Dr Phil Egan was able to convince the anaesthetist, arguing it was now or never-it was Sam's only chance. Four hours later Professor Tan rang us to say the operation was a complete success, Sam lost only 1 drop of blood, he was now in intensive care, and we could visit him!

This was one of the toughest days Michelle and I would ever experience. Taking Sam to theatre, watching him go to sleep with the anesthetic, not knowing if he would recover.

This was followed by the joy of Professor Tan's phone call. Michelle and I shed tears of anxiety and joy all day! Going to see Sam in intensive care was another extraordinary part of the day.

The joy of seeing Sam again was balanced with the pain of seeing him recovering from the operation, attached to various machines by so many wires. It was an exhausting day for all of us.

On this day I realised for the first time how lucky we were to live in Australia with such wonderful nurses, doctors, and surgeons. The amount of faith you put in their hands is enormous, and we are eternally grateful for their skill and demeanor. The medical staff at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital oozed confidence, kindness, and modesty throughout this experience.

Sam is an extraordinary boy! Notice he is already blowing kisses on his hand to the nurses. He was always such a flirt with them!

Sam's recovery was incredible and one week later he was home.