When we first met Thad, he came over to us, said 'CHEEEEEESE' with a full force smile using all his might....
And then he said "done?" :)
And this was just the start of the laughter during our visit. Thad is one of the sweetest, funniest little boys I have met in a long time.
And Thad comes not just with smiles...but also with a story....
Thad's sister passed away at 3 months old of a congenital heart defect. So when Mom and Dad found out their second baby, Thad, would also be born with a heart defect they were overwhelmed.
Thad was born with a Coarctation of the Aorta and a Ventricular Septal Defect.
At 3 months old, he underwent open heart surgery.
Chest tubes, pumps, IV's, ventilators, pace makers, medications, oxygen...Thad endured all of these things during his first week of life. But at less than a month old, Thad came through it all with strength and was able to go home.
At his 3 month appointment, the cardiologist noticed a narrowing in his aorta, sending them back to Denver to get a balloon catheter put in. In less than 48 hours...they were home again.
Today Thad is on a yearly plan, and is doing amazingly well!! If you want to read more about Thad and his sister and their journey, you can visit their family blog.
Other than the zipper on his chest, you would have NO idea Thad had any heart issues.
And I can tell you one thing for certain...if you have a chance to spend time with him, you will not be able to get through it without a lot of laughter and smiles.
His joy is contagious!!
For more years than I can remember, I have used a phrase with my friends and loved ones. I have said "you make my heart smile." Thad - you do just that! And that phrase cannot be more fitting for a miracle child like you. I enjoyed every minute with you and am so happy to have met you! Your smile will spread like crazy...making this world a much brighter place to be.
Ok readers...let's see if you can get through the next few photos without smiling....I contend that it will not be possible. :)
Posts
5 comments:
Love it! You have a way with words and pictures. Thank you again so much for what you did for us. I loved the pictures and Thad loved looking at himself too!
That is our great-nephew and you have absolutely captured him in your photos! He is so full of life and fun...such a precious gift to his mom and dad and the rest of his family! Beautiful photos!!!
We are Thad"s Granparents in Russell Kansas....You did an amazing job on the pictures you took of Thad. Isn"t he a little character.!!
Thad, Adam and Mindy are a wonderful part my home daycare family. Thad started coming to my home at 9 months old. I have always loved hearts. Thad has the biggest and most precious heart I have ever known.He is also my grandson Jesses's best buddy. With the exception of that zipper scar.. you would never know the battle he has faced. There is no doubt in my mind that His strong heart, cheesy slant eyed grin, contagious smile, and all the love that surrounds him will keep him going forever. we love you Thad Thad... Rhonda aka "NANA"
We are Thad's Aunt and Uncle from Lincoln NE.. What wonderful, wonderful pictures! Thad and his sister have made such a special place in so many hearts.
Post a Comment