Domestically Challenged

Last Thursday, I attended a prayer vigil for my cousin's baby. I've mentioned him here before, and a bit about his story.

At 20 weeks, Derri found out the son she was carrying had serious heart problems. He would need 3-4 surgeries before he turned 4 to "fix" his heart as best as possible. Easten arrived in August. He had the first surgery at only a few days old, with the next scheduled for 4-6 months of age.

Easten's heart couldn't wait 4 months. Doctors looked at every option, and realized the only way to save Easten's life was to put him on the heart transplant list at 3.5 months old. He has spend his entire life (save 5 days) in the hospital, and will remain there until a heart becomes available.

I know many of us here "met" through MckMama, or know of her story. Easten's is very parallel, with the mother's knowing before birth, things looking grim, and hard times ahead, holding on with faith. Except Derri is not a blogger, so her word isn't across the world. I am very private with my blog among family (I think only my sis knows this site), but needed to share a bit of Easten's story- for Easten. Whatever his outcome, the little man needs his name out there, to know he is being thought of, and prayed for.

Easten is not doing well right now, and the options are becoming slimmer by the moment. The next option is a Berlin Heart. He is still on the implant list, but cannot receive a heart right now, because of the high fever and infection he is facing. If by chance, one becomes available right now, they will have to turn it down.

It is an odd feeling, praying for a new heart for Easten. We all know the stakes if one does not arrive in the next few months. He does not have a year to wait, six months is looking grim. Yet, as we hope for a new heart, we cannot help but think of the life which must end in order to continue his. You cannot help but wonder if another family is holding a prayer vigil for their child to live as well, while we pray for a new heart that same child may be able to offer us. There is no easy answers in a situation like this, is there?

Tonight I hold on to the tapestry of life. The design is not ours, nor is it possible for us to understand the pattern being woven. I'll cry with the family, pray with them, hold tight to hope with them. I cannot offer answers, only love. If you so desire, please send Easten a loving thought.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/eastenmichaelengstrom/journal

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