Tyson Hugh Hooper

Tyson Hugh Hooper
Our son, Tyson Hugh Hooper, was born with coarctation of the aorta, hypoplastic arch, and a transitional avsd. His first open heart surgery reconstructed his aorta and was on day 9 of life. His second open heart repair was not anticipated to be needed until two or three years of age. Ty had other plans. We spent the vast majority of his first 3 months of life at Vanderbilt as he went into heart failure and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. As a result, the medical team concluded that he needed the repair much sooner than usually recommended, and at just shy of 3 months old Ty underwent his second life saving open heart surgery. God has already worked so many miracles in Ty's life and the life of our family and we know he is using our story. Because of this, we are grateful for Ty's special heart and feel beyond blessed that God chose us to travel this road. We ask for prayers as Ty continues to heal. We are praying for a full recovery and life without restrictions for Ty. We are praying for God to use our family and Ty for His glory.

Thank you to each and every person who supports us through prayer, giving, or just by loving on our family! We are humbled and blessed by all of the ways the Lord is providing for us and know that he is using Ty and his story to do great things!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Learning to drive...

Do you remember when you thought it would be SO COOL to drive?  I remember at a very young age pretending to drive.  I thought "real" keys were so cool.  I used to watch how people handled the wheel and always thought I would "look good" driving.  I thought it would be cool to drive with both hands resting at the bottom of the wheel instead of the top.  I don't know at what age driving becomes something we have to do instead of something we want to do.  When does driving lose its luster and become just another mundane task that we take for granted?

Chris was mowing the grass one recent evening and Lily and I were doing what every good wife and daughter should do.... watching from the shade.  :-)  We were blowing bubbles and watering flowers and occasionally walking "a cold one" out to our hero on the mower.  He was almost finished when Lily announced, "I want to drive!"  I said, well then let's get you out there!  We waited for Chris to finish mowing of course - no blades going with precious cargo on board!  I lifted Lily aboard and her face was pure joy and all "big girl" as she took the wheel and began her wild and wacky loops around the back yard!  We have so much fun - even when we are just mowing the grass! :-)  I know in my heart the day will come all to soon when it's time for her to climb behind the wheel of a car.  She is growing up so fast, and though she's only 7, she's SEVEN!  I know 16 will be here before we know it and before we are ready.  Just a sweet reminder to savor every moment and every day!

2 comments:

Allyson said...

So fun! Gavin loves to mow the yard with Dad. Last summer, he made Ryan take him on the mower down the street every day when he got home from work! I'm sure our neighbors loved that! :)

Valerie said...

The look on Lily's face is priceless!!! Obviously she's having a blast!! What a great idea. And you're correct . . . waaaaaaay before you know it. Cherish every moment.