"Happy" Holidays

This past weekend we took the girls to a Christmas party hosted by a local heart family.  This family, whose eldest daughter will soon attend college, has opened up their home for the past 10 years to the heart community.  We've heard wonderful things about the party and with this being the first year Zoe is really healthy enough to go out, we jumped at the opportunity.

There was a ton to do - crafts, piles of leaves (this is a rarity in Arizona), cookie decorating tables, SNOW, Santa and more.  The girls had a blast... oh except for the Santa part...

I was thrilled to meet 8 year old William (HLHS) and his mom, Maigon.  When I asked William if I could take a picture of him and Zoe, he exclaimed "Sure!" and grabbed her like she was his little sister.  It was too cute. 

William also took the opportunity to teach Emmy and Zoe how to properly kick the soccer ball.

The girls had a great time - as did we.  It's always great spending time with other heart families and seeing all of our heart kids doing so well.  Emmy's mischevious spirit apparently comes out a little more when hanging with heart warriors - it must be contageous...

Seconds before Grace got a doused...

We hope all of our family and friends have a wonderful holiday season.  Embrace the spirit of the season!



"Happy" Holidays from the Lihns 



Enlightened

This is big.  Today is big. 

Two years ago I went to find out if my baby was a girl or a boy - a boy, I was convinced. 

Today marks two years since the doc in the glasses falling to the tip of his nose, tipped his head down, peered over his rims and gave me a very serious and solom look.  I couldn't stop what was coming next.  He may as well have just pulled my heart out and threw it on the floor that day.  The words he spoke sent me into a state of shock.  I was paralyzed.

Two years ago, a baby who was nameless was given what appeared to be a death sentence.  Few in the medical community gave us hope.  But, we searched for it.  And, we found it.  And, we're living it - enlightened.

Enlighten: to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to.

Many thanks to those who supported us from day one - regardless of what life or death decisions we were about to make.  My family, our friends and our cardiologist, John Stock.  I say "our" because I feel like he not only helped heal Zoe's heart, but our famly's as well.  He is all cardiologist and part psychologist.  He met with us for a long, long time on December 10th and delivered the facts of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  Our options, our future.

Two years ago, I had no idea we'd be LIVING as fully as we are.  Zoe added a whole new dimension to our lives.  She's brought significant life lessons to many (including myself) who would never have the opportunity to be enlightened. 

It's amazing what one tiny little girl can do. 

Thank you for following Zoe's journey and allowing her to englighten and inspire you. 

Happy Holidays to all of our loved ones, near and far!

Zoe decorated, thanks to Emmy