How are you all holding up after this weekend? I hope you are safe and well. The kids and I watched the marathon with friends, ate bagels with cream cheese, then had a open house where friends floated in and out of our apartment all day long. I’m not much of a big party person, but I love having what I like to call “open house.” It’s a time to gather and talk without pressure, and let the kids make a mess in the room.
While there is so much going on in the world that remains heavy on my heart, I needed to finally share something personal that we’ve been going through on this side of the screen. I’ve kind of flipped back and forth on whether to share or not, when, and if so, how I would. When I speak about motherhood on this space, I try to be mindful of how I share the story. My goal is always to share my story, and not those that belong to River and Oak. It is something I consider each day. Sometimes I fail and sometimes I am pretty good at curving the conversation to achieve an ultimate goal that I feel protects them and their future.
Recently, it has been hard because of something personal with Oak, but as things move along, I need to share…
Later this month, Oak will have open heart surgery to close a Ventricular Septal Defect.
Years ago, when Oak was tiny, our pediatrician found the defect during a routine appointment. Throughout the years, we’ve visited his amazing cardiologist every few months to check on it, and every appointment, O has done so well. There was little room to worry, until his last appointment. Because of a few circumstances, Oak has to have the hole closed soon, and open heart surgery is the safest and most effective way. He has the best team in New York and we know Oak is so strong and will be back to his silly ways in no time.
His recovery time is a bit long, and so, on the blog front, I am gathering content and people together so that things can run a bit in my long absence. The truth is, with other projects happening outside of this space, his surgery has forced me to look at the way in which I work a little differently. I need to step back, and I need to be more effective in the things I do and allow a team to help me.
This has been difficult, but I often I look around and realize that we aren’t the only ones, and so, I tilt my head and just remain really really thankful for all that we have and all that we get to do. And in the end, I am certain he will be okay.
So excuse the sometimes distance that has been happening and will continue to happen as I buckle down and love on little O with all that I have within me. We have a host of family and friends who will support us during his recovery, and everyone I work with has been truly understanding. I’ll be here posting until the surgery, and then I’ll step back… but the blog will still be updated on occasion.
Thank you for your continued support and love,
LaTonya
I am rooting for Oak, for you, and for your entire family with my whole heart of a mother. I sincerely believe that everything will work out perfectly. Take care of yourself, too! <3
I don't know you but I'm sending Oak and your family great love, peace, strength and continued courage! I, too, believe all will work out well.
I wish you all the love and strength for your beautiful family. Oak seems like such a strong boy. Love, Elseline, Rotterdam
Oh, sweet mama. Sending love and quick healing to Oak and to you.
Wishing Oak and his team at the hospital all the positive strength and healing! And for you and your family…❤️
I am mostly a silent reader of your blog and it feels a bit weird to talk now, but it would feel even more weird not to. sending all love and good vibes to oak and you!annton
Thank you for sharing. Our prayers and thoughts are here for you, Oak and your family. Take care and God Bless.
Lots of strength LaTonya & thanks for sharing this personal news. Sending love xxx
Sending prayers of love, hope, healing and the strength to move through it all.
Thinking of you and your family and sending prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery!
Sending strong thoughts for your family! We'll be here waiting when you're ready to come back fully. 🙂 xx.
Sending love and light from California <3
Thank you for sharing. I can only imagine the emotions that come with surgery on a little one. Keeping your family in my thoughts and wishing a safe and fast recovery. <3
Coming out of the woodwork to send love to Oak and your family.
Peace & Blessings to your family doing this time.
Praying for your family ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear that Oak and your family have to go through this. Sending love and prayers<3
Sending love light and many prayer to you and your family .
I’ve been away for awhile, and I am sad to come back to this, mama to mama. Sending love and healing vibes from Iowa.
I’ve been away for a bit, and I’m sad to come back to this, mama to mama. Sending love your way from rural Iowa.