By the 3rd week after we returned from Boston, Diego was feeling stronger. I think being at home among family and friends was the best medicine for him. He is finally able to settle in to simply being a 9 year old boy with less focus on being a heart patient.
Unfortunately, he has subtle hints that tend to whisper in his ear reminding him of his heart defect. I’ve noticed when Diego plays the Wii or walks long distances that he seems to have some shortness of breath. One day this week after school, he walked a long distance around the school building. By the time we made it to the car he had labored breathing. Later that evening I overheard Diego explaining to his dad that sometimes he has a difficult time catching his breath. He commented that he thought he would feel better after having his surgery, not worse.
I try not to hyper focus on any of Diego’s symptoms while at the same time being aware of how he is doing physically. It is my understanding that the shortness of breath will continue due to the restriction created by the PA band. Basically it is an indicator that the band is working to strengthen his left ventricle. His 6 week post-op checkup appointment is scheduled for October 10, 2012. Diego’s main objective is that the cardiologist will release him to play soccer. We have been occasionally attending his soccer team’s games this season. On the way home from the most recent soccer game, Diego commented that he desperately wants to start playing soccer again. The closer it gets to his checkup the more eager he is to play soccer. Luckily, he seems to know how to self manage his activity level based on how he feels. We realize that it could be challenging for Diego to deal with the physical limitations he may encounter once his activity level increases after his post-op checkup.
Of course, I also worry about his emotional well being. He has the mentality to handle the situation, but that does not always mean that he is content with it. Sometimes he is entitled to feel frustrated with the issues his heart defect creates. He is being forced to cope with things that even as an adult I struggle with how to handle. I feel when Diego is having an emotional low that is my cue to be strong for us both. Those are the hardest moments; when there are only one set of footprints in the sand. What he doesn’t realize is that I pull my strength from him. It takes my entire being to reassure him that all is well with his heart. The greatest moments are when we are walking together and he reaches to hold my hand. In that moment, there seems to be peace surrounding us. I cherish those moments more now than ever before. It is the awareness that he is at peace that I appreciate most. As a mother we do not want our young children to worry about whether or not their heart is strong enough to carry them across the soccer field. When he has that skip in his step and smile on his face I relish in that moment because his greatest concern is whether or not Mrs. Kathy is serving the crispy chicken sandwich in the cafeteria, as it should be! I am grateful that Diego has the ability to overpower his emotional frustrations and continue moving forward. I’ve always trusted that God knew what He was doing when He gave Diego the heart of a warrior.
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| Diego's "Storypeople" creation he made during his healing |
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