A Debt of Gratitude

Exactly two months ago, I received a new pulmonary valve.

This is my third one—first I had the one I was born with, which managed to get the job done in one manner or another for 44 years, then I got a new bovine valve in 2004. This time I was fortunate to be a candidate for the new Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve—really a revolutionary delivery device for a new valve. The miracle of my quick recovery and the amazing progress medical technology has made leave me thankful and humbled.

I am often grateful to the people who came before me—those who were brave enough to say “sure, give it a whirl and try that new drug, device or procedure on my child or me.” Those pioneers paved the way and so many of them gave the “ultimate sacrifice,” to use the terms of the day. I am grateful to those who imagined the path for us—the doctors, scientists, parents, families and others who thought enough about MY problems to make them their own—and to imagine a better way. I will never be able to thank you enough for thinking about me and others like me.

I am also fortunate that I have a good job with good insurance. However, the knowledge that my procedure (which we all anticipate/hope will not need to be repeated for eight years) cost enough to buy a lovely home in Atlanta is sobering.

How can I hope to pay my community back for their investment and commitment to me?

I spend time trying to think of ways to pay it back, or to pay it forward. How can I show my deep appreciation and thanks? Some little thoughts—well, I’d better drop that 20 pounds, volunteer in my community or write a thank you note—seem shallow. My better instinct hopes that being a good mother and friend is payment—that I can contribute to a more civil and positive experience for all those whom I encounter every day. It sounds good, but is it enough?

I ask my fellow CHD patients and their families—how do you walk the walk to pay your debt of gratitude?