Avery continues to have a lot of swelling and the usual balance of fluid levels after major surgery, so she will not be closed up until Wednesday. She has a very long road of recovery, but thanks to all of you and your support, wishes, prayers, she's well on her way. Here is the latest update my sister sent us Sunday night...
"No longer an only child..."
Hi everyone,
As promised - tonight's update is dedicated to Avery's donor - and in our minds and hearts - her new sibling - a child we love as if they were our own.
Yesterday - one of Avery's nurse's asked me "did you feel it"?
I asked her - "feel what?"...and she responded - "her heart - it is so strong beating inside of her"
Avery's heart is literally covered only by a thin bandage made out of plastic - so you can literally gently place your hand over it and feel her new heart "jump up and hit the palm of your hand" with each beat.
At first I thought - I have no intentions of putting my hand there -- but being the mom and insanely curious nurse that I am -- I did.
It was overwhelming on every level!
I could not help but think of the parents of Avery's donor - some how wishing I could hold their hand there too - so they could feel the life of their child inside of Avery.
We hope that one day - God willing - if the donor family wants to - that we are able to meet them...and even more so...that they are able to meet Avery and know her story! They will forever be part of our family.
It is inexplicable to even imagine what they have experienced and the void that losing their child will leave in their lives.
We pray that God gives them strength and that they somehow find peace in knowing what they and their child have done for Avery and our family.
The following is a song that my dear friend Julie heard the morning of Avery's transplant. I had never heard of it - so I looked up the lyrics.
I cannot think of words that could better capture what "We Wish" for Avery and her donor.
written by: Jeffrey Steele and Steve Robson
recorded by: Rascal Flatts
"My Wish"
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walking until you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
and you never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.
More than anything
This is my wish...
~Cheryl and Mike xo
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8 comments:
Kerri I'm so happy to hear that Avery is on her way to recovery. She is going to grow up to be a strong woman. She is an amazing little girl. I can never imagine going through what you all have been through!!. Avery is and always will be in my thought and prayers.
hi kerri, glad to hear this update. I cannot possibly imagine the emotional rollercoaster you have all been on. It is really fitting that some of it can be expressed through music.
that song is one of my favorites...it definitely speaks volumes to many in various circumstances and I'm glad your sister could find some solace in its lyrics. Much love!
Prayers and well wishes continue for Avery and her entire family. What a miracle this is. Cheryl and Mike must be amazing as well. Stay strong and thankful.
Kerri Jean you continue to be such an inspiration and I thank you for the comment on my blogging.
I'm actually feeling at a loss for words except to say, Thank you.
Kerri, I find myself emotionally touched with every post about Avery. Having lost a child I know the pain that even though time eases, it never erases. God love you, Avery and her family, and the Donor Family. Prayers continue.
i've been overwhelmingly busy and see that i've missed out on the wonderful miraculous event of avery's heart transplant!! her story of bravery and endurance is inspiring! your sister's voice of hope touches my heart.
Kerri, I am with you and Avery and her parents! AND I pray for the donor family. I hope each day is better and better for sweet Avery.
I am sooooo happy for your family and the hope this new heart brings you all.
Hugs,Patti
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