Pathway to Parenthood

Say you won't let go

It's the following morning and the two new parents are by Aurora's bedside.

"Morning." I yawn as I spot Matt enter the room.

"Hey, how's she doing this morning?" Matt asked as I shrugged.

"She's doing okay. No better and no worse. They said they want to operate today on her heart." I
sighed as I looked at Rory who was fast asleep, unaware of what she was going to go through.

"Already?" Matt asked surprised.

"Apparently the longer they leave it, the more she'll deteriorate." I explained.

"Yes but surely this is too soon, I mean she was only born yesterday." Matt added.

"Yes but this is in her best interests. If we get the operation done now then she can focus on getting better and less on having to work a damaged heart." I finished the conversation as I looked at Aurora.

"Hi, are you Rosie Matthews?" A doctor asks as I nod.

"I'm Sarah Corshaw, I'll be the one operating on your daughter today." She smiled softly at us; immediately putting me at ease.

She went on to explain the plan of the surgery and how she would fix the hole. It wasn't a massive hole but it was high enough to be putting a reasonable amount of strain on her heart. Afterwards she will be intubated for at least 24-48 hours which will allow Aurora's body to begin to heal.

"So does that all make sense?" She asked as we both nodded, slightly stunned.

"It's all a lot to deal with, I know. But once this is done you'll be able to focus on her recovery." She finished.

"I'll take her now as it'll be a little while before we can get her prepped." She stood as a porter entered the room.

"Can-Can we tell her we love her?" Matt asked emotionally.

"Of course!" She smiled softly.

"Hey Rory. Listen to me okay? You're going to have a big operation today which will make that Poorly heart of yours much better. Then once you are better you'll come home with mummy and I'll see you every day." Matt spoke emotionally as I clutched onto his hand, too upset to speak.

With that, Aurora was wheeled away.

We can't bare to sit down. My thoughts are spiralling. What if she dies on the table? What if something goes wrong?

Every minute feels like an eternity.  I look at Matt and suddenly I burst into tears. "Hey what's wrong?" he asks pulling me into a hug. "What-What if she dies?" I sob and he lifts my head up and looks into my eyes. "We know her better than anyone and she won't die, I promise you that!" Matt says and I sob more. "Say you won't let go .." I say and he kisses the top of my head. "I'll never let you go."  I know it got a good guy, He treats me so well and I know he's going to be the best father ever. He is so understanding and is there when you need him the most.  I truly don't know where I'd be without him. I couldn't of asked for a better father for our daughter.

Hours pass and we pray and hope that she will be okay. Aurora our beautiful baby girl , Her name means so much to us. It reminds of the day we met at the beach and for us Aurora means light  and peace. Baby girl if you can hear me , keep on fighting for us. We'll be here every step of the way. We love you.

Finally Dr Bellingham comes out and tells us the news."She's absolute fine and stable, Your daughter's operation was a success and though it did take longer than first anticipated we are already really happy with the progress that she is making!" He says smiling broadly.  We grin and hug her and thank him before watching her be wheeled back in.

"Rory!" I exclaim softly as i immediately latch my hand through the hole so I can hold her hand.

"You were so brave." Matt smiled proudly.

"And we'll be here every single step of the way. Rest now. You're safe."