1/10. By Liam’s daddy

Our favorite thing about our sweet Liam, was his incredible heart. From day 1, we knew his heart was the only thing keeping him going. For 8 months and 29 hospital visits, we showed up at Brookwood Hospital to hear our sweet babies heartbeat. Each time we questioned if this would be the last time we got to hear the rythm.

June 30th….we sat in the delivery room wondering what would happen. The doctors made it clear it would be very difficult for our baby to make it through, and meet his parents alive. After 2 rounds of medication, Caleigh woke up Saturday morning, and our baby was ready. Quickly, our doctor asked, “do you want to check for a heartbeat?” Immediately, we said yes. As the nurse placed the Doppler, we heard our favorite rhythm. The tears started flowing. This would be 29 times in a row to hear Liam’s heart still pounding, 150 bpm. The NICU staff was quickly called in. After 30 minutes of pushing, at 7:44am on Saturday morning, we met Liam.

Stick with me….here is the part that changed my life forever. The nurses immediately took him. Their goal was to see if by any chance that heartbeat was still going and assess his current condition. To everyone’s surprise, except for his parents, that rhythm was still going. Next, an Apgar test was done. Most babies score an 8 or 9. Our perfect Liam received a 1 out of 10. The only reason he received a 1, is because of that sweet and strong heart. Liam held on for 9 more minutes just for his parents.

Liam’s heart changed my life. It has taught me to care for others, care for the hurt, care for the outcasts or the ones that are different. Liam also taught me that the heart is everything. His heart was so strong, it overcame every doubt and stat that was labeled on it. It just kept going. That’s his dad’s story too.