“Whoever hears His word and believes Him has eternal life." ~ John 5:24
After nine heart surgeries in his 17 years, Riley has come
to grips with his body being too fragile to survive a heart transplant. The
teen was born with Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) heterotaxy syndrome, a
rare, abnormal heart condition that occurs once in about 10,000 live births
worldwide.
In a normal heart, the
pulmonary artery (which carries blood to the lungs for oxygen), connects to the
right ventricle. The aorta branches off from your left ventricle and carries fresh,
oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
For Riley, only half of his heart formed before birth. Both major
arteries connect to the right ventricle (pumping chamber). His heart continuously
pumps oxygen-poor blood through his body.
Though his organs are failing, he has more heart and stronger
faith than most others. “It's in God's hands now,” he declares. “Life is
fragile, precious, and unpredictable. Every day’s a gift, not a right. I take nothing
for granted.”
“It’s weird accepting your mortality at 16," he mused, "something kids my age ignore. I imagined myself getting married, raising a
family, and growing old with them.“
“That’s been tough,” Riley admits. “People should stop wasting so much
mental energy on the trivial stresses in life and try to remember that we all
have the same fate.”
“Quit whining about minor annoyances. Listen to what God
may be teaching you and move on with a laugh. It’s okay to acknowledge minor irritations
without dwelling on them. But try not to carry on about them and wreck other
people’s days.”
“I talk about death rather than treat it as a ‘taboo’
topic! I don’t want to go. I love my life. I owe my happiness to my loving
family and friends. I’m fortunate in a way to realize that my finite time on
earth offers me the chance to live boldly and unafraid.”
“Use your money on experiences. Don’t miss out on opportunities
because you spent all your money on stupid, material stuff.”
“Life isn’t meant to be lived through an iPhone screen.
Enjoy being in moments. Stop trying to capture them for everyone else.”
“Get up early sometimes. Listen to the birds while you
watch the sun’s beauty as it rises.”
“Give, give, give. The real key to happiness is to make
others happy. Since I’ve been sick, I’ve met the most incredibly giving and
kind people… more than I can ever give in return.”
“Until we meet again, be kind. Always be kind!”
“Heavenly Father, my time is near, but I’m
unafraid. I trust You, that I may enjoy eternal life in Your Kingdom. Help all
who know and love me to accept Your gift and live each day with courage, faith,
and peace.” ~ Riley
