Today, on National Son’s Day, I want to take a moment to celebrate my son, Emery, the most intelligent, sassy, and incredibly strong boy I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Emery, you are the epitome of resilience, and I am in awe of you every single day. You have been fighting for your life since day one, enduring struggles that no child should have to face, and yet, through it all, you’ve managed to keep that giant smile on your face. Your spirit, your strength, and your determination have left us in awe, and you continue to amaze not only your mom and dad but everyone who crosses your path.
You’ve shown us all what true courage looks like. For nine months, you’ve fought silently, with no one fully aware of the battles you were facing inside. Even when the odds seemed stacked against you, you never gave up. You’ve proven the doctors, nurses, and neurologists wrong, continually showing them the depths of your strength and your potential. I’m beyond proud of you, Emery, for the way you’ve shown the world what you’re capable of, and how you’ve defied the expectations set for you.
This year has been nothing short of a whirlwind. It started with the devastating news that you have a rare heart condition, one that no parent ever expects to hear about their child. But the struggles didn’t end there. You had to undergo surgery just to preserve your lungs, ensuring that future heart surgeries would be possible. That phone call, the one no parent wants to receive—telling us you had suffered an episode, needed CPR, and that we needed to get to you as soon as possible—was a moment I will never forget. Those hours spent in the waiting room, not knowing if you were okay, not knowing if I would even be able to see you again, were some of the longest of my life. The uncertainty and the fear were almost too much to bear.
Yet, even then, you kept fighting. You continued to prove everyone wrong, even when things seemed impossible. You were placed on ECMO, a heart-lung machine, as a last resort to save you, and for days, no one knew if you would make it through or how long you’d need to remain on the machine. The days blurred together, and all we could do was pray and wait. But you’re Emery, and you’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.
After ECMO, the road was still not easy. You faced five additional surgeries, each one taking its toll on your tiny body. And then, we learned that you had suffered a severe anoxic brain injury. But none of this has stopped you. With every setback, you’ve come back stronger. You were told you might never regain the ability to see, to walk, to talk, or to eat independently, but you’ve already started to defy those predictions. With the help of therapy and your sheer willpower, you’ve started to regain those abilities. It’s a slow process, but you’re making progress every single day. You’re showing everyone that you are more than the sum of your struggles. You are a fighter, a warrior, and an inspiration to all of us.
Every day, I am reminded of how much strength you have inside you. I can’t wait for the day when we are all back at home together, with our animals and the comfort of our family surrounding us. I know that we still have a long road ahead, but I have unwavering faith that you will continue to overcome every obstacle in your path. I believe with all my heart that you will live a long, happy, and fulfilled life, surrounded by the people who love you unconditionally.
Emery, you have shown me what it means to never give up, no matter how tough the road may seem. You are the light of my life, and I am endlessly proud of you. Your strength, courage, and resilience are a testament to the incredible person you are, and I am honored to be your mom.
I love you more than words can express, Emery. You are my miracle, and every day with you is a gift. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will continue to do in this world. You are a true inspiration, and I will always be here, cheering you on, loving you, and supporting you every step of the way.
Happy National Son’s Day to my brave, beautiful boy. You are everything to me, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you by my side.