Helwicoper Reunion

"Wow!" was Gus's first reaction. His anticipation had brought him to the top of the University of Utah Hospital. Only a few people get to access the roof of the hospital where the life flight helicopter is perched. I can see the excitement in his eyes as I lean down and ask him "what is it?" "Helwicoper," he whispers back. He points over to the middle of the roof where the large red Air Med helicopter is tied down. Gus doesn't dare blink, as it may be a dream that could shutter away. 

"Ready to go see it?" Nicole asks before we start wheeling over to it.  "Yeah!" Gus shares with us as we start rolling through the wind. 

I can barely retain my anxious little boy as he squirms to get out of his wheel chair.  I cannot tell if his jaw shivering is because of the cold, or his excitement. We assist Gus inside the quarters and close the wind out with the heavy door. Nicole and Gus share the space of the seats and begin to explore. The reunion in the helicopter is a beautiful sight to witness. It is just as meaningful as the first, but in very different ways. The last time Gus was in a helicopter, Nicole was helping him get from Morgan to Primary Children's Hospital. Today they both are content and safe, celebrating the beauty of life and recovery. We share this moment together, so thankful for how events occurred from that first flight. 

A light glows from Gus and Nicole's smiles as they share time together. Gus wants to touch every single button, several times.  He is willing to pull and climb his body into awkward positions to get to knobs of all sizes and colors. He forgets about the parts of his body that don't move as much because he wants to see all the equipment. Now Santa Claus knows what Gus wants for Christmas because he pretend called him on the radio. Gus finds a small window and opens it a dozen times. I snap pictures of Gus with Nicole's sound-proof ear muffs on.  The seat belts are fastened and Gus experiences the seat of the pilot. He feels the dials with his right hand and looks out to see all the tall buildings. "Clear up," is how he explains where he is at.  The entire Sale Lake Valley is visible through the tops of houses, buildings, and trees. 

Looking around the helicopter makes me even more thankful. I see how Gus was loaded into the cabin, and where he lay strapped-in during the short flight. I learn how life-saving operations are managed in the tight space. I imaging where Nicole and her partner were sitting to help give my baby every chance possible. Gus is a special boy and I am reminded of his beautiful spirit again as I have this experience. Gus had angels with him the day of the accident. Angels showed up for Gus from all directions. He had helpers on the ground, from the air, and in the hospital. Every bit of love in our hearts goes to those who helped and protected him. Our very special boy can play in a helwicoper today and I am so lucky that I can share this experience with him. We are so thankful for his helpers and for all the love our family can share.

Playing so hard in the helicopter makes Gus sleepy that night and he gets ready for bed early.  Daddy and I tuck Gus into his hospital bed and say nite nite prayers. "Ni nite helwicoper, ni nite Nicole." Gus whispers as he falls asleep.  
   

Reunion on top of the University of Utah Hospital

Gus, Nicole, and a helicopter!