The Legacy of Casey McQueen

Casey McQueen hears soft throaty purrs and peeks out of one eye - her mother, Mia, finally falls asleep. Sometimes Casey pretends to be sleeping so her mother will allow herself to sleep too. Even eight months pregnant, Mia insists on taking the night shift to stay by Casey's bedside - just in case she's needed...or something happens. David, Casey's devoted Dad, always comes back to give Mia a break at the crack of dawn.

Casey slips her hand under her stiff, sterile pillow and feels around for her sketch pad and charcoals. She brings them out and gingerly weaves them in and around the various tubes connecting her to the life-sustaining equipment that has imprisoned her to a bed for the last two months.

Born with heart disease, Casey is quite used to the hospital and knew, one day, she'd need to make it her home. She's had six operations in her very short seven years to help her big, but failing heart, function. Two months ago she came in for a routine check up and has been here ever since. Operations won't help anymore. She needs a new heart. So, here she'll stay...waiting...as the heart monitor beeps, the EKG strips click and the oxygen hisses - together playing a symphony of hope.

Casey fingers through the book bulging with sketches to find her latest masterpiece. It's a secret surprise for the new baby to come: a glimmer of joy amid the chaos. As she starts to scratch the page with her tools, Mia stirs.

"You should be trying to get some rest," Lois, her night nurse, whispers.

"I'm not tired," Casey sniffs. "Besides, I need to get this part done while I'm inspired."

Lois rolls her eyes: "Our own little Rembrandt. Lemme see."

"No," Casey throws her unrestrained arm across the page. "I've barely started. And it's a surprise for my little sister."

"Oh, Casey," Lois squeals. "I didn't know your Mom knew the sex. How wonderful."

"She doesn't know," Casey shakes her head. "She didn't want to...but I know. I just know it has to be a girl..." Casey starts coughing then wheezes.

Lois looks at the monitors then frowns. "Still got that cough, huh? We'll have to tell Dr. Philmore."