We are so happy you have been with us for 5 whole years! You have always been such a blessing in our life and have taught us so many things since you have joined our family. Lessons about tenderness and sensitivity, lessons about faith, and about stubbornness too :) We almost lost you when you were just 5 weeks old. We were so scared as you began running a fever at such a young age. We called the doctor and they had us come in right away. I remember leaving the room while they performed a spinal tap and crying as I listend to you scream. The doctors performed many tests, 5 more spinal taps came after that first. Finally after 3 days in the hospital they confirmed and diagnosed you with bacterial spinal meningitis. I remember riding in the ambulance with you down to Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth and wondering how such a perfect and sweet little boy that blessed our family so much could already be experiencing so much pain. I said so many prayers. As we worked with an infectious disease doctor for 2 weeks at Cook Children's Hospital we were made aware that there was a very real possibility that you could die from this disease, and even if you did survive the chances of hearing loss, brain damage, or loss of limbs was very possible. I didn't leave your side until day 13, when my mom (who flew in town to help with 2-year-old Austin) came down to sit with you so I could go home and get a real shower. I was terrified that something was going to happen while I was gone so I hurried back so quick to be with you. The miracle is that we made it through that those difficult weeks at the hospital. I didn't know how much longer I could watch people in full body suits and masks come in to your hospital crib to poke and prod you with an iv stuck in your head. We are so blessed that you were a fighter and made it through, and that we haven't witnessed any of the damaging effects that mengingitis can cause. You are a miracle Chase and have strengthened our testimony about the power of prayer and the preisthood. We know part of what makes you so onery is the very same fight that you had in you as a babyto fight that horrible disease and we will take your oneriness and love it! Happy birthday to our little miracle!
