In looking at the calendar, most people recall birthdays and holidays and anniversaries. Thanks to Annika's heart story, Jason and I recall so many more dates, especially during December.
December 1, 2023: Annika's Make-a-Wish.
December 2, 2024: Annika is admitted to Primary Children's to wait for a heart.
December 3, 2024: A formal letter from UNOS informs us Annika's status on the waiting list is 1A
December 12, 2024: We receive "the call."
December 14, 2024: Heart Transplant
December 15, 2023: Annika's ICD is replaced.
December 17, 2024: Emergency bedside surgery to reopen Annika's chest to stop bleeding
December 23, 2022: Annika's initial cardiac arrest and crash onto ECMO.
December 28, 2024: Annika comes home from the hospital with her new heart.
January 4, 2023: Annika's first ICD is placed.
January 7, 2023: Annika comes home and we celebrate Second Christmas
January 18, 2024: Blip #2
July 3, 2023: LifeFlight to Primary Children's
November 20, 2024: Blip #3. Three strikes and you're out--we are readmitted to Primary Children's.
Sometimes it's strange to realize all we don't know. As we left for Annika's Make-a-Wish in Hawaii, I never would have imagined that she would be in the hospital waiting for a heart a year and a day later. When they replaced Annika's ICD, I had no idea that it would save her life twice before being removed 364 days later following her transplant.
In many ways, I'm grateful for the unknown. Oblivious to what's coming, I usually can set worry aside and live life to the fullest. However given our recent history, I'll be relieved when we make it through the month of December without any drama.
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