Our testimony began with a call from the doctor before Wells was born. Time stood still as she told me that they had seen something unusual during his routine ultrasound.
After a repeat scan at a bigger hospital, a new doctor explained that our little boy’s heart was not growing on the left side. She diagnosed him with a congenital heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Treatment would include three open-heart surgeries but success rates were high.
Time passed slowly as we waited for our first appointment with the specialists at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte.
After another ultrasound, the Cardiologist quietly told us that Wells’ heart wouldn’t be able to handle the surgeries. He explained that a specific part of it was too small to facilitate Wells’ immediate care after birth. He continued that they could try to do an emergency surgery as soon as Wells was born, but he probably wouldn’t survive it. More than likely, we wouldn’t get to meet him beforehand. If he did survive, he would only live for 12 months.
We prayed. Oh, did we ever pray - and our family and our church and everyone who heard; the chiropractor, the banker, our friends and our friends’ churches…There’s something about the innocence of a baby that touches hearts and drives us to kneel.
Our second cardiologist visit was scheduled for a few weeks later and we went inside waiting for God to do something special.
That day, we met with a surgeon, NICU staff, the palliative care team, and the cardiologist. When he came in and sat down, he announced that the part of Wells' heart that they thought was too small had grown larger without explanation.
Now there was no need for the risky surgery immediately after birth. We left with hearts so full of unspeakable joy… Wells would only need the expected surgeries that went along with an HLHS diagnosis.
He had his first surgery at 5 days old and his second at 4 months. Unfortunately, a post-surgery check-up showed that his heart function was slowly declining. We were told that unless the function could be restored, he would need a heart transplant, which would give him a life expectancy of only 25 years.
I’ll never forget the peace of that moment. It was a stillness that went beyond anything that can be described. In the face of such horrible news, I almost smiled. I knew that the prayers of our friends were holding us and there was no question in my mind that all would be well …and by God’s grace, it is.
Wells had another surgery to remedy the issue, and it was successful. Sadly, while recovering, he developed a severe infection. By the time it was discovered, he was septic and had to be taken back for a fourth emergency surgery. We were exhausted but still confident.
Today, those storms are long past, and he is home and happy. His only medication is half of an aspirin before bed. His cognitive and physical functions are normal, despite the many hospital stays that should have put him months behind, developmentally. He likes to talk, sing, play in the dirt, and shake hands with everyone after church. His life is a constant testimony of the power of God and a tribute to the faithful prayers of our friends around the world.
We know that our little boy has experienced God’s healing touch through the hands of the doctors. We are so grateful for it, and no matter how the Lord chooses to finish the work, we will rejoice. Still, our hearts' cry is to see a complete miracle for Wells before the final surgery (which will be scheduled when he’s approximately 3 and a half years old). Watching someone so small go through another open-heart surgery and the complicated healing process afterward is something that’s almost too hard to imagine. Please join with us as we flood heaven with this request. We have so much confidence in prayer!
2 Corinthians 1:11
“…Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”