One year ago today started out like every other day. It was a beautiful, sunny Wednesday. Joe and I both headed off to work, Matthew went off to school and Emily and Harley were asleep at home. While at work, I called Emilys pre transplant nurse coordinator, Alice, to set up a procedure to fix Emilys PICC line that was giving her problems. Her skin had become so sensitive from it and the adhesive holding the line in place was burning her skin so a decision had been made to stitch it in to give her skin a chance to heal. I waited on her call and she did call me back a few minutes later to tell me that they could set the procedure up for that day but that we may want to hold on because they may have a new heart for her. Shocked, of course, she told me to hold tight and that she would call me back as soon as she had more information and that I should call Emily to wake up and to eat but to not eat or drink anything after breakfast just in case it was a go. Me, in tears obviously, called her and we were both kind of speechless. Im glad Harley was there with her that morning. I went find my boss and told her the news, called both my dad and mom and headed home to get everything together just in case. My coworker Heather drove me home and on the ride there, I received a call saying that the heart was a perfect match and that Emily would go into surgery at 2:45. I was also told that Dr. Gene Parrino would be performing the procedure. Boy was I grateful for that. I prayed every day that he would be her surgeon and, personally, I feel that this was Gods way of saying Mom, all will be ok. I am with her. We all met at home, gathered everything that we would need for the long hospital stay, well as much as my mind could gather from being so anxious, and headed off to Ochsner. Our mood on the ride there was obviously excitement. Emily was in good spirits and ready to put this chapter of her life behind her. We arrived at the hospital about noon and were taken immediately to the room where Emily would be prepped for surgery. As family and friends began to arrive and the time getting closer to take her, we were told that the surgery would be backed up a bit to about 4:45. That was fine with me. More time with my girl. I could see the anxiety in Emilys eyes but also the courage. She never once showed anything but complete bravery. I knew we were doing the right thing for her future. Doctors and nurses were in and out. The PICC line, that had given her the medication to bridge her to transplant, was removed. Family and friends took turns saying their see you laters as the minutes passed. Finally, at 4:45 pm it was time to go. My heart sank as I kissed her and cried. Over the past year, I had gone over and over in my mind what I would say to her on this day. I dont know if I said the right things but I just needed her to know that she was my greatest blessing and that I would see her as soon as was allowed. Then, with tears in our eyes, her dad and I said our goodbyes and watched her being wheeled off to the bright future that she so deserved. The minutes and hours dragged on. There were laughter and tears while we waited in the waiting room for word, any word, on her progress. The call came right before 8:00 pm that Dr Parrino would begin his part -the removal of her old heart and replace it with her new one. At 10 minutes to midnight, Dr Parrino joined us in the waiting room and said that Emily had done great. Of course the next few days were critical and only time would tell if she had any effects from being on bypass, anesthesia, etc for 7 hours. He said that we could see her around 1:30 am. We waited in the ICU waiting area for over an hour and then were finally able to see her. I had been strong up to that point. I had told Joe what we should expect. She would be connected to all kinds of tubes and wires and she will have a tube in her mouth helping her breathe. She may be swollen and pale. I remember my heart racing as we walked toward her room. We finally made it there and we walked in to find exactly what I had pictured only I wasnt very brave anymore. I couldnt breathe. Just every emotion went through my body as I witnessed my precious daughter at what was the beginning of the fight for her life. The nurse updated us that she had done really well in surgery, all vitals were stable and we should go get some rest. We kissed our girl and off to the hotel we went. Needless to say, as exhausted as we were, neither of us could really rest. For me, it was hard leaving her after spending all the time the year before in the hospital. I had never left her. Around 6:00 am, I awoke and started with the phone calls to family. I couldnt wait til 9:00 AM when we could finally get to see Emily again. I expected the same from the few hours before, tubes, wires, etc. Much to my surprise, as we walked into her room, the tube helping her breathe was gone and she turned her head to look at me and gave me the biggest smile. I will never forget that moment. So here we are. One year ago today, Emily and our family received the greatest gift. The kind of gift that can never be repaid. It has been a challenge for Emily. Three long hospital stays for illnesses since transplant-monthly doctor visits, biopsies, echoes, frequent labs, etc. Has it been worth it?? Absolutely. Emily has now started her 2nd full semester taking online college courses and looking forward to a bright future. As we celebrate Emilys new life today, we cannot forgot how and why she got here. The generousity, bravery and love of another. Although we know nothing of her angel donor, we pray for and honor you and your family today for making the decision to give life and hope to a total stranger during the most difficult of days. There is no way we could ever repay you for what you have given Emily but we do hope to thank you one day. You sit heavy on my heart today and everyday. You are constantly in our hearts and prayers. Happy 1st Heart Anniversary Emily. Today is just one more reminder that you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way with God by your side. Youve proven that over and over to me. May God continue to bless your life. Thank you to our family and friends who have supported and prayed for us since day one. We love you all. To Emilys doctors, nurses and everyone involved in her care, we thank you for the exceptional and compassionate care that you have given and continue to give. You make a difference every day. And to our Lord and savior, we know that this day would not be possible without your mercy and grace. May you continue to carry us and guide us along this journey. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 12:38:48 +0000
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