Last year on this day, I underwent a successful kidney transplant by a phenomenal transplant team at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas.  As I recall that morning, we were blessed in the preop room with an anesthesiologist, who prayed over me in Jesus' name and later shipped me Christian books he recommended.  Who does that?  Only God sets up those appointments.  Then, being wheeled into the OR was surreal, and in some ways time slowed down allowing me to realize God was the One ultimately in control and that I had nothing to worry about.  Several days after the surgery, I was told that my sister's kidney functioned fantastically the minute it was connected in the operating room.  Praise be to God!

I was also blessed with a wife who stayed by my side the whole way; from diagnosis, to consultation appointments with surgeons, to the first surgery, through several grueling weeks of dialysis, and ultimately to transplant day.  Sometimes medical situations divide a couple.  For Amber and I, it only drew us closer together.  I remember you all getting to know her better through her CaringBridge updates on my behalf as well.  She has a way of capturing the moment with wit, even in the most difficult of circumstances.  Her unwavering faith in Christ strengthened me during some really rough patches, for this I am grateful.

My sister, Tara, volunteered to donate.  I cannot thank her enough.  Her sacrifice gives me the opportunity to live healthy every day.  Several weeks of dialysis made me appreciate this second transplant all the more because I didn't need dialysis before the first one.  Dialysis filters the blood, but is no comparison to the quality of life a kidney transplant provides.  My sister willingly giving me this organ was the best gift she has ever given me...extended life and quality of life, for this I am grateful.

After the transplant, I experienced several bumps and extended stays in the hospital, including the presence of the BK virus.  However, even after experiencing a mild rejection, my kidney function settled in the 1.4s, a creatinine number indicating excellent kidney function.  I know some of you are wondering about the BK virus.  I hesitated to send updates because as time marched on through Christmas and the New Years, the doctors did not appear to be too worried about the virus, just cautious.  At one point in January it reached the blood, but the doctors still were not concerned - though it measured off the charts in the urine.  Today, it is not in the blood and is minimally measuring in the urine.  Next Thursday, I will go for day long testing to Scott & White for my one year check-up.  At that time, I will have a better idea where the "Burger King" virus is today.  Until then, we can pray that my immune system continues to fight, knowing this may just be my new normal.

One more praise to mention is my ability to workout and run.  Though life is quite busy with family and at church, I have started to workout in the new year.  Yes, some of you know the name of the workout, Body Beast, and are smiling right now.  "The Beast", as the trainer refers to himself, is over the top and quite hilarious!  However, my body weight is ideal now in the lower 150's.  To give you an idea, my body weight was as low as 131 lbs during dialysis.  Even in Missouri, I could not get it out of the 140's.  However, with some running and weight lifting, and yes Amber's healthy cooking, my body weight is better than ever, indicating this new kidney has not only restored but improved my health.

I want you to know God has blessed me with you.  If you are reading this, please know how thankful I am for you; for your sacrificial prayers and loving friendship.  Today, I had to stay home due to a minor illness.  Yet, being home has allowed me to reminisce on the past year of God's mercy and love, as well as the trials He has brought me through.  And, He used you, more than you know, in key moments to encourage me during some dark times and late nights when I needed it most.  So, thank you for your prayers and friendship!

I will send you an update next Friday, following my one year appointment next Thursday.  In the meantime, I appreciate your prayers to overcome this minor illness and for all my tests to be accurate and favorable next Thursday, specifically measuring kidney function, bone strength, and overall health.

Sincerely in Christ,

Ryan