Fontan Anniversary

A year ago today, Youngest had her third open heart surgery to palliate her defect. We spent 11 days in the hospital, which at the time seemed like an eternity. From this distance I know it was a very short stay.

The last year has been a whirlwind. It is only now, a full 12 months later, that I can say we're no longer in crisis mode. Much of last year was spent preparing for the surgery. Then came those 11 days away, then coming home and remembering what "normal" families do when they're together. Then came last fall with its many challenges. And here we are. Blessed by one of the most beautiful springs, with two healthy and happy girls.

Youngest is nothing short of amazing. She's grown a lot this last year and is looking more a young girl now than a toddler. She chooses not to dwell on he hospital experience, though she remembers much of it when asked. Her health is phenomenally good for a kid with half a functioning heart. At preschool, she is one of the most active and strong in her class. She is on merely one heart drug. We're starting to believe that Youngest will be with us for more than a few years. Her cardiologist is confident and hopeful that we will get to see her grow up. What a gift, even to be allowed that hope!

And of course with our joy we remember those who have had to bury their children. There are still too many kids dying of heart defects, there are still too many parents whose hearts are broken so often. This Mother's Day weekend, I think especially of three mothers: Chasmyn, who lost Quinn almost 3 years ago; Terri, whose son Corbin had his Fontan a month ago and is still critically unstable in the hospital; and Laurie who has two beautiful children whose heart defects are caused by a chromosomal deletion that also causes them myriad other health problems and possible heart transplants in the future.

Happy Mother's Day to all of us!!!