Thursday, March 13, 2008

Gratitude...


The heartbeat of our family is my niece Avery, who, as I began this post, was undergoing her fourth open heart surgery to repair a congenital defect (hypoplastic left heart syndrome). She is a constant reminder to all of us of what is truly important in life, and what is not. She is a gift, a balm, a constant source of hope, and strength and unconditional love. If I am feeling angry, or petty or in any way less than charitable, I have only to think of her to set me back on the right path.

She is now out of surgery, and reports from my sister and her surgeon confirm that she has done amazingly well and her "stats" are excellent. She will need to be sedated for several days as she begins to heal, so if you read this post, please say a prayer, think a happy thought, hug a loved one -- for Avery!

7 comments:

Neefer said...

Sending +ve vibes

Laura said...

Avery (and you) are in my thoughts, Kerri! Hugs.

Debbie said...

Many happy thoughts and many prayers to Avery and her family!! XOX

Cindy Dean said...

She is so adorable. I have said a prayer for her and your family!

Erika said...

As a mom to an HLHSer (with our third surgery coming up this spring), I know how hard it is to hand over your child to the surgeons. I will keep little Avery and your family in my thoughts. Here's for an easy, speedy recovery!

Nancy Bea Miller said...

Sending light and good thoughts...all the best!

Anonymous said...

Oh, thanks for sharing this story. What a brave little girl she is! Defintely sending a prayer for good health and a perfect recovery!