Living Through Uncertainty
1/28/2013 2:15 PM
By Kim Edgren
Last month was a difficult one—as I am sure it was for most of us—as our nation dealt with the senseless tragedy in Newtown, Conn. How anyone could commit such violence against innocence is beyond words and comprehension. What was usually a festive time of year was turned into a time of soul searching on how we go forward and prevent such acts from ever happening again. I know this blog is a place to reflect and discuss all things CHD, but it seems like status quo is just not quite right at this particular time.
We as a CHD community have endured, rallied, persevered and gone on in every aspect of our lives—from childhood to where we now stand, wherever in adulthood that may be. Fifty years ago many of us would not have survived infancy, never mind gone on to live productive lives. Much change has come through research and dedication to finding solutions for “broken hearts.” There is much more to “fix” but strides continue to be made. And through that uncertainty we live our lives… every extra minute that many of us were not supposed to have, regardless of those uncertainties.
This tragedy made life seem out of control. For all of us, it is not just our hearts that could take our lives. We live with so much risk and uncertainty on a daily basis just living our life. It takes but an instant as we were reminded in Connecticut. But we as a community know how to endure and work towards change!
As a community we take control in an otherwise uncontrollable reality of chronic illness to make a difference in our lives and hopefully in the lives of the children to follow. And we do it while still living with all the risk and uncertainty that our lives hold. And, it has made a huge difference! As our nation moves forward, as I move forward, I want this horrific act to help me realize what is important in all those moments we do have: I want to savor the little moments, appreciate the gifts I have been given, and work hard for the children who follow us in our community.
Kim Edgren was born in 1966 with transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect. She recently became the proud owner of a Melody valve! When she is not trying her hand at writing she is busy spending time with her partner and three girls, managing her two child care centers and planning her next vacation.
Copyright ©2013 ACHA