A Christmas Gift

Dear Dr. Bove,

Two years ago God sent a little miracle into our family. And two years ago you gave our little Zachary a second chance at life. On Christmas Day, 2008 we finally brought our baby home, and our understanding of the true meaning of the season was forever changed.

Today Zachary is a happy, rambunctious, and healthy two year-old little boy. He has no trouble keeping up with, and in fact often runs circles around, his four older brothers. There is no evidence of all he has endured but the faint scar and battle wounds that mark his sweet little chest.

This past June Zachary made what we hope will be his final visit to the U of M. This time, his stay was short but the memories of our time in Ann Arbor will forever linger in our hearts. We cannot express our gratitude to you and your staff, the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and supporters at Mott for all you have done to mend our son’s special heart and to make our family whole. We want you to know that you not only change the hearts of your patients, but you change the hearts of their families, their friends, and of all those who lie in wait of a miracle.

Dr. Bove, before our son was born we met with you to discuss his prognosis. You mentioned that earlier in your career, these surgeries were not nearly as successful and you became frustrated and discouraged. But you persevered, and you succeeded. Thank you for sticking with it! Thank you for working tirelessly to improve your technique. Thank you for saving our son’s life, time and time again. Thank you for all the hearts you touch, both in and out of the OR. And thank you for offering it all in humility.

Earlier this year we promised you a “Zipper Club” t-shirt. It has taken some time for us to deliver, for Zachary keeps us on our toes! But today as we reflect on those events of two years ago, and on the many ways in which our lives have since changed, we hope you will accept this small token of our gratitude. When you wear it, please remember that because of you and God’s great mercy, a special tiny heart still beats in Kansas. And the hearts of thousands—of millions—are forever changed because you offer the gift of life.

Season’s blessings,

Michelle and Steve


Christmas Songs - A Baby Just Like You lyrics

(John Denver, J. Henry, 1975)

The season is upon us now
A time for gifts and giving
And as the year draws to its close
I think about my living

The Christmas time when I was young,
The magic and the wonder,
But colors dull and candles dim,
And dark my standing under

O little Zachary, shining light
You've set my soul to dreaming
You've given back my joy in life
And filled me with new meaning

A Savior King was born that day,
A baby just like you,
And as the Magi came with gifts,
I come with my gift too

That peace on Earth fills up your time,
That brotherhood surrounds you.
That you may know the warmth of love,
And wrap it all around you

It's just a wish, a dream I'm told
From days when I was young
Merry Christmas, little Zachary
Merry Christmas, everyone
Merry Christmas, little Zachary
Merry Christmas, everyone

Listen to "A Baby Just Like You"

Comments

  1. Jenny LincolnDecember 18, 2010 at 2:07 PM

    I couldn't help but cry reading your wonderful letter as we feel the same way of that amazing man who has also given our daughter a second chance at life.
    Happy Holidays to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sarah HolthusenDecember 19, 2010 at 8:59 PM

    Wow...that's awesome, Michelle! ...and you know that I LOVE that song!! Merry Christmas to your beautiful family!!!

    ReplyDelete

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