My son was born in 1981 with a very severe heart defect. Several surgeries needed to correct these congenital issues. When he was 10 weeks old, he underwent his first heart surgery. At that time, the infant cardiac ICU at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, was a very large open room with 15 beds. The room was filled with respirators, cardiac monitors, IV’s, and other intensive care equipment. The lights were always on in the unit and the noise of the machines and the beeping of the monitors were overwhelming. The first time I stepped into the unit, I was hit with a rush of noises and shapes, harsh lights, and strange equipment. I searched through this frightening maze to find the bed where my baby boy was being prepped for his surgery. I never felt so alone or frightened in my life and hoped that my son was not feeling like that, too. All I wanted to do was find him and do whatever I could do to soothe and comfort him. After five years and five surgeries, my son’s defect was corrected. He is now a husband and father of three healthy, beautiful children.