Walking it out

Big day for my family. Quinn has begun walking. All drainage tubes have been removed from his body, and he can eat and drink anything he wants. All this and he's only a few days removed from the surgery.

I was informed by the staff that seeing Quinn walk around for a bit will help determine how much fluid still needed to be drained through those 3 tubes sticking into his chest. And if all looked well, the tubes would be removed. That's the point that I began asking Quinn to be strong and show that he can walk. I had been encouraged to see a seven year old boy walk that day, who had a heart surgery the same day as Quinn. Quinn didn't like the idea of walking, but he did as I asked.

This picture is one of my new all time favorites. How can any father and husband see this and not be inspired. Steph is really one of a kind.


I felt bad as he walked, because my encouragement to him as he took these painful steps seemed to be in contrast to the nurses, who kept asking if he wanted to stop, or sleep more, or walk later. I kept telling him he was strong and could do it. I told him if he completed the walk to the toy box, he could pick out a toy.
He was never interested in any toys, and was done walking once he arrived at this toy box. His only interest was in doing as I said. Extremely proud of him and grateful that he complies.


Done walking.

I carried him back to his bed and he layed there looking pretty wiped.

Hope this video works. May want to turn the volume down. Quinn's displeasure is the only thing to be heard.

Everything I had hoped he could accomplish today, he did in a very impressive fashion. Love that kid!