Three years today

For the last couple of weeks I have either been working overtime, cleaning up puke or snuggling sick kids. That is until I succumbed to the nastiness myself. As much as it sucked to be that sick, I had a whole day all alone in the house where all I did was sleep and watch a movie. A whole movie. One that wasn't animated or rated G.  Trade offs, I spose.

Well, today is a pretty special day. It is the three year anniversary of my sweet girl's open heart surgery.  As much as I think I can put all of those feelings behind me, I can't and that is actually o.k.  The photo above was taken the summer after the surgery and you can see her scar on her chest.  She was 2 months shy of her second birthday when she had it so she was just a tiny thing.  Plus she had a funky heart so she was tiny because of that. I still think its nuts because she was in the 50th percentile before the surgery and within the next ten months she shot up to the 95th and grew about 4 shoe sizes.  Amazing what a healthy heart will do for a girl.  Tonight we went to celbrate and have a family fun night, eating out, going to the paint your own pottery place and the Baskin Robbins for ice cream.  I think an anniversary like this is a good time to reflect on the joy that these kids bring to our lives.  One of the biggest things that still sticks to me to this day is that as scared as I was going into the hospital that morning, it didn't take long to realize that we were the lucky ones. We would be bringing our daughter home and she would be fixed.  We met wonderful people there who did not share in that fortune.  It is a good place to gain perspective.

Every March 2nd since the big day, I try to commemorate it in some way. Last year I cut off a foot of hair and gave it to locks of love, this year I organized a toy drive for the hospital at work and am trying to start my first Project Linus quilt.  This year I also volunteered at the children's hospital holiday party and will make it a yearly thing. 

We had a check up a few months ago and everything still looks great!  Its all just so crazy and amazing and I am so glad that she was born in these times so they could fix it.  It is almost not March 2nd anymore so I had better get to bed. Any ideas on how I can commemorate next years anniversary?

Comments

[strikkelise]

Happy anniversary, little girl! You look so cute in that photo!
And a special hello to mummy, who has has a rough couple of weeks! (puking in the house really sucks)

[Amanda]

Wow, what a wonderful story. And a great day to celebrate!

[KellyS]

Wonderful story, and so frightening, too. I'm sorry you all had to go through that, but so glad the results have been great!

[shabbyinthecity]

What a cute, cute photo! So glad this little girl got fixed and I love the way you are giving back!!!!

[Sonya]

Very inspiring and sobering words. With all the small childhood illnesses, the fevers, the runny noses, it is easy to lose sight of how fortunate we are to have, essentially well children. My daughter was diagnosed this time last year with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. In the spectrum, hers is on the low end and kids usually grow out of it, but visiting the pediatric specialties ward, with the oncology and other clinics really did feel like walking through the looking glass. Good for you, for commemorating and celebrating. It is such a joy - she is such a joy - so strong and vibrant - that growth spurt, 4 shoe sizes? David Banner and the Incredible Hulk jokes anyone? Take care.

[old school acres]

Happy heart day!!

[Maija]

She is so beautiful and I find such joy in your story!
She is so lucky to have a mom with such a kind and generous nature!

[Amy]

Thanks for sharing such a moving and personal story. I felt the same way when my stepson was being treated for leukemia. He had the best possible outcome and went into remission immediately and we feel fortunate every day. It was so poignant being down at St. Jude and seeing all the kids there who were suffering, many of whom had less fortunate outcomes. I cut off my hair last year and gave it to Locks of Love. So wonderful that you do something amazing every year to give back. Best wishes for continued good health for your daughter and your family.

[Kimberly at Some Bunny's Love]

What an amazing anniversary! Bunny hugs to your daughter and all of you. Before you know it, she'll be taller than you!
=:8

[Karen]

What a moving story with a happy ending! Isn't amazing that it takes something so serious for us all to realize how precious life is. And doesn't it feel good to give back. I started knitting chemo caps when my sister was diagnosed with cancer. I made her some and now donate ones to the local cancer center in her memory. Congrats to you and your family.

[Dave]

Hey Mo, it's Dave (Lori's spouse). Tell me about Project Linus...