Iraia's Heart Surgery, update #1

Well Iraia's surgery is all a go for Monday! I spoke with the cardiologist this afternoon to finalize all details.  We were waiting to hear if Iraia would need a pacemaker put in place during his surgery but he doesn't need one.  That is such a relief. He is such a miracle!

There is so much to do to prepare for our time in the hospital and to make sure everything at home is settled to run while we are gone.  Thank heavens we have family to help us.  We are taking our trailer up there(to Primary Children's) so we can be close by and have Lily with us as well.  I feel a constant tightness in my chest.  Mars is feeling it too.  This time it's for real.  No postponements or cancellations. I don't know if we would feel different if we had been with him for his first two surgeries.  We just don't know quite what to expect.

I am mostly afraid of the pain Iraia will have to endure.  He is so little. I am a whimp when it comes to any kind of pain and I would happily take it from him in a second.  I have to keep forcing my mind to focus on the eternal perspective.  I am reminded of what the Lord said to Joseph Smith while he was in Liberty Jail: "that all these things(trials and tribulations) shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good"D&C 122:7. At this point in his young life he has experienced so much already.  I think that is why he is such a pillar of righteousness in our home.  He is always the first to remember to say prayers and he is just naturally inclined to the things of God.  Mario knew when he named Iraia that his name would suit his great mission here on earth. Errol: to remind him of his faithful grandfather who has endured many trials in his life but has remained steadfast in the gospel, Iraia: to again be reminded of his great grandfather and his faithful life, Hau mana O'ka Olelo: Student of the Word(the word being Jesus Christ) so he will always be a disciple of Christ and follow in His path. I also think that there is alot of my Dad, Grandpa Bob, in Iraia. Both of them never give up,never!! Iraia will survive this trial to continue here on earth and that brings such peace in this scary time.

I guess there isn't more I can say except that we are so grateful to all our friends and family who have prayed and are praying for Iraia and who have given him so much love.  His family is everything to him.  He needs all of us and our love.  That is what has given him strength thus far and will continue to give him strength to endure and triumph!

We love you all and I will post updates on his recovery as I have them.