Today marks Eden's 3 month anniversary post-transplant, otherwise known as her 3 month heart birthday! It brings tears to my eyes every time I think of it... monumental. There is no denying that it has been a tough road, but I can only feel gratitude and love today.
Gratitude to our donor family, which we hope to know one day and whom I can't help but realize are also marking an anniversary today. May they be able to accept our appreciation, hear Eden's story and feel some sense of positive connection to their loss. They gave us a gift even greater than a heart; they gave us more time.
Three months is a celebration , more than one or two and even probably four because Eden is officially free to travel. She will decrease from twice a week appointments to just one and for some transplant kids it is a milestone that allows a move back home (if they live out of town) or a return to school. Eden has been restricted from travel - outside an hour of the hospital - for 8 months (not including our hiatus to the ranch a couple of weeks ago!). Yes, I know she is just two years old and not quite the seasoned jet setter, but for two parents who met in Bolivia this freedom is significant... monumental.
In the mean time, however, I must admit that I have fallen in love. I have fallen in love with my neighbors and the kids on our block. I have fallen in love with my house and it's outlet for creativity. I have fallen in love with running, baking, writing, and the coffee shop at the end of our street. But most of all, I have fallen in love with our family and friends a million times over. You who came to our side at the hospital, who cooked and cleaned for six weeks, who have called, written, sent packages, donated, prayed, and never let us forget that we aren't alone.
Tonight we will celebrate. To the donor family, to the gifts of our surroundings, to all of you, to Eden's great will, and to more time... cheers.
4 comments:
Happy Anniversary Eden, Kera, and Brian! You are always in our prayers.
With much love,
Leslie
Brian and Kera:
I am sure I am not alone in feeling that it is a privilege to participate in your journey with Eden. It is so satisfying to me to see your family enjoy some ordinary events like Halloween. Thank you both for your unending care of your precious little girl and for sharing her incredible spirit (and wicked temper!) with us.
Love,
Mom/Susan/Grammy
How great it is to read this latest entry. I've laughed, and often cried, while reading these entries...but to see the world opening back up to Eden is amazing. Eden and her triumphs have been spread to so many of my friends that they now ask for updates regularly.
Aunt Beth
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