Hearts Full of Love

Thirty-six, single and a congenital heart patient—I highly doubt that childbirth is likely in my lifetime. At least this go-round.

I love kids, don't get me wrong. They gravitate to me and I to them. I adore my sisters' children and find myself smiling at every little one I meet. My maternal instinct kicked in when I was still a child and hasn't dwindled in all these years. But even if I never give birth I will be proud and honored to remain Aunt Kelly...or one day adopt.

Writing this post prompted me to wonder how many infants and children are in foster care or waiting to be adopted who also have been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Perhaps my experience as a heart patient puts me in an ideal position to understand the emotional and physical struggle that a child with CHD faces today. It's an intriguing question and one that has piqued my interest.

So whether I am blessed with children I give birth to or ones who enter my life through adoption, my heart—and hopefully theirs—will be filled with an abundance of love!