Hello!
I’m Meredith
A historical fiction writer who looks at the ways medical treatments, especially for congenital heart defects, has impacted lives through the decades.
My youngest daughter was born with a heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). While I was researching her condition, I became fascinated with the history of cardiac care. The stories of the pioneering doctors that created the original heart surgeries– and even the tools to perform them–are inspiring but left me wondering about the parents who signed their children up for these treatments. My daughter’s surgeries had 30 years of data to back them up and I was still terrified of the outcome. Come with me on a journey to discuss the fears and faith of the families that took a leap into the unknown, as well shine a light on the myriad pressures faced by families dealing with chronic illness.
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Exploring the Worlds of Faith and Health Care
How does our faith influence the decisions we make about our healthcare?
It can become complicated when we think about the implications of the choices we make and the people it affects. I started to mull this over in depth when our daughter was being evaluated for a heart transplant. At what point do we say ‘enough’? Is life meant to be sustained in such a way? What happens when the pursuit of science outweighs our pursuit of God? Come with me as I explore these and other questions I have about medicine and how Christians are supposed to live their lives.
What I’m Working On Now
My current project is about a widowed mother in 1940’s Idaho who is watching her son struggle for every breath, knowing there is no cure. When she finds out there is a new surgery that has the potential to save his life, she must decide if she should risk everything to take her son across the country. This idea was born out of a conversation with another heart mom, a dear friend who thought this would be far more interesting than some of my other ideas…I think she is right.
Idaho
Exploring where my family comes from and life in their rural communities.
Baltimore
Johns Hopkins Hospital was the backdrop for the origin of heart surgery as we know it today.
Physicians
Looking back at who created the procedures and who was daring enough to try them
Extra Info About Me
Gardening
I grew up in an agricultural area of Idaho–before the recent population boom in the Treasure Valley. It wasn’t until I had my own home that I developed an interest in gardening as a hobby or for my family’s food. Now, as soon as the snow melts, you can find me toiling away at something in my urban garden. It is a fun challenge to see how many varieties of food can be produced on a city lot.
See What I’m Growing
Baking
One of my favorite memories is waking up to the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls. My mom passed on her love of baking to all three of her children. Now we delight in showing off our creations to each other and trying new recipes.
See What’s Cooking
Crafting
Creativity has always been a key element of my life. One of my first loves was crosstitch, but I have put my hand to nearly every mainstream craft over the years. Currently I am teaching myself to crochet from You Tube videos.