It has been 5 years since my heart transplant. It seems like it was just yesterday, yet also seems a lifetime ago. I suppose my age and stage of life has a lot to do with that. Our yougest son was only 3 years old and our oldest was not yet in high school when I had my transplant. Now they are a 2nd grader and a senior! Every day I am reminded that life does not slow down no matter who you are or what you have been through. This morning, Carrie and I were just talking about the help people gave us. We are so grateful for all of you who helped during the 5+ years of my health struggle and especially the year of my heart trasplant. We especially want to thank Chris Crandle and her family for all the time they spent with our kids and helping us out in so many ways. To take the time out of your busy schedule to help was a blessing to us! Bill &amp; Judy Wetters, thank you as well. I can remember a handful of times you came over early in the morning and/or stayed late to care for our kids. Plus the many times you visited me in the hospital and the many other things you did for us. (Let's not forget about you binging me good food in the hospital either.) You are a blessing to us! Thank you to everyone who helped in one way or another. We could not have gotten through any of this as well as we did without any of you.I have to say that I no longer feel like a heart transplant recipient. (Except for all the pills I take twice a day.) I work out regularly at the gym, I have a full time job, I am the head coach of the Rockford High School shotgun team, I help juggle 4 kids around to all their stuff, plus the many other things life throws our way. I do all these things now without constantly thinking about my heart keeping up. I am thankful for this, but I do not want to forget everything I went through to get here. The older I get, the more I experience in life. Both good and bad. 2024 has been a challenge in a number of ways. But there have also been many good things that have happened. This past week, the scripture, Ecclesiastes 3 came up when I was doing devoitions with my 13 year old. I love this passage. It is a great reminder that no matter what happens, God is always with us. He allows the different seasons in life to happen and often times surprises us with the outcomes. I think it is kinda cool that I received a heart transplant on New Years Eve. Every year it adds to the meaning of starting a new year by giving me so much to reflect on and gives me more reason to look forward to what is to come.Tim DeGeest

Tim DeGeest

Update: Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - 5 Years! – by Tim DeGeest