Happy tears fell today. With the help of PT, OT, and 2 nurses, Graham took his first steps in over 6 weeks. We are in absolute awe over the progress he’s made since his switch to the Berlin Heart. Don’t get me wrong, there are still very trying times, and the future is terrifying, but we are celebrating these beautiful days with our determined, ornery, hilarious toddler. Thanks be to God. 

Graham is regaining his voice and speech patterns faster than we anticipated. He isn’t 100%, but it is evident that he is much more comfortable now that he can communicate as he is used to. 

We’ve also noticed that Graham relaxes more when he positively interacts with the people who enter his room. He seems to click well with the nurses, so we are taking time now to try to teach him the residents, fellows, and attendings’ names so he can warm up more to them. We gave him a candy bowl one morning to hand candy out to the doctors. This worked well! He learned quickly that the best part of having a candy bowl is it is super convenient to grab some candy for yourself. Don’t worry kid, we’ve all done it. 

There is a big question mark around when Graham will receive a heart. He is close enough to the top of the list that his team is being notified of hearts that are good fits for him. It’s an odd feeling knowing he received a call but another child closer to the top of the list accepted it. I am sad for my child, but overjoyed for the relief, hope, and healing that goes to the recipient, as well as heartbroken and eternally grateful to the donor’s family. I know that experiencing all these feelings is a bit of a luxury. Graham is stable enough that I can breathe and say, “Ok, it’s not time. He’s doing great right now anyway.”

Zach and I are humbled and cannot thank each and every one of you enough for the support you’ve given. I want to extend a huge thank you to Christina Farmer, Becky Ahlvin, Trey Burris, and Brett Taylor who have worked to get our COTA Fundraising off the ground. Graham has an unpredictable journey ahead that will have lots of bumps. He has years of testing, medicine, procedures, and appointments ahead of him, and the bills from his current stay are already coming in. With the support of COTA, Graham will be able to focus on overcoming his physical limitations instead of financial limitations. Our COTA Volunteers are setting up restaurant fundraisers, as well as fun events to help continue to raise money for transplant-related costs. More information coming soon.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued support, love, and prayers. Your messages, cards, and posts lift us up when we need them so we can be the best support for Graham. ????