Zip Line

 Recently, while sorting through some things, I came across a stack of 'memento's if you will, of things that we saved from Children's Mercy--A hospital receiving blanket, an infant sized hospital gown, the stuffed bear that held the ventilator off her chest,  the bow they "jellied" to her hair so people would know she was a girl, the different signs that hung in her room that told doctors and residents what 'studies' she was apart of,  and the book 'Zip Line'.  We got this book after we were discharged. It's about a little girl who has open heart surgery, and is left with a scar, or, zip line.  It's a really great book, and I can't wait to talk with Lia about it when she's older.

A while back, I sent it down to Kansas City to have Lia's doctors and nurses sign it, and when I got it back in the mail, it was like Christmas.  I really cannot say enough about the amazing care we had in Kansas City.  A wonderful team of doctors and nurses who saved the life of our daughter!  I meant to share this with all of you a lot earlier, but time got away from me, so I'm sharing it now!

I didn't take a picture of every single page, just the cover, but will include the words :)

Zip Line was written by the father of a CHD survivor.  Click on the link for more information.

Zip Line:  If you peek at my middle, in the center of my chest, you'll notice something different, it's not like all the rest.

Some will wonder silently, while others may just stare, but what you must want to know, "How did that line get there?"

I wasn't struck by lightning or in a fencing duel, and I didn't get a scratch from showing a lion who is cool.

My zip-line is from when I was young and the doctors fixed my heart.  The scar that was left there is my personal work of art.

The zip-line is my trophy for being strong and brave.  My surgery lasted hours and my recovery took days.

There were pumps, tubes, and wires, and I needed lots of rest.  Everyone worked really hard to help me be my best.

Now I'm strong and healthy.  I'm really doing fine.  You'd never know about it, the only proof is this line.

When I play in the sprinkler or wear my suit at the pool, you might notice my zip-line and think it is pretty cool.

So ask me and I'll tell you my story, and my name.  And though we might look different there, we're otherwise the same.

Now let's go have fun and play or challenge me to a race, there's nothing that can stop me, my heart's keeping perfect pace.

Signatures from Children's Mercy staff

Nurse Nicole, one of our favorites :)

 

 

I know I've shown you this before, but this is one of my favorite center pieces from Lia's benefit:  'He Heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

 

 

 And while I still have you here, please keep the family of Jonathan Lockie in your prayers.  He was a heart warrior who earned his angel wings this week.  I know the Lockie family through a support group I belong to here in DesMoines.  Sara Lockie, his mother, was a HUGE advocate and supporter of the PluseOx bill that recently was signed into law. Jonathan's smile could light up a room.  He is such an inspiration to me, and someday I will tell Lia all about him.  Unfortunately, a recent asthma attack was too much for his complicated heart and lungs.  My heart breaks for this family.