post surgery, so, like, that's really good. So he stayed there. How long did he stay there for? I think he stayed the whole day and maybe the night to give me the day to rest, I think, because I was there, like, I hadn't had a break. So I think he stayed there the whole day. And by that evening, he was sending me videos of him walking, and he was holding his hand, and he was just, like, not like a hundred percent but, like, he was walking.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And, like, I couldn't even believe that. Like, not even 24 hours ago, he had emergency brain surgery, and now he's walking like that. Like, that's incredible. Like, I thought he wasn't gonna be able to walk for months. Like.

[B]

Right.

[A]

That's what they made it seem like. So then the next day, so he stayed the night, and then I went in the morning and that he was. He wasn't in the ICU anymore. He was in, like, the regular unit. So he wasn't under, like, intensive care anymore, which was good. They're like, he's breathing on his own. Like, he's showing signs of improvement. Like, he's good. Like, we don't need to monitor him 24 7. So I was there, and we were only there for, like, half a day. And then the doctor on call was like, yeah, like, you guys can go home. And I was just, like, scared because I'm like, oh, my God. Like. Like, this crazy thing just happened. And they're, like, giving us the okay to go home now. Like, I don't know. It was just so weird because, like, when you think of someone having that, like, intense, like, surgery, like, I don't know. I just. I didn't expect him to be, like, good to go two days later. Yeah, not even two days. And so, yeah, we. We went home, and they're like, okay, you're just gonna have to, like, make sure, like, he takes it easy. You're gonna have to watch him, let him relax and all that. Like, let me tell you, it was the exact opposite. Like, I was chasing after this kid. Like, he would run laps around the house. Like, obviously, I didn't let him. Like, I was holding his hand, but I'm like, dude, you need to, like, slow down. Like, let's chill out. And, like, I have videos and stuff of just him, like, playing with his toys and, like, acting, like, how he did before. So that was really good to, like, know that, like, he was the same kid that he was before this. And, like, he was just, like, so happy and just.

[B]

And did they give him the diagnosis there for the cp or you didn't get it till after?

[A]

No. So they were only concerned about the. The fracture and everything. At that point. They're like, we. We can't. We don't know any of this past history because they didn't have that at that point. So, like, we don't really know. Yeah.

[B]

They were like, we'll just address this.

[A]

Yeah. And the whole time we're like, here's their contact information in Boston. Like, please call them. Like, they'll let you know that we've been seeing them and trying to get this figured out. I think they eventually did, but at that point, we're already back home, so. Yeah. So the whole recovery thing, like, it. He needed, like, that few days to recover, and he was good to go.

[B]

But he was fine. Like, there was nothing.

[A]

Nothing? No. No concerns, like, nothing. No, it was like, he had that, and then he just, like, got up and just.

[B]

Yeah, that's amazing.

[A]

And they even told me that at the hospital. They're like, honestly, like, it's horrible that this happened to him, but at the same time, like, at his age, at being two years old, he. They're like. Kids are like rubber. Like, they're meant to, like, fall down and get back up and be fine. They're like, if he had been any older, like, a teenager or an adult, it could have been, like, a worse outcome. Just because at his age, the bones aren't all fused together, so it's more, like, resilient to, like, fixing themselves.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So they're like, it's. Even though it sucks that it happened, it's really good that, like, it happened at this age because it was a lot easier. So, yeah, recovery was great. Eventually, we got to go home, back to New Hampshire, and I think it was probably, like, a few months later, we were able to get in to go get an mri, finally. So we do that. We get the mri, and then we have to wait a little bit to get results. They can't give it to us right away. And I think a few weeks later, I was on, like, a zoom call with the. The original doctor who had told me she thought it was cp, and, like, sure enough, she's like, yep. She's like, it's showing that he did have the prenatal stroke and that he does have cerebral palsy. And, like, that's what that marking is, and that's what they saw.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So I was like, holy. I was like, thank God. I'm like, I. I knew. Like, like, obviously I knew. Like, I'm not that type of person to do that to a child. So, like, just to, like.

[B]

But it gives you that explanation of, like, okay, well, what was that? You know what I mean?

[A]

And it just like, oh, it, like, hit me so hard because, like, I had to go through so much at that hospital with the doctors, the police, the cps, and I was just, like, begging them. I'm like, look, I. Oh, my God. I know. It Was. Oh, it added just so much stress.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because if we had had that initial mri and let's say we got that mri, we knew he had the CP and then the fall had happened, and we explained that. I don't know how it would have gone. Like, I really don't like to think about the what ifs, but, like, I feel like it would have gone a lot more smooth and differently, I guess. And then she also said. She's like, oh, by the way. She's like, I just want to let you know, obviously, we saw the. The. The mark on his left side where he had the fall. He's like. She's like, I don't know if they let you know this, but he does. He doesn't have any signs of brain damage whatsoever. She's like, all we see is, like, the. The crack that was there or whatever. I don't know what she saw, but she's like, obviously she saw something, but she's like, yeah. She was like, there's no brain damage whatsoever. So I don't know if they told you that, but just to kind of give you a peace of mind, I was like, well, thank God. I'm like, they didn't say, like, he did or he didn't, but it was just really good to know that, like, there was no damage there. And I do remember when the surgeon was, like, talking to me over the phone, I actually got, like, a more clear. Excuse me. A more, like, clear answer afterwards, when I had calmed down. So to fix the fracture, they actually used titanium. And, like, when he said titanium, I'm like, did he. They put, like, a titanium plate in his head. I'm like, what the heck? But he explained it. It's like, no. It's like this, like, mesh, like, very granulated, like, mesh material, and it's titanium. And they just kind of filled in the blank space. They're like, yeah, we cut that piece of his skull out because it was cracked and just filled it with that.

[B]

It's amazing what they can do.

[A]

Mm. So, yeah, so now he just has no side effects of that. And, like, all he has from that is just the scar. And even, like, with his hair grown out, like, you can't really see it even still. Like, I mean, who cares? Like, it's right. It's a horrible, like, tragic story, but at the same time, it's like, you know, people see it and, like, oh, like, what happened? And, you know, get to share it.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I don't know.

[B]

And then as far as the CP goes, you said that's just something that with, I guess, time, you can kind of, like, improve as he gets older.

[A]

So you can't. So with CPU, there's no cure. So you can't 100 cure it. But then also, it's not progressive.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So all you can really do is strengthen that muscle. So his weak spots are like, his fine motor skills, and it's all, like, in this place.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So, like, these three fingers are what he struggles with. So he goes to occupational therapy.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

He doesn't do p. Physical therapy because he just. He doesn't need it because it's more so the fine motor skills.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So he does that once a week, like, outpatient. He does it in school. He also does speech because with the CP comes a little bit of, like, a speech delay and like.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Speech impediments. So, like. Like, I can understand what he's saying. And he. And he gets better, like, every week. I swear to God. So, like, whatever we're doing is, like, improving. And we still go to Boston every now and then. Like, he sees his. We have a neurologist now. We see him two times a year. They're great. We see their therapist there, and they're like, yeah, as long as you keep up with everything, they're like, he. He'll strengthen that hand and he'll be good.

[B]

That's amazing.

[A]

Yeah, it's. It's good to, like, everything that he went through and still goes through. It's just good to know, like, where he is now. Like, he's just shown so much improvement and. Yeah. I don't know. I'm just really proud of him. He's. He's really brave kid, so.

[B]

Right. And I mean, like you said, too, it. You know, I feel like it's very easy to think, oh, this won't happen to me.

[A]

So a few years ago, he had a seizure for the first time. He had never had one before. And we're like, what the hell? And so we. It happened twice or it happened first time. And I told the neurologist it happens in his sleep, too. So he had woken. So what happened was. And we got really lucky. He had woken up in the middle of the night and wanted to lay in our bed, because that was very normal for him. He did that. He laid down, and then I felt like him moving, and I was like, what the hell is that? And I turn over, and he's shaking, and I'm like, holy shit. Like, he's having a seizure. Because I've never seen a seizure in person. And So I wake my husband up. We call 911, we scud him to the hospital. It only lasted like less than a minute. And he like bounced straight back. And I was like, what is going on? Like, what is wrong? So we bring him to the hospital. And so I called his neurologist and the neurologist was like, if it happens again, will put him on medication. But he's like, I don't want to start medication because once you start it, you can't stop. So he's like, this could be just like a one time fluke thing or it could continue on. He's like, if it continues, then we'll take measures and give him medication.

[B]

And so he had another one.

[A]

Yep. So he had another one while we were on vacation. I don't know what it is with him when we go away. Right. Stuff happening. But we were like with family again. But he was sleeping in our bed that night and he had had another one. So I called the neurologist immediately and he's like, when you guys get back, we'll start him on medication. And he was good for. That was two years ago. He was good for two years. And he had another one a few months ago, same thing. In his sleep. My other son actually came in and woke us up and was like. Because they share a bedroom and he must have heard something. And he's like, he came and he's like, there's an emergency. Like my older son, he is a saint. Like, he, he is like, like, oh, he's. He's so good. Like, I love him to death, but yeah, so he helped out a lot with that. But we figured out that his. We hadn't updated his like, dosage for his medication yet. So he had gained so much, like, not so much weight, but like over the two years, the dosage that he had was too low.

[B]

So do they know what causes the seizures?

[A]

We don't know. It happened. It just happens in his sleep. We don't know if it's from the CP or the, the tbi, the trauma.

[B]

And is there any way that they can.

[A]

We can do. We did a sleep study, but only one that was like, it was like an hour long.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So I had to keep him up for like a really, really long time and then put him to bed at the hospital. And they put like all the things on his head.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it came back normal. So they're like, okay, but I have a, an appointment later on this month with the neurologist. And because he had the. So he had actually Two seizures a few months ago. And when I, like, I read up on it like that, I guess that's normal. Like if you don't have a seizure for a long time, you'll have that initial one. And then we upped his dosage, obviously, and then he had like some like fluke one like a week later. So. But since then, that was in September, so.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

He hasn't had one.

[B]

You're kind of still in the process of like figuring.

[A]

Yeah. So I think I'm going to ask about doing like an extended sleep study.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Because I think it's. They happen at the same exact time and it's like, like really early in the morning, like 4:30, 5:00 in the morning.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So I'm assuming it might be something and I mean, I'm not a doctor, so I think maybe it has something to do with like his sleep cycle. Like maybe he hits a certain point in his cycle and it causes a seizure. But.

[B]

It'S crazy.

[A]

Yeah, it is. But other than that, like, besides the seizures, like, there are no side effects. Like, he lives his best life.

[B]

Yeah. That's amazing. Yeah. But no, like I was saying before, you know, I think it, it's a good testimony because like you said, you, you know, a lot of people can hear these different stories or these things and think like, wow, that's crazy or that's scary. But like, you know, you don't think it would happen to you.

[A]

No, never.

[B]

And sometimes it's not something that you see and just goes to show that, like it's something that can, you know, your life can change within the matter of minutes or seconds and it's terrifying. And I think that it just goes to show that it really can happen to anybody. And even just, you know, like I was saying before, there's been a good amount of people in this show that also talk about how important it is to speak up when you feel like something's wrong. Even if doctors say, oh no, everything's fine or oh, it's not this like, not saying that Google is always right either, but if you have a gut feeling that something's wrong, definitely listen to it.

[A]

And it's crazy because you hear it all the time, right? Everything. Like when people have these stories and they get into these situations, it's always after the fact, like, damn, I should have, I should have looked more into it. I should have done this, I should have done that. And it's like, I mean, nowadays that's exactly what I do if I feel uncomfortable about something or think something's off, or don't think that I got the right information, I'll look elsewhere. Like, I'm not playing around anymore.

[B]

Get the second opinion, third opinion. Do it. You have.

[A]

I don't even care right now. I don't care if you're offended. I. I do not care. I'm like, yeah, the safety of, like, myself and my kids is like, what's important.

[B]

And I think, too, that's what people sometimes worry about is like, oh, I don't want to look crazy or. Or overstep, you know, because, like, if you're not a doctor, obviously, like, you don't have the education.

[A]

Like, they're the professional.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

That's what they.

[B]

But it's better to. It's better to speak up and look like the crazy person, because then at least you know. You know that you're fighting for what you feel is right and what's going on in your gut. But you did amazing. Seriously.

[A]

Thanks.

[B]

And I'm so happy that he's okay. That's a. Even the situation that you were talking about, like, with the police and stuff. That's like, a whole nother thing that.

[A]

Yeah. You know, it just added to it.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I'm already in shock about, like, almost losing my child, not knowing, and now you're throwing this on top.

[B]

And that's the thing. Like, I get that people have to do their job, too, but it's like, can we, like, there's a time and there's a place.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Can you, like, wait a second?

[A]

Human beings. Right.

[B]

Like, can you wait until at least after everything happens to see, you know, to that he. So that you guys know he's okay and everybody can just, like, calm down.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I feel like it's also not a good time to question somebody.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, my God. Yeah. I. But, you know, I don't even know what I looked like to those people. I probably was as pale as a ghost and. Yeah.

[B]

Just trying to, like, get through it, so. But no, you did such an incredible job, and I'm so grateful that you wanted to come on and share your story. Seriously, it's important.

[A]

It's very therapeutic for me to, like, speak it. I remember after the fact, I had gone to therapy, like, a year later, and I. I couldn't even get through it, through it without crying.

[B]

It's heavy. It's a lot.

[A]

I couldn't. And it was like, almost like, after that therapy session and getting it out for the first time, really, like, start to finish with someone. It was almost Like, I was like, okay, like, I can talk about this now, and, like, I can be okay talking about it. And the fact. Knowing that he is where he is now and today, like, and he's okay. Like, I can speak about it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And make other people aware of, like, if you think something's wrong, say something.

[B]

You know, and it's important, too, because you know it. Even if something. You know, we. We know these terms for different things, like, for example, the cp, but obviously there's not enough. Like, I know that there's knowledge about it, but clearly. Sorry.

[A]

No, that's okay.

[B]

Clearly, you know, there wasn't enough for a doctor to know right away.

[A]

Yeah. You know, and obviously that's not his specialty.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Send me to someone who.

[B]

For sure. Or if somebody is concerned, be like, look, I don't think it's this, or, I don't know. But, like, if you want another opinion, you know.

[A]

Yeah, do this.

[B]

But it just. It does go to show why it is so important, like I said, to speak up and to kind of do the extra research. Even if. Even if you don't find the right answers, it just. It's a step in the right direction for sure. So. But thank you so much.

[A]

Yes, thank you.

[B]

Did incredible. Really great job. Is there anything else you wanted to add or you think you got it all?

[A]

I would say. What helps? Just, like, to finish off. But, like, what I do now, like, I think it's really good to, like, join support groups. I'm part of, like, a bunch of support groups on Facebook, and I follow people who actually live with C.P. like, they're adults now, and it's just really, like, comforting to see them, like, living their life the way they do.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And, like, showing that, like, you can live a normal life with CP and, like, be okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, like, as a parent with a child with that, like, it. It's very comforting knowing that, like, he's gonna be okay as well. Yeah.

[B]

And I think it opens you up, too, to more knowledge and information.

[A]

Definitely.

[B]

You never have too much, you know, so.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's amazing. And that being said, if you have any resources or anything of the sort that you want me to include in the description, feel free to send it over, and I'd be happy to put it in there.

[A]

I don't think I have, like. I just have, like, support groups that I personally follow.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

They're all out there. Not every one of them is public. Like, you have to fill out, like, okay, information. You have to know someone with CP or. Or you have it yourself, but I'm part of both.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So it's really good to just kind of.

[B]

Yeah. Just so people know that they're out there for sure.