Eager or edgy, or simply both. Is it me or has everyone felt a little more on edge this entire fucking year. I mean, holy fuck 2020 has my bitchiness on overload. Eager for 2020 to come to an end (like many others Iām sure) āļø Life doesnāt always go as planned, thank you 2020 for feeling the need to show us this š. For us specifically, medical appointments have been our biggest concern and the constant postponing of appointments gives such an internal frustration and anxiety.
Blood clot in the the heart, your world stops in itās tracks. Weāve waited for nearly a year for Sierraās (14, almost 15 sassy year old daughter) appointment to see what our options and future hold. Quick snapshot, Sierra was diagnosed with a blood clot in her right atrium and her world felt like it had stopped. Limitations, medications, diets, are all so much for any child. Sheās a competitive all star cheerleader, flying has been her stress reliever (aside from doing the damn tik toking dances š). Medication increase after increase, talk of limiting cheer, the possibility of never being able to do it again, surgery options, all of been on the forefront of stress for the last year.
Life becomes routine, most of us function better with a consistent routine. Everyone may disagree on every hot topic at the moment, but I think everyone can agree that 2020 has disrupted our lives tremendously in one way or another. I mean, not sure how they couldnāt, our lives and daily routines were changed overnight & are still changing but the day.
Iām not a fan of going to Miami, actually I hate it with a passion. The horrible driving, congestion, & extremely fast paced just doesnāt do it for me. Given theyāve been on stricter shelter in place orders and curfews weāve been unable to travel, until recently. Could we have done virtual appointments, sure, but Sierra has needed imaging done given her blood levels wouldnāt budge on blood thinners and we needed to gain an idea of the blood clot.

As parents we try to remain positive for our children and limit their exposure to negativity, but letās be real thereās so much damn hate in this world that itās nearly impossible. Trying to make the best decisions we can with the knowledge weāve learned can be difficult in a world where technology runs our lives. At a fingertip we are susceptible to criticism with all social media platforms. Some days questioning whether or not weāre making the right decisions, wear a mask, donāt wear a mask, see our loved ones, donāt see our loved ones, go to school, donāt go to school, participate in sports, donāt participate in sports. Itās probably safe to assume that 2020 has taken a big ass toll on many of us, mentally and emotionally.
Remember, this is a 14 year old having to go through these difficult conversations about her heart with doctors. After a year of letting Sierraās body of control of itself, the blood clot has dissolved and is no longer present in her heart šš Joy & excitement filled her eyes as her healthcare team was explaining the results of her testing. Not only is her blood clot GONE, like legit GONE, but her team reminded her that just because she has been diagnosed with the same gene that I have that it doesnāt mean that she needs to prepare herself to face the obstacles that I have. Itās simply a roadmap for them, they will be protective and cautious with her so if she were to start showing symptoms they would be ahead of the battle instead of behind it.
Sierra understands the magnitude of her condition, but sheās still a teenager & has hopes and dreams she wants to pursue so of course she couldnāt wait for the discussion about cheer. Well, needless to say, sheās still on conditioning limitations, but she is able to fly to her full capacity. I may be biased because sheās my kid, but Sierra is full of raw talent when it comes to flying in cheer. Doors are wide open for her college cheer goals š š
We all have those moments where we think āwhat the fuck are we doingā or āam I even a decent parentā. Some days Iām an awful parent, my patience is nonexistent, frustrated all day, short tempered, & other days Iām happy go lucky, laughing with the girls, listening to them, joking with them. With that said, we all are just trying our best in the world and circumstances weāve been given.
Thank you to her healthcare team at Nickalaus Childrens Cardiology department, Dr. Kanter, Melissa NPRN, & all the techs she engages with every appointment. Taking the time to have small talk, learn about her, her achievements, her concerns, comforting her, helping her understand, yāall are the real MVPās in a world of such chaos ā¤ļø
Its been a bugger of a year, hope all goes well for you’re daughter. Keep smiling, cheers.
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and a blessing to meet you.. we just keep haning in and take good care. Thanks for the follow, I’m now following you!!!ā¤ļø Cindy
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Inspiring read. Thanks
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