We are throwing a special party for our son, Keith.  His party is in two days, at Chuck E. Cheese.

His birthday isn't until December 23, but the reason we are having his party now is because he isn't expected to live long enough to see his eighth birthday.  For you see, our precious son is dying of a fatal heart condition.  Nothing can be done to help him, except to keep him comfortable and happy.

We found out about this when he was two and no amount of surgery can help.  It's just too severe.  It has been very hard to deal with on many levels, but Keith has always been a very happy child anyway, so keeping him happy hasn't really been difficult.  

Keith is also too weak to handle being in school (plus flu and cold season is very dangerous for him; even a simple cold could kill him or put him into Intensive Care), so we are homeschooling him.  He is a very bright little guy and pulls A's in all of his courses.  He loves to write stories, play with his toy cars and trucks, and listen to music on his Ipod.  He has been to a few concerts, but we have had to keep a close watch on him; the last time he went, he got pneumonia and nearly died.  He was five then.

Keith is on oxygen and has to be seen by his doctor every few weeks.  We also have nurses to come help when he is ill or to make sure his health is in check when he isn't hospitalized.  Right now, he is okay, but doctors say he won't live another month ... that is, IF he is lucky.

For his birthday, besides the party at Chuck E. Cheese, we are having a Keith Wilson Day.  The local news channel will be there, covering the event, and there will be plenty of surprises in store, including making Keith an honorary Marine, a ride in the fire truck around town, and a parade in his honor.  Keith will probably get excited, but we will try our best to keep him calm; considering the circumstances, it will be very hard.  Yet we will try our best.

It is all we can do for our little guy; we want him to leave this world happy and having memories of good times.  We also plan on having Christmas later on; we have already decorated the house, and we have gotten some amazing presents for Keith, including a new computer, a new puppy, an autographed football from his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a surprise visit from several of the players who will be in town that day.

It is going to be a birthday party (and a Christmas) to remember for the ages!