Supposedly my mother has always wanted to strap one of her children into one of these contraptions. Not sure why she hasn’t had plenty of opportunities before now. But tonight was her big chance and I was the chosen kid.

Oh, the strap is broken.

It’s been three years since Becky’s first open heart surgery. Josephine shared this throwback photo in our family group chat. It was taken just a few days before the big event.

I recognize now that those full cheeks and all that squishiness weren’t signs of health but fluid retention indicating heart failure. When I look back at these photos, I am grateful for all the medical personnel who created a functioning heart for Becky. I’m also grateful that I was so blissfully ignorant of how sick she was at that time.

To my dearest friend, whom I lovingly call “Doll”.

I’m going to whisper something to you and trust you will faithfully execute my request.