CHD Awareness Week

 

Jessica and I have been wearing red today for CHD Awareness Week. Approximately 1 in every 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and it is the most common and most lethal birth defect worldwide. There are more than 40 different types and more than 50% of children born with a CHD will require at least one invasive surgery in their lifetime. My little girl is one of those 1 in 100. Since birth, she has had four operations (plus one before she was born) and will need more as she gets bigger. She is my miracle.

A Face in the Crowd

It was so crowded by the seafront. She sighed as her eyes wandered across the beach, trying to find him amongst all the sunbathers and surfers, the children eating ice-cream, dog walkers. So many people. She knew he’d be there. It was just a question of knowing where to look for him. She searched all around, but he didn’t seem to be anywhere. And then she spotted him. Right where she’d been looking first. How she’d not seen him before she’d never know. But it was definitely him. The glasses, the striped jumper, the bobble hat. She’d recognise Wally anywhere.

All that glitters

He touched the little box in his pocket and smiled, looking at her across the table. He’d been thinking about this moment for some time, mentally rehearsing the words he wanted to say. It was quiet in the little alcove where they sat; the waiter had brought their desserts and left them alone. The moment had come. He took the box from his pocket, opened it and held it out to her, the light reflecting off the small gold object nestled inside.

“I love you so much…” he said, gazing at her intently. “enough to give you my last Rolo!”