By
Andrew DeMarco
Hi Luke,
Before I begin, I want you to know there is a children’s book that was popular when I was your age called “Nobody Listens to Andrew” by Elizabeth Guilfoile. I am beginning to think that everyone in the family and most of my friends have read it which is why no one listens to me. So, before your parents get their hands on a copy and you read it, I am going to have my say and you will listen to Andrew.
Luke, please allow me a moment to tell those who don’t know you a little bit about you and your operation. To all our readers Luke is my Cousin Marian Hester’s six-year-old grandson and his parents are Emily and Jason Reaves of Tuscumbia, Alabama. At the age of about a year and a half, Luke underwent a heart transplant. Prior to the transplant, he survived on an artificial heart for several months until a donor heart was available and sadly it was another child.
It is hard to believe that at the end of this month it will be 5 years since you had your operation and you must know how happy we all are that you are doing so well. I know during those 5 years it has been a roller coaster ride filled with all the ups and downs that one would experience after such an operation but according to all reports you have been a real trooper and a hero to us all. I know many people would ask why would God put a child through such an ordeal? The answer seems to be that only He knows that a child in all their innocence can endure without complaint all the things which you have gone through.
I want you to know that you have brought together many people and have been an inspiration to all who have met you and to even those who haven’t but do know your story. I saw the effect you had on people when I finally met you a little over a year ago at Cousin Richard and Anne’s Anniversary Party in Olean. You were a perfect gentleman and greeted everyone you met with a big hug and a smile which just melted them all.
I am sure even at your young age that you realize what incredible parents you have and that with their love and guidance you will continue to become a better person. In time, you will also realize that you have one incredible family and a great number of incredible friends. You will come to know how the family is always there for you but also how they really come together in a time of crises and that unity enables us to weather any storm. Your Great-Great Uncle Sal brought the family together on more than one occasion. (Ask grandma and she will tell you the many stories.)
So Luke, let me wish you a very Happy Re-birth Day and may you have many more. Promise me one thing, when you read the book “Nobody Listens to Andrew” you substitute your Grandma Marian’s name for Andrew. If you do this for me and your continued growth will give me that feeling that Cousin Bob would call that…Rosy Glow.
Yours Truly,
Cousin Andrew
P.S. The picture above was taken this year on game day of the National Championship Game, Alabama vs. Clemson. Unfortunately, the Tide did not roll, but I heard that Luke’s loyalty never wavered.
Bob's Rosy Glow 