Heart-a-versary

Charlotte sometime before her surgery. (May, 2005)

Last Monday we celebrated Charlotte's sixth birthday. Of course, she "celebrated" with her second bout of strep throat in 3 weeks (who knew I was supposed to change her toothbrush?! We're still P.I.T.s*). Just as I finished icing the cake for school, I got a call to pick her up because of a high fever. Not to worry, she had cake that night at home, cupcakes at school on Thursday, and yesterday she had a magnificent puppet party.

Today, we pause to celebrate--a bit more somberly perhaps, but with equal amounts of joy--Charlotte's heart-a-versary.

Six years ago today, we handed our teeny-tiny baby to the anesthesiologist. I remember him as being quite tall and having an Australian accent, but I was post-surgery myself so am an unreliable witness. He cradled her in his arms and we all walked to the operating suite. There we gave our baby, our hopes, and our trust to the great good team of Drs. Mavroudis, Backer, and Stewart. On the way to the waiting room, Philippe collapsed in my arms.

We waited. And waited. And then Dr. Mavroudis came to us smiling, telling us that Charlotte was back in her room and the nurses were setting up her meds. I think that was the first time we breathed that day.

Charlotte immediately post-surgery (May 16, 2005). So little amidst all those tubes, medicines, and equipment.

So today, as every May 16, we think of those wonderful doctors, as well as Charlotte's formidable cardiologist Luciana Young; her lead nurses Nancy Smith and Samantha McCoy; and all the staff and nursers who gave our daughter back to us.

She may have been born on May 9, but it was on May 16 that Charlotte was given a fighting chance at life. We will be forever deeply grateful to all of you who helped make that happened and who supported us through the long days and nights that followed.

Charlotte last Monday. Feeling terrible with strep and exhausted after a 2-hour doctor appointment, but ready for her birthday cake.