Erin Hernandez - Reflections One Year Post-Transplant
Erin Hernandez is a mom of three who is passionate about reaching out to other parents of kids born with a congenital heart defect.We celebrated Peter’s one-year Heartiversary in February—one year since his heart transplant! This day seemed unreachable for so long. And then it came out of the blue. After so many months of waiting and standing in one place, the next 12 months came fast with so many changes.
Peter's donor family has been on our hearts and minds since before the transplant - and especially as we approached the anniversary of transplant when they were facing the anniversary of losing their baby. While we celebrated milestones, they are painfully aware of their little one is not present for theirs.
We are mindful of the cost.
Their loss was our hope.
Their sorrow led to our joy.
Their choice gave Peter a future.
His heart is now Peter's heart. And when we got the news a year ago that we were receiving the transplant, I cried.
Cried in relief.
Cried in fear.
Cried in grief for another mother who said goodbye before it was right or fair to do so, sooner than she ever dreamed.
And we said goodbye in a way too. For a time on that table, after his native heart was removed, Peter's chest was empty, until the new heart was sewn in and electricity brought it to life. He was undone and then made whole in that room a year ago. And we will celebrate every year, every day, every milestone, every time God brings to mind the blessing of his Goodness, the sacrifice of the donor family, and the skill and dedication of our team of doctors and nurses, both then and today.
And we are forever thankful.
