On Monday morning we had our two month checkup for Thomas. Coffee in hand, we arrived 5 minutes early in hopes for a quick visit so we could hit up Marshalls before the next feeding. Within a few minutes we were whisked back to the exam room, interrogated with all the routine questions, measurements were recorded (10.5 lbs, 22 inches long) and we patiently awaited our pediatrician. This visit was going down as the quickest checkup yet. Our doctor arrived and asked us if we had any questions or concerns. We didn’t. So he got started on his quick physical exam.
During the routine eye exam we commented on how Thomas has “pretty” white pupils – very unique! Upon closer look, our doctor agreed and spent a few extra minutes examining them with his penlight. He gave a confused hum and asked us if we had any concerns about Thomas’ vision. We said no but noted that Thomas doesn’t make long periods of eye contact and is mostly interested in lights. We equated that to him being so little still. The doctor then made up a bogus excuse about his lens being a little dirty and promptly exited the exam room to get “his backup lens.” We started to panic. A few seconds later he reentered the room with an exam tool that was about eight times scarier looking than the original one. He said he couldn’t find his backup lens so he just grabbed this one. That’s when Matt and I realized something was definitely up. He turned the lights on and off, on and off, on and off. We sat in complete silence. I began to shake. At the conclusion of his extended exam the doctor announced he wanted to err on the side of caution and have an ophthalmologist give a second opinion. He speculated the white pupil could be an indicator of a variety of very serious things from cataracts to eye cancer. Cancer?! Cancer?!! We politely refused to leave until the first available referral appointment had been confirmed…1 p.m. across town.
During the car ride home I had such an intense panic attack through sobs of tears that Matt had to pull over and help me breathe. The next few hours were a blur. We sat on our couch and prayed over Thomas.
At 1 p.m. we arrived at the Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat (EENT) doctor and tried to be patient as the nurse recorded all of our basic information. Once we were finally brought back to the exam room the doctor gave Thomas some drops to dilate his eyes. They burned and he screamed. Fifteen minutes later it was time to evaluate Thomas and it took a team effort to hold his eyes open for the doctor. Over high pitched screams she diagnosed him with cataracts in each eye and told us it was a very serious condition that needed immediate medical attention – surgery. She also informed us that she only had the capabilities to examine the front of his eye and wasn’t able to give us a progress report on the overall health of his eye and whether or not there were any cancer signs. Given the severity of the diagnosis, she immediately sent us back across town to another EENT for an ultrasound and second opinion by a doctor who specializes in pediatric cataracts.
This was turning out to be the longest, worse, scariest, most exhausting day ever. I kept wondering if this was actually real life or if I would wake up from this terrible nightmare to my perfectly healthy baby.
After a lengthy wait we were finally called back and given another eye exam by the ophthalmologist. Right away he agreed Thomas has congenital cataracts in both eyes. Upon further review, the doctor also informed us that his eyes otherwise look healthy and there was no concern of cancer – HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF. But it turns out that cataracts isn’t much better news.
Over the next hour we peppered the doctor with questions and learned:
– A congenital cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that is present at birth.
– They are super serious and extremely rare. Only about .4 percent of infants are born with a cataract in one eye…and here we are, congenital cataracts in BOTH eyes. The cause is unknown.
– Thomas has the most severe case of cataracts which requires immediate surgery to ensure that his vision is clear enough to allow normal development of his vision system. So the longer we wait, the less likely his vision will be restored after surgery.
– We are working to schedule the surgeries for this week or next. Each eye has to be done separately, about 7-10 days apart.
– After surgery Thomas will have to wear baby contacts. Apparently this will be a huge hurdle for us to safely insert and remove these. We will also have to administer eye drops several times a day. Once he is older he can switch to bifocal glasses. Then eventually, at a much later age he may be eligible to have a permanent lens implanted behind his eye.
– With the surgery comes a 40% risk of glaucoma due to the high eye pressure and lots of other secondary risks.
– As of right now we do not know how much Thomas can see. We believe he can see bright lights and shadows. After the surgery we still won’t know how much he’ll be able to see. It won’t be until he can read an eye chart that we’ll have more information.
– For the next seven years Thomas will have to be closely monitored and treated by an ophthalmologist with monthly visits. His vision may increase or decrease with time but we just don’t know.
So that’s where we are at. Our doctor recommended we join a support group to learn more about this disability we’re facing and talk with other families with children who have cataracts. We know Thomas will have lots of challenges ahead and many obstacles to overcome. The doctor says “he has a shot at a good life” but won’t be able to play certain sports like golf, will constantly be at risk for severe side affects from surgery at a young age, may not be able to drive and more.
We are still taking it all in and are trying to stay positive. Please pray for Thomas. Please. And check your baby’s eyes!
Oh my, I'm so sorry to read this. I will be praying for you all.
Oh Christina, Thomas is in my thoughts as I sit here on the other side of the world breastfeeding my own two month old in the middle of the night. I hope that the surgeries go very smoothly for Thomas and that the best possible outcome is achieved. Strength and love to you, Thomas and your family.
This is so heartbreaking. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers all day. Stay strong and know you have God and the whole blogging community and I am sure so many others behind you!
Many prayers for your Thomas! Of course for you and Matt too.
Thomas may be faced with a challenge but with a challenge comes strength. With you and your family's love and encouragement he will grow up to have love in his heart and strength in his soul. I will pray for you and your family's strength and positivity at this time!
Prayers for your sweet baby boy, and all of you!
Christina, my thoughts are with you and Thomas. I'm confident your doctors know what's best for him and will do all that they can. Thinking of you.
Christina, I'm so sorry. I wish I had words of advice or experience with this to offer some comfort, but I'm at a loss. I'm so glad that this was picked up on now while there is still a chance at restoring sweet Thomas' vision, but know how absolutely terrified you, as his mother, must be at the prospect of your tiny boy enduring two surgeries. Praying so hard that all goes well for precious Thomas, that the outcome is better than anticipated, and that your sweet boy surprises everyone and can one day do everything they say he might not be able to. Including play golf. Praying, praying, praying.
Oh no this is such sad news! Hoping for the best outcome for sweet little Thomas! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Praying right now. The Lord is the ultimate Physician and he is holding Thomas in His hands!
Praying for a positive outcome. So sorry you guys are going through this. Thinking and praying for your family
Oh Christina, I'm so sorry to hear this. I know Thomas could not have more love or support behind him as he faces this challenge. I'm thinking of sweet Thomas and your entire family and sending you love, strength, and good thoughts for the best possible outcome.
Christina, I am so sorry. Thomas and your family our in our thoughts and prayers! What a lot of news to digest.
Oh sweet little Thomas, you are in my prayers! Your whole family is actually – what a year you have had! Thinking of you, xo
Thinking of you and your family, Christina! I have been reading your blog since I moved to Charlotte 4 years ago and loved watching your babies grow up. You are such a great momma and I have no doubt whatever obstacles you face with Thomas's vision, you will tackle head on. Thomas is so lucky to have you.
Praying for you and your family. I am so sorry to hear this!
God's got this! Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Praying for you and your sweet family. I got chills reading this and I'm so sorry this is happening. Will keep praying and hold you guys in my heart! Make sure to take care of yourself through all of this. xo
I don't know you, but am praying for healing!
Oh Christina, prayers for you and your family. I can't imagine how you might feel with news like that. But as a mom, I can imagine, grief, sorrow, anxiety, anger, and various other emotions welling up inside. Hold fast to your faith and remember that this too shall pass. God will never bring us to anything that we can not handle and He has trusted you guys with much. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers.
My heart is so heavy for your family, lifting Thomas up in prayer and praying for you and your husband! I have had eye problems my entire life since I was a premie and after 3 eye surgeries and wearing glasses and contacts since I was little, my quality of life has been great. My doctor, Timothy Saunders, was amazing who did all my surgeries. He is at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat and specializes in pediatrics, not sure if he is doing his or not. Sending love and hugs your way and will continue to pray for your family!
Covering Thomas and your family in prayer.
Oh Christina, this news is heartbreaking, but I am so thankful that you guys were able to discover this now. I will continue praying over Thomas and over the hands of the doctors that work on him. I hope you are able to rest in the fact that God has His hands over you right now. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you or your family in this time. <3
Sending prayers for sweet Thomas plus you all!
Praying for Thomas. Stay strong!
Oh my goodness momma, my heart is in my stomach. Praying for your sweet Thomas and your family during this time! Take comfort in knowing who the greatest Physician of all is and HE has your family in the palm of his hands!
Praying for sweet Thomas and your family. Also prayers for the medical team that they heal your little man. {{{{{hugs}}}}}
While praying for you all this passage came to mind: For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Ephesians 3:14-21
I wrote a long comment, but I think it got deleted. My hear goes out to you right now, sweet girl. I cannot imagine how difficult a time you are having. But we serve a mighty, loving God. He is the God of miracles, large and small. I pray that he holds your entire family in the palm of his hand and pours out his immeasurable love on all four of you. Big hugs sent to you from across the country.
Christina – this news about Thomas is shocking to hear. I had chills when I read your IG post and this blog post. I am praying for him and your family. I work with children and adults who have special needs and you'd be amazed at all of the adaptive equipment there is out there to allow all individuals to participate and play sports. Stay optimistic because you have a whole lot of women who are sending positive vibes up for you <3
That is so scary but you are doing alll the right things and you have placed him in the hands of our mighty God. The Lord will be glorified through this and He is faithful. Prayers for your sweet boy.
Praying for you & Thomas. Hope the surgery can be scheduled this week.
Oh Christina, I am so sorry. We will be saying many prayers for your family and sweet Thomas. Praying for healing, comfort, peace and wisdom. I wish I could offer some sort of comfort but know you have many people praying.
I haven't commented before on your blog, but I have followed it for a year now. I can only imagine how scared you must feel for your dear sweet Thomas. Please know that there are many people supporting your little one and praying for a very positive outcome.
After the shock dissipates and you no longer choke on the words cataract and blind as they spill from your lips, there will again be joy and hope. Having a child with a difference is a high calling–certainly not one you would have chosen for yourself. Buckle your seatbelt for the advanced course in prayer, grace, and perspective. And this nonsense about "a shot at a good life"?? Thomas WILL have a good life!! A great life! He will do things differently and adapt, but that will all be normal to him. My best advice is to focus on the here and now. None of us knows the future, or has any control over it. Todd and I always knew you were destined for greatness–for extraordinary things–and God has uniquely equipped you to parent these children. Beauty from ashes is God's model, and after you have grieved the loss of "normal," you will find joy on the other side. And certainly do grieve that loss. Allow yourself to camp there for a time–but don't move in there permanently. We love you–even from afar–and we will be praying for healing, for peace, and for strength. ❤️
Oh My ! I m so sorry that you are going through such a grueling thing! Stay strong for yourself and Thomas! The positive vibes help a lot!
Oh my gosh, sweet Thomas. I will be saying lots of prayers for you, as parents, and for Thomas for safe surgeries and great recoveries.
I'm so sorry to hear this Christina!! My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Prayers to you and your family!!
Sending you positive prayers during this tough time. You have a beautiful family and Thomas and Caroline are so lucky to have you both. Stay strong and stay positive!
In trying to find the silver lining… isn't it incredible how neither you or Thomas would have known about this condition had the doctor's not seen anything at yesterday's checkup? All Thomas has known for 2 months is your love regardless of whether he could see you or not. He has obviously felt your love in so many other ways than through sight and that is what's truly amazing! I will be praying for your sweet boy and beautiful family.
Praying for Thomas and your family. I know exactly how you feel and relived all of the emotions as I read this post. When my son was 4 months old we found out he had a rare eye problem, called Duane Syndrome, where his left eye won't turn left. There is no cure or fix for it, just something he will learn to adapt to over time. I'm praying the surgeries go smoothly for Thomas and that your stress and anxiety will be replaced with overwhelming joy. You are so blessed with sweet Thomas! Everything is in God's hands and I pray you find comfort in knowing that.
praying for your little boy. Thank goodness the pediatrician took such a close look as prolonging this diagnosis could have been even worse. Best wishes for surgery and healing.
Praying for your sweet baby and for your entire family. I can't imagine how scary this would be. Thankful for wonderful doctors and knowing that our God is good!!!
Sending you lots of prayers and support during this trying time. Thankful for a Dr to take the extra time to examine him, and not just send you on your way. Sending positive thoughts, vibes, good juju, whatever you need to get through this. Give Thomas lots of love and affection!
Prayers and love!!!!
Oh my goodness mama, I am so incredibly sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for you all to have to go through this. Thomas is so lucky to have such great parents to help him through all of the challenges ahead and I'm positive God will give you and your baby boy the strength that you need! Praying for you and sending hugs!
Prayers go out to Thomas and your family. May God watch over him and your family as you go through this process. God is good and will take good care of Thomas. Best wishes.
Praying for sweet Thomas and your family!!!
Thinking and praying for your family and baby.
Praying for baby Thomas and your family. Sending lots of love and prayers your way
Praying for you and your family during this time! May God have his healing hand over Thomas and give the doctors the strength to perform these surgeries!
Christina,Our family is praying for your's as you navigate through uncharted waters. We will be specifically praying for Thomas' health during and after his surgeries and that the surgeries will restore his sight. Prayers and love coming from Indiana 🙂
Your family haas gone through so much. We are thinking of you and praying for sweet Thomas.
oh friend, I'm praying so hard for Thomas. And praying for you too because this will be so much for a Mama to watch her child go through. He will have a great life. He just may face some challenges and he is so lucky to have such a loving family to be there by his side. Hugs sent your way…
Sending lots of prayers and love for sweet Thomas and also you and your family!
Sending prayers and love to your family!
Oh Christina, my heart just dropped when I saw your post on IG. I'm so so sorry. I can't imagine how you must feel. What an awful day when you were expecting just a "normal" appointment. I will be praying for Thomas along with you & Matt. I pray that you get some peace & can feel God's presence from all of the prayers.
Praying for your sweet boy and for your family. May you have strength and discernment during this time and may God guide the doctor's hands and give them wisdom.
Oh my goodness! Poor little guy! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I can't imagine getting this news and having to watch your baby go through this. Stay strong mama! xo
Oh I am just in tears for you. I can't even imagine. A good friend of ours had her little baby boy diagnosed with something similar, only it was cancer. They thought he might lose his eye. But he is doing so so well now and I just can't believe how resilient little babies are. Will be thinking of you lots and sending lots of prayers your and Thomas's way. xo
Praying mighty prayers to a Big God.
Many prayers and thoughts for your family and Thomas. It sounds like it's going to be a long and tough road with this but you guys will thrive.
No words would be adequate to comfort you……please know that many people you don't even know (my family) has heard about Thomas and will be hoping for the best outcome possible…..thank you for opening up to the "net"…..your story will touch many. xo
Oh that sweet baby. Prayers for Thomas and your whole family while you are fighting this battle. <3
Sending many thoughts and prayers for your family and everyone involved with the treatment. I don't have any experience with cataracts personally but my 18 month old has been in glasses for 10 months and bifocals for 4.
Sending lots of prayers for Thomas and your family. <3
Christina- what a terrifying moment as a mom and dad. Sending lots of prayers your way and praying that God gives you all th strength you need but also allows you the time to show Him your side that needs only Him.
Sending prayers and many positive thoughts to you and your family as you go through this hard time!
Sending prayers for Thomas and you and your family! He is lucky to have great parents that will care for him and love him no matter what.
Prayers and hugs for you and your sweet family. You will be such a strong supportive role model for him in the years to come and with or without restored vision your family will be beautiful. God's got this, so thankful to have found out earlier rather than later and with a positive note of no cancer!
Continued hugs and prayers for Thomas and your family. xo
Praying for you and your entire sweet family!
I can't even imagine how scary this all is for you! Sending prayers for safe, successful surgeries and quick recoveries!
I am not a religious person, but you and your family will be in my thoughts. Good vibes coming your way from Oregon.
I regularly read your blog but have never commented on anything. I am praying for your family.
Sending so many thoughts and prayers to your family and sweet baby boy.
Oh so sorry to read this. I can't imagine what a frightening experience this must be. I wear contacts myself and can't imagine trying to put them in your sweet baby's eyes. Thoughts and prayers with you all on this journey and big virtual hugs for strength and support.
I have a good friend whose son, 7 months old, just underwent surgery in both eyes for his cataracts. They were in the exact same position that you are in now a few months ago. They had the surgery done at Duke and are being seen there for their treatments, I would be happy to put you in contact with each other if you are interested. Just email me and let me know and I can set that up if you would like, [email protected] for sweet Thomas!
I'm so sorry to read this. My thoughts are with you and your family.
My niece had was diagnosed at age 2 with pediatric cataracts and she was seen by Laura Enyedi at Duke Eye Center. I'm not sure if you want a second opinion or not but I wanted to give you another option. My thoughts and prayers are with you and sweet Thomas!
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! This sounds so scary and almost like an impossible situation to be in, but our God is BIGGER than any of the obstacles you are facing. Will be sending up prayers for him and for your little family as well as you cope with this.
Sending up so many prayers for you and sweet Thomas!
Many prayers for your sweet family. Will be thinking of you & baby Thomas over these next months.
Thoughts and Prayers with Thomas and your family. Oh how this made me tear up. Keep us posted and we will continuously thinking about you and Thomas.
Oh, Christina. I am so sorry. I was heartbroken when I saw you post the news on instagram this morning. You have so many people praying for you and our God is a love and gracious one. Rely on Him during this hard time because as you've already experienced with Caroline's SIDs scare, He is always with us and protecting us. I pray that you feel his loving embrace envelop you over these next few days, months, and years as you figure out what is next for Thomas and your family as a whole. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Christina, I'm so sorry to read this. Our son was born with a birth defect that required surgery before the age of six months. While it wasn't quite as serious as this, it was still tough seeing our 5 month old in surgery, and then having to care for him afterward. The doctors were able to correct his issue 100% and he will have no lingering problems, and for that, we are so thankful. At this time, all you can do is pray. Pray pray pray, and know that there are so many others out there praying for you as well. Take care and keep us updated.
Christina — Im praying for your little man and thinking of you and your family. xoxo
Sending prayers for Thomas, your sweet family and the medical team. God has big plans for Thomas.
Prayers indeed from our family to yours. Jesus, we trust in You!
Praying for your sweet baby and you!
I'm so, sorry sorry to hear this news about Thomas and praying for him and your family.
Christina…this has to have been so hard for you. I'm thinking about you and yours and praying for your little boy. Stay strong!
I am so sorry for what you are going thru. Yet it is mind blowing to me that you are on your blog less than 24 hours later sharing all the medical information you can about your son!?! How can you have the time, energy and emotional strength to immediately make this such public information. I guess you feel you need the support, but from so many strangers? Try taking a back seat to focus on your son.
Everyone deals with this kind of intense pain and stress in their own way. Telling someone how to react in this situation is unhelpful and suggesting that Christina is not currently focusing on her son is hurtful and untrue. Please take a back seat to telling hurting mamas how to react to this type of news.
Blogging is a great way to keep people informed, especially in circumstances like this. My son was born 3 months early and we wrote on his caringbridge every day. Not only was writing therapy for us it was a way for us to connect with others going through the same thing but also a way for us to update friends and family without having to repeat ourselves a million times.
You have a lot of nerve posting something like this. Could it ever occur to you that she believes in the power of prayer? Maybe she is looking for other mothers who have dealt with this or known of other families who have faced this scary battle. Maybe she just wants comfort. WHO CARES? Of all times I think the old adage, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" applies here. Shame on you.
It's very sad when someone feels compelled to make a comment like this. Blogging has established a community unlike many others where people can come and share their experiences and feelings and hopefully gain new information and encouragement from other bloggers. There is zero shame in posting about this because perhaps it will result in a parent to having their child checked for a condition they weren't even aware of, which in turn could save a child from enduring a worsening condition. And posting this in no way reflects her dedication or "focus" in any way as her dedication seems to be at its highest. The last thing she needs is to hear a comment like this.She should not only be commended for posting this, but immensely thanked for sharing her and her family's story. Bottom line: we should be lifting each other up instead of bringing each other down.
Oh my gosh poor Thomas. I'm so sorry you and your family have to go through something like this. Thomas will be in my prayers to make a quick and successful recovery. <3
I can only imagine what you all are going through! I will certainly be praying for Thomas & you & Matt as well.
Praying for your sweet family! Thank you for sharing your story with your blog followers so we can be prayer warriors for Thomas. I am a new momma myself and can imagine the worry and panic you are feeling. Knowing you are strong in your faith and are trusting that God lay his hands on little Thomas during this time reassures me that you are all going to make it through this. You are doing a great job, momma!
So very sorry you and your family are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. My brother is an ophthalmologist. Let me know if you need a sounding board or a conversation…. though it seems like you are in the very best of hands.
I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'll be praying for you all and especially Thomas!
Prayers for your sweet baby!
Praying hard for Thomas and your sweet fam, friend.
I'm so sorry to hear this! I can't imagine what you are going through right now, but it sounds like you are in very good (and knowledgeable) hands to help you navigate through this. I will pray for Thomas and your family as you figure it all out. Thank you for sharing this and hopefully helping someone else identify this as early as possible. Stay strong girl!
Prayers for healing to Thomas and your family.
I've been praying for Thomas and your family all day and will continue to do so. You've been dealt a lot over the past year and I pray that you continue being the strong woman that you are. Lots of hugs and love!
Praying for yall and the medical team surrounding yall. I have confidence that the physicians and medical team will do all they can to help. I also believe in the power of prayer. Have added yall to my prayer list!!
Bless your heart! I couldn't imagine what your Momma heart must be feeling. My heart broke just reading this. Long time follower, slacker on comments. I'll be praying for your sweet boy and praying for your family. Stay strong Momma! That little guy looks like a tough one, he won't go down without a fight! Sending well wishes {& hugs} from FL for those surgeries.
Praying. Praying. Praying.
Christina, my thoughts and prayers go out to you for sweet Thomas. Praising God it was detected early. Will continue to pray for safety during the surgeries, and for support for all of you as you learn to care for him afterwards.
Praying for your sweet Thomas!
Poor sweet angel!! I'm praying for you all!!!!
Prayers for Thomas and your family!!
I will definitely be remembering sweet little Thomas and his mom and dad in my prayers! Thank you God that it was detected early. Praying for a miracle!!
I am so sorry to hear this. He has a GREAT shot at life, no matter how well he sees or not, because he has your family standing strong behind him. Lifting your entire family up in prayer.
Thomas and your family are in my prayers!!!
Oh Christina, I am so sorry to hear that….you and Thomas are in my prayers. Learning that something might be wrong with your baby is just terrifying….but we know that God can work miracles and regardless of the outcome, Thomas is loved beyond measure! Keep us updated on the surgery so that we can surround your family in prayer. What a lucky little boy to have parents and a big sister who love him so much!
The power of prayer is a very real thing — lifting Thomas and your family up right now!!!
I'm so sorry to hear about this Christina! He is so lucky to have such wonderful parents and I'll be thinking of you guys.
Sending love and prayers to you and your sweet boy. Hang in there.
I work at Brenner children's Hospital in Winston Salem and we have a Peds ophthalmologist, Eric Hein. Please let me know if I can help you or your family. [email protected]. Prayers coming your way!
I am praying for strength and peace for you and your husband and Thomas! As soon as I read your story I thought of a sermon I had listened to a few weeks ago.http://www.nvcl.org/sermon/hello-my-name-is/I know you are probably overwhelmed with information but I wanted to pass it along in case it offered any bit of comfort!
Praying for Thomas and the miracles that can and will come from the doctor's hands from the greatest physician.
Praying for Thomas and the miracles that can and will come from the doctor's hands from the greatest physician.
Hi – praying for your family. This is a tough time but please be strong for your kids. Wishing you all the very best. Sending lots of positive vibes your way.
Oh man. My heart is breaking and I am in tears. Praying for you, your sweet family, & precious Thomas. May He clothe you in strength & hold you close during this time. Big hugs!!
Praying for your sweet family!
Sending love and prayers to all of you. xoxo
Praying for Thomas and your family!
Christina, lifting Thomas and your family up in prayer. You are such a great mama and I know God is watching over you and your family.
Praying for your family and little Thomas. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
So sorry to hear this… sending positive thoughts to you and your family.
I'm so sorry to hear about your precious little Thomas. I really hope that the surgeries go well and that there won't be any severe long term effects. Please keep us posted. Thinking of your family.
Oh sweet girl, I will be praying! Thank you for sharing with us so we can do the best thing- pray!
I can't even imagine. I will definitely say a prayer! God is in control. He will take care of you.
I'm heartbroken for you. Praying with all my heart for you, baby Thomas and family. Hugs and love to you. I wish I could do more.
I'm so sorry. I'm praying for Thomas and your family.
Prayers for your sweet little guy! My 5 year old has servere vision issues and with our team of doctors he has been able to participate in all sorts of different sports. He uses other senses & is one of the best hitters on his baseball team. It takes a while to wrap your head around all the info, accommodations, etc but having a strong support team and medical staff is key. Much prayer. Xoxo
I'm so sorry to hear this news. We will be praying hard for sweet Thomas and your family!
I'm really sorry you have to go through this huge obstacle. I wanted to share a story about a cousin who had cataracts as a baby as well. He had to go through multiple surgeries as well, always wore thick glasses, and now wears contacts. He's in his 30s, has the most beautiful wife, a baby on the way, has a successful job, and has had a great life so far. and he can play golf! he apparently can never see the ball, but his friends are always on the lookout to find his ball for him. that's just the way it is when they play together…they always have his back, but they also always play in tournaments together and they all grew up at a golf course working there together as teenagers as well. this hasn't stopped him from golfing, as well as playing hockey and other sports. just keep your sights high and I'm sure little Thomas will come out on top 🙂
For some reason your comment didn't come through as an email so I hope you see this here! I just wanted to let you know how good this story was for Matt to read. We've been coping with the news in different ways and as silly and trivial as it may seem, it was disappointing to hear that golf (a game my husband grew up playing with his own dad and hopes to also share with Thomas) may not be an option. Thank you for taking the time to share this story with us. Love, Christina & Matt
So, so sorry to hear this. It's sometimes so difficult to understand why such wonderful people are faced with such adversity but I have a very strong feeling God is working in wondrous ways and will give Thomas a beautiful, beautiful life because he has parents who are working so hard to ensure it. Good on you two for staying so positive during this time for his sake! It will absolutely be acknowledged and rewarded. I will be praying for you, your children, and your family. Xo
So sorry to hear this news! Our son Dylan has congenital Motor Nystagmus(uncontrollable eye movements) and has had 4 surgeries and we have flown all over to go to the best doctors to make sure he has the best "shot" at a great life! I will keep your precious boy in our prayers! I understand exactly what you are going through.
I am so sorry to hear this. Thomas will be in my prayers.
I am praying for you all right now. I know I don't even know you guys, but I am sitting here in tears for what you are going through. Just know the Lord is in control and will equip you and Thomas to handle this.
I am praying for you all right now. I know I don't even know you guys, but I am sitting here in tears for what you are going through. Just know the Lord is in control and will equip you and Thomas to handle this.
I am so sorry to read this. I'm not a mother yet, so I can't say that I can imagine how you feel, but I know it must be heartbreaking. Just know that God has a plan in all of this, and he can make all things work together for good. I am praying for Thomas and for you and Matt to be strong and faithful. You and God have got this!
Oh my goodness, Christina, I am so very sorry to hear about sweet little Thomas. I will for sure be keeping him and you all in my prayers! How scary! God is faithful and strong; may his grace, love, and power carry you all through this challenging time.
Very sorry to hear this! Thinking of you and your family!
I have a 7 month old niece who was born just six weeks after my little one and had a cataract on one eye. She has a contact for her one eye, and while it is challenging for her Mommy and Daddy, they know it's for the best. I would be happy to put you in touch with my sister-in-law if you want to talk to a new Mommy who is going through something similar as we speak 🙂 Praying for Thomas ♡
I have a 7 month old niece who was born just six weeks after my little one and had a cataract on one eye. She has a contact for her one eye, and while it is challenging for her Mommy and Daddy, they know it's for the best. I would be happy to put you in touch with my sister-in-law if you want to talk to a new Mommy who is going through something similar as we speak 🙂 Praying for Thomas ♡
Oh Christina, I hate to read this! Y'all have been through so much with your sweet babies in such a short amount of time! I know your faith is strong, which will help tremendously. Thinking and praying for Thomas and your family. Hugs!
As the mama of one 16 month old boy with another son due this Christmas, you and sweet Thomas have all my prayers tonight. Stay strong Christina!
Hugs and prayers!!! I'm so glad they were able to get you in so quickly and get moving on it!! I know that must be terrifying, but we've got you covered in prayers, mama!!
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I just stumbled upon your blog through A Liz Adventures. I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet son and will pray for Thomas and your family. Just remember that doctors are almost always going to give you worst case scenarios. My son was a premie and had to have cranial reconstruction surgery at 10 months old. We later found out that his brain didn't completely develop. His neuro told us that he may never run or walk steady (that was when he was 19 months and still hadn't walked yet). My husband and I were absolutely devastated. At 21 months, he took his first steps. And now he runs all over the place. He can jump, he can walk backwards, he can kick a ball, he climbs all over things, etc…. These were all things that the doctors said he probably wouldn't do. It just goes to show that no one ever really knows what the future holds and even doctors are constantly learning. My advice to you and your hubby is to be the absolute BEST advocates you can be for Thomas. Ask the difficult questions, challenge his caregivers with alternatives, get 2nd and 3rd opinions if you feel like you need them and most of all….surround yourselves with supportive and loving people! It sounds like you're already well on your way. Prayers for the journey ahead! p.s. Thomas is just adorable!
Will be praying for your son and for peace for your family ❤️
Sending incredible amounts of love and prayers to your family! <3
I will certainly pray for your baby, Christina, and am lifting Thomas up to a mighty strong Prayer Warrior team as we speak. He is quite the handsome little lad! ♥♥♥
Prayers for you and your sweet family, you are strong and will be able to overcome this obstacle with grace! Xo, Stephanie
I am so very sorry sweet girl. I feel bad for all of you! I cannot even begin to imagine how scared you all were when you found this out… All of you are in my thoughts & prayers!