Adam D.

Today, seven-year-old Adam from Tubas came walking into the Pediatric Echo Clinic at Sheba Hospital for the very first time. He greeted me with a gentle grin that remained on his face for nearly his entire visit.

While we waited for his name to be called for his echocardiogram, we hung out on the train in the Echo Clinic, blowing bubbles and exchanging smiles and giggles.

He’s only seven, and he already knows how to conduct a train! Amazing! I was very struck by how attentive this little boy is. He stayed close to his father but his gaze was always fixed on someone or something.

You could see in his eyes that he was taking everything in. I simply can’t get over how sweet he is. During his echo, he did everything he was asked to do almost immediately and willingly. At one point, his doctor said, “It’s a bit painful. I’m sorry.” But you would never have known it was painful because this little boy remained wonderfully still.

After his echo, I invited him several times to play with me and another Shevet child, but he kept shyly shaking his head with that same soft grin. Instead, he watched us play. Eventually it was just the two of us again and once more, I was so touched by how sweet and gentle he is. We hungout for a while until his doctor was ready to go over the echocardiogram results and discuss the next steps in his care.

Adam will need to have a valve repair. He was supposed to have surgery three years ago, but due to the circumstances he has had to wait. Before his surgery he will need to undergo a catheterization. However before the catheterization, he will need an MRI/CT scan, a visit to the dental clinic, and likely some dental work as well. Because of the long waiting list in the imaging clinic, he may have to wait three to four months for his catheterization.

We trust God to have His hand on Adam and on every part of his situation. His doctor is not concerned about the wait, but there was concern in Adam’s father’s voice. We thank God that He has provided a way for Adam to receive the care he needs, and we pray that He will continue to protect and bless this precious little boy and his family.