#14 Waves of Hope

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With this post, we would like to especially thank the University of Michigan 
Congenital Heart Team. 

Post #14 Waves of Hope

Noah loudly cries out.  After 30 minutes, I'm at a loss as to how to console him.  I have tried everything, but why is he still crying?  Just then, Jana comes in the room and we decide a nice "stroll" around the unit may help.  To this point, his labs and numbers have "normalized" with discharge studies pending.  Not bad for post operative day five.  We would like to think Noah is one tough boy, but we also know the contribution of the medical staff at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital has played in his success.  We have received world-class care here and are very thankful.  The second open heart surgery (HemiFontan Operation) recovery has been a little easier on us - perhaps we are just used to the tubes, wires and anxious feelings we experience as we await the latest test results.  

We scooped Noah up out of the crib, unhooked him from all the monitors and set out on a walk down the hallways of the pediatric cardiothoracic unit.  At the opposite end, there is a waving strobe of lights with a plaque titled "Waves of Hope".  As we walked closer, Noah was immediately mesmerized by the waving pattern of lights and colors.  At first, Jana and I thought this wall was just a decoration, but upon learning the purpose behind it, we were reminded of the role each one of us plays in making our world a better place.  The following images are of the "Waves of Hope" wall.  




WAVES OF HOPE

Waves are all around us. Whether we think of a sound wave, a greeting on the street, or ocean currents, a wave, by definition, "propagates though space and time, transferring energy." It serves as a beautiful model of our work treating pediatric heart disease. At the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Congenital Heart Center, we understand the technical significance of the heart wave. But our goal is also to infuse energy in more profound ways - offering families hope for a brighter tomorrow. The life journeys and stories of our patients and families are the reason we are here  - they form the center of all the science and technology used in pediatric cardiac care. These colorful waves of square tiles throughout our Congenital Heart Center are similar to pixels from photographs. A pixel is the tiniest element of a photograph, but combined they form a complex and beautiful picture. Just as each pixel is the tiniest element of a photograph, but combined they form a complex and beautiful picture. Just as each pixel is significant, each family we serve enhances our ability to care, connect and technically refine our craft. Here at our Heart Center, we believe that our attentiveness to the smallest details is what we do best, impacting the lives of individuals, families and communities. These pixel tiles are inlaid with handprints to remind us how everyone who passes through this center makes an impression. Our families lives and stories are combined to represent life, warmth, movement, connectivity and hope. Like these colorful waves, all of our journeys connect to from more complete experiences. May the "Waves of Hope" of our patients and families inspire you to see how life can carry beyond these walls. 


The world has been connected in a strange way in 2020.  However, it is important to remember how much our thoughts and behaviors influence those around us.  As it pertains to our family, we are so very saliently aware of the contributions each and every one of you have made in our lives this year.  From messages of support and prayers, to the great work of the doctors and nurses directly involved in Noah's care, there have been so many people that have made it possible for us to overcome the challenges of 2020.  We have become stronger in our faith, prioritized what is truly important, and committed to leave this world a better place for our children.  We have seen the "ripple effect" play out in our lives and will continue to strive to help others where we can.  My stories from Cross Runner's Heart have a few different intentions but it is my ambition that readers of the blog are able to receive hope, and in turn, find ways to inspire others.

If you haven't already, please subscribe to the blog and share this post with others to help spread a wave of hope.  



Noah at the Waves of Hope wall












Comments

  1. matthew40wilsonNovember 22, 2020 at 12:08 PM

    This is great story to help point us toward the greater hope that exists when people work together to care for one another. Thank you for sharing your story. Many prayers!

    ReplyDelete

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