Heart Song

It's late afternoon on our last day here in this sweet, wonderful town.  Mark is watching The Crown and Nicholas is resting. 

He had appointments on both campuses today, the first at 9:20 and the last at 1:30.  Afterwards, we went to the gift shop to pick up a few things.  A boy needs more than a collection of permanent scars to celebrate our time here.

We were happy to meet Dr. Ackerman in person.  He is the world's best Long QT Syndrome Expert (no lie) and quite possibly the world's nicest, coolest, most caring doctor I've ever met.  The morning after surgery, he went to see Nicholas in the ICU and gave him his cell phone number.  He also tweeted about him that day. 

Dr. Ackerman wanted to meet both Mark and me and we were all able to be in the room, even though it was not allowed. 

I told you he was cool.

Before we left, he asked Nicholas if he'd be interested in sharing his story and participating in a promo for Mayo clinic.  He'd also like to use Nicholas's story as an example of how ICD's are too often implanted unnecessarily.  Had his therapy only included beta blockers, he would not have had to endure four surgeries, one being a week ago today, 1,250 miles away and 11 days from home.  

The Mayo shuttle delivered us to St, Mary's and Mark walked back to the apartment, not able to be with us for the next appointment.  

Back at St. Mary's, Dr. Dearani and his surgical team examined Nicholas and declared him ready to fly!  Everything looks amazing and the Doctor wants to see Nicholas again when he's able to travel to the Florida campus again.  He's hoping that will happen in the Fall of this year.  I think he wants to be in Florida as much as we do!

...

The Heart I drew on Sunday was still there so I added something to it. 

Funny to think we'll be back in Florida in less than 24 hours but this will still be here, this three day old heart carved in the snow.   

The snow was lightly falling as we walked away, thankful for having been fortunate enough to be going home with a heart in Nicholas that is no longer damaged.  And a heart in his Mother that is singing once more.