So, I guess that is the energy that I would try to communicate with Sophie, on whatever level she can understand it. If further heart surgery could be in her future I would do whatever it takes to never make heart surgery feel like a scary, horrible thing. Nonchalant is the word that comes to mind.

Maybe you could nonchalantly tell Sophie that as of now there are absolutely no plans for further heart surgery. If however, someday, she might need more of that heart surgery, Mommy & Daddy will be sure to tell you. In the meantime, there are paintbrushes to be purchased and Snow Queen rehearsals to attend.

Note: You do not have to feel, in any shape or form, relaxed and accepting about the possibility of Sophie needing more heart surgery to pull off this technique. You can actually be an anxious knot of neurosis and spend hours on the phone venting to your sister. I know of what I speak. Kids are gullible.