Friday 13th May 2011. A day that was hugely significant for us; a hospital appointment that would change our lives forever. Looking back, I recall it as a series of flashback moments. Walking into the hospital holding hubby’s hand, my legs shaking and a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Sitting in the… Read More
Four years ago, we walked into a scan room full of excitement at the prospect of getting to see our baby and left with our world turned completely upside-down. Four years since we started our journey as a heart family. Four years ago, we were devastated and scared, not knowing where or how we would… Read More
I see you sitting there in that scan room. Cold with fear and the terrible realisation that something is wrong, very wrong with your baby’s heart. I see you clinging to each other. Neither wants to voice the terrible thought that fills both your minds – that your child will die. I see your tears,… Read More
One of my favourite hymns is ‘Great is thy faithfulness’. It is written on the inside of my diary; the words helped me get through those difficult early days following Jessica’s diagnosis, her heart surgeries and the long days on PICU and the ward as she recovered. It continues to give me strength. There is… Read More
Joy, for me, is more than just being happy. It’s a much deeper emotion and one that isn’t just linked to happy times. Some of my most joyful moments have been during the most difficult times of my life. My pregnancy with Jessica was an incredibly joyous time. This might sound strange given that… Read More
My daughter Jessica was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This is a complex CHD where the left side of the heart doesn’t form correctly. Basically this means that Jessica only has half a working heart. Babies born with HLHS need to have heart surgery in order to survive.… Read More
The two photos below were taken three years ago today. They capture some precious moments with Jessica as we prepared for her to go to theatre for the second time since she was born. I remember it like it was yesterday. The anxious waiting, not wanting to leave her cot for a moment. Wanting to… Read More
