Eia was about 7-8 months old when her Pedia Cardiologist announced that we should schedule an open heart surgery for her before she reaches 1 year old. Otherwise, she won’t probably be able to live and celebrate her 1st birthday. He further explained that Eia had 2 holes in her heart that would definitely not close naturally, an enlarged left ventricle, and blocked artery.
I thought giving birth to a child with Down Syndrome was the hardest blow I could possibly receive in this lifetime. This was worse. My mind went into a blur and I had to close my eyes because I could feel the world spinning around me. This was twice the anxiety and pain I felt before when I learned that Eia had Trisomy 21 (genetic disorder caused by a third copy of the 21st Chromosome). The doctor then advised us to bring Eia before her 10th month for her 2D Echo and to finalize the date of her operation.
“There is no way I will agree for Eia to have an open heart surgery Lord. Heal her or take her.” That was my bold declaration to God everytime I prayed inside the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. “Show me the way, Lord. The way to heal Eia to avoid this operation or take her life now.” When I said these prayers, I truly believed God will grant me a miracle.
While praying incessantly, Ate Ella and I brought Eia to various healing masses within Las Piñas City. Cyndy, the sister of my friend Agnes, tried texting Eia’s name to the radio station where they pray over the sick for healing. By God’s grace, Eia’s name was picked among the thousands of names that were sent!
When Fr. Corsie Legaspi scheduled his healing mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, we were there before 8am to be the first to be healed. To our surprise, it was announced on stage that only the first 100 will be prayed over individually. The rest will be in groups of 10, clasping hands together. And to our double surprise, even if we arrived early, we couldn’t be included in the first 100. These slots were reserved for terminally-ill cancer patients. We were further surprised when the announcer asked forgiveness from the parents of children. He apologised that children will only be allowed to follow the queue after the last set of adults were done. He thoughtfully explained that children were the last priority because according to him, they would go straight to heaven and become angels if ever they leave this world.
“And that was supposed to make us feel better?” I thought to myself. I disagreed with their rules but had no choice but to obey. Believe it or not, Eia finally had her turn @5pm later that day! I was holding Eia while Ate Ella was holding her other hand. I was also holding the hand of the person beside me. My tiredness and all other negative emotions escaped from me when Fr. Corsie Legaspi prayed over our group. I felt peace and stillness of heart. I was in a trance for a few seconds but did not let go of Eia.
As advised, we brought Eia back to her Pedia Cardiologist before she turned 10 months old. As he was reading the monitor while conducting a 2D Echo on Eia, he was frowning and shaking his head while mumbling something that only he could hear. I asked him what was wrong and his answer froze my heart.
“Nagsara na ang dalawang butas. Normal na ang left ventricle. Wala ng bara sa artery.” (The 2 holes closed. The left ventricle is now normal in size. The artery is no longer blocked.)
I was holding my breath but managed to ask “So what are you saying Doc?”
“She doesn’t need an open heart surgery anymore,” he confessed.
I heaved a deep sigh of relief and wanted to give the doctor a very tight hug but decided to back off because he seemed perplexed, not understanding how in the world the impossible happened. We bid him goodbye and judging by the puzzled look on his face, he did not have the slightest clue how Eia’s heart healed on its own.
Praise God Eia is now 22! Thank you Lord! Special thanks to Cyndy and to everybody who prayed for this miracle and of course to Ate Ella who was always by my side. I am forever grateful!
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