Waiting

The waiting is a bittersweet experience.  It is long and provides a huge opportunity to think about life and all of the miracles and blessings we have experienced.  It is hard thinking about another family losing their child...it is unbearable actually.  It fills me with so much gratitude and love for the family...knowing that at the hardest time in their life they will think of others and donate their child's organs.  Without people willing to donate, Hope will eventually pass away.  She is stable right now, but there is always the probability that her heart will get worse and that more medical intervention will be needed.  There are still many options that allow us to wait for the perfect heart, but it is scary.

We are so blessed to have medical care so close to home.  I have met so many people while we have been waiting that travel so far for the excellent care at the Cleveland Clinic.  My friends and family are able to visit and so many do visit a lot.  We are so thankful for the great friends we have met and our families have provided so much for us.  I can't imagine how difficult it would be to travel across the country or world and be away from friends and family and wait for a life-saving operation.

I would love to thank everyone that has done so much for our family.  We are forever grateful for the food, presents, cards, and support we have received.  We are humbled by the outpouring of love for Hope and our whole family.  I wish I could express my thanks better because my heart is so full of gratitude and love for everyone.  You mean the world to our family!