Anthony and little sister Justice after Antony's Fontan Procedure (2 yrs old)

Anthony was first diagnosed when he was six days old. After battling doctors and insisting that something was wrong, we finally had a physician whom chose to trust my instincts and agreed to check some things out. I had described to them that he had been breathing awfully fast (retracting) and that he seemed as if he were struggling a little.

After a chest x-ray it all became too real. Anthony was in heart failure. Here I was expecting them to say he was asthmatic or something of that sort. Everything was so surreal. The room was spinning and I felt as if I just couldn't grasp the reality.

We had a trauma team come to our local hospital from the nearby children's hospital to prepare and stabilize him for transport. I remember that I couldn't sit, talk, or sometimes even stand. I was put in the position too make these very serious decisions with only an instant of thought at the age of 24. It was hard to grasp the thought that I needed to get control because we could in fact win this newly created fight. I mean after all, I never chose this path—right? I mean, God never tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a choice-right? The answer is No, he never did. BUT!! He did choose me, just like all of the other parents of children with CHD. God felt that we deserved these special little Angels in our lives.

I say this two years later, Anthony received the completion of his hemi-Fontan just two weeks ago. So far , so good is what I say. So many others ask "Will He Be okay Now"? I think that may be one of the least liked questions that I have to answer. I usually reply, "He is here right now, and I am loving every moment of it".

 Sure I would love to be a fortune teller, but I have accepted this disease that our children have into my life for life. If My Anthony decides one day that he just doesn't have the energy for this fight anymore, I figure that is his choice, and I will cherish every moment that he allowed me to have him and his spirit , his warmth, and his everlasting , loving will to teach me that anything is possible.... You are all in our hearts and in our prayers. We love you all just the way you are!! Take Care and God Bless!!