A few hours later, the cardiac anesthesia woke all of us up. It was the moment we had waited for so many months (and even years). Lauren briefly woke up. Instead of being afraid of their scrubs, she looked at me and asked, "My new, strong heart?" I gave her a big hug and a kiss before they gave her the first sleepy medicine. I know that we had family and friends all around the world praying for her that night and anxiously awaiting updates.
It was only a few hours before she was moving from the OR to a room in the CICU. The surgery went as well or better than hoped, and the surgeon said her new heart was absolutely perfect. We were amazed to hear that Lauren had already been extubated, just shortly after settling in on the CICU side of the floor.
Over the years, we have taken lots of pictures of Lauren in the hospital. This is my picture of hope -- hope for brighter days ahead.
Perhaps even more exciting is this picture that was taken just two days post-transplant. We joked that all along we had told Lauren that she would wait until God sent a new heart, have an operation, and then get stronger and go home. Apparently, we forgot to tell her that it was a big deal. Not knowing any better, Lauren bounced back amazingly quickly.
It was the start of many smiles and happy days to come. It's hard to believe that a year has passed so quickly. We are truly blessed!
So thankful for that "new strong heart." Hard to believe it's been a year. I still can't think about it without crying tears of joy! Thank you God, and thank you to the wonderful family that was willing to donate their child's heart in the midst of their sorrow. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteTruly a Precious Gift from God!
ReplyDeleteGIGATTAATTGIG
ReplyDeleteWe've been traveling but remembered Lauren on her anniversary date. God is so good! We pray for continued progress, safety in your move and an easy transition. We also pray for peace and comfort for the family of the little one who shared her heart with Lauren. God bless you all,
ReplyDeleteDean & Jeanine Bryce
Wow...thank you for sharing. I can't even imagine the grace your family needed to go through this with such a little one. Thanks for helping me put things in their proper perspective. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThese post are amazing! I love to hear how God has worked in the lives of others. So thankful your story has such a sweet ending and blessed to know that you haven't forgotten the family that blessed your daughter thru their tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the TOS crew and I'm following you =)