Another lifetime...

Dear Nicky,

This afternoon we went to see Dr. Solo, so he could check out your heart, and check out Junie's heart, too, while she's still inside Mom. We got great news all around. Junie's fine, absolutely normal. And you, you get better all the time. Solo says this tiny hole called a shunt, which slightly threw off readings earlier, has gotten smaller. He also said he doesn't see the need for catheterization because everything is looking so good. Wonderful news!

Later, Mom took you out to see your cousins at some lady's makeup party in Chatham. It might have been a little much for you, because you were apparently fussy the whole time. I think it was because all week long we've been running around, going to doctors. Three doctors this week! You're tired, and you've got a bit of a cold, too, so why would you have any fun in a houseful of strange, clucking women? You livened up considerably when you got home, and we had a lot of laughs doing "bump on the ceiling."

One year ago today was when Mom was getting the tough news at Roosevelt Hospital that they were seeing a problem with your heart. That's when our own personal terror alert levels went through the roof. We are all different people now, changed forever and stronger together.

Love,
Dad