Title: Life is Too Precious
Disclaimer: I do not own CSI:NY, Anthony Zuiker and CBS do.
Author's Note: First off Happy New Year to all the readers! Hope 2012 brings all that you have wished for. This chapter is in Mac's and then general POV.
Genre: Family/Angst
Rating: K
Chapter 2: One Diagnosis after Another
-July 5, 2012, Anna and Donnie's birthday; Mac's POV-
As Stella and I were making the final preparation for the twins' second birthday (while they were with their godparents Jess and Don and their grandmother Millie), I was outside on the ladder putting up the banner and the streamers when I hear a sweet voice, "Daddy?"
When I looked down I see Ashlynn's adorable face looking back at me. Somehow it is always seems to be how cute she is that gets me to relax whether it was after work or getting ready for an event. I smiled and asked, "Yes baby girl?"
She asked in her loveable voice, "Can I help?"
I couldn't help but grin; she had been so helpful since she was two and half. Luckily for us she skipped the terrible twos phase. How could I ever deny our little girl? So I gave my answer, "Yes you may little one."
I set down the streamer that I had in my hand, stepped down the ladder, picked her up (and tickled her causing her to giggle), got back on the ladder and went up. Following instructing Ashlynn I watched her tape it up and watched how quickly and accurately she did the streamer decoration. Once the banner was up we moved on to the balloons and there I decided to suck in some whilst blowing up the balloons making silly voices which elicited silly giggles and her beautiful smile. Hearing her laugh is always a joy as opposed to her cries and whimpers thirty months ago.
-Late January/Early February 2009; General POV-
Although Ashlynn had been quickly admitted the two weeks they were at Mercy was unnerving to say the least; she was hooked to a lot of machines and was fed through tubes in her nose. From seeing her being poked and prodded and going through a battery of tests (ranging from pH tests and bone tests) to determine what was wrong and her woeful crying because of all the pain was particularly heart-wrenching for Stella and at times she would lay with Ashlynn to comfort her. Mac decided it would be the best to have Stella on paid family leave so she could be with Ashlynn while he took care of the cases at the crime lab. Problem was although he had tried hard to focus he knew he was having a lot of trouble concentrating. So far there had been three doctors who have come in to check on Ashlynn and all came up with different diagnosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, and asthma. Everyone at the crime lab noticed the change in Mac and everyone on their team were concerned. Sinclair who was usually stiff softened because he knew how much Stella and Mac loved Ashlynn and how the little girl had won him over and to put Danny in charge in order so Mac does not get so distracted so he makes an error to jeopardize the crime lab's reputation.
Mac accepted without much protest knowing it was direct order he had to follow he did as he was asked and went to hospital. However, subsequent to a week stay Ashlynn was still having trouble breathing and not getting any better and neither Mac nor Stella was ready to hear what the fourth doctor had to tell them a few days later what he thought Ashlynn had.
When Ashlynn was asleep Dr. Lieng took them outside, to tell them, "I am sorry Mr. and Mrs. Taylor but your daughter has intermediate spinal muscular atrophy and will not be able to walk again or live to see her second birthday."
The doctor's speech was interrupted when Stella burst into tears and Mac who was also tearing up held her close as the doctor continued, "I would advise to take her home and make her as comfortable as possible. I will go and get the discharge papers ready when you are ready you can leave."
With that the doctor went on to make his rounds.
Stella, through her tears asked, "Mac what are going to do? I refuse to believe we are going to lose Ashlynn there must be some other way."
Mac said in low stern voice, "I don't believe the diagnosis either. I say we check take her to Lennox Hill. Remember the pediatric doctor who was accused of murder and was facing a malpractice suit when I found evidence clearing his name?"
Stella nodded as Mac continued, "Well he is grateful and offered to help me. He said to call him and request for him a situation come up, now would be a good time. He is a world class pediatric doctor and highly regarded at Lennox."
Stella nodded in agreement; Stella went and Ashlynn dressed after the nurse came to remove the equipment whilst Mac went to sign the discharge papers.
Once Stella had Ashlynn in her arms she and Mac left Mercy with determination to find out what was making Ashlynn sick.
A/N 2: Thanks for reading chapter 2, as always reviews are appreciated!
