Pueblo

When I was a kid I remember watching lots of advertisements for mail-order products with the mailing address of Pueblo, Colorado. It felt like an exotic destination that made wonderful things if you only had enough money to buy them.


After we moved to Alamosa, I was in serious culture shock for the first several months. The only way I could go shopping for anything that wasn't sold in Wal-Mart was to travel the TWO HOURS to Pueblo. After a few months, when we took our first trip there I remember the sight of civilization bringing tears to my eyes. The reason for our first trip: a Doctor's appointment for Andrew. Through the years, we have gotten to know Pueblo quite well.


Over the years we have driven Andrew dozens of times along the same route for a myriad of medical maladies. We have gotten to know his Allergist and especially his ENT quite well. He has endured bouts of carsickness just to get there, scopes being stuck up his nose dozens of times, over 80 pricks in his back and then 24 shots in the arm more than once, and most traumatic of all: a three hour nasal surgery.


Through this he has complained little and endured much.


There were a few ways that we learned to cope with the challenges he went through. First, we tried to find some fun places to visit so that the trip wouldn't be completely dreaded. We have found out about a great children's museum, art museum, airplane museum and a fun little zoo. They also have a Target and a mall for when wanted to do a little shopping. More than once we sat through a particularly difficult and tearful appointment knowing that afterward we could go have some roasted chicken, macaroni & cheese, and apples from Boston Market. Memories of the first night after his surgery will still haunt me. It is a difficult thing to watch your children suffer, even when you know it is for their good.


Happily, the pain Andrew has gone through has made him a stronger person, and he is compassionate beyond his years. He is analytical and often thinks about the deeper meaning of things. He has an amazing memory and currently knows pi to the 38th decimal point. He loves to learn about the Titanic, World War Two and everything math related.


He has a quirky sense of humor and isn't the typical 10 year old. He is not my most social child but is fiercely loyal to the friends he has. He is patient and has strong likes and dislikes. Perhaps his greatest like is chocolate, which he has for every shot in his arm.


I feel like he was sent to our family to be prepared for his mission in life. He came with the goodness inside him, and it's our role to get him physically well, to train him up spiritually, and feed him with enough books to fill his mind. I expect great things from our great boy.


With his 11th birthday approaching I feel especially a tenderness to this boy of mine, and I'm grateful for the trips to Pueblo that have linked us together. One of the meanings of the word Pueblo is Dwelling Place. It has felt that way for us. Forever more, when I think of Pueblo, I will think of Andrew.