Yesterday at Chase Field, Scarletts cardiology team the "Scott and Laura Eller Congenital Heart Center" had a fundraiser called Picnic At The Park. Families with CHD children were able to sit on the field, run the bases, play catch in the outfield and watch the away game on the jumbotron.
Todd, Violet, Scarlett and I all went. We saw several other heart parents there, and it made me feel so good to be able to recognize [by name] the children and the parents alike. I really feel part of a FAMILY [of parents with children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)].
The event was dedicated to Heidi's son Ethan who lost his battle with HLHS on August 21. It broke my heart, but tonight I converted Ethan's link on the side of my page to "Angel Ethan". : ( He is now in heaven with Jersey, Jake, Liam and Andie. God bless his beautiful soul.
Ethan's memorial services will be this Thursday. First thing tomorrow I'm going to ask my boss for the day off so that I can attend. Don't know if I mentioned this previously, but Heidi and I were right next to each other during Scarlett's first surgery, separated only by a wall. I saw her and Greg almost daily. Although I gave them their privacy, we did meet that last week in February, and we kept in touch via email off and on ever since. I took Ethan's passing very hard, because he was only 1 day younger than Scarlett.
I saw Heidi at the event yesterday. It was good to see her and Greg, but hard not to make 'sad eyes' and give them the 'I'm so sorry' look. I tried to keep it light, but inside I'm still torn up. But all in all, it was really nice to see so many other heart parents and catch up. We should do events like this more often.
Heidi is lucky to have you as a friend! I'm glad I'll be seeing you Thursday! We were sorry to miss the exciting get together, next time for sure we'll be there!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so great getting to know you and your precious Scarlett. We will be praying for Scarlett and her upcoming surgery. We will look for you on Sept. 21st. Maybe we will be neighbors!
ReplyDeleteHi just wanted to say hi, I am a local fellow heart momma. My daughter Alexa will be turing one on Sept. 2nd. She also had a BT Shunt surgery, hers at 13 days old. She will also require further surgeries, we thought in September of 09 but looks like they might get pushed back to the Spring. Her sats are also low 80's I hope they stay there, if not she will require surgery sooner. Did Scarlett have her surgery at St Joes or PCH? Who was her surgeon? Hope you don't mind I will be adding Scarlett to our list of heart friends, feel free to visit my daughters blog. Thanks! Wishing you the best and keeping in touch through our blogs.
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