Unanswered Prayers

I am stubborn and like to call all the shots, including all medical decisions regarding my family. Okay, I will pause while you gasp; in disbelief that timid, little 'ole Dara is stubborn. Laughs aside, it's been extremely difficult for me to relinquish control to those that should have it, but on Wednesday, August 28th we gave full control to Dr. Dean and his staff, finally realizing Trouper wasn't getting any better and after seven weeks in the hospital, a heart wasn't going to find him soon enough. His health was failing at an alarming rate, he looked and felt awful and his quality of life was nothing short of sad. The LVAD will allow him to build his strength, become active and best, allow him to come home, where he belongs. Our home is simply not a home when he isn't there. It's a sad place, even the dogs mope around, depressed that their beloved Trouper isn't around to sneak them treats or let them lay on my pillow and hog the blankets in bed. At 8 am, Trouper had LVAD surgery, thus making him inactive on the transplant list for six to eight months while he heals from surgery. Our family and friends gathered, prayed and waited six long hours for word that the surgery was a success. Dr. Dean met with us, and told us Trouper had done wonderful, and was well on his way to a speedy recovery. Today, two weeks and one day after surgery, Trouper is heading home. I can't find the words to describe how exciting this is, or how grateful I am, that Dr. Dean took control and told us, not asked us, that Trouper was getting an LVAD. An unanswered prayer. We had prayed relentlessly for a heart, but Trouper's perfect heart isn't ready yet. The Lord knows that home is where he needs to be, and that our family was incomplete without him. He knows that Trouper's body isn't healthy enough for the new heart and that he needs strength to be able to fight off infections. I read somewhere that the Lord may delay his promises, but will never deny them so I'm holding firm this is only a delay, and the Lord is just making sure Trouper's new heart arrives when his body is able to receive it.

When Trouper gets home today, he will officially be 40 years old....what an awesome birthday gift! He will be able to sleep in his own bed (dogs and all), have a homemade meal (he's requested turkey meatloaf) and his favorite birthday cake (yellow cake with chocolate icing). He's been blessed with another trip around the sun, another chance to hug the kids, kiss me, go fishing with friends, make everyone around him laugh and be the Super Trouper that everyone loves. So, on Trouper's fabulous 40, my wish for him is enough. May he always have enough happiness to keep him sweet, enough trials to keep him strong, enough success to keep him eager, enough faith to keep him encouraged and enough determination to make each day a great day! Trouper, if someone asked me what a beautiful life means to me, I would lay my head on your shoulder, hold your hand and answer with a smile; this.