On April 4, 2007, Maggie Jane was born and changed my life forever. Maggie surprised us a couple days after her birth when we learned that she was born with a double inlet left ventricle, transposition of the greater arteries, and an interrupted aortic arch. These 3 severe heart defects can all be classified under Hypo-Plastic Right Heart Syndrome. She had her first life saving surgery, the Norwood (slightly modified) on April 10, 2007 and came home exactly a week later. Her second heart surgery, The Glenn, was on Sept. 20, 2007 and she came home 4 days later. We have been tremendously blessed with how well Maggie has sailed through these surgeries. With the exception of some severe reflux, Maggie has thrived. In fact, she has done so well and has grown so quickly that she is now ready for her 3rd surgery, The Fontan, much sooner than her doctors anticipated. Our prayer is that she will sail right through this one as well and will be back at home causing trouble in no time.
Maggie Jane's personality is quite hard to explain. I've been pondering it a lot lately as I sit back and enjoy watching her live. The only way I can explain it is that she is full of life. She enjoys every second of every minute of every day. She takes what comes and she conquers it. Our family is so blessed to have Maggie in it and we have all been forever changed because of her.
I will not tell you that every part of this journey has been easy. In fact, most of it has been very difficult. It is not what I ever expected my life to be. However, I am now and forever will be a "Heart Mom" and we are a "Heart Family". Maggie's heart problems will affect her the most, but they have changed and will continue to change us as a family. Ryan is a "Heart Dad", I'm a "Heart Mom", and Trent is a "Heart Brother". God has chosen Maggie and our family to tell His story of love, power, mercy, grace, and healing. This is the life God has chosen for us so we are learning to be happy and content with life as it is.
We are a family of 4, with Happy Hearts.
(If you would like to read Maggie's story from the beginning, scroll down to the categories and select "Maggie Jane")