Phil Marks

262 days. It’s been 262 days since you were airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital. 262 days since we were told, “We did everything we could, but we don’t think she’s going to make it through the night.” Since then, I’ve watched you fight for every single one of those days. 251 days ago, you opened your eye, moved it, and shifted your leg only to be rushed back for emergency surgery that morning when hydrocephalus set in. 238 days ago, you were extubated and breathed on your own for the first time. 230 days ago, you felt the sun on your face again. 224 days ago, the cranioplasty we had planned turned into yet another emergency when an infection was discovered. 214 days ago, your EVD was finally removed. 213 days ago, you sat on the edge of the bed with a little help, and I wrapped my arms around you for the first time since the morning I left for work before any of this began. 191 days ago, the NG tube came out, and I saw your beautiful face completely clear of tubes and tape. 179 days ago, your prosthetic skull was placed. Your fifth surgery, and the one that finally stuck. After that, things slowly began to feel possible again. 145 days ago, you smiled for the first time (intentionally) while we played thumb war. 140 days ago, I wheeled you off hospital grounds for the very first time. 61 days ago, I heard your voice again. 40 days ago, we celebrated your 13th birthday at the Foo Fighters. And today, today you’re being released. There was never a day I stopped believing we would get here. The road ahead is still long, but this is a milestone no one thought we would reach. Maya, you are the bravest person I know. You are an inspiration to so many people. Giving up was never an option for me, and it clearly never was for you either. You refused to accept the words we heard 262 days ago when you came out of the OR. Look at you, my girl. You blew every expectation out of the water. Thank you to the incredible nurses, doctors, and therapists who walked every step of this with us. Thank you to everyone who supported Maya and our family we could not have done this without each and every one of you. Now it’s time to leave these hospital walls behind and keep moving forward, Maya Bear. I love you forever and always. —Dad ❤️