This gift of a new heart and a new life couldn't have come at a more
perfect time. Eli was weakening, lifeless. So many options, whispers of what
was next. The time was coming to make some very important decisions. As
parents, we knew at some point, this would happen soon if a heart did not come
available immediately. I remember leaving his room that day to go pick up
Lucas, November 7th around 4:30. I had just received the new Listing
Status 1A letter at 4:00. I couldn’t believe we were on the list, again!
Arriving home after picking up Lucas, I went about my night. I was drained,
exhausted, emotional and hopeful. Then, at 8:26 the phone rang. The call. It still
feels like it happened yesterday. The conversation I had with Dr Ryan was
quick, I couldn’t get off the phone fast enough to call Danny and my family. At
that moment, my heart smiled. We rushed to the hospital to spend our final
hours with Eli, before going into the OR at 7:30am. Eli was only listed for 4
hours and 26 minutes, when we got the call! This is one of THE quickest, list
to call, they have ever had at CCHMC.
One year ago today was and will always be a very memorable and special
day. On this day last year-November 8 2013, as many prayers across the world
were being said, we said a tearful but joyful goodbye. Sending Eli into the OR
to receive his new 'Angel Heart'. As the OR staff rolled him away, Dr Bryant
promised he would take good care of him and felt like this heart (which was on
an airplane coming from who knows where) was a perfect match for Eli and that
his surgery would go well. Hearing his words and knowing that the man above
would be with him through his surgery. We were comforted through the rest of
the day as we patiently, yet anxiously waited to see him again.
We will also always remember the sacrifice and charity of our donor
family that give him a second chance at life. Because of their gift to him, we
were given a new beginning, a new life.
Eli is a very special child of God and he came into this world fighting
to fulfill Gods mission here on earth. His strength continues to amaze me each
and every day, especially with all he has been through so far in his short
life. He inspires everyone that knows him and even people that have never even
met him, but that know of his journey. Eli has completely surpassed all medical
expectations, which makes it very obvious that our heavenly father has a
special and important plan for him. He has taught us so much about faith, prayer,
and hope. He has taught us to appreciate the little things in life. He has
taught us to enjoy today for you never know what tomorrow may bring. He has
taught us how priceless life is and to never take it for granted!
Eli is loved by so many. He is loved more than words can express by his
parents and his sibling. Along with the challenges, his journey has brought our
family more joy and blessings than we could measure or count! Friends, family,
neighbors, and members from churches have served our family in so many ways. We
have been shown endless compassion and love for which we are very grateful!
Through this our family has learned to look for ways to show compassion to
others and especially to other children born with disabilities.
We know we have said this before, but we want to tell you again.......We
feel privileged to be Eli’s parents. He is a little man full of spunk,
patience, and unconditional love than most of us. We know without a doubt that
he is a valiant spirit sent here by our Heavenly Father to teach us many
lessons. Because of the kindness and selflessness of our donor family (who we
still haven't had the opportunity to meet....but hopefully someday we will) we
will get to learn many more lessons from him in this life. We will forever be
grateful to this family and still pray daily for their comfort.
Happy 1st Heartiversary EJ!
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