Hello, son,
I’m going to revisit what I wrote yesterday because I received some feedback about it.
I mentioned that later on, we would either go to France or home to Prea. And some people specifically told me not to go back to France. It’s funny, because you might think the general opinion would be the opposite.
Let’s be clear. We won’t be going to France now. Firstly, because I no longer have any rights there. Everything will be reopened in 2026. But most importantly, because virus season is at its peak. Just the day before yesterday, I learned that a baby had just been intubated in Paris due to bronchiolitis. I doubt this is an isolated case. The French climate, especially in winter, is a nightmare for respiratory illnesses. And I’m not even talking about the current state of hospitals. France is nothing like the France it used to be. However, public hospitals are still better than public ones in Brazil, especially in terms of hygiene.
Returning home (to Prea) would probably be ideal for your first two years. We would be in nature, without crowds, without pollution, without viruses circulating everywhere. And with space to enjoy the outdoors and also host family.
Because indeed, in Fortaleza, every week we hear about children catching viruses.
Our friends’ daughter was in the hospital due to influenza. Yesterday, your nanny’s daughter went there for a fever. Here in the city, viruses are everywhere. So yes, we need to get away from all this as soon as possible. Not to mention that in a few months it will be bronchiolitis season and all its viral friends, and you still managed to catch hand, foot, and mouth disease without leaving the house, even though we have a strict protocol.
There can also be intermediate solutions between the countryside and not too far from the city.
In fact, everything is possible. But logically, the house seems best on paper if your condition continues to improve.
The problem today is that we still depend heavily on your care. We hope you continue your current progress to gradually reduce this infernal pace. Less care means more freedom. And more freedom means being able to leave the city.
In parallel, we are following a very precise plan for health insurance. I can’t detail everything we’re doing here, but I can tell you one thing. We’re not sitting idly by. There’s a strategy. We’re moving forward. And if it works, it will take a huge weight off our minds!
As for your day yesterday, you were quite stable. We gave you the emergency treatment only once because your breathing was poor. Your chest retractions are still strong, but we know it will remain that way for at least two years. Until your little body builds muscle, until your abdomen strengthens after everything you’ve been through.
Regarding meals, two out of three yesterday, that’s very good. You didn’t want the last one, that’s okay. Not too much reflux either from what I saw, even if I wasn’t with you all day.
In terms of motor skills, you’re making amazing progress.
It’s true you’re still delayed, but even though we haven’t been able to run all the tests yet, everything suggests your brain is functioning very well. And considering all you’ve been through (including ECMO), it’s almost a miracle.
Well done, my superhero!
I love you
Dad.
