Hope and Healing: Emmaus’ BPES Surgery Journey

Finding the words to describe the hardest thing you have ever done is nearly as challenging as finding the courage & strength to do it.

The day I have anticipated from the moment my son was born is finally set and soon approaching. Like myself, Emmaus was born with a congenital anomaly by the name of Blepharophimosis-Ptosis-Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome (BPES) which obstructs the eye lid to fully open. Exactly 30 years ago I underwent surgery to fully open my lids & on Aug 1st now Emmaus will too.

The past 2.5 years I have spent a great deal of time investing & interviewing pediatric ophthalmologist surgeons & previous patients. There is nothing more terrifying than the fear of making the wrong choice in pursuit of the very best. After much careful analysis we have decided on a doctor in Málaga, Spain who at this time is the leading expert on such a rare operation.

The roller coaster of emotion is unreal. I have moments of extreme gratitude & next feeling on the verge of throwing up. Deep grief that the boy I love with every fiber of my being will not look as I have always known him to & also such excitement that his vision will no longer be obstructed & I’ll be able to see those stunning crystal blues in full view. The stack of fears & worries is so so high. & also the depth of trust I am absolutely depending on Jesus with is at an all time peak.

My prayer in all of this has been for the Spirit to gift me His peace as a sign of His leading & presence, so though there is so much weighing heavy on my heart, I do indeed feel His great peace.

Please please please pray with us for my precious boy, Emmaus, that the surgery results would truly be perfect, that his 2.5 year old mind would be able to understand enough that he needs to while also protected from what he does not, & that Elliot and I would have wisdom to care for our boy in the best way we can. This will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, not just the surgery itself, but the post-opp & healing which will take weeks & months.

Thank you to our incredible community, far and wide who have been such an encouragement to us! You are wind in our sails.

The Ottesons