BAM: the story of a wise heart

My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad.

- Proverb 23:15 - 

meet baby beckett, otherwise known by his super hero name - BAM. 

little BAM is only two months old but already has the wisest heart of anyone i know and is loved by a family with the strongest hearts around.

beckett is loved by two 15 month old twin brothers, cronin & hudson - who will be making their very own appearance on the blog soon.  when the twins arrived last year, their parents found out that hudson had a valve defect and would need heart surgery. imagine the flood of emotions that comes with having a new baby...times two!...and then add to that a new twist of having to take care of a baby with a heart problem and plan for his major surgery.

flash forward a few months and the story takes yet another turn, surprise...baby number three is on the way!! my oh my! what a whirlwind year 2012 was for the mcshea family! but the craziness, and unfortunately the heartache, doesn't stop there.

while chris & elissa went to their ultrasound to reveal the gender of their newest babe, an unthinkable complication was revealed too. baby boy number three had a life-threatening heart condition - Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

it was unreal, unimaginable and downright unfair.

but they refused to let their faith or hearts waiver for a second. they focused on taking care of the twins and preparing for surgery for huddy and baby boy to be. they surrounded themselves with extraordinary family and friends (who continue to provide an incredible support system) and they did what they could...they found the positive. the silver lining. the glimmer of hope.

and on july 25th, Beckett Aloysius was born...as healthy as could be for a boy with an underdeveloped heart! he has had not one, but two, operations.  he has seen more doctors than most children will in their lifetime, has had more shots and more medication, but despite the odds, he got to come home from CHOP earlier than expected!

BAM has received so many prayers, hugs and an outpouring of love in just two tiny months and it is incredible to see what that positive energy can do!  his little heart is keeping him strong as he's growing and smiling and trying to figure out how best to fit in with his wild twin brothers!

but there is still a long journey ahead for this beautiful babe and everyday is a balancing act to keep all of the boys happy. the hospital bills don't slow down just because beckett's settling in at home and additional surgeries and doctor's visits on the horizon mean more expenses will pile up. so to help out beckett's family, an event is being held for them next friday (October 4th)!!

please take a moment to check out the event details here and stop by if you're in the area!

so much more of this lovely little guy, as well as the rest of the family, will be hitting the blog later in the week, so keep an eye out!

*updated with event details for non-facebook friends:
On Friday, October 4th, Chris's and Elissa's families will be hosting a Beef & Beer to help cover the medical costs that they have already paid and will continue to pay in the future as they prepare for Beckett's future surgeries and Hud receives his follow-up care. The event will be held from 7-11pm at St. Katherine of Siena Parish McBride Hall (9700 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114-2815). Tickets are $30 and include food, wine and draft beer, and you can also BYOB. DJ, 50/50 and Chinese Auction will also be happening!