Thurs Day +106
Last Monday afternoon we officially checked out of the GOL House and returned home. It has been a busy couple of days getting things unpacked and organized here at home.
It feels really good to be back in the house.
I'm not really sure how to explain, this but as excited as we are to be here, it was a bittersweet departure from GOL. It's always the goal to have a successful procedure and leave but for us we really did develop some close relationships with our transplant family friends and it was hard to leave them behind. We will forever keep in contact with many of them. But it wasn't only the caregivers and patients that we will miss. It's Jerry the maintenance supervisor, Payge, Ashley, Tami, Donna the receptionists, Connie and all the cleaning crew, Xavie, Mary, and all of the support staff that make the GOL house work so smoothly. Without all of them the last 4 months would have much more difficult and we will forever be indebted to them all.
I told the entire GOL house, patients, caregivers, staff that we are really happy to go home but I just wanted all of them to come with us.

Steve will be going for blood draws every 2 weeks in Faribault and returning to see Dr. Hogan once a month as long as he continues to do well. Eventually every 2 months etc. etc..
We don't have all of the test results back yet from all of those tests last Monday, but the ones we do have are looking good.

We are humbled and appreciative of all the love and support and continued prayers we have received from all of you, and continue to receive.
The acts of kindness are astounding and will never be forgotten. 

A HUGE thank you to Dr. Hogan, the NP's, LPN's, RN's, technicians for all of the various depts.
at the World Class Mayo Clinic. We are so fortunate to have this facility so close to us.

And most importantly, THANK YOU to our donor. Your stem cells have absolutely given Steve, our family, and friends the GIFT OF LIFE. God bless you.

Much love to all of you,
Steve and Theresa

Just a note: Our daughter Megan sent her cheek swab into BETHEMATCH.org and was officially notified that she is now registered in their donor bank. She knows first hand about being on the receiving end of this gesture. I hope someday she will be able to return the gift to someone in need.