The Verdict Is In

My kids hearts are healthy and whole! I was so happy to have Jon do some of the echos. He did many of Ethan's! After hours of echos, ekg tests, and listening to their chests, it was determined they never need to have any more cardiac follow up. Once again I forgot my camera, but the important thing is their hearts are perfect! The only small little thing is they said my daughters Aorta is a little large but not to worry about it. I said "you don't know who you are talking to!" (it was a new NP that told me this). I said "go back with the doctors and MAKE SURE there is nothing to worry about". (Because I have every reason to be worried about small stuff after losing a child who had big stuff). Dr Pophal did a double check and came in to re-assure me she is fine. It is on the larger side of normal which just means it grew that way. There is nothing that would cause it to be large as far as the heart not functioning correctly. Phew!!!

America's Favorite Past Time

"To become a winner in the race for eternal life requires effort—constant work, striving, and enduring well with God’s help. But the key is that we must take it just one step at a time." Marvin J. Ashton

This was a great reminder to read tonight. Every night we say family prayers, which includes the kids praying for a long list of heart kiddos (and of course Cannon still prays for Ethan to get resurrected soon). After tucking them in I went to check on Miracle Mason. He is suffering from rejection after his heart transplant but he, and his mommy, continue to fight. She had posted the above quote on today's update.

Lately I have been shedding many tears for my little man. I miss him so. Tomorrow will be 8 months since we laid his beautiful body in that beautiful casket. There are several songs that get played on the radio that I would hear on my long drive to and from St. Joe's. It seems like they are getting played alot lately. It has brought back many of the emotions of last year. The incredible ups and downs. It has refreshed the beauty and sorrow of that summer. The ultimate miracle is the answer and peace I received just prior to his passing. I have to remind myself of that often. It was so sweet, so true. However I still shed tears and my heart still aches.

I do know that the Lord allows sorrow and pain so that we can truly appreciate the joy. . .

My latest love is playing baseball in the backyard w/ the other three kiddos. The boys especially, are obsessed. We conditioned their gloves tonight and wrapped them w/ rubber bands to help "shape them" better. That lasted 15 minutes. They wanted them unwrapped so they could get a few more innings in the backyard before the sun went down. Then they all watched a few innings of the D-backs game on the internet (since it was blacked out on the TV). These are the joys I appreciate a little more. They are such good kids. I love them and their passion to do everything. Enjoying them one day at a time. . . despite the craziness of life.

PS: Greg thinks I am crazy, but I am having my kiddos hearts checked this Thursday w/ Ethan's cardiologist (echos and all). Obviously they don't have anything serious, but there is something to say about peace of mind!!! Right???