We have been praying and pondering for the past few months about the many questions concerning Presley's heart surgery. The "what", "why", and "how" were answered pretty clearly through the doctor's close examination, tests, and cath. However, the "who", "where" and "when" have been a bit more difficult to answer.
Initially, we pursued the path of returning to CA which would have been somewhat comforting due to the familiar. However, after a long period of waiting, we experienced a lack of response which left our hearts and minds troubled rather than at peace. God uses all things, and we believe that He closed the door on that option.
I then remembered a contact that we had with Boston Children's Hospital. While waiting to adopt Presley, we contacted a wonderful organization called Little Hearts Medical. This is a ministry to vulnerable children in China with CHD to help get them the medical care that they desperately need. One service LHM provides is a file review for families considering the adoption of a child with CHD. Cardiologists from all over the country, who partner with LHM out of the kindness of their hearts, will review the file and then write up an assessment. We had already submitted our Letter of Intent for Presley, but we longed to understand her special and unique heart as best as we could in order to prepare for her to join our family. All that to say, our file review was done by a cardiologist from Boston, Dr. Gerald Marx. Boston also just happens to be the #1 hospital for pediatric cardiac surgery and care. Dr. Marx's assessment turned out to be extremely close to Presley's actual diagnosis. He had been so kind and had graciously offered his help should we ever need it.
I decided to email him, and he responded within a couple of hours! This was so refreshing after experiencing the opposite. We had our cardiologist's office send all of Presley's information to Boston, and then we waited for their considerations. Meanwhile, our local cardiologist also recommended a surgeon that she knows well who recently moved to Atlanta, GA. She sent Presley's information there as well. Since we have to travel either way, many of the logistics will be the same. We prayed fervently for peace and clear direction. Every doctor involved has agreed that Presley is a good candidate for a bi-ventricular repair. This has brought us much confirmation, peace, and hope.
So, today on the last day of "Heart Month" we have a decision . . . we are going to Boston! Dr. Marx and his team have been so helpful, caring, and personal. Dr. Emani will be the surgeon to perform Presley's repair. We feel really good about our decision, and we believe that God has led us to this place. We trust that He is in control of every detail. Now the final question is the "when". We are currently waiting for the scheduling of everything which will most likely take place in the next few months.
From a human perspective we believe that Presley will be in the best hands possible. However, our hope ultimately lies in the hands of the Great Physician. He is in charge, and He has designed the plan. We have peace that He is guiding, and we will follow Him anywhere He so chooses. There are so many details to work out, not only for the travel and logistics of surgery and recovery, but also for our dear ones who will stay behind. We are asking the Lord for His help each day to "be still and know that he is God!" We pray that we will continue to remember and be comforted by the fact that our precious Presley's life is His creation. We pray that we will not worry and that we will remember and never doubt His love, care, and faithfulness.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26
Presley is doing so well, and she is a feisty ball of energy, spunk, and spirit! We believe that this spirit God has given her will help our little warrior fight through the battle ahead. The only thing that gives a clue into the defects in her heart is her little blue fingers, toes, and lips. We can't wait to see our little blueberry turn a beautiful shade of pink! Presley understands that she needs to get her heart fixed, and she prays every night for Jesus to help her be all better. She talks constantly about our promise that after her surgery she gets to go to class and dance ballet! She asks me daily if everyone will come and watch! We can't wait to watch you dance, sweet girl! We are so thankful to have a front row seat into the most wonderful performance of all, which is the story of your life! To God be the glory!
