Gina Pizzuchini here.

I hope this finds you well.  Me, I'm tired.  Seems our little Colby Shane kept us up all night.  Had a bit of a loose stomach, vomiting; the doctor came, gave him a shot; now he's sleeping, resting comfortably.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting here, yawning my fool head off. 

Mark is busy with the other children (Christina, Izabella, and Marko (Mark), keeping them out of my hair, while I tend to our youngest child.  He's a dear; I don't know what we'd do without him!

I don't know what I'd do without my husband; he is my rock, my salvation:  when we were told that our youngest child was severely handicapped, he was there for me, and he continues to be there to this very day.

Marko, Christina, and Iza are very good with their baby brother.  They are great at helping with diaper changes, tube feedings, and they know how to summon for an ambulance whenever it is needed (seems that is too frequent, unfortunately).  They are very responsible, and it is through helping us take care of Colby that they've learned about empathy, compassion towards others.

Even with all his physical/mental problems, I can thank God that Colby wasn't born with anencephaly, or severely underveloped brain/skull, which kills babies soon or shortly after their birth.  At least he has a brain; it just didn't develop normally, and now he has to suffer the devastating consequences.

Colby has outlived doctors' predictions by three years.  He will be four this year.  Any day we have him is indeed a huge blessing in our lives, and we thank God every day for our special child.

I pray, hope that tomorrow, or the days afterwards, are better for Colby.  It's not fun to be sick; it's especially difficult for a child who can't really tell you what's wrong.  With Colby, unless he's poopy, vomiting, or sneezing, he really can't tell me he doesn't feel good; it's more of a guessing game. 

Last night, he looked so miserable as he vomited, pooped.  I could tell he didn't feel good; it broke my heart.  All I could do was hold him, try to comfort him, and keep him cleaned/changed as best as I could.  It bothered me so much, I had Dr. Fandisco come over, so he could give him at least a shot to stop the diarrhea/vomiting; it's seemed to have done the trick.

It has wiped Colby out, though:  he still lies in his hospital bed, on his side, sleeping heavily.  He will probably remain asleep for a good part of the day.

I wish more people understood what I go through in caring for our son.  If they could spend an hour, no, a day, no a week, in my shoes, maybe then would they see.  The stares, the comments, the responsibility, the drama, even the tears.  Oh, those tears!

I've cried so much in the past three years over Colby, it's a wonder I have any tears left!!

Well, Mark is calling me, so I'd best go, plus I hear Izzy and Christina arguing.  Before they kill each other, I'd best run.  I pray they don't wake up Colby; he's not very pleasant to be around when interrupted from a good night's (or day's) rest!  Take care, and may God bless you! 

Just keep us in your prayers, that's all I ask!  I don't need another repeat of last night with Colby!

~Love, your friend, Gina Pizzucchini.  :(