Home sweet home!

We were able to come home tonight! We are so thankful to have this part behind us. The surgery went very well, and the doctor said that as far as she can tell Charlie is now cancer free. His eye was very full. She was very hopeful about his prognosis. Thanks be to God.

This morning, when the bandage came off, was by far one of the most difficult times for us. The doctor had to keep prying his lids open, and it took three of us to hold him down.

Listening to him scream while holding him down (for drops and examinations), four times a day, everyday…was/is draining on all of us. My heart breaks for parents and children who have to go through painful treatments on a regular basis.

He is dizzy, which they said is normal as his center of gravity has changed. Charlie's eye area is swollen right now. There are also a few stitches and a small tube under his eye. This is holding a piece of plastic under his skin in place. The reason for this is so as the eye socket heals, it heals big enough for a large mold to be made for his future adult prosthetics. It does look like there is an "eye" in there. Its a temporary prosthetic that is similar to a large contact lens. We are so happy about this, we were not counting it to look like an eye after the surgery. It is not really black & blue, which is another small thing to be thankful for. Late this evening Charlie saw himself in the mirror in my room, & he cried. We were not going to have him look in the mirror, but I was not thinking when he came in my room. Since he was blind in that eye he had no idea, poor guy.

Charlie was a real trooper, and the hospital was amazing. We are thankful for the means that God has given us. Tonight, he seems quite happy. He ate something and is glad to be home.

We have to continue all the eye drops for a while. We wait to hear from the genetic testing and pathology. Then we will know for sure one way or another.

Here are a few pictures of our time spent at the hospital.

**If you are going to show this to your kids, just know that the last pictures are slightly graphic**

In our room - waiting for Charlie to fully wake up

With his bear that never left his side

Our favorite nurse

Patch off - at Timmys in the hospital

We are thankful to God that all went well this week and for the good news the Doctor was able to give us.

We have cherished your prayers and we have been so encouraged by your uplifting cards

and e-mails.

Thank-you all very much. Now, I'm off to bed. : ) Goodnight