This past year we had more than our fair share of setbacks and miracles. To anyone who is questioning their faith or sanity, hang in there, it will get better. As I write this Roya is singing in the bath, giving it her all; her best Lizzo, “I’m not the girl I was or used to be, but I might be better… I’m gonna be ok.” She has been through hell and back this year and I’m inspired by her grit to be my grittiest, and inspired by her love to be the sweetest mom that I can to her. Today marks one year into her new life with this beautiful heart. She has been weaning off of her meds, from 26 different medications a day at first, to about eight. She has learned to downhill ski and loves to go fast, flying down the hill and scaring her daddy. She recently went to a sleepover camp for heart warriors at Camp Odayin and bravely got on the bus without looking back at us. This is amazing as just this past spring when we returned home from Rochester she was still scared to be alone in her room without a parent. She is checking off the experiences that she longed for while in the hospital; we’ve booked trips and campgrounds, had sleepovers, she was a ring bearer in a wedding, went to the theatre, and so just much laughter and dancing. We also wrote a thank you letter to her heart donor’s family for their gift of life and Roya drew and sent pictures of the different angels that she imagines her donor could be. We have not heard back from them and may not ever, but we will continue to be grateful for their selflessness during very a difficult time. Thank you all so much for your love and support. We couldn’t have done this without your kindness. Thanks SO MUCH to all who sent Roya the heartiversary cards! I’m not sure how this came about or who to thank for putting it in motion but Roya is so excited to open them!