Isn't it amazing how God is such a good window opener, especially when we really need some fresh air? Today we were able to meet a very special young girl, with a particularly special story. This young girl, Maribeth, was born 24 years ago, with...hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Her parents were told they could take her home or keep her at the hospital, where she would probably pass in the next 10 days. They chose to bring her home, where she was showered with lots of love from family members coming in from around Texas to meet her. Her aunt went to her school library and checked out every book on heart defects, remember, this was before the Internet. By the absolute GRACE of GOD she stumbled upon an experimental procedure being performed in Philadelphia, that could possibly, a 20% chance that was, save Maribeth's life. Her parents talked to some doctors and agreed that if she made it through the night (day 9) they would go for it. The next morning Maribeth was Care-flighted up to Philadelphia to have the Norwood procedure performed by Dr. Norwood himself. There she stayed for 5 weeks after the surgery. A year and months later, back to Philadelphia they went for surgery number 2. In surgery number 2 they performed what they now break down into surgeries 2 and 3. So after 2 open heart surgeries, a high school graduation, and a college graduation, this 4th grade teacher is a healthy, beautiful, Christ-loving girl, with the same heart that she was born with. What an unbelievable testament to the healing hand of our Lord. Every detail has Jesus written all OVER it! We've been told that it is a big deal for HLHS kids to make it to the age of 5. After meeting this sweet 24 year old girl, we refuse to focus on these depressing statistics, but will put our faith in the ONE TRUE HEALER!
Emma, Maribeth, and Jameson
Emma, Maribeth, and JamesonHopefully we will get to meet her parents soon, I would love to pick their brain!
Laura-Marie,
ReplyDeleteI just read your sweet blog about Maribeth..24 years later and it still makes me teary and so very thankful! she loved meeting your family today.. Scott and I would love to meet you all too!
Thanks for your sweet words, can't wait to meet, soon!!
Jan Gillis
(Maribeth's mom)
What a blessing to meet her. I met someone a couple of months ago that was 12 that was born with HLHS and was doing very well with the heart he was born with. God can do anything. Please don't focus on 5 years. We were told that Chase wouldn't see the age of 2....we're not there yet, but I have a feeling that we are going to make it! God is good. We pray for Jameson every day! Hugs to you!!
ReplyDeleteLaura : )
Such an amazing story! God is so good! Love you!
ReplyDeleteWhew, that brought tears, how amazing Laura Marie, sometimes God knows that even though we have faith it helps to see his miracles, I am so glad you got to meet his miracle and know that Jameson is one too! Awesome! Love, jamie
ReplyDeleteLM, We were talking about HLHS just the other day in nursing school and my instructor was saying that outcomes usually are not good and my hand shot up. I told her I had a friend with a HLHS baby who was doing great and that you all had just met Maribeth and she was amazed. She then followed with the comment, "Jane just gave us an example how good God is and remember that when talking with patients and their families." Give the kiddos hugs and kisses from us and know that you all are in our prayers. Jane
ReplyDeleteWow - what an amazing story. Hugs for you and the kids - Juli
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at heart-related web sites tonight and found one I thought you might enjoy, especially after reading this post. It's http://inspiringhearts.blogspot.com/ and is authored by a 31 year-old HLHS survivor and has stories of others. Juli
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome story......such a great reminder of how good God is! Give sweet Emma and Jameson a hug from me!
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