Good Things Are Coming...

I spoke with Lisa, my transplant coordinator, today. She received all my test results and said they look really good. Then she said, "Your case will go before the transplant board on Tuesday for a final time." I am taking the "everything looks really good" and "going before the transplant board for a final time" as good and hopeful news. In fact, this week I've realized I could be on the transplant list in just a few short weeks. That thought is exciting and scary. Each day it is starting to feel more real and within reach. Cue panic attacks. Just breathe, right? I will receive a call from Lisa on Tuesday informing me on their decision.

Last Monday, Dr Poku called to check on me and connected me with one of his past patients who received a heart transplant about 15 years ago. It was so nice to talk with her and hear her experiences. We understood each other's pre-transplant experiences and I look forward to sharing post-transplant experiences with her in the future. The conversation has made me excited and hopeful.

On a different note, I would love some ideas. Many of you know my sweet girl pictured below.

photo credit: Vanessa Welch Photography

While I'm in the hospital for the first few weeks post-transplant, Zoe will be home being cared for by close family and friends. We plan to have daily FaceTime conversations. To be realistic, probably MULTIPLE daily FaceTime conversations. This mamma is going to have a hard time being away from her most favorite girl in all the lands. So, once a week I would love to have a gift, activity, etc. for Zoe to receive from me to keep us connected.

When Levi goes out of town, Zoe sleeps in my bed. While in bed she holds my hand and asks me to share stories about me when I was little. So, I decided to put these and other childhood memories in a book with pictures for her. This will be the first gift she'll receive when I am gone.

After talking with some friends here are a few other ideas we've come up with:

• Build-A-Bear with a voice message inside of it.

• Voice record myself reading our favorite children's books.

• Fill in the blank mom and me activity pages. For example: My favorite activity to do with my mom is_________________.

I would love to hear other suggestions. Please share any ideas you've heard of or used yourself.