Today has ended up being an amazing day. This afternoon, we got our fingerprint appointments from U.S. Immigration. This is really the last thing that we have to DO at this point in the process (besides wait…). I was pretty happy about this this afternoon.
Then, we got an AMAZING update about our girl (we are calling her Min for now 🙂 ).
As I write this, I am realizing that I need to back track a minute. I know I said briefly that she has a heart condition, but I never fully explained that. The reports that we were given with her initial file stated that she had “Tetrology of Fallot”. This is a Complex Congenital Heart Defect, and involved four different malfunctions in the heart. Obviously, this was scary news. When we initially reviewed her file, we consulted with several different Pediatric Cardiologists who explained the terminology, and gave us their best assessment of her situation. They all agree that although her situation was serious, she would be a good surgical candidate. The one problem? They all thought she needed the surgery NOW. They said that 10 months old would be an optimal time for the surgery. When I explained that I didn’t have control over that part of the equation, knowing that it could be at least 6 months before we would have her, they all just encouraged me to get her to a doctor as soon as possible.
We had to carefully discuss and consider what her situation meant, and would mean to our family. What we decided was that she was the child who was brought to us. We already loved her, and we knew we would do everything humanly possible to get her here as quickly as possible so we could get her the medical care that she needed.
The waiting has been especially hard knowing that she has needed the surgery. Every day that has passed, I have thought about it being another day that could be causing damage to her little heart and lungs. I wrote heartfelt letters to U.S. Immigration and my agency begging them to expedite the process so we could get her the surgery.
Tonight I got an amazing e-mail that told me that Min actually had her surgery in December. That means that she had her surgery weeks before we even first got the call about her. Although it breaks my heart that this baby had to spend 5 WEEKS in the hospital without parents there to hold her hand, her reports say that she is doing well, and describe her as “healthy” . This just feels like an absolute miracle.
I am so beyond thankful for this wonderful and amazing news. We already love this girl, and we have been prepared to advocate for her and to get this surgery for her, but knowing that she did not have to wait for us is an unbelievable relief.
And to top it all off, we got these wonderful pictures today. She looks so happy. And healthy. We are saying great prayers of thanks tonight!!
well, my heart is full for you and my eyes are full of tears. what an amazing story and we will look forward to continuing to hear about all that happens with Min. I recognize those scars on her tummy. 🙂
blessing to you all as you wait for your girl.
love, carrie
She is beyond beautiful.
What wonderful news! Min is a beautiful and very lucky baby. I know you can’t wait to get your hands on her. Time flies so it will be here before you know it.
I loved reading this wonderful update this morning! I am thrilled that she had the surgery and came through it so well. What a huge relief!! She looks amazing, and I cannot wait to meet this beautiful baby girl. She looks like a perfect fit for our family!
Emily, What a beautiful little girl and such wonderful news! I am so happy for you and your family and can’t wait to hear more about Min. I love your blog! Much love, Barbara
“Words are the voices of the heart” and your words wonderfully describe the beautiful family Min will join. I am so happy for all of you! Love, Pat Shaver
Thanks for sharing Jeff. I have several family members that have adopted so the topic is very near and dear to me. We need more families like yours in this world!
What beautiful news and what a beautiful baby. Congratulations to a really wonderful family. Our prayers will be with all of you until you have Min in your home. Claudia Medori
What a special little girl and I know she will be loved by all. So happy to hear everything seems AOK. I hope time will fly for you and Min will be in your arms soon.
I can’t get over the wonderful news! I keep reading this over again and studying Min’s precious pictures. I just talked to Mary Evelyn and she keeps saying the news is HUGE! It is!
Thank you so much, everyone!!
It’s a kiss of mercy to know she has been given the care she needs. I can’t imagine how comforted your are with this news. She looks incredibly happy and we can’t wait to meet her!
Your story deeply touches my heart… I am so happy for Min and cannot wait to see you all joined as one family. Min seems as if she already already feels your love; she looks so happy and bright. I give a great thanks to God for your love and Min’s wellness.
Ok I’m going backwards in reading your blogs, but Praise God!!! That is Amazing!!!