Captain Jack and the Golden Treasure

Captain Jack knew these waters well. His small ship quietly parted the murky mist hovering above the silent sea. Moonlight blanketed the area leading toward the forbidden cliffs, where an opening to a hidden cave invited those seeking adventure.

Upon entering the cave, Jack sailed his ship toward rocky land and dropped anchor. A tattered captain's coat wore evidence of the difficult journey to reach his destination. From a damp pocket a worn treasure map was pulled and unrolled to show the way.

A match was lit as Jack studied the contents. "Fifty two steps from the rocky ledge," whispered the Captain. Carefully each step was taken by his squeaky, leather boots. The dim light permeated shortly to reveal damp, stone walls as trickles of water broke the eerie silence.

Jack followed the map through panicked bats, threatening stalactites, and occasional skeletons of unfortunate mates who had tried their luck through the treacherous cave. After turning the last corner, there before him a beam of light rested upon the treasure chest. Hesitantly he approached the old, oak box. Captain Jack had heard the rumors and did not take this discovery lightly.

The Golden Treasure, although thought to be the most bounteous loot hidden amongst the seven seas, was cursed. Any pirate to set eyes upon the treasure in an unprepared state would quickly meet unforeseen events lead by Davy Jones himself. However, if a pirate be ready, the Golden Treasure was hoped to grant a pirate's greatest wish.

Unable to wait any longer, Captain Jack flung the lid off the chest and beheld the glistening, golden coins. The treasure in all its glory glowed brighter and brighter. Jack basked in its light as it grew brighter and brighter and brighter ... still brighter and brighter and BRIGHTER!

The brightness continued, but Jack couldn't seem to look away. His mouth opened to yell, but was so overcome by the situation, he could only shake slightly as though experiencing the g-force of a bursting volcano.

The face of Davy Jones appeared behind the light. "Mrs. Adam," he said, "Your son's eyes are looking a little more matured. However, he has developed stage one ROP in both eyes." The light turned off and Jack wailed to make his discomfort known. His mom held him until the shock had left, then nestled him back in his bed.

"It's OK, Captain," she said to her boy. "You'll be better in no time." Jack knew she was right. A little ROP was nothing compared to his recent adventures. Soon he settled back into a deep sleep ready to search for the Golden Treasure, this time to have his wish granted.

One way or another, he'd find a way to get home soon.

The Sky Be Blue Everywhere

When I was younger I had grand plans to move away from my hometown and find happiness elsewhere. During a trip to Disneyland I put two quarters into a pirate fortune machine. A card popped out with the advice, "A gimbal-jawed mate would have ye sign on for a long voyage. Refuse it ... yer best interest lies in a snug harbor. Mark well me words: No need to sail around the world to find that the sky be blue everywhere." Disappointed, I stashed the card in a pocket and went about my day.

Years later, I now keep that card in my wallet. I am grateful to have stayed where I was needed and found a wonderful man that I married. More so, I am grateful for the challenges we faced in order to have Jack.

In April 2010 Mike and I found out we were expecting for the first time. The excitement quickly departed once discovering it was ectopic. After a long night in the emergency room, we returned home with heavy hearts and the broken promise of having a baby.

February 2011 we were hopeful again once realizing we were pregnant. After being monitored daily for weeks, praying and wishing for the pregnancy to be positive, we were given the news it was ectopic again. This time the resolution wasn't easy like our previous experience. A few failed attempts to resolve the ectopic eventually caused me to have surgery, lose one tube, have another tube damaged, and receive a blood transfusion.

Although we were told we could never get pregnant, we found out we were expecting again in June 2011. We were terrified to face another series of medical issues. While being examined by an ultra sound tech we heard the words, "And there's your baby." The image on the screen showed a successful pregnancy!

While carrying Jack I had several issues. The blood transfusion received in February had given me antibodies that would attack the baby. As we were coming out of handling that issue, I was diagnosed with preclampsia. We were twenty four weeks along when I was admitted into the hospital for constant monitoring. Twenty five weeks to the day we had Jack.

Since his birth, we've watched Jack make incredible strides. Some days have been harder than others. Though these events can be difficult, it's been humbling to watch other parents go through similar or worse situations in the NICU. After conversing during parent-night meetings, I've felt very blessed for the struggles we've had to face with Jack.

At the time I was too young and short-sighted to really understand the advice my pirate fortune card was offering. The sky is blue everywhere. There are joys and happiness to experience all throughout this earth. However, nowhere can I look and not see someone experiencing a trial. No matter how far I could travel, I would never find a place free of worry.  Even if there was such a place, I'm glad I never found  it. All the worry and work to sustain Jack has been well worth the effort.

Besides, my sky is bright enough right here.

The Adventures of Captain Jack

Captain Jack knew there were dangers lurking around every corner. Today, more than ever, the threat of a challenge floated through the mist.

He had faced and quickly lost similar battles, but considering his experience he had a better chance of defeating his foe. Eyes partially open to examine his surroundings, Jack waited for the opportune moment to outsmart the oncoming terror.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps around the bend. They were coming for him. As his opponent approached with their cunning plan, Captain Jack pretended to sleep. Soon the other party spotted his vulnerable position and confidently approached.

Before they could make their next move, Jack sprung to life and began to fight off his attackers. Swords were clashed. Punches were thrown. A jab was made for his right arm, but Captain Jack quickly moved and counter-attacked by kicking his leg. The smooth dance of swordplay continued only a moment longer. Jack's leg was caught mid-air by his rival.

A quick poke went into his thigh. Eyes bulged and his face looked like a tomato. Captain Jack let his tongue shake while wailing.

That's when his mom leaned down and rubbed his head. "Shh shh shh ... your immunization is all over." Jack stared up, panting with a pouted lip. After a few moments all was well. The nurse apologized for having to be so mean and they became friends once again.

However, the last laugh belonged to Jack. Just wait until the nurse found the big surprise he left in his diaper during his moment of distress!

Sweet Dreams ... of Disneyland

During the last few days Jack has started to smile.

I thought out loud as to what could make him smile so frequently, in which the nurse replied, "He just has gas." I should probably mention that Jack's had several milligrams a day of prune juice to help with some "pooting" problems. However, is it me or do people not smile when suffering from constipation?


Regardless, I choose to believe that his recent smiles correlate with our more frequent cuddles. This week the doctor has determined Jack is ready for more stimulation, allowing him to be held daily. I'll usually start out humming or softly singing lullabies. This will wake Jack up, but place him into a sedated mode. Then we'll begin our conversations of Disneyland.


Disneyland is a good speaking point, not only because it is the Happiest Place on Earth, but because it presents a reason for Jack to start breathing on his own. I don't think Disneyland cast members allow oxygen tanks onto Splash Mountain ... just sayin'. (I mention this to Jack every day as a reminder.)


Our adventure begins each day by describing the walk into Disneyland from a Good Neighbor Hotel and the anticipation of waiting in line for the park to open. Once opened I'll ask Jack, "Where to first?" Shall we venture through outer space fighting aliens on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters? Or brave the Jungle Cruise through African waters? After listing a few options, Jack will become wide-eyed once hearing his selection. Funny enough, I think he prefers Pirates of the Caribbean. It does have a pirate named Jack.


I'll describe each ride, restaurant, and shop we visit in utmost detail. After four days of describing Disneyland we're halfway through visiting each attraction in the park. We still have a whole new discussion waiting about California Adventure.


While holding Jack, his oxygen levels become stabilized and his eyes open with wonder. Afterward he'll fall asleep in his little isolette, occasionally letting a smile come over his face. Gas, you might ask? I think not: he's dreaming of climbing into a canoe and rowing across the Rivers of America, occasionally helping his mom splash Uncle Phil.

So sweet dreams, littlest. One day they'll all come true. :)