So fragile, yet such a strong will...(Guest post by Aunt Andrea)

I met Mateo the day after he was born, as soon as I saw him I was immediately in love. I noticed he looked long and skinny, his little body so fragile, yet such a strong will. I could not believe how lucky we were to have the first baby of our family. My heart could explode.

As Mateo stayed at the hospital I went to visit almost every weekend wanting to spend as much time with him as I could. My dream was to hold him, but because he was so little and his immune system was compromised, I was not able to. Even then he enjoyed my company, he always let me know, with a little look, or a tiny squeeze of the fingers that he really loved me being there. I spent countless hours holding his soother and petting his soft little head.

When Mateo had his first heart surgery, I went to SickKids and met with the family in the NICU. You could feel the tension in this room full of families waiting for their little ones. I approached the room slowly with heavy heart. I, like most people there, felt the fear of the unknown. But I somehow knew he was going to be ok. My sister saw me, she stretched her arms towards me with a hug, we both cried and prayed for Mateo, time sat still and we continued to wait. I felt how tiring and lonely the journey can be, but I was also filled with hope. I realized that visiting on the weekends was just not going to cut it. I felt my heart calling me to do more. So I decided to put my career on hold and dedicate my time to care for Mateo and my sister. I spent the next few months helping Anita, Kyle and Mateo. We sang karaoke, played, and went on lots of walks down the parkway. Thanks to the help of my mom and dad and the full support of my husband I was able to take the time off. I spent a few months in the hospital, where I learned amazing skills like CPR for children with tracheostomies and how to take care of a special needs child.

I learned all the intricacies of Mateo’s needs from feeding, to emptying his ostomy bag to suctioning and much more. Learning how to care for Mateo has been so rewarding. He has taught me how to wait patiently, how to trust God with everything in my life, and how to love without measure. Mateo is the most special baby I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I rejoice with every moment I get to spend with him. I get excited every time I get to hold him and kiss his soft pearly cheeks. He has brought so much love, unity and happiness to our lives, and we are all better because of him.

Andrea Gardiner - Proud Auntie and Godmother

To help Mateo along his journey go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hakuna-mateo