Spent the past few hours with Eddie. He is still quite sedated and we're trying to keep him relaxed since he is very delicate after such a major surgery, but overall, he is doing great.
Medically, Eddie is strong on all counts. His new heart is being paced by an external pacemaker (common in transplant patients), since it will take some time before he can run completely unsupported. He is receiving a variety of meds to help control heart function, pain, and sedation and he will begin receiving diuretics, steroids, and immunosuppressant meds in the next day or two.
At this moment, I am thinking of a line from Jose Saramago, one of my favorite writers who passed away last year. He said: "All the scheming and plotting in the world won't result in something lasting, transcendent. Anything that's authentic, that's real, comes in the form of a gift." So appropriate on a beautiful new day for Eddie . . .
Just a joyous day! It is almost like he has a second birthday now.........so very happy for you, your family and sweet little Eddie......such an amazing gift and thanks so much for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteI'm just one of the anonymous LDS family that has started following Eddie's story since Meridian magazine told about your family's journey. My prayers for you and your family, and the donor's family will continue. Such an inspirational story...thank you for sharing it. Best wishes, from Sidney BC
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift is given, truly a miracle for all to see! Waiting and watching with the rest of the 45000 hits on the blog. So grateful for the advances in technology and medicine, for the care of all who have been looking over Eddie and Family. So grateful for all the prayers and thoughts and interest that Eddie and the family have engendered. I have many times wondered, what is up for this generation of grandchildren, what amazing things they will face and conquer. What their lives will be and how life will change for them. I stand all amazed, at the blessings of hope, this is for Eddie, the Family, and for us. Truly miracles happen.
ReplyDeleteI hope with the congratulations and the thanks that you extend, some sleep is close for you both! I'm looking forward to seeing Eddie but I can only imagine how exhausted you both are. Thanks so much for the updates.
ReplyDeleteGrandpa 'D'
What tears of gratitude and joy have been shed today by thousands! Bless that dear donor family. Duvall is grateful for you sharing these miracles. What a sacred day!
ReplyDelete"He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes." Deuteronomy 10:21
ReplyDeleteWhat a joyous day, praise be to God for such a blessed miracle. God is great!
Hello John and Sarah-
ReplyDeleteJohn, I am your Dad's cousin from Walnut Creek. Shortly after Eddie's collapse, Jack sent me the link to your blog so that we could follow Eddie's story and begin to pray for him. Since that time, I have been reading your beautiful entries almost daily. I can't tell you how blessed I think Eddie is to have such loving parents. I have been praying for all of you and am so happy to hear that Eddie has received a donor heart and is doing well. I am sure there are many of us in your extended Harper family out there (many who you may not have ever met) praying for Eddie's full recovery. I can see from his photos that he must be the sweetest little guy and maybe we will have a chance to meet him one day when you are visiting your folks in California. I hope it's a comfort to both of you to know that there are many lives who are touched by Eddie's story and we are sending all of our love and best wishes his way. I look forward to reading your posts as Eddie begins his journey back to being a perfectly healthy little boy!
Love from your California cousin,
Kathy Clark
Dear Harper Family,
ReplyDeleteWhat a miraculous night. We continue to be amazed by the strength and courage of one so small--and the incredible parents and siblings by his side. We continue to send out lots of love and prayers to Eddie, all of you, and the donor family for their most precious gift.
Love,
The Eck Family
What a true and beautiful gift. And John, you have such a talent writing and sharing your experience!! So happy for Eddie and so happy for your family
ReplyDeletePraise God!! I am so excited for your family and for Eddie's future. I am keeping Eddie, your family and the donor family in my prayers!!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love,
Meg Ringer
Dear John & Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWe are so so glad to hear this wonderful news and will continue to keep dear Eddie and your family in our prayers! We love you guys! (and by the way we can't believe how big your kids are!! It's been way to long!) I hope you can get some rest and I hope Eddie will continue to do well in recovery. What an adorable little boy!
Love,
Dave & Lisa
I am your Emily's mother-in-law, Jana. Cameron had posted on FB a link to the Meridian Magazine article. My parents and I were traveling to BYU Women's Conference when we read it. We were all so touched with your genuine and abiding faith as you shared deep personal experiences. Then yesterday I happened to be talking with Emily and Eleanor when I asked how Eddie was doing. To my surprise Emily told me the great news! Please know that we are praying for everyone involved and have thought of your family constantly. We stand with you and shout "WE believe in miracles!!!"
ReplyDeleteJana Dixon
What wonderful news!!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear the news. I just brought Isaac back from cross country, and he filled me in on all the latest news on the drive back to Duvall. We're so happy to have this answer to all of our prayers, and we're looking forward to seeing Eddie's face in church once again.
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy for you! Eddie is a remarkable little boy with truly remarkable parents. We will continue to carry you in our thoughts and give thanks to our Father in Heaven.
ReplyDeletethe gosselins
I am so happy for the Harper family! I'd sincerely like to thank you for sharing such an intimate journey. Your family's testimony and strength has touched my life deeply. Although I haven't seen or spoken to you for years, please know that your family, the donor's family, and medical staff will all remain in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteHugs from Idaho Falls,
Heather Bradshaw
To the entire Harper Family. We are so happy to hear how well Eddie is doing. We have not known you long, and we didnt met under ideal circumstances, but we think of all of you often. We will continue to pray for Eddie's recovery and look forward to all of your updates.
ReplyDeleteThe Powells
To the whole Harper Family, I am so happy to hear how well Eddie is doing. I haven't known you a long time and we met when my daugther was in the room next door to Eddie. I have been thinking and praying for you all and I am so happy to know that this is one step in the right direction. I will continue to pray for Eddie and your family and look forward to the future updates about Eddie.
ReplyDeleteBecca and Meladee
JOhn, I believe you need to take up writing as a career, not only do we get to read Eddie's updates but the wonderful way the words seem to flow. Tears of joy today from me, which is very different from the first time you posted and I was crying all night for our sweet little guy. Love to all.
ReplyDeleteErin
So very glad to know things continue to look up for this angel! Such gratitude and love for that amazing donor family. wow...there are no words for such sacred things....xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteOh my sweet Sarah & John and children. . . I've been away from your blog for a few days and imagine my joyous surprise as I came back today read about this miracle that has taken place! The tears won't stop as I think of what a gift God has given your beautiful son, along with the sweet sacrifice of the dear donor family. I pray that the days to come will be good ones for Eddie as he recuperates and gets stronger, and I pray that both of you will feel longed-for relief as you put wondering and waiting behind you, and put hope and dreams and plans for the future in front of you. My heart is with you even if I cannot be, and I hope you can feel the huge hug I am sending to you. . . I love you and am ever so happy for you all! Cathie
ReplyDeleteHarpers- I'm halfway around the world right now, but Mallory has sent me emails every day to keep me updated on what's happening with Eddie. Blogspot is blocked in China, but now that I'm in Thailand, I am able to check the website. I'm so happy to hear that Eddie is doing well.
ReplyDelete-Eric Reiser
John, how is Eddie doing? There have been no updates for 2 days.
ReplyDeleteI hope he is doing well.
Hugs,
Yulia