Boys

January 27th, 2003 Keyton Alan Opsal entered this world. I had him around noon that day. After 19 hours of labor, Keyton's heart rate indicated fetal distress. My doctor decided it was in the best interest of Keyton, to be born via c-section. After having been in labor all day, and me being completely wiped out, it was decided that Keyton would sleep in the nursery. I sensed, even before the nurse took Keyton to the nursery, that something might be abnormal with Keyton's behavior. However, not having had a baby before, I was reassured by a nurse that Keyton's lethargic state, was normal for a baby, and that his lack of appetite was nothing to be concerned about, after all he had entered this world weighing in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Not that long ago (from today) I learned that a nurse whom was on duty that night, was charting and something (or someone) prompted her to go over and check on Keyton. Keyton (according to a nurse) seemed "lifeless" lying in his bassinet. He was pale and unresponsive. Alarmed, she ran to get a doctor who happened to be at the labor and delivery unit having delivered another baby just minutes earlier. The doctor tested Keyton's blood sugar which was dangerously low. Keyton was flown to Fargo, ND to where the closest pediatric endocrinologist practiced. Keyton was diagnosed with hypopituitarism. I remember the drive from Williston to Fargo. I was with my parents, as Jesse was able to accompany Keyton on the flight to Fargo. I cried the whole way, wondering what was wrong with my baby, I wondered if my baby was going to live. I remember seeing my father's face in the rear view mirror ( I sat in the back seat of my parent's car) and I saw tears falling down my father's face, which he wiped away with a tissue, trying his hardest to hide those tears that fell from his eyes that were hidden behind his sunglasses. It was the first and the last time I had seen tears fall down my father's face. I credit that nurse on duty that night with saving my son's life. A few months ago, I called her house, I do not know this women, but I had got her name, she was not home. Maybe, I will try again soon. Keyton takes three pills a day and we give him a shot every night. Keyton has had a shot everyday, since he was two weeks old. I remember giving the shot to him when he was an infant and he would cry. He would look at me like, "Why the hell did you do that?" There have been times, when I have had to wrestle him to the ground to give him his shot, actually there have been many wrestling matches between us. Now, he somewhat understands that he needs the medication to help him grow and thrive. Athletes get in big trouble if they get caught using human growth hormone---Keyton kind of gets a kick out of that.

I have told Owen's story before. Owen also had to fight for his life. I love these two little boys.

Keyton and Owen-Easter-2011