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Heart Proclamation Signing

We were blessed with the privilege to spend part of our morning at the State Capitol Building!  Governor Branstad invited CHD families to his formal office to take part in the Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week Proclamation!  We got to hear the Governor read the proclamation aloud, sign the proclamation, and then spend some time with him.  Some of the heart moms were able to stay and talk to legislators about CHD awareness, but I had to get to work, so I didn't get to stay and do this.  It was an awesome experience, and Governor Branstad now knows lots about CHDs and how important screening is!


Proclamation

Signing the Proclamation
No big deal, just spending my Wed. morning being held by the Governor!

The other little girl in this photo is also named Leah (although spelled differently) and ALSO is a Tetrology of Fallot survivor!
Family photo with Gov. Branstad

This picture contains both Heart Moms and Angel Moms.  Some of the strongest women you will ever meet!


A reminder:  CHD Awareness Week is Feb. 7-14.  Wear red to show your support for those who are survivors, and those who lost their lives!  Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 birth defect in the world.


And on a different note, I want to share something else with you.  I came home from work yesterday to a package addressed to me from someone in Cedar Falls. I didn't recognize the address.  When I opened the package, it was a hand written card from someone I have never talked to or met.  It was from the mother of another CHD survivor.  She had heard our story through Ryan's Aunt Sue (Love you, Sue!!) and although we have never met, we have an unspoken bond.  She also sent me this 'mended heart' necklace.  I of course was bawling, and was so moved  by her thoughtfulness to take the time to think of me and to send me the necklace and note.  So, Lynette, if you are reading this, thank you so very much!  You're right, we do have a special bond, that only certain people understand. I love the necklace, and wore it to the heart proclamation signing today.  I especially loved the quote you put in the card:

"Anyone can give up; it's the easiest thing in the world to do.  But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."  --Christopher Reeve



 And before I go, I have a prayer request.  There is a heart family from Wichita who needs our prayers badly.  My friend, Heather, had this sweet heart-kiddo in her class last year.  She is hospitalized in Colorado and has developed some serious complications from her Fontan surgery that she had in 2007 (a common surgery for a specific heart defect).  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. 


Comments

Heather said…
I'm so glad you were able to be there this morning. That's awesome!
Thank you for sending out a prayer for Sasha. :)
February 6, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Deb Wagler said…
Ashley and Family! What an awesome happening this morning!! I am so excited and proud of you guys! What a wonderful event to be able to attend and you all are great advocates for CHD! Hugs to all!
February 6, 2013 at 10:29 PM
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