friends with heart!

There have been many blessings along our heart journey with Maddie but at the top of the list has been meeting some awesome families along the way. The instant bond you share is something difficult to put into words. There is an understanding that nobody else can really "get" unless they've walked in your shoes. We share the same triumphs, worries and fears. These heart kids are simply amazing...and their families are too!

We visited Teagan last week in the hospital. She's making steps in the right direction! It was great spending some time with the Maxwell's. Teagan and Maddie are the sweetest to watch together and they have big plans for a sleepover soon! Love it! 7 years ago to the day, Maddie had had her 2nd heart surgery, the Glenn. I was a bit emotional walking in, thinking about how far she has come!

Jesse (Luke's mom) came to visit too and it was great to see her as well! Bringing Luke was a highlight for Teagan as her mama is expecting and she loves babies! So glad Luke could perk her up!

We LOVED bumping into our favorite nurse Stacey! She remembered Maddie right off the bat...it was great catching up with her! She is a fantastic nurse and she and Maddie had quite a friendship during our Fontan stay. It was fun hearing that Maddie was one of her favorite patients of all time and we are a family she hasn't forgotten...maybe that's not a good thing?!?! Lol!

With Angie and Natalie in town from Alaska, we drove over for dinner a couple of days before Teagan's surgery...The five on the right all have single ventricle hearts...they're all post-Fontan except Luke.  I was super teary taking this photo as between them all, they've had 14 open heart surgeries and too many heart caths and other procedures to count. God is sooo good! Many share the same surgeons and doctors.

Maddie towers over her heart buddies...3 "soon-to-be" second graders & Gracie will be in 1st.

Bumping into a new heart buddy at Wal-mart! His story is an incredible one and I've loved getting to know his mama!