Some of you may know that my Husband Craig underwent a life-saving operation on Oct 1st 2014, this was his new heart day, the day that changed our lives forever.
Not so long ago he wrote a post sharing his experience of his journey. As his wife, I experienced a whole different whirlwind of emotions and thought I would share how I felt, and how it looked through my eyes. To be able to express how grateful I am to the heart transplant team for their dedicated commitment. Hopefully, others who are now in the position as I was back then, can grasp a little comfort from somebody who has walked the same path.
Dear Queen’s Transplant Team,
From the day you took over our case we were surrounded with reassurance, kindness and support. You saw how poorly my husband was and every gesture was infused with genuine care.
You saw me, a terrified wife embracing her bump, worried about what the future might hold. Trying my best to fight back the tears, choking on my sadness. The thought of our unborn child not meeting his daddy just killed me. Never seeing my husband coo over his newborn son as he did with our firstborn.
You saw a scared little boy upset not understanding why his daddy had suddenly become so ill, but you were there.
If I was at home with my son, or on the school run or simply trying to grab an hour’s rest, you kept me updated. You called, you reassured me, you were there.
You held my hand when I saw Craig in Intensive care after his heart transplant. I broke down, I was so overwhelmed by all of the machines and drivers and multiple tubes inserted into his body. He looked more like an experiment, a robot in the making. My best friend lay there lifeless, vulnerable, 100% dependent on you, to get him through this.
I remember the hum of medical equipment providing a constant background melody, I will never forget it. You repeatedly checked and adjusted doses of the countless drivers, being vigilant and responsive to every beep and sound, explaining them in turn so I understood what was going on. Time just stood still for me at that moment, but you gave me so much comfort that my soul mate was in such safe and caring hands.
You encouraged and guided him through his recovery. You were there to answer any questions or concerns we had and still continue to do so.
You made it possible that Craig could come to our local hospital and be present at the birth of his son. You put plans in place so he was isolated from others, as he had no immune system. You kept him safe.
You prevented my little boys from having to grow up without their father.
You saved my whole world from collapsing around me.
You saved my husband.
You have always been there for my family and you will now play a big part in it forever, forever caring for Craig, forever being there and for that, I am forever thankful x
*In memory of our selfless donor who was the biggest hero of all*
You have me crying here…Such a beautiful post!
They are heroes!
I am sure all heart staff have extra training to be so wonderful….I know when my girls had heart surgery they were amazing!
Thank you Kim,
They are absolute angels aren’t they.
Especially when your girls were little too, it makes all the difference to have wonderful support doesn’t it x
Such a heartening post – you had me choking up there at the end. Thanks for sharing! #PicknMix
Thanks for reading, it was an emotional time for us all.
What a beautifully written post. #PoCoLo
Thank you so much Sharon.
Hi Jayne, it must have been a terrible time for you and the support you were given sounds perfect. My sister has just gone through the final tissue tests in order to give her husband a kidney. Both his kidneys are failing and the nearest live donor match was my sister (what were the odds?).
When the time comes (which will be very soon) I hope they get the support and help they need.
I also hope that Craig lives a full, happy and healthy life, seeing his children grow up to (maybe) have children of their own.
xx
Hi Debs, Thanks for such a lovely comment.
I know now that since this post your brother in law and sister have gone on to have the operation and doing fine.
Your sister did an amazing thing.
Hope they are both still doing well xx
Kim’s right this is a beautifully poignant post and one I bet you hoped, but weren’t certain you’d write. I’m so glad you did and clearly there’s some very caring and professional people taking care of you all. thanks for linking up to #pocolo
Thanks so much Stephanie.
Yes I am so glad that I got to write this.
Just goes to show, how precious life really is.
This is just lovely, I remember reading your husband’s post about his operation and getting emotional and you’ve just done the same again. It really must have been an awful time, but I am so glad it worked out okay and your children still get to have their Daddy close.
Thanks for linking up lovely
Stevie xx
Such a beautiful post – I cannot begin to imagine how scary this was for you all Jayne and I am so glad that all went well with your husband’s heart transplant and that he was able to be their for the birth of your son. The transplant team sound amazing and so glad that you felt so well-informed and supported throughout. #MMBC
That’s beautiful – always encouraging all to become donors
Oh, gosh. I skipped around this for ages because I knew I’d get a lump in my throat. And I did. It’s rare to read words so raw and moving. Thank you.
What a lovely letter, organ donors and their families are so kind