Five years into the journey

Five years ago today we were told that Jessica’s heart condition was so severe that surgery was unlikely to be an option.  It was, without a doubt, one of the hardest days of our life - all we could do was to pray for a miracle.  Although we didn’t grasp it at the time though, the consultant that day did give us that glimmer of hope we prayed so desperately for with his dismissive remark about in-utero surgery that ended up taking place just six weeks later. 

What a miracle it is to be five years on from that devastating day and to be able to watch Jessica running around with Sophie, doing all the things that other children of her age are able to do and lighting up our world with her sunny smile.  We thank God every day for these two wonderful daughters of ours and everything that has led us this far.  There might still be big steps to come but for now we will focus on the joy, the hope and the miracles that have got us this far and concentrate on making happy memories.

A few weeks ago, Jessica started Girls’ Brigade and on Sunday took part in her first parade service at church.  Seeing her there in her Girls’ Brigade uniform with the other children was such a proud moment for both of us – especially as Michael was part of the Boys’ Brigade at our church when he was younger.  Jessica looked very tiny walking in holding one of the bigger girl’s hands but she sat happily with the others throughout the service and went out to parade with the others after the service finished.  It is lovely to see how much she has enjoyed going to Girls’ Brigade so far – every Friday she tells me that she is “so ‘cited” about going.

We had a lovely weekend celebrating Mummy’s and Auntie Fizz’s birthday last weekend and Jessica enjoyed spending time with her cousins and we have also enjoyed lots of days out and about.  It is wonderful to see the world through Jessica’s eyes – she has such a fabulous imagination and it always adds an extra touch of magic to our days out.

We’re trying not to think too much about next month’s cardiac catheter procedure just yet.  Last week’s visit from the community nurse was very encouraging though as Jessica’s sats were around 85 which is the best they’ve been for quite some time.  Fingers crossed they stay up there for a while!