This morning I took Abby for her 18 month well check up at her pediatrician’s office. It was a relatively routine appointment. We got to find out her latest stats (height and weight), discussed our daily routines (eating, sleeping and playing) and talked about the milestones that she has hit so far (what she is able to do/”should” be doing now).
At one point while Abby’s doctor was examining her, she used a stethoscope to listen to my daughter’s heart. Then her doctor said, “what a very nice sounding heart you have.” I don’t know why certain things have a tendency to be “triggers” in my life after loss, but every now and then a comment like this will effect me more than I would expect it too. I got a bit choked up and immediately thought of Abby’s sister Molly (who died almost 3 years ago, not long after her birth, of a rare and severe combination of congenital heart defects) and the comment on her autopsy report that stated she had “a very interesting heart.” I also thought about how grateful I am that Abby’s heart continues to be normal and healthy, as does her older brother Sean’s.
Molly’s heart was rarely, if ever, described as “very nice sounding” during our pregnancy and after her birth during her brief life. This was in part because of the 2nd and then 3rd degree/complete heart block that developed in her heart. Molly’s heart beat irregularly from very early on in our pregnancy. Thus hearing my children’s‘ pediatrician’s comment today was bittersweet for me.
My perfect moment on this Monday is being able to appreciate Abby’s pediatrician’s observation that my living daughter has a very nice sounding heart. I feel very blessed and lucky to be reminded of that, while also calling to mind my daughter in Heaven who had a very special heart (that did not allow Molly to come home with us, but rather to watch over us).
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Lori from Write Mind Open Heart says that “Perfect Moment Monday is about noticing a perfect moment rather than creating one. Perfect moments can be momentous or ordinary or somewhere in between.”
I love the idea of being mindful of and blogging about perfect moments. I know historically I have used my blog more to write about things I am struggling with and though I know that is valid and important for me at times, I appreciate the idea of being intentional about also sharing the simple and very special moments in our lives. Many thanks to Lori for this idea, a wonderful opportunity to focus on what is right in our life, instead of what is wrong.
Click here to read about and comment on more Perfect Moments (there are links to others’ posts at the bottom of Lori’s blog entry) this Monday and/or add a link to one of your own.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think I would have burst into tears right then and there, both from joy and from grief.
I am so happy about Abby's heart. I bet she gets it from her Mama :-).
This made me teary-eyed. I can see how your pediatrician's comment would have provoked such a strong mix of emotions. (((Hugs)))
A routine moment made into an emotional moment…and so perfect. Beautiful.
Thank you ladies. I really appreciate your kind words and validation.
I love the heading of this post. After reading it, it couldn't ring truer.
It gave me goosebumps as I was reading it.
Sending hugs to Abby and you from the west coast.
Michelle
It is amazing how certain words and phrases can trigger such deep emotions.
So glad Abby's heart got a good report.
Michelle – Thank you for your kind words and the hugs.
Suzy – Thank you and I agree, it is amazing.