Every now and then the sun shines on even the darkest of days.
That’s how we were beginning to feel as the Thanksgiving weekend came and went with no heart for Zoe. Our family and the doctor had gone out of town and returned back to us with no news.
But at 7:30PM last night that all changed.
A potential heart had been found. We waited on pins and needles until the official word came that this was THE HEART. Low and behold, three hours later I was on my way out the door to the hospital because this indeed was the Heart that the Doctors, nurses, family, friends, and especially Zoe had been waiting for.
Though I couldn’t stay for the entire surgery, my sister saw the heart, in its box and it’s transporter come off of the elevator at 5:30 this morning and by 9am, her heart, Zoe’s heart, was beating on it’s own in it’s new home.
My sister has seen Zoe since then, still sedated but back in her room and already she looks good.
I know my sister will have a much better post than I do, complete with details on the surgery, but right now I hope she’s getting the best sleep, the most sound sleep she’s had in months.
We’ve waited, we’ve prayed, we never gave up hope, and now here we are… December 2nd 2008, and Zoe has her heart. Just in time for Christmas.
As a final thought, I want to say Thank you to the family who gave us back our Zoe. Though we may never meet or know where you are, we are forever grateful that you were able to give us the best Christmas gift one could ever ask for. Your decision was difficult I am sure of that but what you’ve sent us, the life you’ve given us, can’t be measured in words, in blog posts or in tears. Instead we measure it in the smile of a little girl that we love, we measure it with her laugh, her energy and her life.
Thank you.
December 2, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I am SO happy for your and your family. What a wonderful gift you’ve been given!
December 2, 2008 at 12:29 pm
That’s beautiful.
And thank you to the family who shared their heart with you. May their hearts find peace this season.
December 2, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Even if you would have lost hope, you wouldn’t have lost God. He’s not that kind of awesome, he’s THIS kind of awesome. I’m so happy for all of you. 🙂
December 2, 2008 at 12:36 pm
This is AWESOME, WONDERFUL, AMAZING, GRATEFUL etc. We just went through this on 11/18 with our 5 week old great nephew! I am crying for you right now, because I know what this means. I am so happy for your family!
December 2, 2008 at 12:37 pm
That is wonderful! What a wonderful Christmas gift.
December 2, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Oh thank god! How’s she doing? I’m so happy for all of you. Love you guys.
December 2, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I have a huge lump in my throat from reading this- I am so happy at this wonderful news! Big hugs for Zoe.
December 2, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Just so you know — you may not be able to meet the family, however, you can write them a letter. The family who gave my uncle his liver wrote a letter to my uncle about his donor, so I know it can be done.
I heard about this on twitter last night, and I think all of us on Twitter were just as excited.
December 2, 2008 at 1:29 pm
We are rejoicing here at FBCS with you all on the good news of Zoe’s new heart. We pray that her recovery goes smoothly. When it was announced over the loud speaker this morning here at FBCs that Zoe had her new heart you could hear a big cheer go up across the building. It may not be Christmas yet but Zoe has received the greatest gift of all. Life. Merry Christmas.
December 2, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Words cannot tell you how thrilled I am that God answered your prayers. May Zoe heal quickly and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!
December 2, 2008 at 1:37 pm
How wonderful! We are so happy for you and especially for Zoe! I wasn’t at school this morning but Grandpa was and he heard the announcement and excitement and called me right away. I began praising and thanking God for His Goodness. He is ALWAYS good! Love ya, Zoe,and hope to see you at school real soon!
December 2, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Such wonderful news… I am soooo happy! Prayers have been answered!
December 2, 2008 at 1:40 pm
what a wonderful gift! i’m so happy for you and your family. hopefully you will have the opportunity to thank that family one day. our prayers are with you and zoe. merry christmas!
December 2, 2008 at 2:01 pm
WOW and Praise the Lord! I can’t wait to hear how she is when she wakes up and how excited she must be when she learns she has hear new heart and will be getting better!!!
December 2, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Thank you Jesus for this special gift and Thank you to the family who gave this special gift to Zoe!!!!
Chrissy to you and your family we are so happy to here this joyful news!!!!! We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers during your sweet baby girls recovery.
Aunt Peggy, Uncle Melvin, Hannah, Michael, Paige, Chelsea, Hayley, Gramma Sue and Pappa Carroll
December 2, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Well put Aunt Nikki!!!! My heart rejoices with yours at this wonderful news!!! My family in all sorts of places have been praying and will continue to do so but I’ve sent out the news and the Praises abound…Praise God for His goodness to our Zoe and her family!
December 2, 2008 at 3:03 pm
We are so happy for you! There were cheers all over the school when we heard the announcement that you got your new heart. I pray that you have a speedy recovery.
December 2, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Oh, thank GOD almighty! Alleluia and Amen!
Now what do you need from us, Chrissy? What more can we do for you? More prayers? Already there!
This is marvelous, joyous, beautiful news!
December 2, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Nikki and Chrissy, I couldn’t be happier for your whole family. This is by far the best X-mas gift ever!!!!
December 2, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I know a lot of us watching the updates on twitter have been praying for Zoe. I purchased one of the items up for sale for her and every time I look at it I will forever think of Zoe.
May she have a speedy recovery and bless you and your family.
December 2, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I am shaking with happiness right now for you guys, crying tears of joy for you. Chrissy I wish you guys nothing but the best and hopefully soon our little angels can play together while we catch up on our lives. I love you dearly, give that baby a hug for me will ya?
December 2, 2008 at 4:47 pm
We love you so much and have been praying for you! What a wonderful gift to recieve for Christmas!
Justin 6th grade & Beka 4th Grade Davis and their family
December 2, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Words cannot express how happy I am for Zoe and your family. Amazing!
December 2, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Zoe…We are SOOOO happy about the new heart. Do you remember a song we learned last year with the big name called the Doxology? It starts, “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow…” That’s what I’m doing, Babe. Praising God for your new heart, and especially for YOU! Love, Miss Webster
December 2, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I rejoiced when I saw this post as I have been checking Zoe’s plight daily for several weeks now.
The folks from the webtv community have heard of Zoe’s plight and have been praying for Zoe and her family.
God has answered the prayers of Zoe, her family, and a large community of well wishers.
We all will continue to pray for Zoe’s recovery and for her family.
Thank you, God, Thank You!!
December 2, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Chrissy,
Im Teresa’s daughter and I have been keeping up with Zoe’s story, Im so sorry you had to go through all of this but I am so happy to hear Zoe got a heart! What a blessing and perfect timing during the holiday season. As a mother I can’t imagine how you have felt but Im so glad that your little girl got what she needed. She been in my thoughts and prayers. I was crying when I read this post this morning, tears of happiness. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
December 2, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I got the message while spending the day with my youngest daughter. Today is her birthday and I was reflecting on her 22 years and thinking about Zoe. When I got the text that Zoe got her heart, she thought I had lost my mind when she saw me jumping up and down and yelling in the mall. I am so happy for Zoe and I know it is not without the sacrifice of another….then again that is what Christmas is all about. Chrissy I can’t wait to see you….and give you a huge hug!!
December 2, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Zoe, Chrissy and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers at all times. Zoe is blessed to have such a strong and dedicated family. My heart “no pun intended” to the family that gave Zoe life. They are also in my thoughts and prayers. Chrissy, I am giving you a great big hug right now. I am sure you need it.
We have an overflowing gift basket of goodies for you and your family from LifeShare employees. Our intent was to give it to you this evening. I am very happy that you were not at work for a VERY GOOD reason!! Jay will try to have it delivered by Eugene soon.
December 2, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Zoe,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I told you that the past few weeks were just a bump in the road and you have patched up some of the bumps to a door with a brighter path. The door has now been opened keep paving and keep walking through it, not forgetting where the GREATEST GIFT that has been given to you (LIFE) but not forgetting that someone somewhere has lost a loved one and made one of the biggest sacrifices. Christmas is all about giving and the best gift that a family could give anyone is the gift of life and the family in which that the heart came from maybe feeling pain right now but in time they will realize the extent of the selfless gift they have bestowed upon you. Never forget that it is not always about receiving but giving. In this case, receiving was a great deal better than giving.
December 3, 2008 at 12:54 am
PRAISE THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!! Zoe, you will never be able to comprehend the amount of people who have been praying for you & your family. Just know that it’s lot & lots! I was so Happy today knowing that you finally got your heart. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. God bless you! Mikeala & Paige Goodrich’s Mawmaw
December 3, 2008 at 7:01 am
Congratulations, Zoe! God is amazing! This is so awesome. I’m praying for you and for a speedy recovery. 🙂
December 3, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Zoe, Chrissy, and Mike, Grandpa Mark just called with the great news. We’re overwhelmed with happiness for you. Our good wishes continue. Have a Merry Christmas! If there is any way we can help, give us a call.
December 3, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Zoe,
Glad to hear you have received a gift you have been longing for! Best of luck to you and your family now and always!!! Continued prayers for a full and speedy recovery!
I heard of your site from Laura Ternes, didn’t think you would mind the extra prayers and well wishes!
December 3, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I’m so, so thrilled to see this news! It’s the most blessed gift anyone could ever hope to receive.
December 3, 2008 at 10:50 pm
ZOE! that is awesome!! my whole class was sooo happy for you!! (we were part of the school wide cheering) i doubt youll believe this but at 5:33 that morning i woke up and couldnt get back to sleep til after i prayed for you and others ~ its awesome how God works! The junior class is still praying for you daily for a quick recovery. We hope to soon see your smiling face in the morning and listen to your sweet voice tell us how your weekend went. Merry Christmas a little early! =)
December 3, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Tonight Grandpa & I saw Zoe for the first time in what seemed like forever with out the tube shoved down her throat & her hands free to lay on her lap & not tied down. What a wonderful site that was! I was lucky enough to be there when you’re new heart came in & what a wonderful feeling I had inside knowing that you will be here for sure for a long time. I am also thankful to the family that gave you that 1 precious thing that in reality money can not buy – your life back! I am sad for the family at the same time because they will spending their Christmas this year without their precious child. Sometimes ….. we don’t appreciate things or what we have until they are gone & Life is so very precious. I hope that the family will some day, some how feel some sort of comfort in knowing that a ‘piece’ of their little darling ‘is’ still alive within a very precious beautiful little girl. I will thank them everyday in my heart for the gift they have given you & us. Lots of love sweatheart….Nana
December 4, 2008 at 12:01 pm
zoe, Thank God your heart if not broken anymore. Can’t wait to see you back with us
at school.
what a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love your friend
Nathen Prunty
December 6, 2008 at 12:06 am
I am beyond thrilled that Zoe got a heart!!! I hope she continues to do well. She has not been far from my thoughts.
December 6, 2008 at 1:10 am
Thinking of you and praying for you daily, what a perfect Christmas gift!
December 8, 2008 at 11:11 am
that story is very touching
when i heard about her i was in tears
its a gift from god that she is gonna be ok
and i wish zoe and her family the best