Welcome to My Heart and My Story
I really have two heart stories that became one! I have a heart story of surgery and medical intervention and then I have my heart story with Jesus. Both hearts needed mending! Both heart stories end up colliding as one in the most beautiful way!
The story with my physical heart began at 6 weeks old when I had my first surgery to repair my aortic valve. I received a chromosome diagnosis at 3 and entered a clinical study at age 7. Cardiology found a leak in my mitral valve also at age 7. I had surgery to repair my mitral valve at age 15. In college I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and was manageable for a while. After a failed Afib ablation at age 24, I had my 3rd open heart surgery to replace both my aortic and mitral valves. Then at age 32 they replaced my aortic valve again with a bigger valve, placed a graft on my aortic arch and placed a pacemaker. Yes this was a big surgery! And it left me feeling physically, mentally and emotionally weary. To add, during recovery, my Afib became stubborn and consistent. Partly because of scar tissue, partly because of the beautiful anatomy of my heart. This lead to an exhaustion of medications and series of four Afib ablations. NOW I was seriously deflated and completely defeated. That being said, the ablations were a blessing and I have now been “intervention” free for 7 years. But this story doesn’t stop here….
Now for my Jesus heart story! I didn’t know at the time but God had been working on my heart since 2012 just before my 3rd open heart. After I chose to help on a mayoral campaign, which led to joining a life changing bible study, I learned to pray through things going on in my life. I began to see God work: through a work layoff, my 4th open heart surgery and the process of purchasing my first home…. the foundation was being set for my heart story with Jesus.
After my last open heart surgery a friend from my bible study gave me a prayer journal for Christmas as I recovered. It was the perfect time to start writing, and I prayed for and thank God for my healing. Now at this time I was only thinking physical healing and recovery. I had no idea what God had in store. Jesus had plans to heal my heart in a different way. As my faith continued to grow I was led to a church service where I heard an amazing story of freedom that I had never heard before. I realized God was asking me to do some healing if I wanted a deeper relationship with Him. My steps then led me to a spiritual therapist where not only did I heal from past medical trauma, Jesus also restored our relationship. The emotional healing I didn’t know I wanted! Our hearts truly collided in more ways than one. It’s been a beautiful journey!
