Remembering

Remembering

Our miracle 7 years ago...

I am a couple of days late, but will always hold in my heart the memories of the miracle God gave us 7 years this past week.  Our son Isaac was almost 5 months old and was in liver failure. 

We had him dedicated at Brookwood Church and the Pastor said a special prayer for him, which we didn't know he was going to do so I'm pretty sure I cried a bit up on stage.  Two days later Isaac was officially listed for transplant.  We had met with the transplant team and were expecting to wait for several months to a year, so we just went on with our lives like everything was normal.  Our pager wasn't working so we were told to keep our phones with us at all times.  Three days later I was having a lazy morning with Aubry (who was 2 at the time) and Isaac.  We were all in my bed watching cartoons and just hanging out.  The phone rang and Julie from transplant said they had a liver for Isaac.  I thought she was testing me to see if I would answer my phone - but she wasn't.  She said we needed to get up to Cincinnati right away.  I said ok, but inside I was panicking.  I called the pilot who had volunteered to fly us up there when we got the call but they said he was out flying and couldn't get back in time.  I panicked a bit more, but then I called my neighbor Angela.  She came over and just took over.  I think she called some other pilots, but nothing was working out.  In the meantime, Ben had called his brother Mike who called the airline he used a lot for business trips and got us a commercial flight, but it was leaving in an hour.  Since I had pretty much become not very useful, Angela packed my suitcase for me :)  Thanks Angela!!!

Ben got home from work pretty fast - I'm pretty sure he did not obey the speed limits!  Grabbed a couple of things and we rushed to the airport.  The airport staff was waiting for us at the airport and helped us get through check in and security very fast so we could make our flight.  We then get on the flight and the flight attendants already knew our situation.  When we arrived to Cincinnati airport there was a backup for landing and for getting to the gate due to some heavy fog they had had that morning.  The flight attendant announced that there was a delay, but that we would be moved to front of the line because they were transporting a baby who was on his way to the hospital for a transplant.  They were able to get us through to the front of the line for landing and then to a gate right away.  As we were getting off the plane - they let us get off first - the passengers on the plane kept telling us that they were going to pray for our little baby. 

We got to the hospital in under 4 hours.  Only by the grace of God was that able to happen with our pilot unavailable.  But thanks to Mike for helping us get on that flight.  We got a hospital room, and had to wait while the doctors flew up to Canada to get Isaac's liver.  He didn't actually go into surgery until about 10 that night.  That makes for a long day of not being able to feed our baby so he'd be ready for surgery, but so worth the wait.  Isaac was able to get a whole liver so that means it came from another baby so our hearts have always had a special place for our baby Angel.  Isaac had one of the shortest transplant surgeries that they had performed.  His old liver was in very bad shape but the new liver was perfect for him. 

I remember the strange feelings of sadness that someone else had to die for our son to live.  And the sadness for the family who was suffering.  While at the same time, I was excited for my baby to have a second chance at living.  Very strange emotions to deal with when dealing with a transplant. 

So this time of year, The memories and the emotions come rushing back.  I remember all year long, but this time of year will always be special to our family.  And I will always hold a special place in my heart for the family who made such a selfless decision. 

Thank - you so much to our family and friends and church for all the amazing support and prayers during that time.