Happy Birthday to Gabe! He's my nephew. He's 8yrs old today. It's amazing that he is 8yrs old today. What's so amazing that he's 8yrs old? He's an 8 yr old with a pace maker. "his superpowers" as he calls them. Gabe is an amazing story of survival and miracles. He was born to my step sister (my EVIL stepsister) who no longer has custody of him. Gabe is being raised by my mom and my step dad. Due to drugs and many other issues (I won't get into any time soon, I don't talk about them much myself) Gabe underwent several heart operations. He was tough. My parents stuck with him through it all. He beat the odds of what the doctors had set out for him. He has what is called HypoleftHeart. (that's the short version in English). He was born missing most of the left chamber of his heart. From the termoil of his mom and the operations he is a survivor. The life expectancy of one with his condition is not very long because their heart cannot keep up with their growth. Most only live to be about 15 or 16. If that long. He is 8yrs old today. I am sad I am not there to celebrate this day with him but we did talk on the phone. And as most 8yr olds would, the conversation consisted of Legos and Pirates. He is an amazing little kid! Did I mention that already! I miss him a lot. We spent soo much time with him in the hospital. Switching nights, giving him hot packs and chocolate milk and Monsters Inc and Blues Clues. And LOTS of medication. He has annual check ups. He and I have matching chest scars. One from my open heart surgery and one from his many! Happy Birthday buddy!!
