Well, VN...Ashlee turns one tomorrow. I find myself a little emotional about it. There were more than a few occasions when I wondered if shed make the next day, much less her first birthday but here we are. While her scars tell the tale of how hard her first 12 months have been, shes the picture of health these days.
Ive been quiet on the subject for a while now, waiting to mark this occasion. I could not be happier to report that my beautiful, tender-hearted, hardly without a smile on her face, lovable little daddys girl (when mamas not around) is doing great. While I hesitate to proclaim shes been cured, because there will always exist the possibility of her needing a Neuro surgical revision or her aortic coarctation returning, shes exhibited signs, both big and small, that make us optimistic about the future, while being so extremely thankful and grateful for the present.
Her next milestones are April 20th (one year after her first hospitalization--a day Im not looking forward to, honestly) and April 22nd--her next cardiologist follow up. Her Neuro follow up after her surgery gave her a clean bill of health so were hoping for a similar result for her cardiology follow up, following her open heart in January. Her echos following her surgery in January were the best theyve ever been in her entire life. It seemed as though they finally got it.
This upcoming appointment is crucial. Its been 3 months since her last cardiology follow up. The last time we went 3 months between visits (after her first open heart) we were blindsided by the results--her aorta had shrunk back to pre-surgery conditions and needed immediate surgical intervention. However...that time she began to exhibit symptoms that had myself and my wife a little concerned. All I will say is...were cautiously optimistic this time. Shes doing so well
we expect good results.
How fitting that her first birthday lands on the same day as the orange and white game, too?? I mean...this girl is MEANT to be a UT fan and alumnus!
I want to take one more time and tell you all how much we appreciated...everything. I honestly dont know if Ill ever be able to really thank you all enough. Im just not articulate enough to be able to explain how much it meant but, rest assured, Ill continue to do so from time-to-time.
One last thing
Freak, thank you for sticky-ing this for as long as you have. Id like to take it down after my baby girl gets great results next Friday. Ill post back once we (hopefully and prayerfully) get good news. If you wouldnt mind, just keep it up for a day or two after and then, take this sucker down. Miss Ashlee is starting a new chapter in her life. Thank you, sir...and thank you once again, VN. Bless you all.
(Picture attached was literally taken 30 minutes ago)
