He has a heart of gold, the kindness of a baby beluga and his smiles...(Guest post by abuelita Eli)

My name is Elizabeth Rivas. I am originally from Colombia. I came to Canada19 years ago with my two daughters Andrea and Anita. When we came, we had to start our lives all over, since we had to learn a new language, and get used to a new culture and life style. During all these years we experienced many ups and downs, but nothing compared to the journey the whole family has gone through, since Anita and Kyle told us I was going to be an abuelita (grandma in Spanish). My heart was filled with joy that soon became uncertainty when I got the news that our baby was coming with life threatening conditions..

It was an emotional roller coaster with nights of tears, and constant prayers for my little angel. I remember going to buy his crib and baby toys, on the outside I looked okay, but on the inside I felt many mixed feelings, because even though this should have been the happiest time of our lives, in the back of my mind I had thoughts and fears of the unknowns that were to come.

I cried inside when Anita couldn’t hold her baby for the first time right after he was born, as the doctors and nurses had to rush him from Mount Sinai hospital to SickKids hospital to an intensive care unit right away. The first time I saw him, my heart was filled with such a pure love and joy that those wonderful feelings have carried me through every day of this wonderful but challenging journey.

Mateo has been strong and courageous facing his battles with smiles that light up our world! I have learned to live in the moment celebrating each breath and heart beat. I love Mateo Rafael and I’m so proud of him. He is a beautiful soul, strong, very loving and kind, with an inner passion for life that is contagious.I am so grateful for each moment spent with my little hero. He already has been such a blessing for everyone that knows him, being an example of strength through pain and suffering. He has a heart of gold, the kindness of a baby beluga and his smiles brighten our days. He also has taught me not to take anything for granted, especially my loved ones, and to spend as much time as I can with the people that truly matter to me, and of course my hero is on top of the list!

I love Mateo with all my heart and bless him every single day. I know he is a healer and his testimony will encourage many people to keep going, to never give up, and to face their journey with joy and confidence. We are certain that Mateo came to our family with a grand purpose, to change many peoples lives. We know everything will work for good, and that we can use each experience as a life lesson, to grow and be better people. We will hold his hand, support him, and encourage him to reach for the stars!

I’m your greatest cheerleader. Go Mateo go!

I love you forever Mateo - your abuelita Elizabeth Rivas.