Where in the World?...

Where in the World in Zechariah Kindberg?

Zechariah was out of the hospital towards the end of September. This was his third extensive visit in six weeks. The second visit, which was to correct his high heart rate and abnormal heart rhythm. The electrophysiologist (EP doctor) at the hospital in Minneapolis was not able help after to attempts, so we opted for a second opinion.

After meeting with our doctors and talking through our best options we knew that we wanted to head to St. Louis Children's Hospital. After getting all the necessary okays to make our way to St. Louis we are so excited to know that could be one step closer to Zak seeing closer in his part of his treatment. The date was set for his third ablation procedure to take place on October 24th at St. Louis Children's Hospital...

...BUT...

What about all that time in between? What have you been up to? How have you been doing? Kathy and I are so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family who have continued to pray, call, text, write, email, or send a care package. There is really not a day that has not gone by in the last two months where Kathy or I would say to each other something like this..."I just talked to (so and so) today and they wanted to let you know they are continuing to pray for us.  We know we are immensely  surrounded by some of the most caring people.

THANK YOU. 

So, What have we been up to? Let's just say...We needed to get about two months of business work completed in about two and half weeks. We needed to reinstate our family routine for the third time believing we would not need to leave again after two previous episodes. 

During this time Zechariah began home school Kindergarten classes. He has routine routine clinic visit once or twice weekly that can last from 4-6 hrs a time. We have learned to plan for this a part of our new routine.

NOW...

Zechariah was given another medicine to help regulate his heart rate. The last month his heart rate has been in the "normal" range 110/60 HR 90. Thanks to the medicine. We are have been given instructions to wean him of this medicine six days before the procedure. Then, to be completely off of it three days before it. So, to prepare for this we have made our way to St. Louis. (With a few stops along the way of course).

Our first visit was to Zak and Ali's Aunt and Uncle's house in Iowa. During our three day stay there we were  able to take in a little fishing. Zechariah caught the biggest one out of all of that weekend! (Thank you Keith and Andrea for a great time!)

Zak and Aunt Andrea with one his three fish he caught in Iowa.

Once we were on the road to and finally stepped into Missouri we made our we into the big town of Alexandria, MO (Population 166)

Alexandria striking a pose in the town of her name.

Once we arrived to St. Louis things we not all settled in for us. You see, before we left we talked with the the Pediatric Social Worker at the St. Louis Children's Hospital to help arrange for us to stay at the St. Louis Ronald McDonald House. She told us she can put in our request three business days before we need a room. So, we would need a room on October 18th. and the earliest she would be able to put in a request for us is October 14th.  and then she would call us back after three days. Now, we would already be traveling to Iowa before the request for be made. So, we left Minneapolis, MN without knowing where we would stay in St. Louis. This was not our way of traveling, especially under these circumstances. 

When we arrived in the St. Louis Metro area we received the phone call that we did not have a room waiting for us. So, we made our way to a hotel planned our week as if we would be staying at the hotel for the rest our trip, but would leave if we ever received the call. 

The next afternoon about 3:40pm the social calls again to explain that she had not heard from any of the three Ronald McDonald Houses about an open room available. She further explained that she would continue to call every afternoon around the same time if she had not heard anything from them. So, we continued on with our evening. 

Now, there is one other House like the Ronald McDonald House called the Haven House. We did look into this place, but their waiting list was very long as well.

Then, something amazing took place. About twenty minutes later I received a call from the same social worker. She said that a room had just become available at the RMcDH and we need to be there by 7pm. 

Have you every traveled and lived out of a suitcase? Have you ever traveled with toddlers or preschoolers and done the same? Then, you know that it takes a lot of planning, organization, games, toys, a playroom, more toys, and a great kitchen to cook family meals. The RMcDH gives us the ability to stay in affordable housing where a kitchen in provided and lots of room for our kids to play, as long as we need to stay.

So, Zak's procedure is expected to only be a one-day procedure, but in can be two or three-days depending on how we he does with the after care.

St. Louis Gateway Arch

Please continue to pray for Zak, Ali, Kathy, and, me as we trek on through our next leg of this amazing journey. 

Please be sure to leave a comment, an email, or text.

P.S. If you have a joke to share with Zak, please share it at thezakupdate@gmail.com

Scott Kindberg

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