Recovery, Day 2

So it's been 2 days since the surgery, although it feels more like 2 weeks!

It's my understanding that recovery for any infant heart surgery is a challenge. It makes sense, they reconstructed her heart!!!! Suzanne, my dear friend who is a perfusionist, told me that this surgery is actually far more complex than an entire heart transplant. So of course, getting over it isn't easy.

But, in light of that, Kate is still doing pretty well. Sure, she is not always comfortable. She cries and wiggles, sometimes thrashes, she tries to pull every single tube and iv out, she sleeps a lot, and sometimes can't sleep at all. But, she is eating, and sometimes she wakes up and looks around, and she holds my hand and pats whoever stands near. We'll know when she's finally truly feeling better though when she smiles her beautiful little smile.

I was thinking today about the surgeon. I have always thought that I have a job where I make a difference in people's lives. And, I do, kind of. But this guy...boy does he make a difference. Heck, I teach math, he repairs hearts. What an amazing gift. I saw him yesterday and found myself just flailing for words. What do you even say that could express how grateful we are for what he does? And then, there are the nurses. These gals are so great, so caring, and so completely fantastic at what they do. I can't even being to express my gratitude to all these heros.

And lastly tonight, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has taken the time to send little Kate a message, no matter how big or small. Whether an email or a phone call, or even just a "like" on a status update. You have no idea how that love helps. So a quick shout out to the Egger kids who like dancing to the playlist, and little Ryan Burke who listens to the Rainbow song with his mom...hug your moms tonight. Big.

Keep thinking of little Kate, and I will keep updating.

Much love,

Team Kate