Shayan 's Heart Surgery

Though Shayan recovered quickly from surgery and was soon released to the children's house, he subsequently struggled with a swollen gland in his neck and an ear infection. He was re-admitted to the hospital after he developed a dangerously high fever. With medication he recovered, and proceeded to enjoy the time he spent with the other children who were either waiting for or recovering from their heart surgeries.
 

When we visited Shayan again early this week, rather than crying continuously like he did with his fever, he was running around the living room smiling, jumping up and down trying to catch a balloon.

He and his mother were awaiting news of their departure date and were no doubt very excited to get back home. His surgery was a complete success.

Today we picked up Shayan and Najeeba and their mothers and took them to the Jordan border to begin their journey back home to Iraq. Both children were very happy with lots of smiles as they said goodbye to the volunteers at the Save A Child's Heart house. (Shayan is pictured below with housemother Laura.)

One of the volunteers even got emotional as he said goodbye to these precious mothers and children. His Jewish uncle in England is one of the strong supporters of Save A Child's Heart and I see the nephew is very much dedicated as well.

It was a very busy day at Wolfson Medical Center yesterday and it was Shayan's day to move to the operating room. According to Dr. Houry all went well and there were no complications during or after surgery. When I arrived, Shayan's mother was being comforted by the other mothers as is the regular pattern for the mothers from Iraq. Their lives are very intertwined in community. As we entered the ICU and after washing our hands, we moved toward Shayan's bed. As we approached the bed, Shayan sensed that mom was near and forced his eyes open for the first time after the operation.
Mom holding back tears and Shayan trying to communicate was a sobering moment to photograph. Although taking pictures is needed, sometimes the moment feels so intimate between mother and son that it seems not right to invade their space. As I backed away, I watched mom gently touch her son as he drifted back to that place of rest.
After their operations the doctors keep the children asleep for a full 24 hours before they begin to wean them off oxygen, sleep medications and other life sustaining equipment.

The road is long but I appeal to you--let's not tire of well doing, because together as a team we are making a difference!