Monday, January 17 — Happy birthday, Heath!

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14!!

Heath turns 14-years-old tomorrow, January 18!! How is that possible? I read something about the fact that he would be eligible for driver’s ed this summer. Seriously?

I think about how many times we have had to say that birthdate over the years for all of his medical stuff, especially in the last 6 months. Those of you who have had chronic medical stuff and lots of appointments, hospitalizations, pharmacy pick-ups, will know exactly what I mean. Sometimes you say that particular birthdate so much that it feels weird to say your own or your other family members’ birthdates and question whether or not you are correct.

We had all hoped that his birthday would be a point to mark in being done with treatment, able to do something super celebratory. And while it is true that he is recovering WELL, albeit slowly, and gaining strength and energy every day, this darn COVID mess and winter weather have hampered our celebration ideas.

SO, I think we’ve all decided that we’ll mark the day with some fun take-out and maybe a little golf cart ride at our friends’ house, but we’ll really figure out how to celebrate it in a few weeks. January birthdays are always a little tricky that way, made trickier in this particular year.

Goodness knows we have plenty to celebrate about this fella and his 14th birthday!!

In an unfortunate turn of events, darn old Omicron has paid our house a visit. Ella Brooks learned on Tuesday that she had been directly exposed on Monday afternoon. She immediately entered her room to isolate, just in case. She didn’t start to show any symptoms until Friday morning and tested positive later that day. (*This is a quick PSA to tell you that an immediate rapid test after exposure is NOT necessarily accurate.) She has been amazing–and with symptoms waning, she is due to be “released from captivity” on Wednesday with more days of masking when around people. Because she isolated so quickly, it appears so far that the rest of us are ok. Her room is cleaner and better organized than ever, and I think she is almost through ALL the seasons of NCIS. We cope how we cope.

While EB and Heath enjoyed the winter weather from their windows, Wilson and Rosie got to do a little snow/ice/sleet time. That meant that Chris and I also got a little time outside, which was mostly lovely, until it wasn’t. Winter in the south–we lost power for only about 2 minutes and even made some fun attempts at some “sledding” (you can ask Wilson about the video) while laughing a bit at the 24×7 frantic news coverage.

Chris, Heath, and I spent some time this morning organizing your incredibly generous donations for our “Medical Staff Appreciation” project.  We are overwhelmed, in the best way, folks.  From all over we have received treats and Starbucks cards and donations.  And there is more coming, we know.  Our new goal–150 bags!!  And some other much-needed donations to a few units. We will really be able to reach SO MANY staff members.  What an incredible gift.  As we opened and organized, we said through tears, “Wow, people are good.”  We must remember that as these days lead us to think the opposite.  There really is so much GOOD.

So, happy birthday to Heath Tuttle tomorrow. 
And happy day to all you good people.
Thank you for continuing to help and care for us and for the world.

47 replies
  5. Ann Flagg says:

    I have a new iPad and somehow haven’t been receiving until I found this today! I’ll have our grandson to check it out for me! Thank goodness for grandsons!
    Happy birthday yesterday, Heath. We are so proud of you. 💕🙏

    Reply
  7. Jeffrey and Karyn Parsons says:

    🖖🏼Live long and prosper, Heath!!
    (And if you don’t know where that’s from, ask the old(er) family members😎

    Reply
  11. Betsy Rule says:

    Happy Birthday, Heath! Fourteen is a great age! That learner’s permit gets closer and closer! Enjoy this day and eat cake!!🎂

    Reply
  15. Linda Allen says:

    I have just joined to receive information about Heath.. loved his pictures.
    He always has a smile— what a champion. And 14 🤗.
    I have been “quite” for a time— a few bumps— but so better. Back again to Flower guild.. —- always prayers for Heath and family! With love, hope,prayers, so many supporting friends from all . The best is the love that creates the kindness and fills the hearts with Hope . Seems to be working for Heath 😁 . We are so blessed even through all challenges!
    Love to all- Linda

    Reply
  16. Betty M Rissmiller says:

    Happy Happy birthday to Heath – what a strong young man he is! I’m hoping that a huge celebration is in the offing in just a couple of months as spring arrives and Covid takes a backseat. Best to Heath, and to all the Tuttles!

    Reply
  20. Kitty Kelly says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday Heath!! Enjoy some yummy takeout and plan a warmer weather celebration. We love you. EB please get 100% better very soon. So sorry you caught “the Corona” as Knox calls it.

    Reply
  27. Nancye Bryan says:

    What an uplifting post! Sending every excellent wish to Heath and you all for his birthday and the year ahead! ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  29. huckabee reba says:

    Happy Happy Birthday HEATH !!! WISHES for a GREAT DAY and YEAR !!! You are indeed a wonderful trooper we ALL admire !!

    Reply
  38. Terry Hammersley says:

    14!!! That’s such a great age — congratulations, Heath!! And you three snow bunnies look so cute! Hope EB is feeling good now and has some lovely new antibodies!
    I will get the bags tomorrow, Carrie, and get them over to you. Stay well, all of you, love, Terry

    Reply
  39. Gran Sarah says:

    Happy, Happy 14th Birthday Heath! We are all so proud of your big heart, humility, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, courage and strength! Praying every day that your full recovery continues and you will be back to doing all the things you love! Much love to you, Birthday Boy. You (and your family) are loved beyond measure!❤

    Gran Sarah

    Reply
  42. Sharron says:

    Happy Birthday Heath! I hope that you enjoy every minute! And guess what..
    I hope that you have another wonderful day when you are able to celebrate again!
    🎵🎂🎵🎉

    Reply
  46. Bonnie Maready says:

    I well remember when Heath was born and getting a peek at him when he came home from the hospital. I was dropping off some food for dinner.
    Here he is 14 years later…
    Happy Happy Birthday Heath Tuttle!!!!!!

    Reply

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