The Most Beautiful Christmas Card Ever

This is  the most beautiful Christmas card I have ever received.

I came to know Sylvie Stephens through the Nathan’s Prayer website.  Her friend, Gail Devine, was looking for information about scimitar syndrome because Sylvie’s baby girl, Sydney, was struggling with this rare heart condition.  My Nathan had surgery three years ago to correct Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return, an aspect of scimitar syndrome.  Gail emailed me about Sylvie and Sydney, and over the months we shared emails that would be the length of a novella if strung together.

I wanted to encourage Sylvie.  I wanted to be an inspiration to her.  Turns out, she was an inspiration to me.  As Sydney began to lose her battle, I watched in awe as Sylvie, determined to surround her sweet Sydney with love and happiness in her last days, put on a happy face and kissed and cooed and snuggled her sweet angel.  Sydney went to heaven in September.

The card’s message is a little fuzzy from being scanned, so here’s a clearer version:

2009 was my best year because Sydney was in it.  May you and your family be blessed with health and peace.  Love, Sylvie Stephens

Tags: Nathan's Prayer, Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return, Scimitar Syndrome, Sylvie Stephens