The moment I found out I was pregnant with Paisley, I had no idea that our lives would be forever changed. At my 20-week ultrasound, I received the hardest news of my life. The doctors gave me three options: abortion, comfort care, or traveling to Nashville for a higher level of care. Without hesitation, I chose Nashville, hoping for the best, though the uncertainty was overwhelming.

When we arrived, the doctors provided some hope. They explained that Paisley would need surgery within her first week of life and that, ultimately, she would need a heart transplant. But they reassured me that they would do everything possible. At 38 weeks and one day, Paisley made her unplanned entrance into the world. She wasn’t due until the following week, but she had lost all her amniotic fluid, and they said she had to come out immediately to avoid distress. I didn’t feel any discomfort or pain, and I didn’t experience any gushes of fluid—just an unexpected rush of emotions.

When she was born, I couldn’t believe my eyes. She came out pink, crying, and healthier than anyone had anticipated. It felt like a miracle. She spent two weeks and one day in the NICU while doctors monitored her condition. They were waiting for her PDA to close, but it never did. Despite the challenges, they allowed us to bring her home for a brief time.

At two months old, Paisley faced her first open-heart surgery to close the PDA and place a pulmonary artery (PA) band. Her heart was in heart failure, and the blood was flooding her lungs. It was a terrifying time, but the surgery went well, and she stayed in the hospital for just over a week. Everyone had expected her to need a transplant after this surgery, and the transplant list became part of our reality. Yet, Paisley kept surprising us. Not only did she do better than expected, but she also managed to live without the feeding tube she had relied on for so long.

Paisley is now thriving, defying all odds every day. She’s been listed low on the heart transplant list, but we continue to hold out hope for a miracle healing. We travel back to Nashville every three months for checkups, where doctors confirm that she is doing well, and each time, we’re filled with gratitude for how far she has come.

Her personality is something truly special—everyone she meets falls in love with her. She’s a little warrior with an unshakable spirit. She’s so strong, and despite all the obstacles, she’s learning and growing. Paisley can now pull herself up and is constantly on the move, exploring her world with such curiosity. Every day, she amazes us with something new.

Through all of this, Paisley’s strength has been nothing short of miraculous. She has shown us the true meaning of perseverance, and with each passing day, she continues to defy expectations.

Paisley’s story is a testimony to the power of faith, hope, and resilience. She’s a warrior in every sense of the word, and we are so blessed to be her parents. We’re not giving up on her, and with God’s guidance, we know that Paisley’s journey is far from over. Whether through a miracle or the strength of the amazing care she’s receiving, we know that she will keep fighting.

We are so proud of her, and every day she inspires us to be stronger, to love deeper, and to keep faith in the face of adversity. Paisley’s strength is our strength, and we will continue to stand by her, supporting her as she grows and thrives.

How has Paisley’s story inspired you? Share your thoughts and prayers for our heart warrior in the comments below!