Brave and Wonderful Little All-star and BFFs Heart Warrior Journey

Chapter 4

Hot shot was in Children's Medical center Dallas and he was waiting for a heart transplant. Hot shot was wondering when he will get his new heart. He was just going to be patient. He also wasn't going to give up hope on getting a new heart. Hot shot was being very brave too. 

Hot shot was trying his best to keep himself busy during this time. Hot shot really can't do much while in the CICU. Hot shot pretty much had to stay put. He only left the room when he had tests or had to get a check up. Hot shot pretty much had to stay in his room. Hot shot was currently collecting things called beads of courage. Hot shot had a few for his overnight stays and being in the CICU. He also had beads for things like his EKGs and his ECHOS. He even had ones for chest X-rays. He even had ones for getting poked with needles and getting blood draws. He even had ones for bravery and doing something special.

Hot shot liked his beads it made him feel very proud. It was helping show his journey so far. Hot shot was looking forward to adding more beads.

Hot shot was doing a good job at not giving up hope. He was staying hopeful. "I know I will get a new heart soon," Hot shot said.

"Very good Hot shot," Quickshadow said. "Don't ever give up hope," she said. "You a staying strong and I am proud of you," she said.

"You are such a brave boy, son and it is great you have hope and you are not giving it up," Heatwave said. "Many children and even adults look up to that kind of attitude," he said.

"They do?" Hot shot asked.

"Yes they do," Heatwave said.

"Well I got go," Quickshadow said. "I have to go and get ready for work," she said.

"Don't worry darling I am going to be here with our son," Heatwave said.

"I know you will," Quickshadow said. Then she kissed Hot shot's head and then kissed Heatwave. "I will be back as soon as I can," she told him, then she left.

Hot shot was sad to see his mother leave. Hot shot was happy his father was with him. Hot shot was very busy with the things going on with his heart.

Hot shot sometimes worried about his heart and what it was doing. It was hard having to stay in the hospital while waiting for a new heart.

Today Hot shot had a very special visitor. It was one of the child life specialists. She brought a dog. "Hot shot this is Lou he is a therapy dog who works here in the heart center," the child life specialist said.

Hot shot began to pet Lou. "He's so soft," Hot shot said. Hot shot was happy to be able to spend time with Lou.

Hot shot was able to rest for a while and relax. Hot shot had things he still needed to do during his stay. Hot shot was wondering if everything will be the same again.

Hot shot had to get the IV in his hand or arm replaced every few days. Which meant a few needle sticks. "Okay Hot shot are you ready?" the nurse asked.

"I'm ready," Hot shot said.

The nurse cleaned a spot on his hand after finding a vein and stuck the needle in. Now the IV canula was in place. Then she applied a dressing to keep it in place. She also attached it to the medicine Hot shot needed to get through the IV.

"There you go Hot shot you are all set up," the nurse said.

"Thank you," Hot shot said. Hot shot was glad now he was set up to his IV. Hot shot was able to relax for now.

Hot shot was able to do a few things while in the CICU. He could watch movies, watch TV, listen to music, make art, make music, watch Youtube videos, play games, play with his toys, and talk with his friends and family on the phone or over video chat.