The boy next door.

I was in the Cardiac ICU.  In the room next to me there was blond haired young prince of about 12 years old.  The day before my surgery, he had a heart transplant.  This young man had every right to scream during the pain, fight with his parents and hospital staff because of boredom.  This boy who I learned had multiple heart surgeries prior, was quiet, calm, loved to laugh.  People were constantly going into his room.  Can you imagine being on the cusp of puberty and everyone is up in your business and inspecting your chest constantly?  This young man just rolled with it.  I could tell immediately that he was an old soul.  Oh he has bad days I’m sure but already at age 12 he knew how priceless life is and in his case another had to die to give him another chance.

It also delighted me when he walked by my room because he didn’t need to show how good he was doing by how far he could walk.  When the nurses told him “Stop when you feel you need to.”, he would.  I know, mind blowing.  Some of us just don’t listen as good as a 12 year old. The first day he literally only made it 10 steps but boy it was a huge accomplishment to him.

I pray daily that he will survive and that this young man does extraordinary things with his new loving heart beats away.  The beat goes on little man.  Be strong!