I was born with a rare heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. My mom and dad found out about it the day after I was born and were given two options; a series of fairly new surgeries throughout my first three years of life, or to take me home and let me die peacefully. Lucky for me, they chose the surgeries. After 3 open heart surgeries, I am left with a long scar running down the middle of my chest. The surgeries allow my heart to function with one ventricle (or pump) instead of two so my circulation is a little different. Because my heart works harder, I have a limited ability to run, play contact sports, and I tire out pretty quick.
When I was in middle school, I wanted to be like everyone else. Middle school is all about blending in. Nobody wants to stand out in middle school. So I hid my heart condition. I didn’t tell my friends about it and I didn’t even like to talk to my parents about it. I was especially embarrassed by the scar, but I realized that there was nothing I could do to change it.
Now that I’m a senior in high school and am preparing for college in the fall, I’ve come to terms with my condition and my limitations. My friends know that I have a heart condition but I don’t let it define me and continue to live a very normal life. I explore my limits and do all I can with what I have. I don’t sit around and feel sorry for myself because I’m limited. I never turn down the opportunity to try something new because I want to see how much I can do and I don’t want to miss out on life’s experiences.
I feel blessed that I am as healthy as I am, because many people go through situations that are much more difficult. We are all the same in God’s eyes and it’s important to be thankful for all that we do have, rather than what we lack.
