Gearing up for another (unexpected) surgery

How time flies when everyone is healthy and we avoid making appointments for a few months.
Benjamin is doing fantastic. He continues to amaze us with his physical capabilities and stamina. I myself, after losing my mother in July, couldn't handle hospitals again until just last month. Benjamin and I traveled to Children's Hospital in Seattle for our annual check (keep in mind that it was 4 months later than normal). Dr. Mosca wanted to measure Benjamin's discrepancy with a block to prepare him for xrays when he took a double take at Benjamin's right foot. Dr. Mosca decided then to take films of only his right foot and ankle instead. Lo and behold Benjamin needs some corrective surgery on his foot before we even approach the femur lengthening. Oh my. We were not prepared for that. It has taken some processing and acceptance but we have his surgery scheduled for May 30th right after Benjamin turns 8. He will have a joint made in the top of his foot where his bones have fused together and his plantar fascia will be released on the bottom of this foot. Both of these interventions will increase his ability to bear weight on his foot. Because of the anatomy of his foot, he is currently unable to put the heal of his foot on the ground, so all of his weight is taken on by his toes and the front pad of his foot. This surgery should be less stressful than his hip osteotomy, but it will put a cramp in Ben's summer plans since he will have a cast on his lower leg for 8 weeks. No swimming or bathing :(. But Benjamin is a excited about the idea of crutches. I, on the other hand, am worried about how crazy and out of control he may be on crutches. I still have visions of him racing children on the playground in his wheelchair at Parkview. Overall, we feel very blessed to live in a country where these surgeries can easily take place. Benjamin is just as brave as ever but it still gives us butterflies in our bellies as the surgery approaches. God, of course, is in total control. Benjamin's prayer at church tonight is for quick healing.