Thursday was transfer day.
We officially made the move to Mayo Clinic. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to some of Evelyn’s favorite nurses and of course, “The Dude,” who might just be her all-time favorite. We’re so grateful for the relationships and memories built over the last five years of her heart journey. We have been through a lot on the 4th floor of Children’s in Minneapolis, but we are glad to put that behind us.
I shed a few tears seeing the looks of disappointment and love as we walked the halls one last time. It truly felt like closing a chapter in our lives full of mixed emotions.
The Ride Down to Rochester
On our ride down to the Mayo, Evelyn was pointing out billboards “huge signs” on the free way. It made me realize just how long it’s been since she’s been on the road. That kind of made me sad thinking how long it’s been, and how that little thing gave her so much excitement.
Evelyn is now settled into her new room at Mayo for the night. We’re exhausted after a full day of introductions and getting settled.
Friday begins transplant education something we went through at Children’s Minnesota back in October so familiar, yet entirely new this time around.
Her first meal here was quite the mix: chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, orange juice, garlic bread with marinara, chocolate ice cream, and popcorn for a snack. She was impressed and happy to try something new.
This place is a maze, absolutely huge, but that means plenty of exploring ahead for our curious Evelyn. We had two full carts of her things squeezed into a smaller room, so I’ll be picking up more bins to organize her toys and entertainment.
As we start this next chapter, we know the road won’t be easy but we’re ready to face it with hope, courage, and love guiding us forward.
How You Can Help
Whether you follow and share her journey, choose to wear a “Hearts for Evelyn” shirt or make a direct contribution to COTA for Evelyn’s Heart, you are helping this brave, joyful girl get the future she deserves.
