223..It sounds as though your son is getting better. Of course you're concerned with the surgery Thursday. As for the "disfigure" aspect: I have worn a full length brace since I was three. Sure kids can be cruel, but all they really are is curious.
Braeden will face some of this and he can benefit from it. My Dad use to tell me "10 scares make the man." An old saying from a long time ago. With the support you are providing, Brarden can develop an attitude that will serve him well through life. This is the essence of "make lemon aide out of lemons!"
When he walks into a classroom, or wherever..and this served me well..He shouldn't think "Am I good enough for them?" Rather, he approaches them thinking "are they good enough for me." Not to the point of being boastful or arrogant..but that mindset that you can help develop is worth it's weight in gold.
Eventually, his peers will get the point: Wow! This guy has been to hell and back and made it. When Breaden believes that.. the other kids will as well.
Excuse me, if I sounded like I'm advising you how to raise your son! That's certainly not my intent! Having been where he will be, I would be mad at myself if I didn't toss in my 2 cents worth...well, make that 3cents with inflation!
You, Braeden and the entire family will be in our prayers on Thursday.
Johnny