MiaBella Brickey

Before she went in at 7:30 to have her surgical site ‘closed’, we anticipated that she would be moved to what they call “V-V ecmo”, meaning that they would simply move the bypass tubes to continue supporting and oxygenating the blood, but her new heart would have to do it’s job. Even though the possibility existed, depending upon the condition of her lungs at the time of surgery, that she could come off ecmo, I did not expect it. I figured it was enough to ask that her chest be closed and we get one Really Big Baby Step forward toward taking my girl home!

Well, between the excellent work done by her Team and Mia’s fiesty “Never Give Up” spirit, they took her off ecmo at 11:59am and she has been able to remain off it to this point and oxygenating her blood through her lungs with the help of a respirator!   ……. this is a GOOD thing! 🙂  Dr. Kaza, her wonderful surgeon, described her as having a “snappy” heart!!  One Snappy Heart!!  ……. I like that.

As the sedation is lowered, she should begin to draw her own breaths and the machine support can be lessened over time.

How ’bout that??     Again,……. surreal.  She’s such a tough kid. Her perseverance and innate character have definitely been part of why she is still with us today. That, and the multitude of miracles,…. sometimes several in one day!, ……. and ultimately, by the Grace of God and Blessings of her Creator, The Great Spirit, The Eye in the Sky, The Power of Love, The Largest of All Kahuna’s, The Big Cheese, and the Big Elmo in the Sky! (That Big Giggly Dude or Dudette that makes it rain and thunder when he belly-laughs!) I’m thinking Jerry put in a good word? as well as ENergy and Prayers from ALL of YOU!!……could have been Zeus?! Probably not, but my Greek friends should like that. You’re Welcome, Jimmy. 😉

MiaBella Brickey, age 11, is looking like a solid bet to make 12 in twenty-four days!!

We continue to be humbled by the gifts, the miracles, the love, and are actually in a place where we can laugh (as well as cry!) and begin to savor the essence of what we have been through……. and continue to go through.  It may be a bit trite, but in the words of Jerry and the Boys,

“Sometimes the light’s all shinin’ on me;

Other times I can barely see.

Lately it occurs to me, ‘What a long, strange trip it’s been.’

Truckin’, I’m a goin’ home. Whoa, whoa baby, back where I belong.       Back home, sit down and patch my bones, and get back truckin’ on.”

We can’t wait to bring our baby home and let her sit and patch her bones.  And we know it’s going to take a long time. But the love and support that you have all given has lifted us up and sustained us, and I know it will sustain Mia, too.

Before I finish, I wanted to remind everyone that we have another child, too! And that I haven’t forgotten it. Although Mr. Eli may have begun to wonder??  The S.F.E.!! (the Small Friendly Eli).  And that Mr. E is preparing to compete in the Regional Divisional Indoor Climbing Championships at Momentum Gym, in Sandy, UT, on June 11-12 (This weekend!!)  He is only 8 years old and is in the 10 and under class, and is very excited!  I plan to be there and everyone is welcome to come see these incredible kids rock the house!

Here’s a link:

We love you all! and again, we Thank You for being our friends. You are the reason we have been able to make it through this wild and crazy week.  Man! I wouldn’t wish this experience on ANYone!….. but we are grateful for opportunity to face it, embrace it, and learn from this incredible time.

I’ve been saying it for a while now, “I’m the Luckiest guy you know.” And one of the most Blessed.  When you stop and think about it, we all are.

T of THEMBricks

ps. seriously… have you neutralized today? two words… Baking-Soda.