About the Author

 

Courtney TenBarge knows firsthand how brave kids have to be when facing surgery. She had her first surgery at just six months old and went on to have 28 surgeries—most before turning 18, and a few more as an adult. From her own experience, she learned that it’s often easier to be the patient than the parent watching.

 

Courtney resides in Newburgh, Indiana, with her husband, their amazing boy-girl twins, a playful dog, and a tortoise. Her faith, family, and friends have always been her greatest source of strength and encouragement.  When Courtney isn’t working, she enjoys cheering on her kids at their sports and activities, baking and relaxing with friends and family at the pool.  She hopes this story brings comfort, courage, and maybe even a smile during a tough time.

 

From the Author

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I know how scary surgeries can be for kids. It is the unknown, and it is all done is a cold, unfamiliar place. Through each of my surgeries and my kids’ surgeries, I have learned it is how you go into it that effects how easy or hard it will be. I hope this book can help take kids’ minds off of the scary unknown. Each surgery is different, so I tried to make this book the simplest way to encompass most surgeries. Some of my surgeries were a lot more challenging than getting to leave that same day. I had to stay in the hospital for days, which is hard on a kid. If that is the case, please prep your child for that, and know I am praying for your family through your struggle. Even the quick and “easy” surgeries are never easy for the kids. Some of my quickest surgeries were a challenge in the recovery phase. Let your kids know that however they are feeling is fine. Recovery and pain are not something someone else can feel, so trust how they feel not what the “typical” recovery is. What always helped me, that may help your kids too, was a stuffed animal, tv/movies, books, hugs, my parents being there, and Sprite 😉. Help your kid have/find what they love, because that will be their safety and security.

It is inspiring how wonderful nurses and doctors can make surgeries. If you are a doctor or nurse, thank you for all you do. You are helping people and affecting their lives at a very challenging time for them. There were countless nurses and doctors that made some of my worst times so much better just by acknowledging me, trying to make a bad day fun with laughter, and always bringing a warm blanket 😉.

Never underestimate what a warm blanket, a little attention, and a stuffed animal can do! You nurses and doctors are AMAZING!

 

My parents and sister were the best family support I could have ever had through my surgeries. My mom was always there with her presence, hugs, and a new stuffed animal. My dad never let me feel different having surgeries and always made me laugh, even when it hurt 😊. My sister was always there, doing so much for me and giving up time with my parents so they could be at surgeries with me. Without my strong, amazing family, I could not have gotten through anything.

 

Now, as a mom who had to watch my kids get their tonsils out, I will say I feel I had it so easy being the patient. I would 100% rather go through the surgeries than watch my own child suffer in any way. So, to you parents, I am sending prayers and hugs to you right now, you are Strong and Brave, just like your child through this.

 

Resources:

 

• https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/treatments/Pages/default.aspx

• https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000579.htm

• https://childrens.dartmouth-health.org/your-visit/surgery-faqs-parents

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Faith & Prayer

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Many families find comfort in prayer and scripture during difficult moments.

• Joshua 1:9

           “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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• Psalm 56:3

            “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

 

• A Simple Prayer

                "Dear God, Please help me/child feel calm and brave. Thank you for my family and for the doctors and nurses helping me.                                                Please watch over me and help my body heal. Amen"