The days were getting harder, the hallways were getting longer, faith was being tested. Roman was tired. He had gotten the Rhino virus and had coded. He was back on the vent and we waited to see if his liver was going to recover enough to be placed back on the list. It was the longest seven days of our lives. Each day his counts got better. We were just waiting for the news that he was relisted. Finally on day 7, a Wednesday afternoon Roman got relisted. We were so overcome with emotion and relief.
This week was one of the hardest weeks ever!! One of my friends had to say goodbye to their precious baby, another was struggling. I was so overwhelmed and feeling like I couldnt go on another day. Friday May 4th, I felt the need to super clean Roman's room and to spend time with the girls. I cant explain what came over me! Saturday Jaime and I spent the am at the zoo with the girls. Later that day I walked to long hallway to see my baby again. I felt so helpless. He was on the vent and pretty sedated, but I could tell he knew I was there. My heart was heavy that day, until I walked unto the unit and I saw the other transplant family in the lobby. They had gotten "the call" the night girl before and were waiting to see their precious baby! It renewed my faith!!
That night I was feeling really down. Jaime kept telling me, 'Brooke, dont give up keep fighting, we got this." His words will never be forgotten.
Sunday, May 6th we proceeded with our day as usual. Mimi and Dave took the girls to church, Jaime went to work, and I went to see Roman. He was still on the vent and pretty sedated. I left around 3;30p to pick up the girls, Jaime went to be with Roman. Dave was helping me with Roman's slideshow for the benefit, so I stayed at their house for dinner and to complete it.
I was so intent trying to finish his slide show. I was working on a slide that said, "now we wait for Roman's perfect heart", when my phone rang at 6;35pm. It was a number that I didnt know and I usually let it go to voicemail, but something kept telling me to answer it. On the other side was a familiar voice, "This is Mike from Transplant team, Im going to patch you through to Dr. Hoffman." I jumped up running from downstairs, to upstairs, back and forth. Something happend and Dr. Hoffman could not be found, so Mike said, "we have an offer and we are accepting it, It is a perfect match!" Dr. Hoffman will be calling you so stay close to your phone." I was numb. I couldnt think.. Jaime had no idea. We were trying to call him on another phone while I waited. Finally, Dr. Hoffman called and said "Its a perfect, strong heart." I was so overcome with emotion! I was crying, laughing, and screaming all at the same time! Jaime was in Romans room when he got the call. Earlier, he said its so weird I dont see any of the nurses or docs around the last hour or so. Little did we know that they knew and were avoiding him because they werent allowed to tell us!
Amy and I ran out of the door heading down to the hospital. The surgery team would be taking Roman down to surgery at midnight!! Soon my baby would have a complete, perfect heart..
