Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Breathe, Just Breathe

I'm not sure I have ever talked about the episode that began the path to a new heart. It is scary. Unbelievable. Proof that my Dad's life is one big miracle.

A little more than a year ago we were preparing for a possible direct hit from hurricane Ike. My entire family was staying here in Bryan with Danny and me, while Steve and Dad stayed behind to watch over their houses. Something deep inside me knew that trouble was around the corner. I remember begging Dad to come here with the rest of the family. But he stayed. I think back now and wonder if that night is when God began to reveal his plan to us.

It was a Friday night and we were taking the kids to go bowling. We were cooped up in the house during the worst of the storm and were all ready to get out and get some fresh air. I was sitting there watching Victor bowl when Aunt Marlene walked in the door. I knew instantly something had happened. She sat me down and explained that my Dad had been taken to the hospital. Steve heroically braved fallen live wires, flooding, and power outages to get him there.

That night my Dad was on death's door. In fact, one foot was half way in. He went into cardiac arrest and managed to survive a grueling 30 minute trip to the hospital. They ended up shocking his heart, while he was conscience, to bring his heart into a safe rhythm. The doctors tell us that only a few more moments and he wouldn't have survived. My heart stops every time I think of that night.

Flash forward to today. A year later and this family has been around the world and back (or so it feels). Paperwork, tests, appointments, hospitals, wires, monitors, cameras, surgery, medications, and on and on, consumed this family for five months. But something else also consumed us; hope, love, compassion, gratitude, laughter, and perspective.

And now life is moving on. Dad still has rough days. He is still on more medication in one day than most people take in a month or year. He has won the battle and is well on his way to winning the war. We are looking forward to camping, holidays, a vacation. Life; we are looking forward to life. I can hear my Dad's sheer happiness in his voice when you talk about his grandkids. For the first time he can see himself in their future. I can see that the weight of the world has been lifted off my Mom's back.

So, now what do we do? Breathe, just breathe. Cherish every moment. Make memories. Never forget to say I love you. And always pray for our donor family. We are connected in a divine way. One day we will show them how their choice changed this entire family's world.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

September Update

Yesterday, Michael had labs, echo, and biopsy. Just got the word… they are discontinuing another of his meds and there will be NO MORE BIOPSY’S unless they suspect something is going wrong. AWESOME! He will go for a clinic visit once a month until they feel totally comfortable about his progress. Unbelievable at just how well he is doing.

Thank you all for your prayers and your support throughout all these months. You all are wonderful and I am so fortunate to have you in my life.

Love to all,
Michele