| Jason was only 6 days old when he was airlifted to Denver Children's Hospital. At the time, we suspected something wasn't right, but had no idea the situation was so grim. The doctors at Children's sat us down and explained what was going on. Jason had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a fatal heart defect. At this point we were faced with the toughest decision of our lives - attempt to rebuild Jason's heart through a series of surgeries (The Norwood Procedure) or wait for a heart transplant. Neither option was great; both had risks and uncertainties. We initially opted for the Norwood procedure, figuring that was a relativiely "quick" fix, and we would be able to have our baby home sooner. But after speaking to one of the surgeons who performs this operation, we changed our minds. The surgeon stated to me on the phone that if it was his child, he would choose the transplant. Well, that shook us up!! We decided to take his advice, and on Christmas Eve Jason was placed on the waiting list for a heart. We settled in to wait, as the average wait for a heart is 3-4 months. You might be wondering at this point how we got through the wait. I admit, that was the toughest part, but Jason at 3 days old. there are certain guidelines that will help you cope. One thing you definitely need to know in this situation is never look at the big picture. The waiting period can be- come overwhelming if you allow your- self to dwell on the "time" factor. Take things one day at a time or, if necessary, one hour at a time. Don't look ahead and don't look back. Focus on the moment. I spent this time loving Jason; holding him, Jason on Christmas Eve. bathing him, singing to him, feeding him. All I could give him at this point in his life was love, so that's what I focused on. Secondly (and I think most importantly), pray. You may pooh-pooh this idea, but prayer works. And it just may be a turning point in your life, as it was for us. Jason's ordeal has become our testimony, as we discovered the meaning of faith and love. How? Well, you are essentially living by faith as you wait for a donor heart for your child. I initially wondered how we would pay for a place to stay near the hospital and still be able to upkeep our home a hundred miles away. The cost of meals, gas, phone calls, lodging - it all adds up rather quickly. I decided to just leave everything to the Lord, since I had no way to solve those problems anyway. I focused on Jason and left the rest up to Him. |
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| Jason at one month old, waiting for his heart. |
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