7C bound…

Mel and I just left Mary Clare sleeping in the PC-ICU. I’m hoping she will be out for the night! She had a great day and we received the wonderful news that she has been released from PC-ICU and will be heading up to 7-C, the PC recovery unit, tomorrow! We had a few small worries yesterday with fluid in her right lung. The cardiologists were considering a second drain tube to help with that, but after a chest x-ray this morning, the fluid has gotten better! Respiratory therapist have been working with her to help break that up a bit. You would think that having someone sit her up and beat on her back would make her cry, but I think she enjoys sitting up so much that she didn’t even notice it!

Everyone says that Mary Clare is a little heart rock star and has been doing exceptionally well. She was even smiling and laughing this morning! She still gets a bit uncomfortable and pretty fussy at times (rightfully so I feel), and has earned a “reputation” on the PC-ICU floor, her nurse was telling me today. Apparently, when we are there, she is as happy as a clam, but when we are not (during shift change and late night) she is a little “stinker,” as her nurse said. Mel has had fun entertaining the PC staff and looks forward to moving on to another floor to work his magic. He loves being “Mel.”

We heard from McCanless, Mimi and Bapa today. They entered their golf cart in the Daufuskie Christmas Parade. McCanless loved decorating the cart and throwing candy to all 12 spectators. Sounds like most Daufuskie Islanders took part in the parade rather than watching it. She has been going to school with Mimi at Daufuskie Island Elementary and loves that. She even received the “neatest eater” award at lunch one day. They have been to see Cinderella, and even tried to visit Santa. McCanless would rather just look at him this year, but definitely appreciated the goody filled stocking that Mrs. Claus offered her. I knew she would be completely happy when I called her several hours after she left last Wednesday. She was on the ferry over to Daufuskie sitting outside in the sunshine, watching dolphins flip in the ocean. No worries as far as she is concerned. I know Mary Clare misses her. I’m sure she doesn’t know what to do without her sister poking her, jumping around her and swinging her into orbit. Mary Clare is probably bored.

We are looking forward to moving up to 7C so we will be with Mary Clare 24-7! It is getting harder and harder to leave her because she is so alert and feeling so much better. Knowing that the nurses love her and care for her with such compassion is a great feeling and that helps.

I got this quote from another mom who has a daughter with HLHS. Her little girl has gotten through her third surgery and is doing well. Her words so moved me that I wanted to share them with you.

The families and people that shared in the lives of these children will forever be blessed by having known them. Their half heart reminded us to love God and life with our whole heart.

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with ALL of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

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