Bonnie
 Many parents who have children with congenital heart defects often ask me what it was like growing up with CHD. I tell them it's no different than if I were healthy. My childhood was truly wonderful! I feel absolutely blessed that despite my health, I was able to lead a relatively normal life. My mom was determined to treat me like I was just as healthy as any other child. She encouraged me to become very involved in sports. I took gymnastics, dance and swimming lessons. I did have a very difficult time keeping up with others, but that was normal for me and I didn't think twice about it.
I knew there was something wrong with my heart that limited my physical activity. I didn't fully understand, and if nobody told me I probably would never know there was anything wrong. On several occasions while I was physically active, parents who knew me would pull me out in the middle of the game because they noticed that my skin color was bluish. I was gasping for breath, but I couldn't understand why someone would suddenly pull me out in the middle of all my fun. It didn't even phase me. I was so anxious to go back to playing the game. I remember only once when my heart really acted up on me. It was during a swimming test. We had to tread water for several minutes and float. I was in the pool, treading water when I couldn't go on, I couldn't breathe. I just started crying. I felt like such a disappointment. I cried while my mom reassured me that it wasn't my fault and I could''t help it if I was too tired to finish the swimming test.
My parents did hide a lot from me while I was growing up. They never told me how serious things were. Instead of being angry with them, I'm truly grateful they never told me. It would have just made my depression so much worse. They made the right decision by keeping so much from me.
My mom was really afraid of having more children. She was afraid that if she had another child close to my age, that child would be healthy and I would be jealous. So she waited until I was 7 years old to have another child. When my little brother was born, I was so happy he was healthy. I thank God every day for giving me the heart problem and not my brother. I can't imagine my life without my heart, I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for my heart condition. Everything that I've been through has made me a much more compassionate and sensitive person.
How does my CHD affect me now that I'm an adult? I try to take better care of myself, by eating properly and exercising regularly to stay healthy. I've always been very self-conscious of my scar but I do''t wish to have plastic surgery. I'm just more picky when it come to shopping for clothes. Otherwise, my scar is so much a part of me, it's like a birthmark.
I find it quite upsetting when I see a majority of the students at my college smoking because I see how they are taking their health for granted . When I'm having a bad day, it's a struggle to catch my breath and I just can't imagine smoking on top of it. Unlike all my friends who have tremendous energy, I get tired very easily and don't stay out very late because I know I need my sleep or else I'll pay for it the next day. College and stress also have taken their toll on my health and I find myself taking frequent naps to regain my strength and energy.
I would best characterize myself as being optimistic, fun-loving and cheerful. Most of my friends call me Bubbly Bonnie. My smiles and laughter can be contagious! I also believe that these are the three most important things in life: faith, hope and love. Always keep faith that God is watching over us. Never give up hope for a miracle. And remember that God loves us.
My heart goes out to my parents, they've been through so much! I can't thank them enough for all their support and love. They gave me the greatest gift ever- the gift of life! Mom, Dad, I love you both more than words can say!
Bonnie
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