Erin is coming home!!!!!!!!! Doctor's today caucused and decided that she was doing so well in her miraculous turnaround that there was no point in staying until Friday. She can come home tomorrow! We are thrilled beyond words. We also feel a little tentative, not wanting to jinx anything.
Every day, there is some drama. Today's drama was about insurance. Apparently, you need to actually enroll your newborn in your insurance plan. I thought it happened automatically. In reality, you need to do it within the first 31 days. I learned today that Erin's insurance coverage had lapsed, and that I had no health insurance for her. A relatively minor point, until you consider that her hospital bill will be in the six figures. Oops.
I turned to my assistant Dee Dickinson, who performed minor miracles and was able to get Erin reinstated on my group insurance plan. Dee has been above and beyond the call of duty in handling things in my absence, and this was no exception. Sheila and I were discussing it over lunch (at the Spicy Pickle - three days this week) and I told her that you need to be an expert in insurance to understand all of these nuances. Actually, it would be necessary to have a an insurance expert in the family to navigate the complexity of insurance today. Oh...that would be me. Another oops.
In the afternoon, I went to the hospital pharmacy to fill all of Erin's prescriptions. On the way, I began to think about the prescription drug coverage I have, which is a different insurance carrier. Sure enough, I wasn't covered on that one as well. After an hour on the phone, I was reinstated there too, but advised to pay cash for the first fulfillment and submit it to insurance. Who knew that a month's supply of liquid viagra costs over $200?
Besides the joy of knowing Erin is coming home tomorrow, the best thing about today was the reaction of everyone in the NICU. Word spreads pretty fast about someone going home, and we were constantly receiving nurses and doctors who had interacted with Erin wanting to wish us well and to share their happiness with us over her parole. It was quite a contrast from past days, which all were a grind. This was a day of happiness. It is also surreal to think that we don't need to show up every day. I joked with the staff that Erin and I were going to come on Friday just to hang out.
Our happiness is tempered by the sorrow over the tragic loss of 7 year old Carson Bosley. Carson's father is a key member of our MullinTBG family. Over the weekend, Carson complained that he wasn't feeling well and was rushed to the hospital. He suffered what is believed to be a massive stroke and passed away today. There are no words to express our sympathy for Jamie, Kelly and their family. It is impossible to comprehend.
We thank God every day for Erin, and have a renewed understanding on just how fleeting and fragile life is. Please keep the Bosley family in your prayers.
I will have a final post tomorrow with photo's.
5 comments:
Welcome Home and God speed. Even though we are in California, please know that our hearts are with you and that if you need anything just call.
David & Susan
So glad to read the news about Erin going home! We will miss her! Looking forward to reading updates from home!
Nurse Lindsay
With the emotional roller coaster you and Sheila have been on, we did not want to make any comments for utleast 24 hours.
Erin going home fantastic news...
It seems that your blogs kept a large numbers of friends and well wishers busy with prayers and it seems to have created the miracle all were hoping for.
Erin you go girl!!!
Love to all three of you.
Leon and Joy.
Congrats on the birth of Erin! It doesn't take long until you cannot remember what life was like before a baby. You learn things you had no idea exsisted. (Jim I bet this time last year you had no idea what a boppy was !!). You both are great parents, everyday is a new joy. My one piece of advice would be to purchase several of the pacifiers that Erin likes and keep them handy. Baby's know what they like and if you lose one and try to sneek a different one in....it could be a sleepless night!! Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura Litchfield
Jim and Sheila , I am so thrilled that Erin is able to finally be home with you .These last few weeks must have been so emotionally and physically draining , I just can't imagine how you were able to find the time and energy to write each day to keep us all informed . I think you should consider publishing these blogs as an inspiration to other parents going through similar situations with their children . Also just a suggestion .My physical therapits son was born prematurely and weight just under 2 pounds when he was born .They had a social worker at the hospital who kept them up to date as to the in and outs of insurance , home care , medical and emotional needs. She was a liason between them and the hospital and insurance company and they found out that Lliam (their son ) qualified for financial assistance because of the long stay initally and then the many trips back and forth to the hospital for various proceduers . You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I am so happy for you ! God Bless, Julie Johnson (Jamie Langhams mom )
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