Happy Valenintine’s Day
In November of 2001 I gave birth to my oldest son Matthew, who is now 10 years old. He was a beautiful baby boy with a full head of dark brown hair. All was well, and in an instant I was this sweet little boys Mom. Soon we realized our son was struggling, trying not to worry we hoped for the best.
About 12 hours after my sweet little Matthew was born we found out he had one of the worst heart defects you can be born with. He was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), or in other words he was missing the whole left side of his heart. In an instant my world was turned upside down. We had three choices,
1. Let him peacefully pass away in our arms, and spare him a long road of surgery’s, and hospital stays.
2. A heart transplant, which he would most likely never get in time.
3. Open heart surgery’s (at least 3 and a hand full of other corrective surgery’s). The first one he would need with in days and he only had a 25% chance of surviving.
We decided to give our son a chance at life, no matter what the odds were. We knew we had to try to repair his tiny heart and give him a chance at life. So off to Seattle Children’s Hospital we went. In three years my son had 3 major open heart surgery’s, and 11 other corrective surgery’s. Those three years were filled with moments of total despair. At times the challenges seems more than I could handle. But they were also filled with gratitude, joy, and on over whelming love for my tiny son. Matthew was in the hospital for weeks even months at a time. I had to rely on the knowledge of Doctors and Nurses to give my son the critical care he needed to live. I also had to rely on the kindness of other “heart moms”, who gave me support and love in those difficult times. I was humbled by the kindness of others I made a promise to myself that I would try to give back as a way to say thank you.
Some have asked me why I take the time out of my busy day to write this blog? I know that some of you out there are struggling, I know what it feels like to be over whelmed with the burdens of everyday life. So this is my way of helping you, Let me teach you another way to provide the basics for your family. When I get an email telling me I have helped someone, I feel like I have kept my promise to give back, to help others in their time of need! This is my way of saying thank you …..SO Happy Heart Day!
With a heart full of gratitude!
Sarah
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I love to hear how he is doing. My Kylee was stillborn on Jan 31,2001. She had the same heart condition, but was to weak to make it. We found out before she was born and had decided to do the same. But never had that chance to do it.
I’m glad that your son made it.
I think that we all need to have that heart of hope all year long. It is a shame that it takes a holiday to remind us to appreciate the people in our lives. Even if it is just the person next to us, that we don’t know.
This is my first time visiting your blog. Your story of Matthew is beautiful. I was truly inspired by your dedication not only to your family but to your readers. I wish you and your family all the best.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
I admire how strong heart mom’s are. This yr heart day means so much more to me. Last yr at this time my sister got the news that her baby had a hypo plastic left heart with a very bad valve leek. They said he probably would not make it and his only chance was a transplant. After he was born he was on the list for 6weeks before the Doctors told my sister that by some miracle it had gotten better enough to have the surgeries to try to save him. My sister lived in a camp trailer outside of primary childrens for 4 months after he was born and before that was on bedrest in the the hospital for 5 weeks. What a trooper she has been. I’m so proud of her and couldn’t be more proud of my little miracle nephew. He has had two open heart surgeries and will have another when he is two or three. He is home now and doing great. He is still on oxygen but is totally amazing the doctors. He is almost nine months and just crawled for the first time yesterday. What special spirits these heart babies are. Happy Heart Day to you and your family.
To have gone through what you and Matthew had to go through, you are a very strong women. He is definitely a fighter (and a cutie). I would say you are more than 100% giving back Sarah. You do so much for others and I hope you know you are greatly appreciated for it. You have taught me how to coupon, how to save money, and I am so thankful.
Happy Heart Day to You! (& the rest of the family)
Happy Heart Day to your Family!! Thank you for your blog!
I agree with Tara. I have too read about little Matthew so many times. Each time I read every word and feel my eyes swell with tears for your family’s amazing strength. You have helped me, and my family so much with learning to coupon and be thrifty, and you are giving back so much! Thank you so much, and bless you and your beautiful little angels!!
Happy ‘Heart’ Day to you too! This story gets me every time you post it. Even though I’ve seen many posts on it, I still continue to read every word each and every time. Thank you for all that YOU do for all of us!
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