My head was pounding a little on the drive home from our son’s third birthday party. Our family drove separate vehicles that day to accommodate grandparents and presents. I was chauffeuring the birthday boy and a cornucopia of festively decorated gift sacks holding action figures, children’s books, sports gear, clothes and gift cards. I welcomed the silence of the car, which was a drastic departure from the frenzied sounds and activity of our previous venue.

It was almost too quiet. Glancing at Matthew in the rear view mirror, I saw not just a tired little boy but a lifeless, sallow lump. It was definitely not the bright blue-eyed cherubic face I’d grown accustomed to greeting me in the reflection.

Once home, I carried his burning body inside, reporting the situation to my husband. It was all so drastic, so fast. A call to the pediatrician’s office turned into a phone call to the medical exchange, which landed us in the emergency room, then an admission to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for three days and two nights of tests, tubes, x-rays, poking and prodding.

Needless to say, we were all pretty scared. We referred to Matthew's IV as his “superhero hand” to divert his attention to something other than needles and strangers. The amazing ACH staff gave him great care, pumped him full of antibiotics, and didn’t even mind that I insisted on cramping myself in the crib with him.

I truly felt like a mama tiger -- a warrior for my children and my family. I remember almost not thinking about anything else but my son. I didn’t think about eating, brushing my teeth, how I looked, what I had on, or have any sense of passing time. His recovery was first and foremost and came as quickly and mysteriously as his illness. All that was determined was there had been some sort of infection in his blood.

An incredible number of parents and children go through this every single day. Little Rock Family’s September issue is dedicated to families who are suiting up in mama and daddy armor and fighting the good fight for your family. Little Rock Christian Academy’s Head Football Coach Justin Kramer and his family share their inspirational journey to beat daughter Jayla’s cancer.

You’ll also find personal accounts and resourceful information on battling type 1 diabetes and other childhood diseases, making the appropriate educational choices for your child, taming the technology that touches your family, and much more. "Flip" through the digital edition of our September issue here, or pick up a copy on a newsstand around town. Our Little Rock Family is here for YOU!

Best wishes to you from me,

Heather Bennett, Editor