Congenital Hearts

I first entered the world of congenital hearts when working with David. He was a child with Downs Syndrome and an inoperable heart condition. He was such a beautiful soul. I worked with David for may years as he lived way past his expected life expectancy. He loved music and dancing. The latter he tried to do but he couldn't manage for long. He would turn a deep shade of purple so he got his enjoyment watching others. I escorted David to hospital many times as his condition deteriorated. Each time was such a trauma for him.I admired his love of life and valiant attempts to participate in all he could. Love him I tried to ease his fear and hold his hand as his passing time came closer. I was sad but relieved when he finally passed as I knew he wouldn't suffer any more.
Several years later became a foster parent. I was unable to have children and really enjoy their company. I longed to be a mum and ache to hold a child in my arms. I had love to spare.
I met Jesse before he was put into my care. He was a beautiful 6 week old baby with the most amazing blue eyes. His parents both had disabilities and used to attend a group I was facilitating.
Jesse has a very complex range of conditions. Today I'm just going to post about his heart condition. His congenital heart condition is called pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricle septrum, hypoplastic right ventricle, atrial septral defect, tricuspid valve incompetence and patent foramen ovale. This condition is very complex and life threatening. Jesse had surgery when he was 2 days old to put in a modified blalock shun and pulmonary valvotomy. This shunt allowed blood to flow to his lungs to be oxygenised and began the process of recreating his pulmonary valve and saved his life.
Jesse was 4 months old when he put into my care. Here is a picture of him of the day he arrived.