Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Doing very well!

I have a permanent smile on my face. I am so happy and grateful for how things have turned out with Madison. I feel like shouting for joy, laughing, and crying at the same time. I've mentioned this to a few friends, but this experience has been the most spiritual experience for Mark and I. Never before have we felt so close to our Heavenly Father and His direct plan for Madison and our family. Going through this has raised us to a whole new level. We will never take life for granted.

Update on Madison: Maddie is continuing to do amazingly well. Today we had our 3rd cardiology appointment since coming home. Madison has cardiology appointments twice a week (Monday and Thursday) At each appointment, Madison has blood work, an echo, EKG, meet with one of the Transplant Coordinators (Michelle or Emily), and then our appointment with Dr. Everitt. Each appointment has looked better and better. I still love watching her echos. There is such a dramatic difference between her old and new heart. Her new heart is absolutely perfect and beautiful.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity of finishing the letter to our donor family. Mark and I think about our donor family all day, every day. We are overcome by their love and willingness to donate. We love them. As this Christmas time is going to be difficult for them, Mark and I felt that it was important to have them receive our letter before Christmas. By the power of 'e-mail', our donor family should receive their letter tomorrow. Writing the letter was one of the toughest and humbling things I have ever done. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to write this letter. It's another moment I wish others could experience; the deep feeling of gratitude, saddness, pure happiness, and peace of mind. It took 1/2 box of tissues and a husband checking in to offer some counsel. I hope that I will hear back from this family; the family that allowed us to witness a miracle. Through this Christmas season, will you please keep our donor family in your prayers? I can't imagine enduring what they have been through, especially during the holidays. I am so sorry for them.

I would like to share a line from my letter to our donor family:
"In the same country, with only a couple states seperating us, one family endured a tragedy while another embraced a miracle. From deep within my soul, I thank you for allowing your baby to donate."

Goodnight.

8 comments:

Amber said...

Michelle..you are an amazing and thoughtful family. I am sure the donor family will be very grateful to receive your letter before Christmas as they can experience some joy in knowing another child has been saved while theirs was lost. I am sure it will be the best Christmas gift they can receive, as Madison's heart was the best gift you could receive.

Al and Jenny said...

I think about you guys all of the time. I am so grateful for Maddie's progress and improved health. I can only imagine the pure joy you have felt along with all of the other emotions. My heart too goes out for the donor family. I will keep them in our prayers along with you guys. I love the updates. Need a new pic of Maddie soon!!

Kimmie said...

Absolutely AMAZING!!! I think of you all everyday, as well as your donor family. What an ironic display of emotions it all entails. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Love to Maddie and Cooper.

Amy said...

Thank you for sharing part of your letter, it is beautiful. I will keep your donor family in my prayers, Merry Christmas, and honestly, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, it is easy to feel inspired when I read your blog, and also, a little closer to Heavenly Father.

Heather said...

You are amazing parents. It's wonderful to know that miracles really do happen. Merry Christmas!

Mindi D said...

That is wonderful that you were able to contact them. I'm sure you made their entire Christmas :) What an amazing thing the circle of life is..

Dawn. said...

Our prayers are with your family and the donor family.

The Blanchard Family said...

Michelle, I sure hope you all had a Merry Christmas! I have been following Madison's recovery and I am so proud of her!! Way to go Maddie! On a comment a while back you asked if Aden has any heart problems. . .he doesn't have any heart problems and is doing very well. He is almost 4 months old and is about 8 lbs. (Which is pretty good since he should only be about 3 wks old)Anyway, so glad to hear that all is well for you guys and I will continue to check in!