Average Daily Temperature 37

In March the average temperature in Richmond ranges from 55-60 degrees.

In Minneapolis, Minnesota the average temperature ranges from 37-45 degrees.

I looked up this little trivia when I realized that Houlder and I would be heading North for spring break.  This jaunt is no a little trek for snowy adventure.

We are headed to Mayo Clinic for a week.  While those other kids from school go swooshing down the slopes or are baking in the sun, Houlder and I will live it up clinic style.

Houlder made it through the first semester taking two classes and getting his license.  He has never driven solo, because he has been in bed almost all of the last three weeks.  It is similar to 2011 except we are not freaked out.  We know he is sick and that options to help him here are limited.  They may be limited period.  His blood pressure is whacking out in the opposite direction, and his heart is racier. 
 
Compounding this, Vanderbilt did not want to alter any meds and his pediatrician retired the end of December.  Not being a terribly simple case, we are so extremely grateful a friend who has been a huge resource for us has agreed to take on Houlder's care. 

When I thought we would have to start dusting off the massive folders of information, I received a call from Mayo saying Houlder could be seen in their diagnostic clinic during this week in March which just so happened to coincide with spring break.  Every physician we have seen has advocated that we head there.  It took 10 months, and we feel lucky. 

He took a nap after we opened presents.  The new normal.

William will stay home to hold down the fort.  A lesson from last year is that while I need him for his clarity and calm, the other boys need stability during this time.  The year has been rough for them -- they miss their brother.  While Houlder managed first semester, the truth was he went to his classes, came home, ate, slept, did his work, ate again and went to bed.  It was huge effort for him to go to a few of Dell's soccer games.  I suspected he was beginning to experience more trouble when he was not able to stay awake to go to a swim meet to cheer on his buddies.  

We have much to navigate to understand what is ahead of us and what we will do.  We are seeing the doctor I only dreamed of getting into.  This doctor may or may not have another solution, and we accept his answer may be the same as Vandy's.   We are open.

Here is the doctor, Phil Fischer, explaining POTS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ9bv7jx-Ls

When Dr. Fischer describes the kind of kid POTS hits, I see Houlder in the Fall 2010 feeling so great and almost invincible to be at Collegiate and swimming and with his friends.  That life has slipped away from him. It will evolve into something great and his compassion for others will only increase.

But damn.

Christmas Eve, Houlder wanted to try acolyting after a year.  We are grateful he did not pass out.  Frazer and Dell also acolyted.

It is what it is and maybe Mayo knows what it is more clearly.  Or not. 

It is worth holding out the hope for such a love!