How I Learned Bravery

By: Kayla H

The first time I realized how brave I was I did have trouble embracing it. I was 5 years old. It was a rainy day, and my mom and I were driving to Boston Children's Hospital.

I went in there frightened knowing what I was about to do. Heart surgery scared me a whole lot. I didn't even know what they were gonna do when the anesthesia kicked in. I knew I was fine, but I didn't know what heart surgery was then. I now know it is called an ablation. I went in and was given anesthesia after they handed me a tablet to play on. I remember playing a game with a train and you would pick up passengers. I remember lying down on the table and everything was so blurry I couldn't see the game or anyone very well, and I couldn't keep my eyes open. I was so scared I didn't know what was going on. It was like my body was so calm I couldn't even move. I remember feeling a little numb, and I fell asleep.

I woke up with two big clear patches on my legs. Then I had to waddle around. It wasn’t very easy, but then my mom told me that it failed. My tachycardia was too deep in the vein. In 5 or 6 years it would be safe for them to fully do it. I realized I did it, but I was still a bit afraid to do it again.

Then 6 years later, I went in there confident and brave. Everyone was so surprised and said how brave I was and said, “no one was this confident and brave. I was a very brave kid.” I came out happy and fine, but I will admit I didn't feel well afterwards. I remember them coming in. I was happy it was done, and Mom was upset because it failed, but she is okay.

We both are great now. That was a different experience that's for sure. I know how to embrace my bravery now. The point is all these scary things that have happened to me is what has made me stronger.