MUSC Update 1…

We are here! We had to check into MUSC this morning at 9 and after a day of Echos, EKGs, several needle sticks, and discussions with the surgeon, a few cardiologists, and the anesthesiology team we are now settled in at the Ronald McDonald House. Whew, what a day!

We have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM, and were told that the surgery should take around 6 hours. Dr. Bradley told us that the scar tissue/ the fact that this is a second surgery make it a bit more challenging to enter her chest, which will take more time in the beginning. He will then remove her shunt and create a bypass to her lungs. He will also repair/patch anything necessary. (Mel could probably give a more accurate/technical explanation-he focuses on the details.) We will not receive a surgical update until around 9 AM, but will try to keep you posted frequently.

Mel and Mary Clare are watching the news (napping), and I’m in the study. The Ronald McDonald House is simply beautiful and fully decorated for Christmas. There is a huge Christmas tree donning snowflake ornaments with precious children’s faces and a baby grand piano in the main lobby. The soft Christmas lights and music from a dad playing the piano almost make me forget why we are here, but also remind me of all that we truly have to be thankful for this Christmas.

Mel and I both are very relieved and feel great about tomorrow. The doctors seem so sure that Mary Clare will do very well, and assure us that the recovery period will be so much shorter this time. I feel such a calmness tonight. When we are here, we are not alone. Today I watched a little gir in braids, probably around 7 or 8, in a bed close to our Mary Clare. She was in “same day” pre-op as well. She was so brave as she sat still without a peep through the many needle sticks, and she quietly played in her bed as her parents discussed similar topics we also discussed with the various doctors.

Tonight I saw her in the TV room here at the Ronald McDonald House and I asked her if she was having heart surgery tomorrow. She smiled with a snaggle- tooth grin and said, “sure am” then skipped off to find her mom. It is so encouraging to see these children so happy and so brave. We are fortunate to be able to stay here and be around such inspirational souls. I know Mary Clare will do well tomorrow. She has the same sweet spirit and love for life as my new little friend.

We pray not only for Mary Clare, but also for all of the precious children that play and skip and sleep within these walls. The Ronald McDonald House is truly a blessing.

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