200Th Post: 5 Year Anniversary!!

For my 200Th post, I wanted to make it extra special. I've mentioned on here before that out of all of my nieces and nephews, I am closest to my nephew Noah. Noah was born June 11Th, 2007 with a serious Congenital Heart Defect known as Critical Aortic Stenosis. Noah received his new heart on 07/07/07! When we heard about this tragic news, we had to decide whether we should go to California for the transplant or Denver since Primary Children's Hospital in Utah doesn't do transplants on babies that young.

After a long time of praying, my sister and her husband decided that Denver was the right place. My brother in law Shane had to stay in Utah because of his job so my older sister Crystal asked me if I was willing to drive to Denver with her and be a nanny for my niece Lilly who was 2 at the time. I didn't even have to think about it, I knew what I needed to do. I quit my job and packed up to move to Denver. While walking out the door to leave, my mom asked me if this was something I wanted to do and if I was sure about it.

I told her it was something I needed to do and it was going to be a great thing for me. I was 19 years old when this all happened. We arrive at the Ronald McDonald House in Denver where we would be living for the next 5 months. Noah was on the transplant list for 12 days and he received his heart when he was only 26 days old. Living in Denver, I had the opportunity to develop a better relationship with my sister Crystal, who I am really close with.

I got to raise my niece and teach her how to say Coke. ;) Most importantly, I was able to witness the greatest thing of all. My little man receiving the gift of life. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about my nephew's donor family and the terrible loss and decision they had to go through. I wish nothing but the best for them and happiness for their entire lives. If it wasn't for their gracious decision, my nephew Noah wouldn't be here today with me, walking like a Zombie and asking for another Coke. :)

Last Saturday (7Th) was the 5 year anniversary of when Noah got his heart. After a few bumps and rocky roads throughout those 5 years, Noah is getting bigger and better. Because of his transplant, he has been delayed in speech and has sensory issues. He HATES loud noises. When we were at the 4Th of July Parade, he had to wear ear phones to block out the noise.  He does have trouble speaking but he sounds so cute when he talks. I always beam ear to ear when he says my name. Jay-Nay. :D

Because of everything that has happened, I am a Organ Donor. Being able to give someone the opportunity to live is one of the greatest things you could possibly do. I am able to have my nephew with me, being able to play with him, walk like a Zombie with him and teach him new words. Noah is seriously my anti-depressant. He makes me feel so good and happy. Whenever I'm sad or upset, all I have to do is look at some of his pictures and I feel better. I can't comprehend what it would feel like if I didn't have him with me today. I don't know how my life would be like, if Noah wasn't my nephew. I couldn't go on with my life.

5 years ago on June 11Th, Noah was brought into my life. 5 years ago on July 7Th, Noah was given the opportunity to stay on this earth and continue his journey of being my sweet little man.

I'm a Organ Donor. Are you?