Update on my daughter's heart

[mk162]

From my wife:

Ava is now in the 35% for weight and 78% for height! Her hole is still the same size but her heart has grown so proportionally it's "smaller." Her cardiologist says she is a great candidate for the transcatheter closure (through the leg rather than open heart) and we're going to schedule a visit to Eggleston soon. It has one of the best pediatric heart centers in the country. Her surgery will be late summer/early fall which is approaching quickly! I tried to talk to her about it and she thinks I'm being so silly, "mommy, I don't have a hole in my heart! That's just a knock knock joke!" I wish it were a joke my little angel.... ;-) we're coping just fine as we know this is what's best for Ava. Xoxo!

[3Deep]

Brad, I hope everything works out OK, for that matter I know it will and you guys will have to save money for that big wedding one day!!

Darryl

[royster13]

Best wishes to your daughter and loved ones.....

[ebscreen]

Best to you and yours.

[Dottonedan]

Wow.  Good news that she's a candidate for that process but sad to hear in the first place. Thats got to be tough as a child and as a family to go through. I can't imagine. Prayers for you and the family my friend.


D

[whitewater]

dude....i'm sending the good vibe your way to you and your family!

[balloonguy]

I know a guy that can make some balloons for her. Just let me know what you want...

[Homer]

good to hear B....my kids are almost the same age as yours so I can only imagine how tough it can be. 

Matt makes some kick ass balloons..I know, I have some...

[mk162]

Matt, I will take you up on that.  Her favorite color is pinkandpurple, yes, to her that is 1 color.  I will work up some art and send it down.  Thank you so much!!!!

I appreciate it guys, i really do.  I am tearing up right now reading the responses.  She is really doing great, 2 years ago she was in the bottom 1% for weight and around 50-60% for height.  She has really sprouted up and is looking much healthier.

Thanks!!!!!!

[GKitson]

From my wife:

Ava is now in the 35% for weight and 78% for height! Her hole is still the same size but her heart has grown so proportionally it's "smaller." Her cardiologist says she is a great candidate for the transcatheter closure (through the leg rather than open heart) and we're going to schedule a visit to Eggleston soon. It has one of the best pediatric heart centers in the country. Her surgery will be late summer/early fall which is approaching quickly! I tried to talk to her about it and she thinks I'm being so silly, "mommy, I don't have a hole in my heart! That's just a knock knock joke!" I wish it were a joke my little angel.... ;-) we're coping just fine as we know this is what's best for Ava. Xoxo!

Brad, keep these thoughts in mind during the darkest moments, you are making one of life’s best journeys as you and your special little girl build the relationship that I am sure is to be one of the most treasured part of your life.  MAKE the time, don’t take the time, to hold her, love her, and be a part of her everyday life as the two of you share bugs, soccer, science fairs, mud puddles, girl scouts, drama queen moments, skinned knees & eventually boys and all that goes with creating and enjoying your lives together.  Take it from me Dad, it’s the best thing life has to offer!
 
Long before you are ready she will be wanting to tackle the world on her own -- and you will look back and wonder where the time went.  Make sure your memories are of the things ‘that you did’ together rather ‘than what you could have done!’
 
Work will take care of itself without 24/7 oversight by you, delegate and enjoy your special little girl.   

Long life, Health, & Love to all, tell her you love her every chance you get!
 
Greg Kitson
The little old t-shirt guy in Indiana

[mk162]

Thanks Greg!  Your advice is not falling on deaf ears.  If I ever work late it's after the kids are in bed or i go in early.  The other day she wanted to go to a little pop-up fair with me and "mommy could stay home with baby Vaughn"  It made me smile, except I am not a fan of heights...especially on equipment that was assembled by carnies.

[Denis Kolar]

Brad, she'll be OK. Kids are tough these days.
We'll think about you guys. If there is any way we could help, let us know.

[Sbrem]

Hang in there Brad, I think it's tougher on the parents than the kids; they just have the greatest attitude sometimes. I had some extensive eye surgery when I turned 7, way back, and one of my best memories was playing with the other kids in the ward; we had various issues, but somehow, we just wanted to play. Your on my prayer list now, along with most of the rest of the world. God bless man...

Steve

[ZooCity]

thoughts are with you and yours Brad, keep in good spirits man.

[Northland]

Best wishes to you and your daughter....
Here's what I'd suggest you dance too... at her wedding in about 20 years.... as I did with my daughter, last year.

Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight Original