Brooke Ann Duvall was born on December 31, 2002 in Kansas City, Missouri. We were expecting "normal" with her birth, but what we experienced was far from that. Shortly after Brooke was born, the nurses were concerned that she wasn't turning as pink as they like newborns to turn. Upon listening more carefully to Brooke's heart, a murmur was discovered. Only 6 hours old, Brooke was rushed to the Children's Mercy Hospital NICU. So, only 6 hours after giving birth, Jeff and I rushed there to be with her. After many tests in the NICU, doctors told us that Brooke had what they call Single Ventricle Pulmonary Atresia. Basically, only half of her heart was functioning. A stent in her heart would be an option for fixing most newborns with this disease, but Brooke's arteries were far too small for a stent, leaving us with only one grim option: keeping her comfortable until the Lord took her home. While the doctors only thought Brooke would live for about 24 hours after taking her off the ventilator, she showed what a fighter she was and lived for a total of 50 amazing days. After being in the NICU for a week, we were able to take her home with the help of Hospice. At home, Brooke was spoiled in her short time and was able to meet several of our family and friends. She taught us so much about life...more than most people could accomplish in an average lifetime. On February 19, 2003, Brooke was too tired to keep going and went back to the arms of Jesus. Although we still miss her terribly, we wouldn't trade our days with her for anything.
Rest in peace Brooke Ann, and we'll see you again someday!!
