If Only We All Wanted as Much

Or as little.

"Elias is there anything you want for Christmas this year?'

"What did I get last year?"

"Well, I dont know. Are there any presents you'd like, any toys or clothes or games or something you are just hoping to be able to do?" Elias leans his tired body against mine. "If so you can tell the elf and he'll fly to the North Pole tonight and tell Santa."

Elias looks up at our Elf on the shelf, named Larl by his sister.

(When I asked the kids if they had any ideas for names, Olive nodded and spelled out: "L.A.R.... L!" Elias accepted her choice and so Larl was named.)

Elias tips his head back further, holding onto me for support, and attempts to make eye contact with the doll dressed in red. "Larl, um, I hope my family goes for a walk."

Oh Love, I think we can handle that.

And to think, I once thought he never would. Walk. My one pound twelve ounce son. 

It was once all I wanted from Santa too.

(Photo taken on our discharge day, after 94 days in the NICU)

For our family to just take a walk.

Comments

[danielle in zurich]

Beautiful. He wines it not only for himself but for all of you. A shared journey with a common destination. No one should ever ask for more--and in a just world, no one should ever receive less.

[danielle in zurich]

I meant: He wants it (not wines it...)

[Mom]

Tell Elias we will take him on lots of walks when we get to Anchorage which is soon!! yea!!

[Nan]

Merry Christmas Elias and family and many, many more. Way to go Elias! Sounds like a great way to spend some time on Christmas.

[judy]

I love that he requested a group present.

[Kate]

Love this insight into how he thinks and what he loves. Especially in the context of all this Christmas commercialism/ black Friday etc. hope you all get everything you want too :)

[Emily]

1 pound 12 oz... wow. that took my breath away. My sister-in-law is pregnant with twin boys and every time I see her, I ask two questions: What week are you now? How much do they weigh? And then I force myself to stop there and visualize fat, full term babies. The last time we checked in- the babies were over 2 pounds each at 28 weeks and all looked good! But it's stories like your and Elias that make me grateful for every week and every pound gained. You boy is amazing! Walking, talking and thriving! Thanks again for sharing your journey with all of us.