Happy Birthday Keaton

Happy 5th Birthday, Keaton!

Your arrival was an answer to our prayers. We waited for days, weeks, months for you and here you were. Rounding out 24 hours old, our world flipped upside down. The day had been joyous with visitors and pictures galore until that moment when the our world froze. In an instant you completely stopped breathing.

We ended up at your bedside in a small NICU with the doctor on call and a nurse trying to figure out the situation. One spell led to another and another. I sat watching a nurse give you oxygen with a paralyzed look on her face that made me shiver.

The decision was made to transport you to Texas Children's Level 1 NICU. From there, the news just became agonizing. Doctors, nurses, social workers and anyone that could talk to us began informing us that it was a very small chance you would survive and leave the NICU. The reality of those discussions, moments, happenings bring back a flood of emotions. Thirteen days later, the toughest decision of our lives was made to remove you from life support. The hospital let us take you outside for the first time in your life. We sat on a bench and just soaked up the sunlight with our closest family and friends.

As we prepared to leave the NICU, we were told that if you did survive, your life expectancy was 1-3 years, you would be tube fed and bed ridden for the remainder of your life.

Well, Keaton Koehler, I think you have shown them whose boss! For 5 years old, you are tough as nails, the happiest boy I know, a true Momma's boy, sweet, content, eager, and most of all you are a fighter! We challenge you and your capabilities daily and have so many expectations for you. I'm so thankful for you. I pray your journey is always filled with love and laughter. You truly give "happy birthday" a reason to celebrate.

Love, Mom & Dad