4 years ago today.......

Four years ago today depending on when you are reading this was one of the worst days in my life.

At 8 am I was walking my daughter down to the surgery floor so she could be prepped for open heart surgery.

At 9:30 am I surrendered my daughter to the surgeon so the lengthy procedure could begin.

For the next 6-7 hours we waited and waited and waited some more for the surgeon to finally tell us he was done and what the results were.

Some time between 5 and 6pm we were finally able to see her. Something never in my wildest dreams was I prepared for. It took ever ounce of my being to stand there hoping and praying she would survive.

Today we had great plans to help Madelynn celebrate her "Heart" Birthday. I found this WONDERFUL children's book called Zip-Line. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has a child that has had open-heart surgery. I was going to come into Madelynn's pre-school class, read the book and share heart cookies. Madelynn was sooooooo excited when she saw the book.

Due to the unfortunate circumstance with the death of Phil's brother we needed to travel to Indiana to say farewell. I have already spoken to Madelynn's teachers and we will be celebrating Madelynn's "Heart" Birthday with her classmates a week late. However, we as a family will be together which is what is most important.

I have shared with you some new pictures of Kaitlynn and Jackson for my upcoming picture project. I saved my pictures of Madelynn for today.

 

 

 

 

I am not going to lie that smile melts my heart EVERY time. We are so incredible blessed that Madelynn's result was not something different.

People ask me all the time, "Aren't you sad Madelynn will be going off to kindergarten next year." My response is always the same. "No, because there was a time I wasn't sure Madelynn would be able to attend kindergarten. Each day is a gift that at one time we never thought we would have."

So today we share our joy of Madelynn with you. We encourage you to celebrate your children. There are so many families with children with congenital heart defects (chd) that don't live as long as Madelynn or do not have the wonderful prognosis she has. We are very lucky and truly appreciate the gift beyond measure.

TTFN~