Real Life Hero

Gage (what a stud!) with the Amazing Dr. Walker

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” -Elizabeth Stone

Part of the parental job description is to simply 'make it all better'. Vague, I know. But try and count up the hours you spend kissing imaginary 'ow-ies', snuggling away scary monster dreams, hugging broken hearts and band-aiding small boo-boos. That is a huge category in the parenting handbook: To be the Master Fixer. And you welcome the job. Because no one can love your baby like you can. No one can calm their nerves like your touch. No one can soothe their spirit like your voice. It's the gift we receive and embrace as mommies and daddies. And though there are times when we pat our little ones on the head and push them into life we still relish those tender moments when our child seeks our healing heart.

Before letting her little Gage go into surgery land, Gretchen qualified one thing. 

"Do you have children?" She asked Dr. Walker. 

He quietly nodded his head and softly said, "Five." 

"Please. Just treat him like he's one of your own." She plead. 

With that request, Dr. Walker, through tears and hugs, committed to give Gage the best care possible.

It is a helpless feeling. To have to ask someone else to kiss your baby's 'ow-ie' all better. It goes against nature to send them off into a sterile room with unfamiliar faces. Your arms ache from the absence of their hug. Your heart quickens your breath with worry. Someone else is doing your job. Fixing a hurt that you can't fix. And you can only pray that they will know the language of your child. That they will treat your child as one of theirs.

In Gage's case, Dr. Walker filled in seamlessly for Gretchen and Troy. He worked miracles, operating not only for 12 hours with Gage, but other surgeries in between. His stamina, determination and optimism lead to Gage's successful outcome. He was not going to give up until that tumor was gone. Dr. Walker meekly entered the waiting room post surgery with tears in his eyes stating, "I have some great pictures to show you!" Pictures of their son, tumor free. 

One can't help but be awe-struck by the talent and skill these doctors, surgeons and nurses share. They put their physical needs on hold and give of their time to rescue these little babies, like Gage.


To Dr. Walker and his surgical team: Words cannot fully contain the amount of gratitude and love that fills our hearts. Thank you for tirelessly working for Gage's well being. Thank you for putting your arms around our family and fixing the 'hurt' we couldn't. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for healing our family. Thank you for treating Gage as if he was one of your own.