Haven’s Heart

Malerie

I was born early, and rather small, at only 3lb 3oz; I wasn’t very tall. I took my first airplane ride the night I was born when I took a trip with my dad to a NICU. This unexpected entrance into this big world was exactly what we needed in order to know my heart was not working as it should. My heart is unique -it was just as it should be, but needed some adjustments to make it function properly. Over 4 long months my parents worked hard to keep me growing and healthy. Ready or not, the big day would come, but open heart surgery would prove to be the Mountain top! A day that would be scary ended up bringing a sense of peace, as thousands of people around the world prayed for me. God worked and mended. He gave wisdom and a steady hand to the surgeon working hard to follow a plan. I might have been little, but my life has made a big impact. From the medical teams who have touched my life, to the neighbor down the street, my life has been a reminder of how special each moment can be. No matter how big or little, each act of kindness can touch a life. My parents have found so many blessings on this unexpected journey of CHD life. Now I am bigger, and my heart is functioning as it should, but I’ll always have this beautiful scar that reminds me of how precious life really is. So no matter what your CHD may be, remember you are not alone. The world is full of girls and boys with zippers of their own. You are strong, you are brave, and your story is a special gift. Share your gift with others, for when you do, you help them see, each day is a miracle and full of possibilities.