43 days…and we’re going home on Wed!

Medically, Brent’s been doing pretty well since I last updated. Making strides forward. Now we just need to remind ourselves about the marathon that gaining strength is and will be. 

As we sat at our last appointment, we received schedule updates for his 4 month checkup, which seems right around the corner at the end of June. It’s a mix of emotions when I think about being here 6 weeks and all he’s been through and seeing others in similar situations. Some days we get angry and ask “why”. Today, after watching a celebration of life for a young lady gone way too soon, I was reminded of the hope we were blessed with in Brent getting his second chance.  

One of the messages in the service was to turn to Jesus in times of need. It made me reflect on our time here. While I can’t speak for Brent and don’t pretend to have the same journey as he has, I realized that many days, I found myself having conversations with God, and I now realize those helped get me through and gave me strength even if it felt like a baby step. Each conversation was another step forward.   All of them have helped lead to tomorrow, our last day of this chapter.  

I realize there are more chapters and there will be more adjustments, but I hope to remember the power of prayer in those moments. I hope to also lean on the support that is offered. People want to help but often times don’t know how or what to do. Many times for me it’s just enough to hear from friends. That they’re thinking or praying for Brent and taken the time to reach out. 

Thank you to all for following the start of Brent’s next steps forward.  Your thoughts, prayers and words have truly made a difference especially during times when we didn’t know just how much we needed them (we’ve been reminded a few times lately how close we were to things getting very scary; emergency surgery; very, very sick; complications).  We look forward to celebrating the one year post transplant date when things hopefully will feel more normal and can start being around more people and going to events.  

A HUGE “thank you” to my parents that put their lives on hold and made big sacrifices to help us and our kids.  Their help allowed us to focus on Brent and his recovery and allowing our kids to continue their lives.  Thank you will never be enough.  Love you Mom & Dad!

Thank you to our kids, Rylee & Conor.  You are stronger than you realize  and will need your help even more when we are home.