My friend Katie has an adorable little girl, Maddie who was born with congenital heart defects. She has had two heart surgeries and has one to go. Maddie is a happy, smiling ADORABLE girl who has overcome a lot. Their journey has introduced me to other "heart families" -- this morning I visited a blog about a little girl named Bela Grace... another heart baby. Her mom shared a story about a 36 year old man who was born with a single ventricle. He has lived and survived longer than most... his name is Paul Cardall. His heart is now failing and he is waiting for a transplant. He is married and has a daughter, Eden. Paul's post, which I am sharing, may help you appreciate the little moments you have with your family. Through tears, I am certainly appreciating the "little moments" that I have with mine.written by Paul : Our rocking chairs: In lieu of our situation I said to my wife, “Go out and buy our rocking chairs. I don’t want to wait to grow old with you. I would love to sit with you on the porch today!”Lynnette brought home two beautiful chairs. The only problem is that we need a third chair for Eden. My sweet little girl is jealous and wants her own chair. She cracks me up. And so, tomorrow we’ll start looking for a third chair. The store evidently sold us the last two black rocking chairs. I'm sure we can find a pink one for our little diva.
Will you pray that Paul has many years rocking on his porch with his wife and precious daughter?
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It was important for me to get my priorities straight today. I also have to be grateful even during trying times. My boys have had a couple of rough days. They are fighting a lot and their attitudes have been in need of improvement. My patience is wearing thin, tonight I pray for more patience... and believe tomorrow will be a better day.
6 comments:
A great reminder since I have had a rough day too.
You're so sweet to write this about Maddie! I'm happy you're reading other heart baby blogs too...we've sure found out we're not the only ones living with this, thanks to the blog world! It has been great consolation and support and Bela's a real cutie too!
When you have time, read through Paul Cardall's blog (he's linked to ours). He has endured so much and is just an incredible person. Wasn't the rocking chair post just the greatest? I loved it too. Paul is so inspiring...and he has the same heart anatomy as Maddie's, a working left systemic ventricle(1/2heart, no right chambers usage). It's truly amazing how well he's done and he's a pioneer in the heart world. He's the oldest survivor with what Maddie's has that we've come across and certaintly one of the most supportive as well.
Thanks for all of your love for our daughter as well as these sweet heart babies. You're a wonderful person and friend Michele!
Wow Michele thank you for starting my Sunday off with such powerful feelings about life. I myself have to remind myself probably every day how blessed I am and pray for those who are struggling with life situations. You are a blessing to those you surround. Thank you for surrounding my life with your words.
If you can handle tears, a whole lot of tears, visit Paul Cardall's blog - http://mytricuspidatresia.blogspot.com
Be prepared to be HUMBLED, INSPIRED and to feel God's grace and presence.
love, Michele
Oh Michele! Scott and I were so touched by this post. Family priorities are on our minds a lot these days. Thanks for shaing this. We will pray for Paul and his family, and Maddie and Bela too.
BTW- Thanks for your sweet post on my blog.:)
We are so blessed in life, and during the busy, or dark times we forget thoes blessings. We forget to really focus on whats important, we get carried away with so much, and need to come back to what really matter most. And I am thankful you post such meaningful things that remind us to do this.
Praying along side you for these families you have talked about.
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