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    A Challenging Week

    Filed Under from the heart, life changes, local, new things, sadness 

    Today was not a good day - the assessment from the cardiologist about our 31 week ultrasound indicates that our little one likely has a congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). It is very rare and serious. Without surgeries or a heart transplant, it is fatal within several days.

    In addition to this, one of my best friends is visiting from Tennessee. She flew out for my baby shower on Sunday, and was en route when she learned of the tragic events at her home congregation, Tennessee Valley UU Church. Fortunately, a UU fellowship nearby held a vigil Monday night that we were able to attend. You can read The Columbian newspaper article about that here.

    All in all, not the best few days of my life, but we’ll see what the morning holds, and the coming days, weeks, and months. In any case, the DH has been encouraging me to write more and publish things, so I’m going to make the effort, sincerely. Apologies to the commenters to my last post on ODD - I’ve been reflecting on everything written as the comments came in, and will respond soon.

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    16 Responses to “A Challenging Week”

    1. Jeff Wilson on July 30th, 2008 1:46 am

      Hafidha, I’m very sorry to hear about the heart defect. You’re going to have some hard decisions ahead of you and probably a lot of grief. Best wishes to you and your family, and I hope your church is able to support you adequately during this difficult time.

    2. Erika on July 30th, 2008 4:29 am

      HLHS mama here. Our son is 2 1/2, has had all three surgeries, and is doing wonderfully - you’d never know he has a heart defect. Please feel free to email me if you have questions or want to talk.

    3. Philocrites on July 30th, 2008 4:52 am

      I’m so sorry! Wishing you all the strength and courage and peace you need.

      Chris

    4. mskitty on July 30th, 2008 6:37 am

      Hafidha, I’m so sorry to hear about your baby’s possible heart defect. It is serious but it is survivable and heart surgeries are getting to be more and more successful as doctors increase their knowledge and skills.
      As you may know, my brother recently had a heart transplant at OHSU; their doctors are incredibly skilled and I suspect Doernbecker Children’s has a reciprocal agreement with them, since they’re all on Pill Hill.

      Whatever the outcome of the diagnosis, you have a baby to love and to care for. Your challenges may be greater than you expected, but you and the DH have the hearts to give and you will receive so much from this baby, even as he/she receives so much from you.

      Be brave and remember you are loved dearly and have great love to give.

    5. Tracey on July 30th, 2008 7:15 am

      I am really sorry to read of the baby’s heart defect. I can’t imagine how hard this must be. I am sending prayers your way.

    6. Elizabeth on July 30th, 2008 8:00 am

      Oh, Hafidha, I am so so sorry to hear this news. I am, however, glad that the chances seem good that something can be done. Please know that you and your DH are in my thoughts and prayers and I’m hoping for the very best outcome possible. With much hope for peace and healing, Elizabeth

    7. Ms. Theologian on July 30th, 2008 8:58 am

      Oh, Hafidha!!!! I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    8. Jess on July 30th, 2008 9:18 am

      Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry. Prayers and blessings and all around good thoughts heading your way.

    9. PeaceBang on July 30th, 2008 10:26 am

      oh dear one,
      “Challenging” is certainly an understatement.
      Let’s talk soon. I’ll send you my phone number by e-mail. (I left it on Facebook but realized that your wall could be seen by anyone so took it off)

      love you

    10. chutney on July 30th, 2008 10:33 am

      I’m sorry to hear your bad news. I’ll be thinking about you and yours.

    11. Anne P on July 30th, 2008 10:39 am

      Hafidha, Ms. T just told me your scary news. Not Good Day, indeed. Fortunately most everybody manages to rise to the requirements of parenthood, but I’m so sorry that your hurdles have been set so high!

    12. GhostGirl on July 30th, 2008 10:54 am

      I too just got Ms T’s email! How heartbreaking for you, I’m so sorry. You have my prayers for strength for you and your family, and for peace in your own heart so that you can still feel the small joys that I know will be there along with the pain.

    13. Sean on July 31st, 2008 7:09 pm

      More prayers and hugs and wishes for strength and wisdom coming your way…

      I’m sorry to hear that you’re facing such challenges and I know it must be scary and painful. There are no words except I care as do so many and I have faith in you and in life.

      Sean

    14. will shetterly on July 31st, 2008 9:57 pm

      Hafidha, very sorry.

    15. Shelby Meyerhoff on August 4th, 2008 8:15 pm

      Hi Hafidha,

      This is very sad to hear. You, your partner, and your little one are all in my thoughts. I’m wishing for health for your baby; for strength and support for you and your partner; and for compassion and wisdom from your medical caregivers.

    16. hafidha sofia on August 5th, 2008 11:01 am

      Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and words, well wishes and prayers. They do mean a lot to me, and I know many of you have gone through rough times, too. So don’t be surprised if I call on you. =)

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