111. 111 days. 111 days is how many days apart these pictures were taken.
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I took the picture on the left 111 days ago (that was 3 days before Nolan’s open heart surgery).
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I took the picture on the right tonight before putting Nolan to sleep. 108 days since surgery and look at him!
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Yes he has a scar, but that scar is beautiful. That scar not only has a story. But that scar tells a story. That scar is permanent, just like CHD. Just because the scar will fade, it will never go away. And Just because his heart was repaired, does not mean out CHD journey will ever end.
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Nolan’s heart function is still low but we praise God everyday for his amazing doctors and the medications that he is on helping his little heart. We continue to pray daily that his function can increase, but so far it has not gone down anymore and that is our biggest victory!
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He continues to shock doctors with his stats (in a good way), and continues to shock us with his strength. The term Heart Warrior couldn’t be more true for this fighter.
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His scar will not define him, but always be part of him. And part of us. As he grows, so will it. And as it fades, the more we will heal.
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I have recently had to honor to connect with moms that have children pre-surgery. I hate that I know anything about this, but I am happy to connect and share ALL that I can.
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108 days ago I was them. Terrified. And 108 days later I am stronger than ever because of this warrior. Watching him fight has shown me anything is possible.